It’s often said that the roots of a tree are as big underground as its branches are above ground. Yeeeh, no. We’ve all seen trees like this, toppled in storms, showing roots only a foot or two deep. (Don’t ask about the car. That’s another story altogether.) Why do big trees sometimes have such shallow … More Rain is a good thing Ps 1
[This is a re-post from a popular Epiphany item] On the Twelfth Day of Christmas my true love … finally took the hint and we had roast partridge for dinner, with a nice pear crumble for pudding! Twelfth Night marks the official end of Christmas and the start of Epiphany (January 6th), when we think … More Epiphany and Isa 43
There’s a line in Psalm 16 that I underlined in the very first Bible I ever had, when I was a new baby Christian way back in the 1980s. It still strikes a chord today: The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely, I have a goodly inheritance. (Ps 16:6) It’s referring … More A Goodly Inheritance
Sometimes, things really stink – no, that’s not a commentary on the recent UK elections (I’m writing this at five-to-close-of-polls on election night). No, it’s a reflection on the beheading of John in Mark 6:14-29. (Click link above for reflection and an activity to think about cleansing.) Whether you are jumping with joy at the … More Mark 6 – When Tragedy Strikes (&Ephesians 1)
Genesis 1:1-5, Psalm 29, Acts 19:1-7, Mark 1:4-11 Water. There’s a lot of it about. The earth’s surface is 71% water, that jacket spud you’re having for lunch is ¾ water, and even you, the person reading this, are a “bag of mostly water.” 1 Your brain is almost entirely water. And where I live, … More ‘Water’ way to start!
I’m guessing that you’re all sorted for the big day by now, so here’s looking ahead slightly. (If you’re not sorted and you’re panicking, look back to the last couple of posts for loads of instant ideas, crafts, talks and printables). New Year’s Day is in three weeks and you’ll be too busy photocopying emergency … More Advent 3 + Hannukah + Epiphany
Another bumper selection for you! Below is a reflection on Genesis 32 and your lectionary-linked liturgy. But also we have a number of intergenerational packs (and remember that intergen does not mean ‘for the kiddies’) and the awesome sketch, How the Feeding of the 5000 Really Happened with video! Oh yes! Resource Links Life Sticks … More Gen 32 What’s in a Name? + Feeding 5000
A Last-Minute Opportunity to book a children’s, youth and family leaders’ retreat day on 9th Sept. Plus all your lectionary-based resources as usual. Retreat But first, the commercial break: From Becky and Rebecca at The Resources Cupboard: Like many events being organised this summer, we have not yet received enough bookings to make this event … More Last-minute opportunity
Some lovely words from Hebrews today, plus linked invocations from Jeremiah and Luke. And, if that were not glorious enough, a stunning Arts-and-Crafts image of Mercy from Tiffany. Ps 112:4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous. Blessed are the Merciful (1920) by Louis Comfort … More Jeremiah 2, Psalm 112, Hebrews 13, Luke 14
Wow! Last week’s resources were mega-popular. I got over one week’s worth of traffic in just one day! So, if that’s what is helpful, here’s another bundle for the Sunday after Pentecost, or for any Sunday when you are looking at the Trinity. As always, there are liturgy resources at the end: a confession and … More Trinity – Ps 8, Rom 5, Jn 16
The Reflectionary 