Life in all its fullness

With tales of pop stardom, politics and priesthood, the Reverend Richard Coles delighted his audience. A born raconteur, there were anecdotes galore about a ‘liveable life’, as he called it. The former choirboy had turned atheist turned member of The Communards turned Christian and then priest. The ‘borderline national trinket’, Read more…

Old(er) friends

We recently spent an extended weekend away in rural Warwickshire. Staying in a converted barn, it was good to be in an area we’d been to occasionally – and to have a planned catch up with two long standing friends: Ele and her husband, Steve, who are Godparents to our Read more…

Sitting by the well

A post with a difference this time, in that is one I was asked to write for Preach Magazine about the need for rest and Sabbath moments. Please click here to read.   Thank you for reading this post – please share it with others, subscribe and contribute your thoughts Read more…

Books & Covers

A rather curious phenomenon is happening. Although I still have 18 months to go before I get my bus pass and state pension, I’ve noticed an increasing number of people assuming that I am retired (which I am) rather than asking me what I do. It’s not limited to casual Read more…

A special place

Malvern has been a special place for Jane and I for many years. Nestled in the Worcestershire side of the Malvern Hills, we first visited over 30 years ago and have been there many times since. Indeed, I write this sat in a special place within that special place: a Read more…

Light & Dark

The first chapter of John’s Gospel is one of those quintessential readings we hear at this time of year. Traditionally, the last one read at a service of lessons and carols, it takes a different approach to other readings about the events leading up to and surrounding Jesus’ birth. It Read more…

Coping with doubt

What do Mother Teresa, the current Archbishop of Canterbury, Pope Francis and me have in common? Umm… best let the Pope answer that one, methinks: ‘Who among us has not experienced insecurity, loss and even doubts on their journey of faith? Everyone! We’ve all experienced this, me too… It is Read more…