Recently two related memoirs have come into my hands within a short space of time. The first, Heaven is For Real I picked up from a secondhand book sale at a local Warwickshire Open Gardens event. The second, I bought at a writing conference in the Hayes Centre, Swanwick, just this weekend (3-5 June 2022).Continue reading “Book Reviews: ‘Heaven is For Real’ by Todd Burpo and ‘Eye Can Write’ by Jonathan Bryan”
Tag Archives: Jesus
The Tube Station – Fresh and Imaginative Worship Space above the Surfing Beach at Polzeath, Cornwall
I’ve just visited this creative worship space in Polzeath and was delighted with the vibrant atmosphere and décor. Working in partnership with the Methodist Church, the Tube Station has a café, an indoor skate ramp, an art gallery, a chill-out space for surfers and all beach-users, a worship venue, and much more. When I visitedContinue reading “The Tube Station – Fresh and Imaginative Worship Space above the Surfing Beach at Polzeath, Cornwall”
Book Review: “Paul: a Biography” by Tom Wright
This is a thorough, vivid and enlightening book about Paul the Apostle, otherwise known as St Paul. Tom Wright opens up for us the amazing personality of Paul: formidable, intellectual, resilient, passionate, determined, lyrical, energetic and utterly committed – a former Pharisee and a zealous Jew. At the age of 23, Paul had his revelationContinue reading “Book Review: “Paul: a Biography” by Tom Wright”
Insights From the Silence
Have you ever seen the episode of the TV comedy drama series Rev when our main character, Rev. Adam Smallbone, goes on retreat? Adam, played by Tom Hollander, is in the austere setting of a convent, and returns to his room when suddenly Roland, the media vicar, played by Hugh Bonneville, appears at the window, cryingContinue reading “Insights From the Silence”
Reflection Upon The Nativity film 2010
I recently watched again “The Nativity”, the TV mini series first broadcast by the BBC at Christmas 2010 but this time I watched the entire film on DVD. I remember the series had a strong impression on me when I first viewed it and we could hardly wait for each new episode. Seeing it asContinue reading “Reflection Upon The Nativity film 2010”
Goodness, Kindness and Love Amidst Tragedy: Let Your Light Shine in the World
From out of the mouths of children… Last week I took part in “Experience Church”, a special event for children in St Mark’s Church, Leamington Spa. The event was organised by Ros Davies our lovely and energetic Children and Family Worker. 130 Brownies and Guides toured four “stations” in our church, in groups ofContinue reading “Goodness, Kindness and Love Amidst Tragedy: Let Your Light Shine in the World”
Reflections on Crime, Wickedness, and Redemption from the Crime Museum Uncovered, Museum of London
On Thursday 31st March 2016 I read many stories at the Crime Museum Uncovered, an enthralling exhibition currently showing at the Museum of London, London Wall. Crime cases from Victorian times to 1975, solved by the Metropolitan Police. Most of the criminals were hanged; some were miscarriages of justice; vulnerable people, who today would haveContinue reading “Reflections on Crime, Wickedness, and Redemption from the Crime Museum Uncovered, Museum of London”
Refugee Family Saved by the Gold of the Magi
At a recent carol service at St Mark’s Church Leamington Spa the Bishop of Coventry spoke to us about refugee families. Referring to the current crisis across Europe he drew a parallel between these refugees and the family of Jesus. Jesus was born into poverty in an occupied nation in a region in conflict – then,Continue reading “Refugee Family Saved by the Gold of the Magi”
Philosopher Tramps, Fall-Guys and Authority Figures in BBC 2 Sitcom ‘Rev’
I’ve loved many TV sitcoms over the years and have attended sitcom writing workshops when I aspired to write sitcoms myself. I think it’s true to say that a few sitcom characters have influenced my own fiction. My current favourite is Rev (BBC 2 Monday 10pm). Our family has watched every episode of the 2 previousContinue reading “Philosopher Tramps, Fall-Guys and Authority Figures in BBC 2 Sitcom ‘Rev’”
A Review of JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy
I’m a great admirer of JK Rowling both as an author, and on a personal level. So when I knew she’d published her first adult novel, I was keen to read it. When I began to read The Casual Vacancy several months ago, I found it a struggle to get through the unrelenting nastiness ofContinue reading “A Review of JK Rowling’s The Casual Vacancy”
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