Songs of faith: Isaac Watts

03/07/2024 | Reform

In a new column on hymn writers, Ana Gobledale reveals Isaac Watts’ inspiration

When young Isaac Watts was scolded for speaking in rhyme, he smartly replied,‘Oh, Father, do some pity take,and I will no more verses make.’

Watts was a … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘A nightingale, its beak wide open, sang its long, complicated and beautiful song’

03/07/2024 | Reform

Sheila Maxey shares holiday photographs

This summer season seems the time for travellers’ tales and photos, and the internet means I am included. A granddaughter and her boyfriend, aged 19, are in southeast Asia for two months. They seem to … Read More

Do stay for tea and coffee: ‘We were sitting in our garden when the sound of guitar-led hymns wafted over the fence’

03/07/2024 | Reform

Paul Kerensa is living the outdoor life

The sun is high and the weather is… well, it’s British summertime, so I wouldn’t be so bold as to guess. But perhaps this time of year, the outside world beckons a little … Read More

Chapter & verse: Mark 4:35-41

03/06/2024 | Reform

Paul Dean recalls choppy sea crossings

After six days of bringing order out of chaos God rested but, even so, to find Jesus asleep on a cushion is surprising. It certainly surprised the disciples in the story of the storm … Read More

Here & Now: Phoebe Edmonds

03/06/2024 | Reform

Phoebe Edmonds on prayer as protest

’Why don’t you actually do something rather than just praying about it?’

This is what a passer-by shouted to us during the 14-day ‘No Faith in Fossil Fuels’ vigil we held outside parliament in … Read More

Soul stories: Barnabas Shin

03/06/2024 | Reform

Barnabas Shin on working through a crisis of faith

My journey of faith started when my sister led me, a five-year-old boy, to church. Although I was not born into a Christian family, I grew up in a faith community. … Read More