Summer 2026

VIEW FROM THE HEIGHTS               

Summer 2026

“This is a large work I’ve called you into, but don’t be overwhelmed by it. It’s best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance.”

Matthew 10: 42 TMSG

Greetings!

And Happy Summer!

This is an intense summer! Joy-filled celebrations of America’s 250^th (congratulations, USA!); football fever worldwide (well done, all players); and extreme heat in much of the Northern Hemisphere (must try harder, people!)

 The failure to take better care of our climate, in no way diminishes our other successes and celebrations. But we need to pay more attention to God’s good Earth.

And make sure that those most affected by climate change are provided for.

The Bible has its own climate heroes. When the last Ice Age came to an end (@10,000 BCE), the Black Sea and Mediterranean basins endured devastating floods. Men like Noah (most likely many like him) did what they could to protect animals and preserve biodiversity.

In a later era, Joseph stepped up to help Egypt when drought and famine threatened. He arranged for both long-term food storage and the construction of a large reservoir.

High Priest Simon the Just (219-196 BCE) likewise insured Jerusalem’s water supply by digging a cistern “like the sea in circumference” (Sirach 50: 3).

Scripture saints conserve at scale! Jesus also addressed food and water security, but his focus was local and personal. “Help trees survive”, he advised (Luke 13: 6-9).

And be ready to offer food and drink to those in need.

We must all do our bit to save and share and protect vital water resources. Jesus’ mandate to give a cup of water can mean digging a well, or eliminating pollutants, or suing polluters!

Sometimes, Jesus’ words mean no more and no less than what he first said:

 “Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty.”

During Bengt’s surprise (but not serious) visit to the English Accident & Emergency Dept.

we encountered enough kindness for many sermons. (Most of you have heard one already). Mattie, the autism support dog who was there with her human, was a focus of loving care. She licked every patient and every relative/friend in the waiting room.

No one there was going to do without her support!

And every waiting relative and friend returned the favour. Each of us made sure that Mattie’s water bowl was regularly filled with fresh water. Licking is thirsty work!

As is living. Yet, according to water.org, 2.1 billion people — 1 in 4 — lack access to safe water. This impacts the health and livelihood of more than one-third of our global population. The water charity reminds us that,

“Access to safe water can turn problems into potential —

 unlocking education, economic opportunity, and improved health.”

Clearly, our world needs more Josephs and Simons!

It is not in our personal remit to construct reservoirs, or artesian wells, or safe plumbing systems, but we can all contribute. Donating to a clean water project or lobbying against/ shopping against a water polluter support the distribution of “cool cups of water”.

Giving water to a thirsty animal, or a person stuck outside in the heat, or a tree whose roots are trapped by tarmacadam, are other ways to fulfill Jesus’ mandate.

When he said it, he meant it!

Wishing you a summer of relaxation, refreshment, and rehydration!

Blessings,

Brenda

September 2026

VIEW FROM THE HEIGHTS               

September 2026

“Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.”

Jeremiah 29: 7 NRSV

Greetings!

Community has been on my mind! This church, this locale, and the ethical remit: the shared responsibility for wellbeing in our own neighbourhoods.

Our church celebrates its 110^th anniversary this month, so CBC has been the focus of my attention. Joined by our neighbours, and by the concept of community care – thanks to a new book I’ve been reading. Spirit will use any means necessary to get us to think her way!

CBC is one of the places being considered for a nursery school relocation. The lead parent on this search brought along Nicholas Karinge from the Commission for Persons with Disabilities to check out the building. They were inspiring - envisioning how CBC could become a community centre for North Medford! From toddlers to elders, the arts to organic foods, we could be there for Fulton Heights.

Someone who has already started out on this endeavour is Justin Howard (“Jim’s Market”). He’s just completed improvements to  the corner between his place, Carr Park, and Winslow Avenue.  Next, he and others are arranging for an outdoor mural for our stained-glass / snow clearing friends at Burnham & LaRoche. Their building will finally reflect a little bit of Kevin and Annie’s own artistry. Justin has many more ideas and plans for our shared corner of Medford.

Improving the “welfare” of where we live and work is one way in which we can witness to God’s love for all people in all places. God even expected the Exiles in Babylon to do their bit.

Over our 110- year history, CBC has worked hard to be here for our neighbours. Founded on Easter 1916 to minister to this [religiously underserved] area, CBC has been committed to North Medford since its inception.  Ten years later, work began on the present building.  Community outreach programmes such as children’s groups, activities for seniors, and food assistance were integral to its mission.

 At times of crisis such as 9/11 and the assassination of President Kennedy, this church was present with comfort and assurance.   After the latter tragedy, deacon and veteran, Ambrose Powell provided hope with words first offered after President Lincoln’s murder. “God reigns, and the Government at Washington still lives.” 1

 BTW, members of the Powell family remain faithful church members, and Ambrose Jr. is a missionary in Venezuela.

Community is still active in the community. And now with new collabs. How brilliant is that!  According to John Kampfner (“Braver New World”), communities have the ability to solve problems that governments are poor at addressing. We have a better grasp of what is needed; can be flexible in scope and solutions; and don’t have to worry about the next election!2

As we mark our 110^th year up here in the Heights, let’s be more Community than ever!

Blessings,

Brenda

---

1 James A. Garfield, April 15^th, 1865

2 John Kampfner, “Braver New World - The Countries Daring to Do Things Others Won’t”,

London: Atlantic Books, 2026

A Letter from Baptist (& other) Brothers & Sisters in the UK to the new Prime Minister

Rt Hon Andy Burnham

MP Prime Minister

20 July 2026

Dear Prime Minister

Congratulations on your appointment. As the leaders of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches in Britain, we write to assure you of our prayers and those of our congregations as you take up your new role.

We also write to encourage you to lead a government of integrity that pursues justice and peace and seeks to serve the common good, and to offer you the partnership and support of our churches in that task.

You take up office at a time when there are many challenges facing government and many strains evident in local communities, from the cost of living to the impacts of global conflict. There is also an urgent need to restore faith in the ability of politics to meet these challenges. You know from your time as Mayor of Greater Manchester that churches – and other faith and civic groups – are willing and capable partners in much of this work.

As Church denominations, we share a vision of a society where the poorest and most marginalised are at the centre, where refugees are welcomed, where the environment is renewed, where a just economy enables the flourishing of all life, and where politics is characterised by listening, kindness and truthfulness, and of a world that actively works for peace. Where there is common ground around this agenda, we are committed to seeking a constructive relationship with your government which will help to enable those hopes to be fulfilled. To that end, we look forward to opportunities to meet with you and your team.

As we and our predecessors said when this government was first elected two years ago, we will pray for God’s blessing to be on all endeavours to seek peace, justice and the wellbeing of this nation – and where we can embody that blessing, we will.

Yours sincerely,

Revd Mark Slaney Caroline Stead

President of the Methodist Conference Vice-President of the Methodist Conference

Revd Neil Thorogood, Moderator of the Revd Lynn Green

United Reformed Church General Assembly  General Secretary, Baptist Union of Great Britain