A Letter From Our Vicar

Dear All, Easter is just behind us, the wonderful celebration of new life that comes from the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.  What had been dark and distressing and hopeless became by that event the grounds of hope for … Read More

Right at the end of this month, we will celebrate the great Christian festival of Easter. Leading up to it, by way of preparation, is the season of Lent – so named because the days are ‘lengthening’. I view Lent … Read More

I was reminded the other day of a distinction that I had forgotten. It is the distinction between shame cultures and guilt cultures. Shame cultures concentrate on what other people think about you, so loss of face or embarrassment are … Read More

So a new year starts, and how quickly it seems to come round! We look back on 2023 and try to take stock. We also look forward to 2024 and what it may bring. For each of us, the past … Read More

When war rages in many parts of the world, not least in Gaza, Ukraine, Myanmar and in many parts of Africa, it may sound naive or over-optimistic to recall us to the truth of Christmas – of Jesus as the … Read More

November is the month, above all, for remembering. Early in the month, for All Saints Day, we remember those who have died. A little later in the month, on Remembrance Sunday, there is the recording of the fallen in war, … Read More

I’m frequently told what a lovely place Preston is to live in. There are its many excellent amenities, like the pub, the cricket club, and the primary school which I have the pleasure of going to every week to lead … Read More

September is the month of new starts – back to school for children, back to work for many who have been on holiday, whether at home or abroad. The new start – what a great idea it is: to think not just of life as the … Read More

It is wonderful to think of the summer stretching out ahead of us – time going perhaps a little more slowly and spaciously, school holidays giving children a break from their studies, the Proms season once more upon us, and … Read More

Being a vicar gives me a privileged window on life in our villages. For example, I see babies born and then baptised, which is a real joy. I see children grow up and leave their primary school. Couples come to … Read More