James – The Reflectionary

Not Helping- Look, See, Pray

July 23, 2026

If your only contribution to a debate or a crisis is noise, you’re not helping. … More Not Helping- Look, See, Pray

Feathers I went for a walk this morning and found a red kite feather along the path: long, brick red (ie, orange-brown, not red at all) and a bit tatty along the edge. Red kite feathers are not uncommon where I live. There are plenty of red kites round here (small and furries of the … More Feathers – James 5

Glasses at the ready – Prov 31

September 16, 2024

A horse walks into a bar. The landlord says, “You’re in here a lot. Are you sure you’re not an alcoholic?” The horse ponders for a moment and replies, “I don’t think I am.” Poof! The horse vanishes. At this point you might smile because you know the famous postulate, ‘I think, therefore I am.’ … More Glasses at the ready – Prov 31

Vengeance and a Dominionican

September 2, 2024

Isa 35, Jas 2 and Ps 146 Unless your name is Inigo Montoya (“You killed my father. Prepare to die.”), vengeance is not a popular word in our culture. It brings forth images of blood feuds, savagery and gang-land violence. So when in our Isaiah 35 reading or Deuteronomy 32:35 (It is mine to avenge; … More Vengeance and a Dominionican

Success- Look, See, Pray

March 14, 2024

A bold title, “Success.” Photographers who attempt “birds in flight” shots will know why this title fits this owl picture. There is so much that could go wrong: focus, too slow shutter speed, bad framing. That’s all separate from the lighting, weather, and actually being in the same place as the bird at the same … More Success- Look, See, Pray

Ten Commandments and Paper Aeroplanes

October 2, 2023

Two all-age resources for you this week, one based on the lectionary passage of Exodus 20 and the other a fun activity linked to James 4:11-12 & Romans 14 – Do not Slander One Another (part of the ‘One Another’ series at my home church). Plus, at the bottom, your liturgy resources, of course. Next … More Ten Commandments and Paper Aeroplanes

Random Questions- Look, See, Pray

March 24, 2022

Little children learn by asking questions. Working out exactly what they want to know (and why!) is a key parental talent. Quite randomly their interest flits from subject to distractions… and then they reach the (irritating) stage of endlessly repeating the question all adults dread… “Why?” … More Random Questions- Look, See, Pray

Outside-In (Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-17)

August 30, 2021

Reflective Prayer This creative prayer idea is great for Messy Church, All-age worship, youth groups, adult prayer and Bible study groups or personal and family devotions. You’ll need a sheet of A4 paper and some coloured pens. The sheet of paper represents God’s kingdom. Draw crowns or write words on the paper to show this. … More Outside-In (Mark 7:24-37, James 2:1-17)

Have you seen your faith? (Deut 4:1-9, Mark 7:1-23, James 1:17-27)

August 23, 2021

Activity – Have you seen your face? This is great for an up-front demo, hilarious at a youth group, and perfect for Messy Church – particularly good in a daddy-daughter pairing. You will need: Large selection of make-up / face paints / hair accessories One mirror Camera to take embarrassing photos What to do: Put … More Have you seen your faith? (Deut 4:1-9, Mark 7:1-23, James 1:17-27)

The Twelve Toys of Christmas

November 25, 2019

In response to a reader request, here’s a nifty little song you could use for a Toy Service, Collective Worship or All Age. It is great for pre-Christmas, for Christmas day itself or for Epiphany. The focus is ‘every good and perfect gift is from above’ (Jas 1:7) and it’s a great reminder of where … More The Twelve Toys of Christmas