At the beginning of the week we heard of the death of David Bowie, a huge and sad celebrity news story. Tributes poured in for this creative, gifted, albeit rather
Author: blog
Happy New Trees
With the flooding in the news, articles have been circulating once more reminding us of the value of trees. While there are many reasons for the recent flooding, as well
What’s all the fuss about?
“What’s all the fuss about” Angels with trumpets adorning the tree, Bells in the steeple all ringing free, Carolling choirs helping us sing, Drinks make the party go with a swing Food for an army of visiting guests, Grannies and granddads all swelling the nest, Holly and ivy on wreaths do connect; Icing on cakes gives the snowy effect Kings with their camels on cards, trav’lling west Lambs are all bleating, it’s what they do best Mince pies by the dozen, but what of the diet?Noise all around us, nothing is quiet Oxen are lowing, why do they do that? Presents for everyone, even the cat! Queueing for sales e’en before Boxing Day Rudolph and reindeer are pulling the sleigh. Santa is shattered with all the hard work Toys to deliver, no time to shirk. Useful, we hope, all our presents will be, Visible tokens to show bon homie What’s so important to me and to you Xmas leaves out a significant clue Yuletide as well, doesn’t tell the whole story. Z is for “Zzzzzz”s, after lunch we’re all ‘snorey’ Hold on a minute – two letters astray. Where is the “E”? Where is the “J” Jesus came into our world for Everyone, so try to make him part of your Christmas! by the Revd
Astonishing world of wonders
As I write this the first official UK astronaut, Major Tim Peake, has safely arrived aboard the International Space Station. The launch was spectacular and after four orbits of the
May God break down barriers in us as we celebrate this Christmas
In a recent political debate a potential American presidential candidate has suggested that all Muslims should be denied entry to the country. These are comments that have rightly been condemned
The power of fear
The news this week has been full of the debate and vote on air strikes against IS in Syria, and violence and loss of life in so many countries. My
Solidarity in the face of malevolence
This week has been so sad with the terrible, unnecessary loss of lives, and great pain brought about in Paris by those who wish to impose their will upon others
Is top sport becoming suicidal?
FIFA is caught in a huge soccer scandal with massive financial corruption being investigated. Every week there are yet more, tedious Premiership controversies about conduct on and off the football
Ready to Respond
This week, as we remember a failed bomb attack on Parliament in 1605, we still see the effects of terrorism around the world. British tourists in Sharm el-Sheikh wonder when they
Disappointment
As a Welsh exile in Cheltenham, I have to confess to disappointment at events on two successive Twickenham Saturdays after the high of winning against England. The dream is over for
The Gift of Hospitality
Hospitality – a word that is bandied around a lot these days, but do we all mean the same thing when we use it? Immanuel Kant famously spoke of hospitality
The World in Union
A homeless woman lay slumped at a table in MacDonald’s for hours before anyone noticed that she had died. The incident took place this week at a MacDonald’s in Hong
Don’t lose faith
Last month, the Government downgraded the role of Minister for Faith, handing it instead to a junior minister. Meanwhile, the Labour Party has refused to comment on speculation in the religious
What will you be doing in five years time?
Thinking back on all that’s happened to me in the past five years is a long list of the usual ups and down of life! Children have grown up and
Campassion first
Let’s get one thing straight – Jesus was from the Middle East and he was a refugee. Fleeing persecution and likely death, his parents fled from their home, on foot,
God Save the Queen!
This week, Her Majesty the Queen became the longest reigning monarch in British history. At 63 years and 7 months, she has now passed the record previously set by her
Facing our Responsibilities
The ‘migrant crisis’ continues to dominate the headlines. The Prime Minister has argued that ‘bringing peace and stability’ to Syria and the region needs to be the focus for the
The Poverty Premium
I love to watch Breakfast News as I get ready first thing in the morning. This week I was struck by a story reflecting on how the poorest in our
What does your guardian angel look like?
Since a child I have believed that we each have a guardian angel watching over us and protecting us. Learning prayers to my guardian angel from a beautifully illustrated children’s
“What difference can I make to saving the planet?”
This question is what people often ask me as the Diocesan Environmental Adviser, perhaps because they feel overwhelmed by the scale and complexity of our responsibility to care for creation. My
A gift to be accepted
I’ve been making jam – tons of the stuff – and chutney too. Like most gardeners and allotment holders, I am blessed at this time of year with one or
Shared Space
There’s a road in Gloucester which has big red signs by it saying ‘Shared Space’. Research suggests that pedestrians get so used to having the pavement to themselves, and drivers
