Unsteady State Dear Friends The bubblings over of the inner tensions in Russian government should warn us not to assume that the war in Ukraine is something contained, or bounded. Our lives continue to be profoundly affected by the economic aftershocks of the conflict; fuel prices rises threw petrol on inflationary fires already started by the pandemic; hurried re-armament by western nations…

From the heavens Dear friends, Many congratulations to Rachel Carter and Edward Hildred, who became Mr and Mrs Hildred at Checkendon church on Saturday. A very cheerful service, with the bells ringing, and organ playing, and in wonderful serendipity, the Red Arrows flying overhead as we started, seemingly adding Checkendon at 1502hrs into their flight plan back from trooping the colour. Heaven…

Nil by mouth Dear friends, It has been an unusual week of “firsts” for me; some new experiences of pain, a night sat in A&E (while various tests were underway), anasthaesia, surgery, some different pain, and the strange gift  of convalescense. Hats off to the staff at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, who treated me, and my appendix, with humanity and compassion. The…

Memorable Moments Dear friends Whether it was the sight of the massed parade on Buckingham Palace Lawn giving three cheers for the King, or the blind pianist Lucy capturing everyone’s heart at the Coronation Concert, there have been many hundreds of moments that will linger long in memory from the weekend just passed. Many thousands of people have spent many thousands of…

Long live the King! Dear friends, One of the questions of life we find ourselves asking is “how do we do this?” Especially, particularly, at the difficult times, when things are changing, when something new is happening. So it is with a “coronation”. Most of us have never experienced one of these before, and we are wondering what changes if any this…

The arms of mercy Dear friends, In the last week, as well as completing all the church legal business required for the annual meeting, there has been shock and sadness around the team at the news of the death of Heather Llewellyn, of Ipsden. Heather was a “mother to us all” not only in Ipsden, but as Lay Chair of the Team…

Checkendon Church and Churchyard Spring Working Party Saturday 22nd April Dear friends Please help us to keep our church and its environment looking lovely! On Saturday morning, from 10-12noon, members of Checkendon church council invite you to join them in church and/or churchyard for the annual clean up. Please bring any tools that you think you might need. The invitation is open…

Come to the feast Dear friends, There is a huge table of worship for you to enjoy in the coming days; prayerful, colourful, crafty, interactive, tasty, musical, thoughtful, sacramental, liturgical, multi-sensory, dynamic, simple. So, I invite you all, come, and celebrate the great feast of Easter at your local church. Everyone is welcome. Holy Week Mon 3rd, Tues 4th, Wed 5th April,…

Your Holy Week and Easter Dear friends, There’s no easy way to do this, but I have to write a list. The staff team and I are looking forward to sharing a joyful and festive Easter with you as we celebrate the resurrection of our living Lord. May the hope that Christ gives be yours, and his glory rise in your hearts.…

Here comes the sun! Dear friends, A little optimistic, perhaps, but nevertheless true. The passing of the vernal equinox means that from now on the northern part of planet earth will be tilting more and more into the sun’s rays. Things will get brighter, and warmer! There are certainly bright things to rejoice in across the Team ministry right now, irrespective of…