Do not spread fear, develop agility, think different.(ly)

For all of us, the invitation is to anchor our lives in Christ, and then live with the confidence and flexibility His love makes possible.

The extravagant, excessive, reckless love of God.

Like radical hospitality, the love of God is extravagant, excessive and reckless by our standards. It is not sensible. It is not cautious. It is not concerned with reputation. It risks the raised eyebrow, the criticism, the whisper of disapproval.

The Past, Present, Future

Whether we’re saying, “I hate this,” or “I can’t wait,” the truth is the same. God is already there. And that makes new beginnings not just something to survive, but something to step into with hope.

We're all in 'The Club'

Yesterday was International Left-Handers Day, today is A-Level Results Day. A left turn, can still lead to the right destination.

Are we living lightly enough?

Have we left room for The Kingdom? We don’t have to strive, we don’t have to store up. Calvary is enough.

God calls us back not to limit us but to free us

Sometimes, the most radical thing the Church can do is not run ahead but kneel.

There's Room for Both

The spontaneous sigh towards heaven and the carefully crafted liturgy. The 2am outpouring and the service book handed down through generations. There's room for both.

The Church Has Never Stood Still

From Henley Festival to Cliff College via Chesterfield. It's been a bit 'full on'. But the 'God moments' just keep coming. Oh, and I 'flicked through' John Wesley's Prayer Book...and saw a crooked spire.

The Quiet Revival

This quiet revival isn’t just a statistic. It’s a movement of the Spirit. And each of us has a part to play.

I was creative, but...

My service themed around patience went well. Is there any such thing as a perfect formula for such things? No.

Saint Thomas Day

Thomas. The risk-taker, the challenger, the brave. It was Thomas who said "My Lord and my God!".

Be Creative. OK, erm...

Writer's block is definitely a 'thing'. Overcoming the same when crafting a whole service and creating a portfolio...urgh.

Candidating

DOV2 Portfolio Workshop

Great to catch up with some familiar faces, the time between now and submission is going to fly! Attending the workshop; another gift.

Candidating

The Advisory Panel Outcome

It's time to cross.

Candidating

The Advisory Panel

I prepared as best as I could.

Candidating

DOV1 Retreat Reflections

I'm not quite sure how to respond to the 'headline'. Perhaps with some further headlines. Anyone who is on this path and following this process, will remember the DOV1 Retreat all their life - they just will. It was that impactful. So in no particular order,

Candidating

The God who has led us thus far will lead us on.

Trepidation, Excitement.  It’s not ‘assessed’, but kind of is, because people are people.  I’ve had some outstanding input, feedback, pearls of wisdom, advice, guidance, thoughts and lists…It probably could all be summed up in one phrase ‘be you’. I remain wholly committed and utterly humbled by the

Candidating

DOV 1 Meeting 4

There is an energy and enthusiasm about our time together; we were able to share our respective journeys through Holy Week and had much to share, both recognising the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout. We reflected on the ecumenical nature of Holy Week and how rather than labelling by

Faith

He is risen. Alleluia.

We are Easter People! I have noticed that I keep describing things as ‘incredible’.  Perhaps that word should be reserved for days like this. 0445 awake and ready to set off on our sunrise hike (Margie had set her alarm at 0545...in the nicest possible way, she was hurried

Faith

Easter Vigil

He is risen. Alleluia. (Part 1) Described by the presiding minister as "Anglicanism at its very best", I couldn’t agree more:  Beautifully choreographed, the readings were delivered with a sincerity and clarity fitting of such a cornerstone moment in the church’s calendar. It was a journey

Faith

Good Friday

This day is so difficult. There were around 40 of us at the first Walk of Witness. A good number, really. Margie read from Luke—Jesus promising the kingdom to the penitent thief. She read it beautifully. Luke 23:39–43 NIV - One of the criminals who… | BibliaOne of

Faith

Maundy Thursday. Footlong Cookies and a Lovefeast.

I found myself in Grange this morning—bit of an unplanned detour while collecting the car from the garage. I’m not sure I’ve ever actually been before. The Methodist Church had its doors wide open, which felt like an invitation. I stepped inside… and straight into the middle

Faith

Thanksgiving, Partnerships, Stations of The Cross

A service of thanksgiving this evening to mark the 50th anniversary of the Church Sharing Agreement between the Anglicans and Catholics and their joint use of the building. It was combined with a service visiting the Stations of the Cross. Elements were taken from the service marking the agreement in

Preaching

Palm Sunday

I continue to be somewhat overwhelmed at the privilege of preaching and today was no exception. I was welcomed at Striklandgate like a well known friend. They were looking forward to the service and I was looking forward to leading them in worship. What I hadn't quite expected