4th May 2024 John 15:9-17 This Sunday is Vocation Sunday. I looked up the meaning of the word ‘vocation’ and it means:  a strong feeling of suitability for a particular career or occupation. The word ‘vocation’ was originally used in a religious context, a divine call to the religious life of a nun, a monk or the priesthood, but now it is often used in a non-religious context. How many of you had a clear view of what you wanted to be when you grew up? I had always wanted to be a Primary School teacher – it was my vocation; and so, I took the educational path to achieve that aim ..read more

COMEFLY A few weeks ago I was invited to join a COMEFLY event at Rainham Methodist Church in Essex. A first for me. COMEFLY refers to C   congregation/children O   outreach M  mission and ministries E   evangelism F   families L   lunch Y  youth I was asked to speak about MWiB and the role of the co chair. There were  questions afterwards  and plenty of interest in what MWiB does. Following that I joined one of the many workshops choosing craft. It was great fun…just like messy church for adults. The session had been put t ..read more

Casting down the mighty: Women and the mission of God This year’s Mary Bosanquet Lecture is on Friday 28th June, 7.30pm in the Pearl Suite, The Armouries, Leeds LS10 1LT. Our speaker is Chine McDonald Director of Theos, the religion and society think tank. Previously Head of Public Engagement at Christian Aid Chine has two decades of experience in journalism, media and communications across faith, media and international development organisations. She also speaks and writes regularly on issues of race, faith and gender, and is the author of ‘God is not a white man: and other revelations ..read more

The Magnificence of God’s Creation  Lord, we thank you for all the saints who have lived before us. They have lived in a way that has glorified you and taught us to praise and honour you. May we too learn to truly know and love you. Lord, open our eyes to all the glories of your wonderful world be they natural, man-made or the people who live in our communities. Lord, help us to see your hand at work everywhere that we go and in everyone whom we meet. Amen. Photo & Prayer by Barbara Harrison – Area Trustee Scotland & Shetland   ..read more

The Glory of Creation   Loving, creator God we praise you for the wonderful world that you have made for us to live on. A world of such beauty that we cannot fail to praise you and glorify your name every day of our lives. You created a world with day and night so that we could have chance to rest; a beautiful world of sunshine and showers, glorious sunrises and stunning sunsets. Lord, we thank you and praise your glorious name. Amen Photo & Prayer by Barbara Harrison – Area Trustee Scotland & Shetland ..read more

The Power of God’s Creation O, Lord, our God, our wonderful is your world! We are in awe at the power of your creation. You created water, which gives us life. Water, so refreshing to drink, but also a thing of great beauty. Lord, we are sorry that at times we moan about the rain because there are so many countries where people die for lack of rain. Lord, forgive us. Lord, help  us to lift our eyes to see the rainbow after the rain and remember your covenant promise made to Noah after the flood. Help us always to see the beauty and power of your creation. Amen. Photo & Prayer by Barb ..read more

The Beauty of God’s Creation   Lord, we praise you for the wonders of your creation. The beauty that we see all around us: the trees with all their wonderful shades of green in summer, turning to glorious shades of red and orange in the autumn months; the splendour of the waters with their gentle ripples on a sunny day, but so wild and wondrous on a stormy day; the splendour of your hills, so rugged, yet so beautiful, they too changing with the seasons. We lift our praise to you, O Lord, as we stop and contemplate the wonders of your creation. Amen. Photo & Prayer by Barbara Harrison ..read more

The latest edition of Tree of life contains some interesting reading in this Easter Season TOL March 2024 final ..read more

We have a new line in butterfly scarves. They have been designed by Sue Reed and are based on the purple hairstreak, a native butterfly. The design has been printed onto a bamboo/silk fabric [so in line with our commitment to use ‘eco’ products as much as possible]. The scarves cost £15 each, and we love them! Order from resources.mwib@gmail.com or they will be on sale at Swanwick Conference ..read more

Think of a moment when someone that you least expected to see suddenly stands before you, perhaps in the coffee shop or as you turn the corner on the high street. A moment when something you had lost is suddenly found again and you can scarcely believe your eyes. Think of a moment when your fear was suddenly proved unfounded, and you were surprised by joy. Easter Sunday morning is such a moment. We resign ourselves to the very worst, and suddenly life turns around! So, as we approach Easter morning come ready to be shaken from your conviction that nothing can change your situation. Come if you ..read more