Yesterday, Steve Kneale reported on new restrictions concerning burials and funerals that are being imposed in West Yorkshire. Grave-side mourners will be limited to 10 maximum (nb it is 6 here in Sandwell) but now, no mourners will be allowed at the Crematorium. Instead the Council will offer “direct cremations” with no mourners present and… Continue reading The ugliness of death
Posts
What is Love?
This is the first in our new series of vlogs as we reflect on Jesus’ teaching at the Last Supper from John’s Gospel this week. Our first post asks “What is real love, what does it look like and how do I know that God loves me?” Here are the words from Scripture (John 13:1-11)… Continue reading What is Love?
Sharing Communion During Coronavirus
Yesterday, we chose to share communion together as a church family. This wasn’t something we did lightly because we know that the question of whether or not we can continue with communion is something that churches and pastors have been wrestling with. Whilst I have struggled at times with the at times dismissive language used… Continue reading Sharing Communion During Coronavirus
Absence makes the heart grow fonder
We are now entering another week of lockdown. We are under strict instruction not to leave our homes unless we are key workers except for daily exercise, essential shopping and medical needs. Hitting the Easter holidays will make that sense of what we are missing out on all the more painful for many of us.… Continue reading Absence makes the heart grow fonder
Cattle Prods
For Starters What things give you meaning in life? Have any of these things been challenged by the recent Coronavirus pandemic? A Look at the Text Do you think the author and the teacher are two separate people? The word translated “meaningless” in some Bible versions is the Hebrew word “Hebel” (pronounce Hevel”) which means… Continue reading Cattle Prods
It doesn’t apply to me
Quick get up, get out” “Who do you think you are coming telling me what to do?” “No, you need to, you are in danger” “Why” “The house is on fire” “Are you telling my sister to get out too” “Yes – but you need to come quickly “ “Oh I think I am able… Continue reading It doesn’t apply to me
Jesus thank you
Jesus Thank you (Isaiah 53:10-12) Introduction How much do you value your status? Think about it. You may initially say that you don’t care but you know how you react when you are wrongly accused, when you are unfairly turned down for a job or when someone makes a mean joke about you. We want… Continue reading Jesus thank you
Abuse and the church: Small talk and social media
“It’s not what goes into your mouth that defiles you; you are defiled by the words that come out of your mouth.” (Matthew 15:11) I find Christian social media quite depressing and downright disturbing at times. Over time I have witnessed significantly aggressive behaviour, people are belittled, dismissed, insulted. I’ve also seen Christian leaders jump… Continue reading Abuse and the church: Small talk and social media
Abuse and the church – leaders and members
What should a healthy relationship between church leaders and church members look like? Hebrews 13:17 says: “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of… Continue reading Abuse and the church – leaders and members
Does each Scripture have more than one meaning?
This is a question I heard the other day. It’s quite a common one. At one end of the spectrum is the insistence that yes, when you read Scripture there is a specific purpose and meaning and you should not deviate from it. At the other end of the spectrum you will hear people say… Continue reading Does each Scripture have more than one meaning?
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