These wonderful words are from Hebrews 13v20 and link back to that glorious song of praise, Psalm 23, that we read and thought about at yesterday’s thanksgiving service for Sid.  I may have mentioned it before but I was particularly struck by Tom Wright’s comments on this Psalm in his ‘Lent for everyone’ book which many of us enjoyed reading through recently. …

Four of us endured a somewhat frustrating afternoon / early evening on Wednesday.  We were at the Oval in South London hoping to watch the One Day International between England and Pakistan but the match was eventually abandoned after heavy rain and a hailstorm!  The limited amount of cricket that did take place between the rain means, however, that we will receive…

I hope that as many as possible are aware of the exciting opportunity we are considering to add to the leadership of CCBC.  This was explained at last Sunday afternoon’s AGM and will be formally presented at a Special Church Meeting of members following next Sunday (12th) morning’s service.  To assist our consideration Luke will be speaking and answering questions on Tuesday…

You may remember how Jesus graciously forgives and recommissions Peter on the beach beside the Sea of Galilee following His resurrection.  Jesus goes on to indicate to Peter the kind of death he would suffer by which he would glorify God (John 21v18,19).  Jesus appears to be suggesting that Peter will be crucified and it is traditionally held that he asked to…

Instead of Brexit, the news has this week been dominated by the devastating fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.  You may have wondered whether the timing of this fire, during ‘Holy Week’, as well as its particular location, have any special significance.  Undoubtedly God can speak to us through all the circumstances of life.  I did also note one French commentator’s…

We’ve been listening in the car to a CD by the American Christian singer / songwriter Lauren Daigle.  Her voice is very similar to Adele’s – or perhaps it’s the other way round?  Anyway, I’ve been continually playing one track called “Love like this” which contains these simple, yet glorious words: “What have I done to deserve love like this?  I cannot…

I am continually amazed at the plans and purposes of God as revealed to us in the Bible.  I happened to be listening to a preacher on one of the ‘God channels’ (do be careful!) and he drew attention to a wonderful comparison which I hope to develop here.  Following the Fall, Adam and Eve are in the Garden of Eden and…

As you all know (?!), Mothering Sunday falls on the fourth Sunday in Lent, exactly three weeks before Easter Day.  The day now is all about giving gifts to our mothers, including increasingly taking them out to Sunday lunch (a carvery is probably to be preferred and do look round for the best offers available e.g. free (vanilla) ice cream for mother…

On the way back from our time away we visited Blenheim Palace, the only non-royal palace in England.  The building and grounds are truly magnificent and we learnt (several times over) that their origin dated back to a great victory by forces led by the Duke of Marlborough over the French army at Blindheim, Germany in 1704.  Queen Anne subsequently gave the…

I am really enjoying the somewhat extended celebrations of my sixtieth birthday and am very grateful for all the cards, presents and good wishes I’ve received.  Actually, of course, I don’t “feel a day older”, but have noted from Leviticus 27v3&7 that my value under the circumstances there described has now dropped from 50 to 15 shekels of silver – i.e. a…