johnhearson

A Timeless Treasure

Why raise a colossal sum of money to refurbish a church organ when there are so many starving people and more worthwhile church growth projects to prioritise?
I think the answer can be different depending on each circumstance. I’ll let my guest blogger Pam explain how she believes God confirmed the answer for our church.

A Special Event

It’s always sad to say goodbye to an old friend. I find it therapeutic to remember all the times we’ve shared.
But when someone dies in faith, looking forward to meeting Jesus Christ, death loses its sting (as St Paul says) and, through our tears, we can rejoice with them.

A Happy Valley?

This post describes the concluding day of the Calder Woodland Way, with ball its joys and its blood, sweat and tears! Was it worth the effort? And, would I recommend it? Please read on to find out more.

The Vale of Tears?

Are you up for a challenge?
The Calder Woodland Way seemed to present the ideal one when I needed to raise money via a sponsored walk. How did I get on?
Perhaps I took on more than I’d bargained for? but you’ll have to read this post, and its companion, to find out whether it was worth it.

Rich Pickings?

The UN Paris Summit on ending plastic pollution took place at the end of June/start of July. At first, it seemed the people most affected, weren’t going to have their say!
So, what’s it like to be a city garbage waste picker?

Pentecost – A Joyless and Boring Occasion

Faith and Religion makes life dull, dutiful and boring at best, whilst at worst they encourage abuse. So goes the Prevailing Narrative.
Bonnie Garmus’ ‘Lessons in Chemistry’ abounds in diatribe to this effect, BUT it’s a very enjoyable read and I thoroughly recommend this book! However, on the eve of Pentecost, I HAD TO react….

Saturday 6th May 2023 – An Adventure

Did you enjoy the Coronation weekend? The people I’ve spoken to, have had mixed reactions. As for me, I’ve never before appreciated the pageantry of state occasions. But this time was different.
I wanted to share why I found it exciting. I bet you’re sick of debates about the value of the monarchy. So, I wrote a short story instead, with my comments at the end. Hope you like it!

Celebrating our Bronze Award

Something to feel proud of. My church, St John’s Rastrick, has just achieved the Eco church Bronze Award.
I feel like we’ve just arrived at Base Campo, with the summit of Everest towering way above us. But looking back, we’ve come a long way up.
But, does it make a ha’porth of difference?

New Life, New Hope

Do you become excited as Spring arrives? Welcoming the newly emerging blooms in the garden is like welcoming guests to a party!
The new life and hope of Easter and the risen Jesus is mirrored by nature. It’s a hope that men and women need more than ever before!

Good Friday – A Rubbish Tale

How can Good Friday be so called, when it’s all about one of the world’s most gruesome ways of killing people? A visit to a Veolia plant where filthy rubbish is transformed, gave me an excellent illustration of what Jesus did for us on the Cross. It was also a most interesting and enjoyable experience!