Do stay for tea and coffee: ‘It’s language and ingredients are shrunk and packaged in a bit of cardboard’

27/11/2024 | Reform

Seven years ago I wrote a festive history book, Hark! The biography of Christmas. But festive celebrations have moved on in seven years. What traditions have evolved since? Here are 12 (the Christmassiest number) surprisingly modern customs that feel rather … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Advent Sunday speaks of flickering light in the darkness’

27/11/2024 | Reform

Sheila Maxey has Advent on her mind

I have been spending some time in the past. In my attic I discovered a slide show I prepared for my parents’ diamond wedding in 1985. 140 slides celebrating what we, as an … Read More

Soul stories: David Cornick

27/11/2024 | Reform

David Cornick is surrounded by God’s lessons

In her poem, ‘Thirst’, the American poet Mary Oliver talks to Jesus about her spiritual life as she walks towards a favourite pond, and glories in the ‘beautiful lessons’ with which God surrounds … Read More

Songs of Faith: Sam Goodman

27/11/2024 | Reform

Sam Goodman finds hymns easier than sermons

When is the best time to write a hymn? In the middle of the night? In hospital recovering from a stroke? Following a talk on mental health? When reflecting on the Lord’s Prayer? … Read More

Chapter & Verse: Luke 1:5-25

27/11/2024 | Reform

Silence is golden, says Leah Robberts-Mosser

The same angel that talks to Mary talks to Zachariah, who will be the father of John the Baptiser. Whereas Mary’s questions are met with answers, Zachariah’s are met with silence – his own. … Read More

Chapter & Verse: Matthew 11:29

27/11/2024 | Reform

Carole Marsden’s lessons from the field

Life is full of learning. We learn every day, deepening and broadening knowledge already known or something brand new, surprising or sought out.

The internet can provide you with tools to find out whether … Read More