It is mid-August when I am writing this article and I feel excited to share what I have observed so far in this month. As every year, in mid-August there are clear signs that the summer season is coming to an end. But our attitude this year towards its ending is rather different, I observe. In previous years, by this time in August I would often hear sad comments such as, ‘our summer is over’, ‘Where did the summer go?’, ‘We...
The 62nd United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) took place between March 12th and 23rd and for the second year running Mother’s Union sent a delegation of members and staff to...
As March begins, we will be into the second week of Lent, a time of waiting, in preparation to follow Jesus to Jerusalem, to the cross and finally to victory over death. It is a time when we remember Jesus’ fast and temptation in the Wilderness for forty days. A time when, traditionally, we focus upon self-examination and repentance, a time of prayer, study and reflection. You might be reading this and thinking that, as Christians, should we not come to God every day in prayer, humbly asking for forgiveness and ...
The next day (John) saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." John 1:29
The lamb is a powerful image for the saviour of the world. It is little used in the New Testament as a whole but it is one of the images used by Isaiah as he foretold the character of the long-awaited Messiah. It is also an image...
The exact origins of Mothering Sunday are unclear. Some have even linked it with the spring festivals for various mother goddesses held in ancient Greece and Rome.
However, it is certainly known that by the 16th century during Lent there was one Sunday when all returned to their “Mother Church” - the main church or cathedral of the area. This custom evolved over the years to become the day when those working away from home, often in service, or as apprentices, returned...
Once again the time had come for a get together to cut out stars, donkeys, crowns and sheep. This is a lovely sociable couple of hours with scissors, ribbon and a cup of coffee, taking place a couple of weeks before D-day. These shapes are given to people as they arrive for the service and they are encouraged to wave them during the appropriate carol. They are also given battery operated tea lights which are lit during the singing of Silent Night, when the church lights are turned low, and...
At the invitation of Christian Aid, David and I were invited to Choral Evensong at Westminster Abbey. The service was commemorating the centenary of the birth of Oscar Romero.
Oscar Romero was born in a small town in El Salvador and went to a seminary at the age of thirteen and was ordained in Rome in 1942. He became a much-loved pastor living a simple lifestyle alongside the poor. In 1970 he was made a bishop and in 1977, to the shock of many, he was...
What could be more appealing - a weekend, a retreat, to worship, reflect and relax - especially before the frenetic build-up to the end of the school term? A small group of ladies packed their luggage into my car (some having bigger bags than others!) and set off for Oak Hall. We found this vast building nestled in the Otford hillside. A Christian Retreat occupied by Oak Hall Expeditions. We found our way to the lounge through the labyrinth of corridors and were warmly welcomed and shown to our room. This...
We attended the Youth and Families summer BBQ, at the church on Sunday 11th June and what a lovely time we all had. It was a beautiful sunny day but I have to say my family and I have attended these events in the rain and still come away with a nice warm feeling from such lovely company and atmosphere.
We have attended Fresh Start and Mini Music since our three-year-old was a few weeks old. I remember walking in that first time to friendly faces and...
At the end of May, many of St Mary’s congregation attended Rochester Cathedral, to be part of a service where I was licensed by the Bishop. It was very comforting to be surrounded by so many familiar faces on the day, as I have to admit that I was just a little bit nervous! It was a great occasion and I have been overwhelmed by the support given from so many of you. I would like to thank those who sent cards and gifts and particularly those who offered words of encouragement.
As I write...
