Author Archives: St Patrick's Church

‘As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honour.’ – Ecclesiastes 10.1 By Martin Hayward There are hundreds of phrases in the English language which have their roots in the Bible. One which we all use but which, until recently, I had not realised comes from the OldContinue reading “A fly in the ointment”

‘When your words came, I ate them; they were my joy and my heart’s delight’ – Jeremiah 15.16 From Dave Atkinson: When I was young, and lived at home, my mum frequently said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Before I could get out of the front door, I knew thatContinue reading “Have you eaten?”

“The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love” Psalm 33.18 From David King Hasn’t it been wonderful to hear the encouraging news about the vaccine. Not only does it hold out the hope of a swifter end to lockdown and better protection for the most vulnerable,Continue reading “In vaccine we trust?”

On Sunday we watched the first in a series of difficult questions put to David relating to our CentreForward project. Here is that video as a reminder and catch up for those who missed it. Read: Mark 12.41-44 ‘Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their moneyContinue reading “CentreForward: Difficult Questions”

‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’ – John 15:13 From Sam Lomas: Tomorrow marks 102 years since the end of the First World War.  11 November has become the day each year on which we remember those who have served in conflicts.  This is the storyContinue reading “Rev. Herbert Pugh”

“My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” – Psalm 42.2 From Sam Lomas: Today marks the start of Lockdown Two.  Although we may feel a little better prepared this time around, I am sure that for many, the return of increased restrictions brings with it immense difficulties. Continue reading “I will yet praise Him”

“They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.” Acts 14. 21-22 From Dave Atkinson: In Acts 13.2, Luke (the writer of Acts) tells us that Paul and Barnabas hadContinue reading “Courage to return”

“Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.” Exodus 14.13 From David King What do you do when you find yourself cornered? What do you do when you can’t see a way out? What do you do when you don’t understand why God hasn’t rescued you yet? What doContinue reading “A dead end hope”

‘All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness – 2 Timothy 3:16 From Sam Lomas: Everybody wants God to speak to them.  Usually we imagine this happening in a really dramatic fashion.  A ball of fire, followed by a cloud of smoke and then a loud audible voice.  It’s notContinue reading “God-breathed”

‘The Joy of the Lord is your strength’ – Nehemiah 8.12 From Helen Machell This month started very differently to how it is now.  It turned cold, it was the earliest I have put the heating on, I had been discouraged about a lot of things, including the small ones, not sleeping – I wasContinue reading “Joy”