Readings: Genesis 28.10-17, Revelation 12.7-12, John 1.47-51 The passages from Genesis and Revelation about angels remind us that the two dimensional material we see around us is not all there is. The reality is that it is God’s world and we as human beings are part of this reality. Despite what rationalists and atheists may say, there is a […]
At Yale University a series of experiments were conducted between 1960 and 1961, overseen by Stanley Milgram. What happened was that a random sample of people from the streets took part in experiments which involved administering electric shocks to other people. At a certain point of electrical intensity the ‘victim’ shouted ‘Stop!’, but the authoritative ‘Experimenter’ said, […]
On the Road to Jericho (Carol Penner) We invested in goods to sell in the trade city of Jericho and I walked the long journey with my loaded donkey. I stopped that last night at an inn, poised on the edge of Jericho’s wilderness valley. The neighbours at my table did not look promising; holy men […]
I have heard it said that claustrophobic people are more productive thinking out of the box. (think about it …) Today’s Gospel reading challenges us to think out of the box about our health and well-being. When any one of us is tempted to think that we can completely sort out our lives and everyone elses […]
Jesus said, ‘When the Spirit of truth comes he will guide you into all truth.’ John 16: 13) A lady calls the police to report her husband is missing. The police arrive and ask for a description. She tells them he’s 6 feet 2 inches tall, blonde wavy hair and has a smile that makes […]
Perhaps Paul means, ‘Have faith’. Well – let me ask you: Does your car run on faith? If not, what else does it need? Churches and other faith communities were delighted by research which, I am told, produced a car that would run on faith. It was spoken of as the very latest evidence of ‘the […]
Things are not always the way they seem. You need to see the bigger picture. Did you hear about the recent incident at Marwell Zoo? Their famous Gorilla died unexpectedly and he had been one of the biggest attractions – especially for the children. Well, since half-term was just around the corner and they did not […]
Michel Kripalani is CEO of Oceanhouse Media, a premier publisher of award-winning children’s books and personal development apps that inspire, uplift and educate. Last year, Michel set himself a huge goal which he failed to achieve. Here’s what he shared about the unexpectedly good events that resulted. He wrote: “Have you ever set a big, hairy, […]
Readings: Isaiah 6:1–8 Psalm 29 Romans 8:12–17 John 3:1–17 Do you know the One-Bit Word Game? It’s a game where you may not use words that have more than one bit – one part. Now: I need some help here. Tom, what do I mean by ‘bit’? (Nice and clear, please) [Tom calls out: ‘Syllable!’] […]
This year Lucinda and I are looking forward to becoming grandparents again in just a very few weeks time. Jack and Leo, who have been with us sometimes at Easter services, are excited about, very soon, having a little sister – quite a ‘game-changer’ when you’re aged 5, or even 8! We are all, in our different […]