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Let hope rise again
Yes, the first half of this pandemic has been extremely challenging on so many levels, but the time is now to dust ourselves down, refocus and be prepared to go again. My wife Anne supports Liverpool and went to the 2005 Champions League Final against AC Milan in Istanbul. At half-time her team was…
Gavin Calver
Oh come, let's sing to the Lord
The Lord Himself expresses delight over His people in song (Zephaniah 3:17) and Jesus sang hymns with His disciples (Matthew 26:30). The whole of creation bursts forth in song to the glory of God, from the mountains, fields and trees on the earth (Isaiah 55:12; Psalm 65:13; 1 Chronicles 16:33) to…
Dr Rebecca Uberoi
"Even when I don't see it, you're working"
The many expressions of compassion and resilience during this year speak of the wonder of God’s image being reflected in humanity, despite all its flaws and brokenness. It speaks of God at work, often unnoticed and hidden. I’m reminded of a line from the worship song Waymaker (Michael W. Smith):…
Stories of Hope in a year of challenge
Stories of Hope is just a snapshot of the abundant outpouring of love and compassion by the church in this season. We’ve gathered a few stories that tell of the hope Jesus has brought, both practically and spiritually, to so many this year. Even in the most difficult of times there is still much to…
NOW CLOSED: Review of gambling laws announced
The Act covers a wide range of policies, with regulations on casinos, gaming machines, advertising and more, but understandably fails to factor in the technological advances that have taken place in the last decade. In 2005 no one could predict the prevalence of social media and smartphones, which…
Prince of peace / Tywysog heddwch
As I open another Christmas card reminding me of the verses in Isaiah 9, I stop to consider whether Jesus has been my prince of peace during this tumultuous year. Have these verses just become familiar verses or a nice song from Handel’s Messiah? In this year of turbulence, what has the prince of…
Siân Edwards
When you feed the least of these, you feed me
Christmas is acknowledged worldwide, and everything points to a positive, happy time – a season to look forward to. It’s not surprising then that most people associate Christmas with family, friends, exchanging gifts and enjoying a festive meal together. But, for some people, this is not the…
Tinuke Akinbulumo
Boundless and unlimited
Lockdown has shown me that our vision to be whole-life disciples has never been more important, and that church, discipleship and worship must be able to continue from home. It’s been challenging at times, and this whole experience has reminded me that we’re made to be in community; we need those…
Rachel Cooney
Worshipping creatively in a pandemic
Bible journaling has helped me worship. Writing creatively, as I feed on God’s word, helps focus my mind in this pandemic. For me, worship is about getting to know and love God, conversing with Him, and lifestyle, as much as it’s about singing with others when at church. What are your thoughts on…
Helen Locke
January 2021 churches update
In response to rising coronavirus case numbers and pressure on hospitals as more people need treatment than at any time during spring 2020, the governments of the UK have announced further measures to limit the spread of the virus. Unlike in 2020 the measures affect churches differently in…
To meet or not to meet?
Churches across the UK have done an incredible job serving their communities during this pandemic. The church has not, and is not, closed. Indeed, many have found creative ways to continue regular public worship, to love our neighbours and to obey the governing authorities. Whilst the rules are…
Danny Webster
Church and the new lockdown: Evangelical Alliance Scotland response
Our gathering demonstrates our love for one another and opens a window on the new reality of the kingdom of God. We pray and share sacraments together and we remember the Lord together. The gathering of believers is not just about the growth of our faith but also about spiritual and emotional…
We go again: why persevering in mission still matters in this season
With the infection rate still high and many families struggling to educate and even feed their children, the feeling across the country at the moment is one of struggle and lament. This week we wade through ‘Blue Monday’, the so-called most depressing day of the year. Christmas cheer is fast…
Phil Knox
Open Doors UK World Watch List 2021: a proactive and prayerful response
Some of the facts revealed in this year’s report This year, for the first time ever, all top 50 countries score levels of at least very high persecution, while the top 12 score extreme levels of persecution;there was a 60 per cent increase over the previous year in the number of Christians killed…
Jo Evans
Respond to the Government’s consultation on early medical abortion
Last March, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary legislation was introduced to allow abortions to take place at home. Early medical abortion (EMA) consists of the administration of two sets of pills within the first 10 weeks of gestation. The first medication (Mifepristone) prevents…
