Clergy Blogs
Thursday 28th November
Dear All,
Bible Readings: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1–5
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
Reflection: This week following Christ the Kings we are reflecting on Jesus as King.
John’s Gospel opens with no mention of a birth, no Mary and Joseph, no shepherds or Magi, and not a donkey in sight! John begins with a cosmic view of this ‘newborn king’ as the Word that has become flesh. We are introduced to the King of the cosmos – and yet, John announces a king like no other.
This down-to-earth king becomes one of us – ‘the Word became flesh’. Usually, kings live in palaces and wear crowns made of gold and jewels. The crown that King Charles III wore at his coronation is worth £400 million pounds. Jesus, the unusual king, will wear a crown made of thorns that wasn’t worth anything, but cost him everything.
Paul tells us in Philippians 2:7, ‘He made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.’
This unusual king is a humble king. Today, we often admire humility, but this wasn’t necessarily the case in Jesus’ day, which makes this all the more unusual - in the ancient world humility was not considered a virtue. What was prized was honour – having your qualities recognised, your status elevated, and your name praised in the public square. To boast about your achievements was not just culturally acceptable, it was expected in the Graeco-Roman world.
This all changes, flipping upside-down, with the unusual king who submitted himself to the most humiliating punishment the Romans could create – crucifixion. In the darkness, he was the true light of the world.
And John tells us that this unusual king ‘made his dwelling among us’. I love Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase in The Message which captures this verse perfectly: ‘The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood.’
This unusual king subjected himself to the distresses and disasters of our everyday lives – he chose to live in the same world as us and experience the same daily demands and pressures of life in our villages.
The Jews had hoped for a powerful king in an impressive temple, invincible to invading powers. But God became human and pitched his tent among them.
And us? We’re called to live out the life of this King in our everyday lives – where we live, work, worship. To live among the lonely and the lost and be like Jesus – to shine as a light in their darkness.
I wonder what might Jesus’ example of humility look like if there is a place where we feel powerless?
Worship through music: Meekness And Majesty (This is Your God) written (1986) by Graham Kendrick in 1986 as the theme song for the annual UK Christian Conference Spring Harvest - This Is Your God. Guitar and vocals Graham Kendrick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtt52JEW_
God bless,
Jane 🙏
01794 502035
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Thursday 21st November
Dear All,
Bible Reading: Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short, he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.
When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.
All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:1-10
Reflection: Last Saturday’s service of welcome for Bishop Rhiannon was really joyful – not least because Rhiannon herself exudes joy! So refreshing and uplifting, especially now.
And this is a story about JOY! Zacchaeus just wanted to see Jesus – even just a glimpse. Despite being a chief tax collector, he humbled himself, climbing a tree like an eager child. From this new vantage up in the tree, he was open to whatever might unfold. What a beautiful sense of urgency: Jesus tells Zacchaeus to ‘hurry’. Jesus leaves no time to waste… we too are all called to get involved, roll up our sleeves and share the Good News. Like Zacchaeus, Jesus calls each of us by name, inviting himself into our lives. But the desire to climb that tree, must come from us. What ‘tree’ could we climb today to see Jesus more clearly?+
Worship through music: The Joy of the Lord written (2015) by Rend Collective, recorded (2017) at Soul Survivor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqg4pby9CPA
+based on thoughts by Father Patrick van der Vorst
God bless,
Jane 🙏
Thursday 14th November
Dear All,
Bible Reading: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Matthew 14: 22-33
Worship through art: Jesus was walking on the lake by (1883) Yongsung Kim,
Reflection: Isn’t this story of Jesus walking on water amazing… it captures our imagination at every age and stage… imagine being a child learning to swim – incredible, captivating… someone actually walked on top of the water… that’s truly mind-blowing!
This painting of Jesus walking on water by Korean Christian artist Yongsung Kim is painted from a high perspective, Jesus' walking is seen from the vantage point of God looking down from above. Jesus looks small upon the vastness of the marbled-effect waters. Soon he would outstretch His hand to save Peter.
Peter, as so often, our representative in the Gospel story. He impulsively gets out of the boat, wanting to get close to his friend Jesus. It was an act of love. But he sank. Just like the rest of us, he relied too much on himself and lost sight of where he was going. Jesus then reached out his hand. A human hand. Hands like ours, to reach out to others.
Jesus reaching out his hand to us when hope seems to have ebbed away, sunk beyond retrieval… may we share the hope of Jesus’ hand by reaching out to others this week.
Worship through music: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)Words and Music (2012) by Matt Crocker, Joel Houston & Salomon Ligthelm, sung here by Hillsong United. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw
God bless,
Jane 🙏
Thursday 7th November
Dear All,
Bible Reading: Psalm 15
Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent?
Who may live on your holy mountain?
2 The one whose walk is blameless,
who does what is righteous,
who speaks the truth from their heart;
3 whose tongue utters no slander,
who does no wrong to a neighbour,
and casts no slur on others;
4 who despises a vile person
but honours those who fear the Lord;
who keeps an oath even when it hurts,
and does not change their mind;
5 who lends money to the poor without interest;
who does not accept a bribe against the innocent.
Whoever does these things
will never be shaken.
Reflection: I am probably not alone to waking up Wednesday morning to news that I hoped would not happen, this coupled with Remembrance Sunday only three days ahead, is it not peace in our world, that continues at the forefront of our hearts, minds and prayers?
Dr Sean Rowe, the new Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States, yesterday urged: “Today, tomorrow, and in the days ahead, we Christians have a responsibility to be agents of peace and reconciliation in our communities, both online communities and geographic communities. We can remember that no matter what political season God has called us as Church to seek and serve Christ in all persons.”
On Wednesday morning in the Church Times leading climate campaigners expressed shock and concern at Mr Trump’s re-election. The former UN climate chief Christiana Figueres reminded us that the result could be a “major blow to global climate action”.
Much to reflect on and pray for… but in it all let’s choose Hope…
Worship through music: Battle Belongs written and sung by (2020) Phil Wickham
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiPNieLnt0s&list=PLcHqC9YNzSaB621igMmxfeMUvroQqYr3L&index=29
God bless,
Jane 🙏
Thursday 31st October
Dear All,
Bible Reading: All Jesus did that day was tell stories—a long storytelling afternoon.
His storytelling fulfilled the prophecy:
I will open my mouth and tell stories;
I will bring out into the open, things hidden since the world’s first day.
Matthew 13:34-35 (The Message)
Reflection: Throughout the Bible, particularly the gospels, we encounter people journeying and telling stories about God and faith: the two disciples and Jesus recounting recent events as they walk along the road to Emmaus; Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch as they travel together and share experiences about God. Jesus himself was one of history's best storytellers, using parables to illustrate his message - even telling the woman at the well her own life story back to her!
Telling and hearing personal stories is a natural and yet powerful way to engage people with the love of God, and a starting point for sharing the greatest story of all - the story of Jesus's death and resurrection and how this truth can change our lives forever.
Archbishop Justin’s visit to our Diocese was all about stories, both Jesus’ stories and our God stories, stories of God at work… and I think as we reflect on last Sunday, we’d all be bold enough to say that the Bike Show will, no has already, become part of the story we tell about God at work. God at work through so many, in the atmosphere, the weather, the conversations… May God continue to be at work with all that were there.
Worship through music: 7eventh Time Down God Is On The Move
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwTgTYKkP3c
Photos - telling the story:
God bless,
Jane 🙏
Thursday 24th October
Dear All,
Bible Reading: James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we want you to do for us whatever we ask.’
‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked.
They replied, ‘Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.’
‘You don’t know what you are asking,’ Jesus said. ‘Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with?’
‘We can,’ they answered.
Jesus said to them, ‘You will drink the cup I drink and be baptised with the baptism I am baptised with, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared.’
When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’ Mark 10:35-45
Reflection: On Sunday we were thinking about humility, with the challenge that instead of being wrapped up in ourselves and our own concerns, to do some soul-searching and reflect on what ‘being a servant’ and even ‘laying down our lives for others’, might look like for each of us.
When Lieutenant-General James Thomas Brudenell, the Earl of Cardigan, returned home victorious from the Crimean war, having commanded the charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava, everywhere he went he was hailed as a hero. Evidently an arrogant man at the best of times, he so lost all sense of personal perspective and humility that he actually wrote to Queen Victoria to say that he thought he should be made a Knight of the Garter!! All this acclaim had clearly totally gone to his head because appointments to the Order of the Garter are completely at the Sovereign's discretion!
What did Lord Cardigan think he was doing?! It was a James and John moment! While Jesus dealt with the brothers with compassion – Queen Victoria, also probably doing the best thing in the circumstance, just blatantly ignored his request…
Thanks to Sarah S-D for that brilliant story that brings the story of James and John to life in a new way!
Worship through music: ~ Ancient of Days (2017) by CityAlight recorded 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJUtAw21qAM
God bless,
Jane 🙏
Thursday 17th October
Dear All,
Bible Reading: This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem:
In the last days
the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established
as the highest of the mountains;
it will be exalted above the hills,
and all nations will stream to it.
Many peoples will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
to the temple of the God of Jacob.
He will teach us his ways,
so that we may walk in his paths.”
The law will go out from Zion,
the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
He will judge between the nations
and will settle disputes for many peoples.
They will beat their swords into ploughshares
and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation,
nor will they train for war anymore.
Come, descendants of Jacob,
let us walk in the light of the Lord. Isaiah 2:1-5
Reflection: Today we are thinking about this passage as if though a call, a pilgrimage, to the place of God’s eternal peace and the end of all war.
I wonder what stood out for you – for me the words that startled me again today were, “neither shall they learn war anymore.” God, the God who has been crucified, holds the authority to judge between nations and end all wars.
In 1959, Soviet artist Evgeniy Vuchetich gifted his stunning sculpture to the United Nations with this prophetic image: a powerful warrior, wielding a mallet, reshaping his sword into a ploughshare. The sculpture is doubly prophetic by both the nature of the country that gifted it to the United Nations and the way it calls out for the startling, astounding peace that we can only understand through the presence of the God who is peace.
Let’s Pray: Holy Spirit, show me how to shape my swords and weapons into tools of peace. God of justice, you see the wars of our world. You weep with the widows, you are tender to the orphans, you stand with the men and women who fight for their countries, and you know the intense complexity of the battlefield.
(We name places of ongoing tension and conflict that are on our hearts and minds, in our world today.)
Lord, will you carry the deep peace of your love to a place in the world torn apart by war?
Worship through music: In 1922, Helen Lemmel wrote a song inspired by the life of Algerian missionary, Lilias Trotter. Her song, inspired by one woman’s ‘yes’, has become the prayer for many – maybe we could pray this today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ka7bVQmbnk (recorded Hillsong 2021)
God bless,
Jane 🙏
