March 2025

“You are the salt of the earth…. You are the light of the world.”

Jesus

Greetings,

Happy March! Happy Lent! Happy spring!

This is the season of renewal and revival. A time when resurrections happen -

in our gardens, in our faith story, and deep in our souls.

Every Lent, I read a book that focuses on this sacred time. This year, I chose “Wild Bright Hope”. i Although Lent does not begin until March 5th, I couldn’t resist getting a headstart on my studies!

My skimming has revealed that 70% of Christians are from Global Majority Heritage backgrounds. I LOVE that! Coming from a former colonial power, I am overwhelmingly grateful that God, through Jesus, has mitigated the evils of empire.

My second pre-Lent browse took me to a chapter on hope in politics. It was longer and more hope filled than I had imagined! And includes a verse from the hymn, “We Seek Your Kingdom,” a song about God’s vision of peace, love, and justice for all people in all places. (Lyrics included in this newsletter.)

The hymn is deeply moving and inspired me to look deeper into its origins and meaning. My “Google” search took me to a church in East Londonii and a Christian organization that was founded by the great evangelical leader, John Stott.iii When I was in nursing school, I attended his services at All Soul’s Church. (For those of you familiar with London, it’s just behind the big shops on Oxford St.)

The LICC website includes this quote from Pastor Stott.

“If the house is dark at night, there is no sense in blaming the house.

The question to ask is, ’Where is the light?’

If the meat goes bad, there is no sense in blaming the meat.

The question to ask is, ’Where is the salt?’

If society becomes corrupt there is no sense in blaming society for its corruption.

The question to ask is, ‘Where is the Church?’

‘Where is the salt and the light of Jesus?’”

My Lenten preview has taken me all the way back to Sundays in nursing school. And carried me forward to a vision of how you and I – the Church and CBC – can make God’s Kingdom a reality.

The Spirit’s a clever old thing, isn’t she?!

Wishing you a Lent of salinification and illumination!

Deepest blessings,

Brenda

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i “Wild Bright Hope”, SPCK 2024

ii St. John’s, Hoxton stjohnshoxton.org.uk

iii London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, licc.org.uk

February 2025

Greetings,

and Happy Late Winter!

In this morning’s “Guardian” newspaper, Emma Beddington lamented that it was the “95th day of January”!i

She is proposing to survive until spring by NOT following typical winter wellbeing advice such as eating healthily and getting outdoor exercise. Beddington’s “wellness-free tips” include eating chocolate, and wrapping up in a cosy cape whenever she steps outside. She refers to this item of apparel as “the cape of good hope”.

Many of us can relate. On cold winter days, snuggling under blankets or warm clothing has a lot of appeal. Fortunately, by the time you read this newsletter, February will be on the doorstep. Meteorologically, we will be in “late winter.” Spring is almost here!

The columnist’s suggestions did, however, get me thinking about spiritual “cosiness.” Pastors and spirituality professionals lean towards the brisk and the bracing. We tend to act more like sport coaches than supportive companions. My school hockey mistress comes into mind more than my Nan when I’m preaching!

Being spiritually fit is a good thing. Running straight races an apt metaphor for the faith journey. But Jesus also invited us to rest, to lift lighter weights, to choose the comfortable over the challenging, when we can. February is the perfect month to follow this advice.

Treat yourself to some delicious bread and reflect on Jesus nourishing your soul. (How is he your butter? And your jam?) Curl up with a heartwarming book or film. C. S. Lewis’ “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” is good reading and good viewing. Or anything by the late Tony Campolo. A Baptist minister who throws a surprise birthday party for a prostitute will brighten up the darkest winter day!ii

Spring is close by. Lent and Easter will soon be upon us. Take this opportunity to enjoy some late winter cosiness. Wrap yourself up in God’s love – it’s like a vegan puffer for our souls! And don’t forget Jesus’ fresh bread.

“Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me.

I’ll show you how to take a real rest.

I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.

Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”iii

Sending you warm and cosy blessings,

Brenda

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i Emma Beddington, “Somehow it is still January. Here are my nine wellness-free survival tips”, The Guardian, 20/1/2025

ii Tony Campolo, “The Kingdom of God is a Party”, Thomas Nelson, 1990

iii From Matthew 11: 28-30 The Message

Christmas 2024 / New Year 2025

We have been given a son who will be our ruler.

His names will be Wonderful Advisor and Mighty God,

Eternal Father and Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 CEV

Greetings of the Season to you!

On Christmas Eve 1914, an army of young men and boys climbed up, reached out, and made friends with the soldiers in the “enemy” trenches. PEACE NEARLY BROKE OUT! Till the High Commands on both sides put a stop to it.

Some 2,000 years earlier, a baby was born to permanently end violence and hatred, injustice and oppression. His mission – chosen before conception - was to bring peace and love to our world. The Royal and Imperial High Commands went to terrible lengths to stop him.

And so it has always been. The kind, the compassionate, the carers of the young, and the soldiers old before their time (soon to be dead before time), reach out in pursuit of peace and harmony. For their family, their village, their nation.

Those who follow stars and find God, become activists on behalf of the cosmos or, simply, the Creator. They press on despite multiple “High Commands” which attempt to halt their endeavours.

Thankfully for us, Jesus outranks the lot! And his only command is to love!

Love one another regardless of class or culture, territory owned, or visa held.

Love ourselves regardless of faults, foibles, and faith fails.

Love our planet – because why wouldn’t we?

May your Christmas and New Year be blessed with peace, and love, and joy!

Brenda