Goodhand in Banbury

  Well having written about the houses looking very much the same a short stroll around the estate at night gives another feel to our new area. People in places have gone to a lot of trouble to bring some colour to the exterior of their homes and so bring a little festive delight to those who pass by. You can only hope that the lights are all LED's otherwise some folk will be increasing their electric bills this Advent and Christmas season. Not everyone has splashed out to the extent of these homes, many are more subtle.  I wonder how the lights reflect the personalties inside? What is clear is that while in so many ways "the little boxes" look the same, seeing the houses lit up in different reminds me the lives lived within will be varied and rich. I hope people are all able to enjoy this important time and maybe, just maybe, the true light that comes into the world will illuminate both little box and lives within.

Over the years people would say to me "It's your busy time of the year"  Well these characters were well used over the years in many places and now left in Sheffield for the BB to use. I wonder if they have appeared? Advent and Christmas has meant for 38 years being 'extra busy' with additional services and activities on top of everything else. In my first appointment there would be Midnight Communion at my Hilton Chapel and at least two services on Christmas morning at my village chapels Somersham and Earith before back to St Ives for a third service a united act of worship with the local URC. No wonder I always enjoyed Boxing Day more.  Of course many of the Advent and Christmas services were special not least because we used to have children and young people involved. The 5pm Christmas Eve service at Highlands was always full and candlelit.  Wherever we have lived Midnight communion has always been the most special service for me as we wait knowing all that can

Little boxes on the hillside Little boxes made of ticky-tacky Little boxes on the hillside Little boxes all the same There's a green one and a pink one And a blue one and a yellow one And they're all made out of ticky-tacky And they all look just the same And the people in the houses All went to the university Where they were put in boxes And they came out all the same And there's doctors and lawyers And business executives And they're all made out of ticky-tacky And they all look just the same And they all play on the golf course And drink their martinis dry And they all have pretty children And the children go to school And the children go to summer camp And then to the university Where they are put in boxes And they come out all the same And the boys go into business And marry and raise a family In boxes made of ticky-tacky And they all look just the same There's a pink one and a green one And a blue one and a yellow one And they're all made out of ticky-tack

 We have been so busy at times that getting out walking has rather taken a back seat. So when we had a window of opportunity we put on our walking boots, wrapped up well and headed out along the Salt Way.   On route collecting a few items for our home made wreath for the front door. It certainly was a crisp morning but perfect for a brisk walk to wake you up and enjoy the fresh air. The fact we can just walk out from the house into countryside is a real bonus for us. People have been telling us that we should go up Crouch Hill. So we pressed on a bit further to take in the views it gives you. So passing a friendly sheep we made our way up the hill through a copse at the top. It was a delight to look out north and north east. It makes you realise that Banbury is surrounded by countryside.  We have noted that people often comment on the new housing that is being built all around the town. Just a slight sense that the town is growing and is that a good thing?  Having moved from Sheffield,

One of the delights of being part of a faith community and no longer being responsible for creating worship is to be able to participate fully. This months gathering at St Hugh's, though hit by the freezing weather, still saw a good number gather. Instead of a speaker Colin had arranged our time so that we ate, talked,  worshipped, chatted and ate, oh and washed up!!! Each time we gather I find it creates the opportunity to speak to someone I've not had chance to start to get to know before. So a fascinating tapestry of peoples lives is forming and highlights how church communities are much more interesting than you might expect. The conversation and food was good. The worship meant we were able to reflect on our 'Seeking the light', 'What we were longing for' and 'What it might look like for things to change'  after all we are people of Hope. People freely shared in prayers their longings and then with a  prayer tree we added our luggage tags. For me I

Sunday at St Hugh's                                                                                                                                                                                     It was the Second Sunday in Advent and we had Chris Stratta from the Leprosy Mission sharing some amazing life changing stories from this vital work. I recall as a child and in some places where I have served as a Minister that this was a key organisation to support. It makes such a difference to have someone so keen and involved in the work coming to tell the story. It makes it very real, challenging and moving to hear how lives are transformed by their work. When we reflect that here is a disease that can be cured, and the sooner treatment is given the damage it does to a persons body can be prevented, it just seems crazy that it's not been eliminated yet.  So as we journey through Advent looking to the God who comes to us bringing Hope for all. This is an appropriate time to ens

 "There's a nursery trip to a temple could you go with Ralph?" A text from our son-in-law George informing us that our grandson Ralph had the opportunity for a trip out if one of us could go. The nursery needed adults if possible to accompany the children. Well it was too good an opportunity to miss to have time with Ralph and visit a temple. So I took him as we do on a Monday to his nursery and stayed which delighted him. Mind you it revealed how many adults and other children knew him. He was soon off outside playing with a little girl who said "come on Ralph" leaving me to stand and wait until the trip began. As the temple was in Stratford I assumed we would go by train or bus but no. Once we were all lined up ready it became clear we were going to walk, three and four year olds!!! This could be interesting as I know how much Ralph likes to walk- I think not.  Holding my hand we did indeed walk all the way chatting on route. We planned his birthday tea (his b

  This was a novel experience having spent the previous 38 years being the one who called on others. Now having retired to a new home and town we have attended St Hugh’s almost from day one. So we were pleased that Anita asked if she could call. A reminder to me of the hundreds of houses I have entered as you take that first step on a new relationship. Over the years it has often been the pastoral visit that keeps you going amidst all the busyness of church life. Yet as the years pass living in a place, and so getting caught up in various groups etc, it is the visiting that often diminishes. You don't intend that to be the case especially when you know that at the heart of church life it is about relationships.  So on a Friday afternoon after Anita had been at St Hugh's, which offers a  warm space to people in the community, she called on us. It was clear to us from worship that Anita has a gracious people focussed ministry. Keen to make sure people are included and not rushed