Adoption is a wonderful thing. It enables those who aren’t able to have children, to share in a special relationship with a child, enabling both parents and child to flourish. For those who already have children and still adopt, it again enables that child to flourish and be part of a loving, sustaining, family unit. Many wonderful relationships and families are created through the process of adoption. The Bible also talks about adoption, us being adopted into God’s family. Romans 8:14-16 says; ‘All who follow the leading of God’s Spirit are God’s own [children]. Nor are you meant to relapse ..read more

April Clarion ..read more

The season of Lent is upon us once more, a season which coincides with springtime and the rebirth of nature and new life which we see all around us. In my own garden daffodils have emerged from the soil. The church also desires that each of us grow spiritually and experience a reawakening of our relationship with God during the forty days of Lent, which culminate at Easter. The purpose of Lent is not to make us feel disheartened or uncomfortable in the way we live out our faith, but it is a call to self-examination and for taking a fresh look at our attitude and behaviour towards others. Unco ..read more

March Clarion ..read more

I’ve always been one for a good voucher. After all, why pay more for something when you can get it cheaper! Over the years I’ve used many different vouchers to save money on different things, from Groupon Vouchers to Tesco Club Card vouchers. But all these vouchers have something in common; they all have terms and conditions! And with some of them, you just can’t seem to win! • A restaurant voucher; that can only be used on the 6th Sunday in Lent in a leap year! • Parents go free holiday voucher, as long as both parents are over 100yrs old! • Children eat free voucher; as long as your child i ..read more

February Clarion ..read more

So, how many of you made New Year resolutions? Over the years I’ve made many; • To lose weight • To do more exercise • To save money • To be better at staying in touch with family and friends etc. But unfortunately, often, before I’ve even reached the end of January, some, if not all of these resolutions, or promises, have gone by the wayside! Over the years I’ve been rubbish at keeping New Year resolutions, and from what other people tell me, I’m definitely not alone! In every year in the Methodist church, we renew our resolutions or promises to God through our Covenant Services, and althoug ..read more

January Clarion ..read more

Once again at this time of year we turn our thoughts to the birth of Jesus; but all too often the wonder of this awesome event is obscured by the trappings of Christmas – holidays, presents, food, television, etc. It is worth having a much closer look at the wonder of God coming to earth as a baby. Think of any photos you may have around your house of babies; maybe your children, grandchildren or great grandchildren, or even babies your friends and families may have had? When we consider the ‘life’ of a baby, what are the characteristics of babyhood? Total dependence for warmth, food and love ..read more

December Clarion ..read more