Louise Harris

This week I've been reflecting on the highs and lows of life. It's been a bit of a crazy time recently, with plenty of ups and downs - such is the roller coaster that we ride sometimes! A couple of weeks ago we went on a trip to a gorgeous spot in Ireland.

Elaine Utting

Earlier this year I spent a fair bit of time on new plants for the pots in our back yard. I was standing at our back door, admiring my handiwork, and then reflected that it would all look so much nicer if the yard was paved in some nice slabs or bricks instead of tarmac.

Ian Revie

Joy and I have an allotment which brings with it some brief pleasures but also a lot of hard graft. It’s a great place to get away from the routine of work and know that the produce we grow is directly related to the effort and diligence that we put in.

Helen Francis

Recently I had a phone call with a Christian friend of mine. Inevitably the conversation turned to bigger issues and at one point the phrase was used: "all I can do is pray about it." It led me to thinking: do I sometimes see prayers in that light?

Lucy Holt

Currently I am in a sabbatical between full time jobs. This has been a strange transition, and a blessing to have time and space to recover from a very intense few years. I feel very grateful for the opportunity, but also a bit guilty for not being more productive.

Joy Revie

Ian and I have just completed another long distance walk with some friends. We did the Tabular Hills Way which is 48 miles from Helmsley to Scarborough. It struck me again how much I enjoy walking as it helps me to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Louise Harris

The past week has been a time of sadness and reflection for me. I attended the funeral of my next-door neighbour. Me and another neighbour shared our stories, fears and challenges, encouraging and spurring each other on through the journey.

Elaine Utting

We have just celebrated Easter. In our home group last week we celebrated by eating a Passover meal together. We followed a script that linked together three things: the origin of the meal, the Passover meal, the communion service.

David Francis

Nakedness can make us feel incredibly exposed, often feeling shame. And not just physically - when our flaws and failures find us out, it can be incredibly humiliating and extremely discouraging.

Ian Revie

We had a recent reflection in our house group, where we all felt that we were in the same place: waiting for some next steps in our joint journey of faith. When we accept God’s timing is perfect - we no longer sit in the waiting room. We serve in God’s Kingdom.

Lucy Holt

I heard one of my favourite ever sermons when I was 15 - such timeless advice that it stuck with me and I’ve retold a version of this on many occasions. Elijah is under threat of death from Jezebel, afraid, alone and exhausted he flees to the desert at Horeb.

Helen Francis

When I was young I used to be somewhat impatient with my parents’ need to listen to the news every day, especially when we got a television and they had to watch it through to the end whilst I was waiting to do something else.

Joy Revie

I understand the concept in John 15, of Jesus as the main vine and we as his branches drawing strength and life from Him, but was more challenged with what is to deeply abide in Him, and how I do this on a day to day basis.

Louise Harris

I have been reflecting on friendship and how very precious it is. Every Saturday morning for the past 10 years, I have a call with my dear friend Gill who I've known since I was 12. We started these regular calls when I was going through a really difficult time.

Elaine Utting

We sang the song ‘I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever’ in a meeting recently. As we sang I had a picture of the Holy City, as described in Revelation 21, made of gold, set with all kinds of jewels, and the main street made of gold ‘as pure as transparent glass’.

David Francis

I was reflectiong on the story in Luke 24 where Jesus walked alongside two disciples on the Emmaus Road, after His death & resurrection. Still full of sorrow, having not seen Jesus for themselves, and not recognising Him as He spoke with them.

Ian Revie

I have always thought that training gaps come in our younger years, but find that often new tasks and challenges are coming to me now. Maybe in our later years we see more of the need for things to be done, more urgency if you like.

Lucy Holt

Recently I did an assembly for students in the middle of hearing about their university offers. For some this is an exciting confirmation of plans they’ve always hoped for - others finding disappointment and having to think again about their future.

Helen Francis

In the story of the labourers being hired, those who had worked all day were angry when those taken on "at the eleventh hour" were paid the same amount. That suddenly made me think of the thief on the cross. If ever there was an eleventh hour moment it was here.

Joy Revie

Through various mediums, we are bombarded daily with words. Whether it's audible or inaudible. Words have power. They can lift spirits and brighten days. The right words at the right time can change lives. Our small tongue holds the power to bless or curse.