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.
Holy Spirit
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.
The Day of Pentecost had Come
As today is Pentecost, I thought it would be appropriate to think about the Holy Spirit. For many years I have had a bicycle that I have been meaning to fix. It started off living in our shed, but as the years passed the space was needed for other things and the bicycle found its … Continue reading The Day of Pentecost had Come
I Believe
“I’m not sure what I believe.” There was a pause and I assured her that this was okay. She went on, “I mean, we have been taught about God in church but we have been taught all this other stuff in school that makes sense too. Evolution makes sense. So, I don’t know if I believe in God or not.” I could tell she was nervous saying this and other faces suggested they were interested to see and hear my response. Again, I assured her that this was alright. I appreciated her honesty and I think it’s better that we are honest about what we believe than to pretend. One after another the group all backtracked on their previous answers. It was liberating.
Sunday’s Coming
To be a Jesus people is to flip the understandings of the world on its head and show a different way. To stand up and speak out for justice, to serve the widows and the orphans. Sunday is Coming and covid-19 will pass, our restrictions will lift and the light at the end of this tunnel will shine bright. We can celebrate the hope we find in Christ. But we are also called to be a people of justice – those who long to bring the hope of Easter Sunday to others. Will we continue to be the same church, unchanged by the unprecedented global events or will we rediscover what it means to live as an Easter People, turning over the tables of injustice and whilst we anticipate the second coming of Christ, pouring ourselves out for the lost, hurting, dying and broken just as Christ has done for us.
The Broken Church 