This week it was a privilege and a joy to be invited by Babatunde and Abiola to take part, alongside my colleague Rev Suki, in the naming and blessing ceremony for their week-old daughter, Hannah. It was a joyous occasion. When it came to the naming ceremony young Hannah had 12 other names which myself and Suki had to pronounce. I’m not sure how, but I ended up having to say Oluwafoyinsolami whilst Suki got Deborah. Not very fair given our relative levels of fluency in Yoruba! Anyway, everyone was very forgiving and it was lovely for me to be asked to hold Hannah during the naming and blessing prayers. As I prayed on the evening, “May her life be crowned with honour, joy, and peace. Let her days be ordered according to the will of God, and her steps guided in truth and righteousness.”
And, so begins a new journey through life, a new story holding so much promise and possibility. On Tuesday evening Juliette and I went to the Guildhall to watch a powerful series of short films made by Voices Gloucestershire. These told the life stories of a richly diverse group of people from our city. Each story told of a journey, often through difficult social, economic, cultural, and physical landscapes. It included films about the first post-war mixed-race couple, the Ingush people forced from their homeland in the North Caucasus region, Ukrainian refugees after the 2nd WW and more recently, and a film made by a group of young LGBTQ musicians and artists. Each of these lives had been interrupted. Interrupted by persecution, violence, and prejudice. Yet, each of these people continued to find new ways of being, new ways to flourish and become the person God desired them to be. Of course, interruptions such as these are not to be invited or desired, yet so often they are the moments at which we find ourselves most open and available to receive God’s blessing. In our weakness and vulnerability we discover the presence of God arising within us, to strengthen us for all that we will face.
So, for Hannah as she starts her journey, and for all of us whatever our age, we know there will be unwanted interruptions in life, but my prayer as that these will become moments of renewed courage, faith, and growth in our awareness of God. Amen.
What’s On This Week at St. James Church 23rd January 2026
Saturday 24th January 10am: Social gathering for everyone of any age. We will do odd jobs around the church building and grounds, whatever is of interest to you. We have coffee and tea on the go, as well as sausages and rolls for the workers! Come any time between 10am and 12noon.
Sunday 25th January 11am: We will gather for worship. There will be Godly Play for our children. If any young person would like to be involved in the service (Serving at the front, reading from the bible, praying, singing, helping with the Tech etc.) then please turn up at 10.30am so you can practise.
Monday 26th January 12noon: Lunch at the Friendship Café (Free)
Tuesday 27th January 10.30am: Coffee and Chat at the Friendship Café Coffee Shop
Thursday 29th January 10am: Holy Communion at our neighbours St Pauls and St Stephens (I am presiding, as their Priest James is away)
A little further ahead
Friday February 6th1pm: Funeral of Dave Gifford at Gloucester Crem followed by a reception in the Mulberry Rooms
Saturday February 21st 7pm: QUIZ NIGHT at St. James Church
As always, if you would like me to pray for, or have a conversation about anything then do get in touch. This time of year can be particularly hard for some of us and I am available to listen and share in whatever might be arising for you at this time.
"Nothing can separate us from the love of God revealed to us in Christ Jesus" Eph8:38-39
With peace and blessings,
Rev Steve
07503164309
(My day off is usually Monday)