January 2022

A reflection for Candlemas Sunday 30th January 2022 by the Rev'd David Warnes

The Presentation Luke 2:22-40

The turn of the Millennium now seems a long time ago. For me, one of the highlights was an exhibition at the National Gallery in London. It was put together by Neil MacGregor and its title was Seeing Salvation. In the introduction to the book that he wrote to accompany a television series about the exhibition, Neil MacGregor quoted words from today’s Gospel:

“Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.”

He went on:

“With these words this book begins and ends. They...

Sunday 23rd January ecumenical worship in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity

Extracts from the joint worship

and a reflection by the Rev'd Russell Duncan

Brothers and sisters, we are united today with fellow believers throughout the world as we gather to pray for the visible unity of the Church. This morning our prayer inspiration comes from the churches in the Middle East – that part of the Body of Christ geographically linked to the story of the coming of the Magi. The Magi reveal to us a unity of nations as desired by God. They travel from far-off countries and from different cultures, driven by the same hunger to see and...

Sunday 16th January 2022 Epiphany II - a reflection by Canon Dean Fostekew

Under the Tree  by John Mole

At least it s not an oven glove

From Cynthia and Ron - with love.

Affectionate regards - Aunt Grace

Something she broke and must replace.

The shop will not take this one back

To all of you from Uncle Jack.

From everyone here at the Grange

A wrong size Harrods might exchange.

Shapeless, rustling soft and nice

Respectfully - the Misses Price.

When shall I see you? Till then - Jane

In last year's paper used again.

Under the tree, without a sound,

The parcels pass themselves around

And smile inside, not unaware...

Epiphany reflection by Canon Dean Fostekew Sunday 9th January 2022

'We look for a star' Anon
Saviour and Son, the star the Wise Men knew Led them to thee: at Christmas now, we too look anxiously into the silent night,
Lit by God's stars, where man's own satellites Spin between the shining spheres:
O Christmas Child, let hopes, not fears
Upon the aching world prevail,
That we, who set our smaller suns to sail
In the bright firmament of thy design,
Seek out a star divine
To follow - and on Christmas night,
Find grace and peace in sight.

As a historical event the feast of the Epiphany is hard to...