Category: Spirituality

The work of Christmas begins – An Epiphany reflection

A REFLECTION on the story of the magi travelling to find Jesus in Bethlehem [Matthew 2:1-12] and the poem The Work Of Christmas by Howard Thurman.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2024/01/07/the-work-of-christmas-begins-an-epiphany-reflection/

John the Baptist: Opening an Advent window on the bigger picture of the Christmas story

THE CHRISTMAS STORY is a jigsaw, which we have pieced together from the four gospels. The pieces include: a star, a manger, shepherds, and wise people from the east. But the story of a man in the desert baptizing people doesn’t seem to fit the puzzle. Does it even belong in our picture of Christmas?

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/12/14/john-the-baptist-opening-an-advent-window-on-the-bigger-picture-of-the-christmas-story/

My Christian journey – A testimonal for ministry training

IN MAY 2023 I began the process of applying to begin training as a Methodist minister in 2024. This is the testimonial I wrote for a portfolio as part of my application.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/11/24/my-christian-journey-a-testimonal-for-ministry-training/

Finding your burning desire: Inspired by the call of Moses

THE REVELATION of God’s name and the call of Moses [3:1-15, 4:1-5], is an example of how, just when we think we have God figured out, God can overturn our expectations once again.

In Moses, God takes an inarticulate, excuse-riddled murderer and turns him into one of the greatest leaders of the Hebrew people, who becomes a prophet in Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and other faith traditions.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/11/11/finding-your-burning-desire-inspired-by-the-call-of-moses/

Let justice and peace flow – A Creationtide reflection

SEPTEMBER is the Season of Creation. It’s a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation, through celebration, prayer and action, together with the whole human family, for the good of our common home.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/09/10/let-justice-and-peace-flow-a-creationtide-reflection/

Surprising outcasts – Joseph and the Canaanite woman

IN 2021, a Black woman became the President of the Methodist Church In Britain for the first time. In her presidential address at Conference, Revd Sonia Hicks told the story of her Aunt Lize, a life-long Methodist who came from Jamaica to the UK. On her first Sunday in this country, Lize attended the local Methodist church but, although she brought her membership ticket, the minister turned her away.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/08/20/surprising-outcasts-joseph-and-the-canaanite-woman/

10 years of same-sex marriage in England & Wales – BBC Radio Merseyside interview

TEN YEARS AGO today the Houses of Parliament passed legislation to allow same-sex marriage in England and Wales. To mark the anniversary, BBC Radio Merseyside host Paul Salt interview me and my husband Warren, as we were the first couple to register a civil partnership in a place of worship in the UK.

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/07/17/10-years-of-same-sex-marriage-in-england-wales-bbc-radio-merseyside-interview/

Giving thanks for this phenomenal journey

AT THE ANNUAL MEETING this weekend of the parish where the first Open Table community began, I spoke about my journey with this community over the last 15 years, and the new stage I am now entering, which would not have happened without their support. This is what I shared: This church has been my …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/04/30/giving-thanks-for-this-phenomenal-journey/

When the stranger becomes the host – On the road to Emmaus

THE COMMUNITY in which I joined the Methodist Church last year hosts a short telephone service on Sunday afternoons – like a Christian conference call! Today I was invited to offer a five-minute reflection on the Gospel reading of the day [Luke 24.13–35 – The road to Emmaus]. My reflection was inspired by Jesus the Forgiving Victim: …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/04/23/when-the-stranger-becomes-the-host-on-the-road-to-emmaus/

A face for radio

On Sunday 2nd April I spoke to Paul Beesley at BBC Radio Merseyside about my journey, from London to Liverpool, in and out of Christianity and back again, coming out as gay and Christian, and the growth of the Open Table Network from one community in Liverpool 15 years ago to more than 30 across England and Wales today. LISTEN HERE [27 …

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Permanent link to this article: https://abravefaith.com/2023/04/06/a-face-for-radio/

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