Lent: A Time For Habits…
“And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:16-18 It is that time again when we are all full of yesterday’s pancakes, and we have finally gotten… Read More
Happy Valentines!
This week was, of course, Valentine’s Day, and where we have been focusing on the commands of Jesus, especially the one He held dearest, it seems like love has been in the air for our church family for a while. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the… Read More
The Elephant In The Room…
A few weeks ago, I was just casually scrolling through my Instagram feed and I came across a headline: Church Of England Announces £100M Fund Dedicated To Compensating For Its Historic Links To The Slave Trade The Shade Borough I hadn’t realised this was being looked into or discussed within the Church Of England to even potentially become an option. So to read the headline, I was quite surprised – reparations of any kind have long been something the majority of us from the Black community had given up on. So, where… Read More
A Huge Thank You…
Finally, the last week of January is here and we made it! Payday is in sight! But as a true digital native, I want to take this opportunity to have a little #throwbackthursday moment and reflect on our Christmas period. I don’t know if anyone else felt it, but because it was our first Christmas season out of lockdown, I had forgotten how hectic it gets with meet ups and parties. But in the midst of all the fun and frivolity, we had some really beautiful moments that built on Christmases past…. Read More
Do You Really Need To Change?
Happy New Year! “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” James 1:5 It’s true what they say; change is good sometimes. And if nothing else the beginning of the year is probably the time the majority of us are re-evaluating our goals and lives in general looking at how we can be ‘better’. But better in what way? And better by who’s measure? Most of us would be focused on earthly things: But, is that what… Read More
Making Room For Limits
We’re continuing with our Advent devotional and this week we are focusing on the passage from Luke: “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God… Read More
What Are You Thankful For?
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Thanksgiving is most definitely an American holiday but I’ve always loved the idea of having a day to focus on the positive things in our lives. The blessings that the Lord has afforded us, despite always falling short of His expectations. As we close out the year, the first year in a while without lockdowns, there are lots of things we could focus on that could bring the mood down…. Read More
Is Black History Month Still Relevant Today?
October is Black History Month in the UK – a whole month dedicated to celebrating the rich history and cultures enjoyed by the Afro-Caribbean diaspora in Britain. In the UK where Black citizens are a minority, it’s important to bring to the forefront the valuable contributions of Black figures throughout history. For some, it isn’t seen as a necessity. It’s been a long time since slavery was abolished, Black people have the right to live, work and vote in this country as long as they’re citizens and there are laws that help… Read More
A Tribute To Queen Elizabeth II
Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II we wanted to add our tribute to the incredible life of service and faith that she lived. As we gave her our thanks earlier this year during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, we turn our thanks to God for the gift of such a gracious monarch and pray she may rest in peace and rise in glory. So many words are being shared around the world to honour Her Majesty’s life, it seems there is nothing original left to add, yet we add our… Read More
And God Saw That It Was Good…
‘The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.’ Psalm 24:1 Last Friday was Earth Day: an annual celebration that honours the achievements of the environmental movement and raises awareness of the need to protect the Earth’s natural resources for future generations. With the first Earth Shot Prize in October last year and living in an area focused on reducing our carbon footprint with the Envac system and protecting the existing… Read More
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