Author: David

Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. Howard Thurman quoted by Gil Balie, ‘In Gratitude’ 1994 The starting point for many church strategic planning exercises is to ask ‘what does the community need?’ and then, having discerned […]

Wisdom from Jesus on dealing wth life’s challenges Wouldn’t it be nice if life could be always easy and smooth, free of pain and struggle, no trials and tribulations? Wouldn’t it be nice if life could be always warm and pleasant, free of unkind words and confronting images, no nastiness or cruelty? Wouldn’t it be nice if […]

Strategies for coping with lockdown “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given […]

A contemplative reflection based on John 15:1-11 In times of struggle, times of transition, times of change, times of grief or loss – so many regular life experiences – it is good to know we can lean on, or ‘lean into’ a community of support: one or more people who care for us can be […]

A reflection for ANZAC Day at  he Avenue Church of Christ, 25th April 2021 The conjunction in 2021 of ANZAC Day and the fourth Sunday in Easter, with its ‘Good Shepherd’ theme (arising from the lectionary gospel reading, John 10:11-18 which tells of the good shepherd who lays down his life for the sheep), seems to mandate […]