Goodhand in Banbury

Our day began with the early morning grandparent duty to pick up and take our grandson to pre-school, that is a 6.45am start, and entertainment of said youngster till 8.45 when we drive him for drop off. Once home we had time for a spot of late breakfast and coffee before we began our lenten journey by gathering at St Hugh's for the Ash Wednesday service at 10am. There was a good turn out and once more to be able to participate in an act of worship without leading was a joy. With the right level of solemnity we marked the start of this season and received our ash cross on foreheads with the familiar but haunting words. Our time of commitment and fellowship concluded with conversation over tea and coffee.  This year the Lenten theme is 'Dust + Glory' and with the C of E app downloaded on the phone each day provides food for thought.  So the journey begins towards the cross. There will be Lenten lunches on Tuesdays (12.30-1.30pm) to support Christian Aid and Thursday evening

Approaching moving house meant a massive downsizing and major clear out. All over the house, let alone my study, sat numerous books purchased over the years. Books are like friends and the thought of letting them go, let alone disposing of them did not appeal. Thankfully many of my theological ones found a home in Ghana where a small library was being created. Then some books had to go on the basis that I no longer thought anyone should read them, yes a little bit of censorship. Some books went via free cycle, some on Antonio Gramsci went to a good home though it was hard to let those ones go. But some how we have kept rather a lot on the basis of a challenge to "lets re read them all!!!"  The thing about our Kindles which are great to store loads of books, and make travel easier and lighter, is that our novel's have just sat there collecting dust over the years. The move however has meant, because the house is smaller, they need to earn their place in the space. So we ha

When staying with the Iona community on the wonderful island of Iona the service on the first evening is one of welcome and often incorporates the words..... We saw a stranger yesterday We put food in the eating place Drink in the drinking place, Music in the listening place and, with the sacred name of the triune God He blessed us and our house, Our cattle and our dear ones. As the lark says in her song Often, often, often, goes the Christ in the strangers guise. (Iona Worship Book) These words over the years have increasingly meant a lot to me. A constant challenge to my preconceived ideas. A prod not to judge people when I meet them by what they look like or how they behave, and thats a tough one. Oh how I long to have that gracious acceptance of others working out from a belief that in this individual I am encountering Jesus. This continues to be a life times work.  My involvement with the Iona community has been one of the most important influences on my life of faith. I grew up i

We had a great turn out Thursday evening at the 'Table Talk' gathering. The theme being "Light a candle in the darkness" Our first challenge was to share how we use candles and what they can represent. So from birthdays to Advent, baptisms and confirmation, to remembrances and vigils, to diwali and so many other uses, we were reminded how candles help us to express hope, to recall loved ones, promises  made and so much more. Of course it was a helpful way to get people engaged in the theme. Then before we could eat we had opportunity to make candles using sheets of beeswax. It was a lovely idea and meant that they could then be used in the worship after we had eaten. After good food we shared in a liturgy which was a delight for me. Beginning with familiar words used in an Iona liturgy as three lights/candles are lit to remind us of the Trinity. Then we passed the light from one person to another with the words "May Christ bring you light' and while we did th

Luke 4: 18-20 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,  because he has anointed me   to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour" I made a phone call to the surgery and after the expected wait a polite and helpful receptionist responded. There was then a call back from a clinician seeking information with clear questions. An appointment was made for later that afternoon. Into the surgery having done a Covid test first, negative. A wait and then a thorough examination. Prescription given, other advice and a referral to have an x ray. An appointment made to check my blood. A trip to pharmacist and collection of prescription. Next day walk into hospital and x ray taken. two days later bloods taken.  All free at the point of need. Always happy to pay my taxes that I or others when they need it can access health care. All the health care staff w