I hope the new year has begun well for you all. I have had a rich and varied week in the parish. It began well with a wonderful service for Epiphany on the 4th. Our wise men arrived at the church door having travelled around the parish for 10 days! (If you’re not sure what I’m going on about, check my facebook page). Alexandra preached about what it is that we can give to God in this new year. It might be time, talents, prayers, etc. As we journey into this new year I am hoping to have conversations with most of the church about what it is we can give, and just as importantly, what it is we need to receive, so that we can grow into the people God wants us to be.

Tuesday involved an encouraging discussion with a mum about her daughter’s baptism this month. It was great to share the words in the service and talk about what they mean for all of us. Later that day I went to visit Mr Dawkins who is currently unwell and in Cheltenham Hospital. It was a privilege to talk and pray with him and I’m sure you join me in praying for his swift recovery.

Wednesday was more of a church-based day, although I also got into the school to listen to our amazing story teller and then chat with staff about worship, assemblies and the term ahead. In church we had Alistair and Alice with English Corner followed by Rosie and those coming for Art4Life. The move to using the balcony space for the art class was generally well received as it provided more space, light and warmth. The Wednesday Welcome was a good time and most of those who came got stuck into packing away our Christmas decorations. Huge thanks to all of those who worked so hard and got so much done in a short period of time. I must admit I did nothing to help! In my defence I was chatting to Sandie, Michael, and Hazel about church ‘stuff’ but that’s not quite the same.

Thursday saw me going back to the classroom. I had a day at Hardwicke Primary school about being a School Governor (for St James and Hatherley Infants). I’m not a great student but I found the day interesting and a steady supply of snacks and good company (Abiola is also a new Governor) helped keep me awake and alert. Thursday was a miserable day weather wise, but that didn’t stop some of us joining St. Pauls and St. Stephens at the Linden Tree for a Skittles evening. It was great fun (and there was a huge, free buffet laid on) but I’m sure you’ll agree with me that it’s not appropriate to talk about individual scores (because mine were poor)!

On a different note, I heard on Thursday that Dave, Pat Gifford’s husband had died on Tuesday evening. I know that many of you knew and were very fond of Dave. My apologies if you are hearing about this for the first time here. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat and her family at this difficult time. We have faith that Dave is now resting in peace before rising in Glory.

Friday, involved quite a bit of contact with our two schools. I attended their ‘Praise Assemblies’ to find out what the pupils have been achieving in the last week. I also went in to spend an hour writing prayers with eight Year 6 pupils. It was really encouraging to discuss with them about prayer being an expression of what is most important to us, our words being an echo of the hearts yearning. I encouraged the pupils to write their prayers in a particular form (that of a ‘collect’) which makes the writer reflect on what God has done for us before we share our own needs. It also ends with a consideration of what impact we hope God’s response to our prayer will make in our lives and in our world. I am looking forward to hearing the prayers when the school comes to church on Tuesday for their Christingle Service.

Like those pupils on Friday, it is good for all of us to pause, and take some time out to reflect on what our hearts are yearning for as we enter 2026. What do we desire to give and what do we desire to receive as we grow in our faith and as grow in community with one another? Prayer is an act of integrity, of courage, and of trust because we don’t know how God will respond when we open ourselves in this way. What will God ask of me? What is mine to do? My prayer for each one of us is that we will find space to really pray, to really listen, to what is being laid on our hearts and that we will find the courage to trust God and move forward boldly in our journey of faith this year.