Archive for category: Guest Content

As we’ve lived through this coronavirus pandemic, with all its stresses, strains and losses, we so much need hope and encouragement. I was reminded recently of a poem by Christian writer, theologian and writer, CS Lewis, called, “What the Bird Said Early in the Year.” Thought I’d share it with you. We’ve come to the anniversary of lockdown, but this year will be different…..

“I heard in Addison’s Walk a bird sing clear:
This year the summer will come true. This year. This year.

Winds will not strip the blossom from the apple trees
This year, nor want of rain destroy the peas.

This year time’s nature will no more defeat you,
Nor all the promised moments in their passing cheat you.

This time they will not lead you round and back
To Autumn, one year older, by the well-worn track.

This year, this year, as all these flowers foretell,
We shall escape the circle and undo the spell.

Often deceived, yet open once again your heart,
Quick, quick, quick, quick!—the gates are drawn apart.”

You can see this poem on the wall of Addison’s Walk in Magdalen College, Oxford, where CS Lewis, JRR Tolkien and Hugo Dyson walked. Enjoy and savour the hope!!

Many thanks to everyone for the marvellous service today.

During the worship I was reminded of Jesus walking on the water during the storm when the wind was raging. He came to the disciples, got into the boat and then the wind died down.

I wanted to share this with you because I think He wants to remind us that He is with us all the time and when our ‘boat’ is being buffeted in the wind we need to invite Him in. Then we will know the ‘shalom’ that Guy spoke of this morning.

May we all know His peace which passes all understanding.

Fran

Our friends Dave and Jess had their first baby back in mid March by emergency c-section as showing signs of distress. She was only 6lbs when born and had to stay in hospital as she had an infection. Finally allowed home but needed to be constantly ‘watched’ as they had discovered she had two holes in her heart. She went back in a couple of weeks later as poorly again but allowed out a week later. Just heard she is back in hospital again ‘very sick and rapid breathing’. Jess comes from N Ireland where all her family are so has few friends here, none of whom can visit of course because of covid. Please pray for Maisie and her parents. Such a hard thing to go through at any time but without the support of friends and family must be so hard.
Thank you
Brenda and Adrain

Many will remember Lorely who for years looked after the FV accounts and who moved to Lymington.

She has suffered from asthma for many years and it has been restricting her life. We phoned her a few days ago and as she mentioned the asthma we prayed for her. She phoned four days later to say that she is breathing better than she has for years. She mowed her lawn for first time in years then mowed her neighbours right afterwards! She said that she purposely walked up a hill which she could not do before. She has stopped taking medication and said “It’s life changing!”

Thank you Jesus for your resurrection power!

Fran and Chris

Our youngest daughter works in Intensive Care at Charing Cross Hospital. In the week, she sent us this moving video – the lyrics of ‘Amazing Grace’ wafting out from the hospital across neighbouring streets. Watch the people stopping to listen and see if you can spot what looks like a dove or an angel among the clouds as the camera pans upwards. Hope you’ll enjoy this as we did.