Richardl

LATEST ARTICLES ( 623 )

• New Broom

  

  In the three weeks since I started in my new role at Newbury Baptist Church, there have been a number of small, visual changes. Two old hymn boards, no longer... Read more

  Posted on 18 September 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Not a Cheap Imitation

  

  Hand-craftedMost readers of this blog will know that I have recently moved. Within the last two months I have packed and unpacked well in excess of 100 boxes. Read more

  Posted on 06 September 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• A Harvest of Stars

  

  The growth of an ideaToday marks the beginning of a new chapter in my life as a minister. This morning I shall sit down at a new desk in a new church,... Read more

  Posted on 01 September 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Spring Harvest in Wales

  

  … not that oneJust before my new ministry at Newbury Baptist Church begins, I have been spending a few days in the Black Mountains, outside Abergavenny. It is... Read more

  Posted on 30 August 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Not to Be Sniffed at

  

  A review of Autumn , by Melissa HarrisonLike the editor of his book, I have always loved Autumn. Justin Hayward’s mournful song was often on my teenage playlist... Read more

  Posted on 26 August 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Of Hearts and Oceans

  

  A review of Open Hearts by Kate BullWhy would you read a book about surgery for congenital heart defects in children? The short answer to that question is... Read more

  Posted on 19 August 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• On All Fors

  

  A recurring themeThose of you who call into this blog regularly will recognise the image below. When I closed my office door in Teddington Baptist Church for th... Read more

  Posted on 14 August 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Newbury Calling

  

  The shock of the newThe last time I posted on here it was on the eve of my final sermon in a church where I had served as Minister for 19 years. The service... Read more

  Posted on 06 August 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Last Words?

  

  A sermon to summariseWhen I am training first time preachers, one of the issues with which we have to contend is eagerness. In itself, of course  – it is an... Read more

  Posted on 16 July 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Curiosity is Not Enough

  

  Lessons from ThomasOver the years that I have been a Christian, the disciple Thomas has been subject to an almost total re-imagination. Times without number, I... Read more

  Posted on 10 July 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Better Than Bananas

  

  Written on the heartYears ago, I heard a sermon on building the church entitled ‘building with bananas’. The preacher’s contention was that building the church... Read more

  Posted on 04 July 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• After Brexit

  

  Citizens of another kingdomAs pastor I need to preach to and care for remainers and leavers; the delighted and the disappointed. Read more

  Posted on 26 June 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• What Shoes to Wear?

  

  Soles for soulsI have just been preparing my latest session for the preaching module in the Equipped to Minister course at Spurgeon’s College. Read more

  Posted on 19 June 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Creative Subversion

  

  A look at Jacob Frey’s ‘The Present’When I was researching my little book on Jonah, one of the most memorable descriptions of it was by Professor Yvonne... Read more

  Posted on 18 June 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Rip

  

  Grateful for the braveWe often talk about the brave as those who bear arms on others’ behalf,  who enter a burning building to save others, or who fight some... Read more

  Posted on 16 June 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Of Moses and Matt

  

  Moses’ commencement speech Deuteronomy 4 v.25 – 31 If Moses had known the hymn “Abide with me”  he would have been humming it to himself a little sadly just now. Read more

  Posted on 15 June 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• A Flag by Another Name

  

  Made of different clothFlags will be flying high in London and across the United Kingdom this weekend. Many will fly them to mark the birthday of a monarch who... Read more

  Posted on 10 June 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• What Does the Fox Say?

  

  A review of Foxes unearthed by Lucy JonesIf you are looking for the answer to Ylvis’ question, then this book is definitely not the place to look – since it is ... Read more

  Posted on 06 June 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• Lean on Me

  

  Every lectern tells a storyAs a preacher, a lectern or pulpit becomes like a familiar friend.  It represents the place where you exercise your gifts and... Read more

  Posted on 05 June 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY

• DIY Blessings

  

  Tapping a source of goodnessYesterday evening I was continuing a series on the promises which provide the foundation for our Christian lives. Last night’s was... Read more

  Posted on 30 May 2016 RELIGION, SPIRITUALITY