In a world marked by conflict, division, and hardship—from war in Ukraine and Gaza to austerity in the UK—Pentecost offers a quiet but powerful hope. It’s a story about breaking down barriers, finding new ways to listen, and discovering connection across our differences. This Pentecost Sunday, let’s reflect on what it means to speak new languages of understanding and build hope beyond division. Read more on how the Ascension calls us into action despite the waiting.
Faith
Ascension Day
The Ascension of Jesus doesn't provide a neat resolution but calls us into the work of love, justice, healing, and reconciliation. As Jesus departs, He hands over this mission to His followers, inviting us to participate in the world’s transformation. The period of waiting before Pentecost is not about passively waiting for everything to be fixed, but about preparing, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower us to act. From the nurse in a war zone to the teacher fighting for every child’s future, we are all called to move forward, even without all the answers, and trust that we are part of a larger movement for change. We wait, we hope, and soon—we will go. Read more on how the Ascension calls us into action despite the waiting.
Hope, Faith and Love
Hope Scrolling 14 of 40 Hope, Faith and Love. By Judith Tipney-Hicks #40DaysofHope #TheBrokenChurch #HopeScrolling
My Sheep Hear My Voice
As a family we do enjoy a visit to a farm. My daughter’s favourite animals are the pigs and, at our local farm, the owls. I’m a fan of pygmy goats, they are bouncy and fun with a lower risk of harm than full sized goats. It’s always particularly enjoyable to visit a farm in … Continue reading My Sheep Hear My Voice
Four Way Faith
Have you ever read a much-loved book or watched a favourite film umpteen times, so much so that you know the quotes and look forward to particular moments but then one day you notice something that you have never seen before? One of the most random examples I experienced was watching the film Willy Wonka … Continue reading Four Way Faith
God Created…
“In the beginning God created…” (Genesis 1:1) I’ve never really had a problem with the idea that the story of creation as presented in the Bible and the discoveries of science can co-exist. I recall as a teenager sitting in a church youth group in a discussion about the creation narrative of the Bible with … Continue reading God Created…
For the Bible Tells Me So
The Bible is a collection of books to be wrestled with, studied, explored, enjoyed and loved. The Bible provides stories that help us to understand God and recognise ourselves, to see God at work even in the times when it feels like God is absent. I put my faith in God and I believe the Bible is the written authority on the nature of God. It is on this basis that I seek to understand what the Bible teaches about God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) and humanity, about good, evil, creation, salvation, the Church, hope, faith and how I might live my life.
Celebration of Doubt
It takes faith to believe in God the Father. It takes faith to believe in a world and universe created by God. It takes faith to believe the words of scripture. It takes faith to believe in the miracles of Jesus. It takes faith to believe in the resurrection of Jesus. It takes faith to trust the promises of Jesus. It takes faith to accept the gift of the Holy Spirit. Doubt is not the enemy of faith, doubt is the honest, vulnerable and fragile place in which our faith is most real.
Be Still and Know that I am God
This week has been unusual to say the least. The world as we have known it has altered. So, today we can and should observe. Like others, I fear for our little church community, but I hold this small glimmer of hope. When I look at that hope it appears quite beautiful. I think that hope may just be the Spirit of God. "Be still and know that I am God." ~ Psalm 46:10
I Want to Change the World
I know it could sound either big headed or like a pipe dream, I mean who really believes they can change the world? I say I believe in the all creating, powerful, mysterious God and that I love adventure but then I play it safe. I want to learn how to take real steps of faith to live out my faith in such a way that my world is changed and therefore the world for others is somehow better.
The Broken Church 