On Saturday 19th September 2026, I had the privilege of being licensed as a Lay Reader, alongside six other Readers, at Lichfield Cathedral — a truly special moment in a truly remarkable place. The service, A Celebration of Reader Ministry with the Admission of New Readers, was led by Bishop Michael, who is retiring this month, and it was an honour to be part of one of his final services. Standing in that magnificent cathedral, surrounded by a full congregation, the sense of history, calling, and shared ministry was almost overwhelming. It was a day filled with gratitude, encouragement, and a deep awareness of God’s presence. Being called by God means following Christ — walking gently, serving faithfully, and learning as we go. I’ve been nurtured along the way by my church family, for which I am very thankful. But nothing about this journey has been simple. I was reminded of that during a special benefice service at St Luke’s, Hodnet, where the theme was living in the present, and I was interviewed about my path towards licensing. We talked about my first year at Queen’s College — the academic assignments, the discernment interviews, the preaching assessment — all of it stretching, searching, and shaping. Each part of the process has been demanding, yet all of it has drawn me deeper into discipleship and into the calling to share the Good News. In all the excitement of preparing and writing the assignments, I’ve noticed God’s presence most clearly when I stop striving to ‘get everything right’. ‘Present to the learning, present to the people around me, present to the moment itself. Trying to get a good grade is part of the goal, but being present is far more important. It allows me to grow spiritually, and it keeps me grounded alongside my fellow Readers who are on the same journey and facing the same challenges. Studying part‑time while working full‑time, and serving as a Church Warden, can sometimes feel overwhelming and unmanageable. But I know none of this would be possible without the presence of God — guiding decisions, steadying me through deadlines, and giving strength when it was most needed. Even the 6,000‑word assignment that had to be submitted before a holiday in Norfolk became a reminder that anything is possible with God. And yes — the assignment has been marked and passed! I’m learning that challenges — the interruptions, the unexpected needs, the moments that pull me away from my plans — are often where real ministry begins. Of course, none of this would be possible without making time for God in my life. Prayer is an important part of my training and daily village life. Finding time to pray — offering even a few quiet moments back to God — helps me stay centred amid the busyness and responsibilities that fill each day. I’m learning that prayer doesn’t always need to be long or elaborate; often it is simply the act of pausing, breathing, and acknowledging God’s presence in whatever moment I find myself. I open the church every day at 7.00am before I go to work. This provides a moment to be present with God in the silence of the church, praying and reflecting on the day ahead, asking for God’s guidance. Prayer has become a steadying practice — a way of reconnecting with the deeper purpose behind my training and the ministry I’m growing into. It offers a space where I can take a breath, lay down the pressure to manage everything, and trust that God is already at work in the people I meet and the situations I face. Living in the present means walking closely with God, who meets us with comfort and unbounding love as we face the pressures and responsibilities of daily life and ministry. Denzal Evans Lay Reader
The present moment is all that we have. Yet, many of us, me included, can find it incredibly difficult to live fully in the present. The past can be an idealised escape from the challenges that need to be faced now.Living too much in the future is another challenge for us, especially if we know that we will be moving on. To a new school, job or getting married. In July we had our leavers retreat days at St Peter's Church.80 children came to us over two days, from five local schools. They reflected on pictures from Peter, one of Jesus disciples and did various crafts, greatly enjoying the present moment. If we just mark time in our present employment or situation, we risk throwing away large periods of our lives. We are not living fully at all, but existing where we are while our hearts lie elsewhere.In prayer if parts of our concerns and interest are in one place and parts in another it will be difficult to open ourselves to God in the stillness. We need to be in the present moment so that we can meet God there. This way leads to action, reaching out to our neighbours in need with great love.Over the holidays our children or grandchildren will be riding their bikes, playing football, making crafts and playing with friends. Children do things because it is fun, not because it will pave the way to a successful career.Children have the ability to be absorbed in the present moment and have much to teach us about the gift of the present moment.Peter the disciple of Jesus says, “Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or place to stay.” (1 Peter 4:7-8)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7After the Festivals of Ascension Day, Pentecost, and our Benefice Service on Trinity Sunday –– June seems a rather quiet month. As the weather, hopefully, becomes warmer, our thoughts may turn to summer holidays. However, in these uncertain times many people are anxious about the future – energy costs, possible shortages and increasing prices in the shops. It’s a time, too, when children and young people often face exams with the prospect of moving on to other schools, college, university or the workplace. The idea of change can feel exciting - but it can also feel daunting and unsettling. When change happens around us, when we are confronted with the suffering caused by war and injustice in our world, we can feel powerless to bring about the change we desire. It’s at such times that, instead of being overwhelmed by anxiety, we can turn to prayer. Through prayer, we can find peace in the midst of our concerns. Prayer has power to change things – to change us - and to bring renewed hope. Bishop Tim of Wolverhampton ended his Pastoral Letter for May with these words: “So let us not be overwhelmed by the times. Let us be found in the upper room: prayerful, united, and expectant. The same Lord who ascended still reigns, and the same Spirit who came at Pentecost still empowers the Church.”On Saturday 6th June, 10am – 4pm, we shall be holding a Day of Prayer, at St Swithun’s, Cheswardine. As a Benefice, since our last day of prayer, we have experienced change, particularly through the departure of Rev Becky. As we did last year, we shall be praying for younger generations as well as for the appointment of our new Team Rector and looking ahead to recruiting a Team Vicar and Families Worker.Those people who became followers of Christ at Pentecost continued to meet together to pray. May we be encouraged to follow their example; to pray expectantly, guided by the Holy Spirit and trusting in our loving God who still hears and answers our prayers. Rev Chris Simpson
Daffodils and hyacinths are blooming in my garden –signs of spring - the hope of new life. but the weather has turned colder, and the sky today is dark and stormy. The stormy weather is mirrored in the events unfolding in our world. The conflict in the Middle East is volatile and unpredictable. At times like this, it is only natural to experience some measure of fear and anxiety. At the beginning of April we shall celebrate the great Christian feast of Easter. Once more, in our churches we shall hear the words “Alleluia! Christ is risen! – “He is risen indeed, Alleluia”. For many people the idea of Jesus’ resurrection is just a myth. Others may see it as a historical event, with little relevance to their own lives. Yet Jesus’ resurrection is the very core of our Christian faith. St Paul writes, “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is our faith” 1 Corinthians 15:16,17. Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates God’s power - the power of love - over sin, evil and death. When the disciples saw the risen Christ, their despair gave way to hope and joy. Christ’s resurrection gives us HOPE – our God who raised Jesus from the dead is a God of miracles who can transform our lives through his Spirit within us and give us peace in the midst of the storms around us. One day, God promises to make all things new. Until then we who know the hope of Resurrection are called to offer that hope to those around us; to help to shine the light of God’s love into the darkness and pain of our world. Because Christ is risen, we can enjoy a relationship with our God that continues on into eternity. Christ’s resurrection is something to celebrate, not just on Easter Day, but every day. Desmond Tutu summed up what it means for us and for our world in these words. “Goodness is stronger than evil. Love is stronger than hate. Light is stronger than darkness. Life is stronger than death. Victory is ours through him who loves us.” May you experience anew the hope, joy and wonder of Christ’s resurrection this Easter time. Rev Chris Simpson
When I look out of the window, I see trees bare and waiting to bud into life. On a walk I came across a group of snowdrops, the first sign of the coming of spring and daffodils displayed in coats of yellow. Each bringing hope of new life springing up. March also takes us into the second Sunday of lent, then onto Mother’s Day, Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy week, leading up to Good Friday and Christ’s death on the cross. Nothing that happens in this world is in vain if we entrust the situations to God. Some of the most valuable lessons that I have learned in life have been through times of suffering and anguish. Our lent Groups this year will be exploring the Feminine Face of God. Contrasting the Roman empire with God’s empire: Violent versus nonviolent Domination versus service and liberation Love of power versus the power of love. “Jesus told her” I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this Martha?” John 11:25,26 Jesus asks us the same question. We have a God who cares. Jesus has power over life and death, as well as power to forgive sins. Because Jesus died on the cross and rose again, all who put their hope and trust in him are promised forgiveness, a new beginning and the promise of life everlasting. As we move towards Holy Week ending on Easter Day let us embrace compassion, inclusivity, justice for the outcast, and unconditional love, to ourselves and to those that we meet each day. Rev Chris Alexander
As I write this, we are a couple of weeks into the New Year. The decorations are down and despite some cold, snowy weather we are in what we might think of as a more normal time of year. Of course, it is not normal for some for whom life is always a struggle and indeed our world seems to be in a perpetual struggle with big nations throwing their weight around as of the only rule is ‘might is right’. As we, maybe, recover from the events of Christmas and New Year, this can be a time to look at our own lives and activities remembering the central message of the season we have just left and of Lent that begins in mid-February – seeing the presence of Jesus Christ active in our world and if we open ourselves to him, in our daily lives. Following him doesn’t mean we avoid the problems of life but, rather, we have a promise that we don’t need to face them alone. As we look at the needs of others we can glibly say ‘I’ll pray for you’, maybe we should ask ourselves how we can be part of the solution to our own and others’ issues and allow ourselves to be part of God’s flow of love and care in his world.Rather belatedly now, but I still wish you all a happy and peaceful 2026. Marcus Griffiths