Reflection for May 2025

Epworth & Belton Group of Churches

As May arrives, we find ourselves remembering and giving thanks for two significant moments: the 80th anniversary of VE Day and the start of Christian Aid Week (11th - 17th May).

Eighty years ago, people gathered in streets, churches and village greens to celebrate the end of war in Europe. After years of darkness, hardship and loss, there was a new hope — not just for peace, but for rebuilding communities, restoring families, and believing again in the goodness of the human spirit. The churches then, as now, stood as places of both sanctuary and sending — giving thanks for peace, but also looking to the work still to be done.

Christian Aid Week carries that same spirit. It began in the aftermath of war, founded by those determined to support refugees and rebuild broken lives. Today, the struggles may look different — conflict, poverty, climate change — but the heart of Christian Aid’s work remains unchanged: to stand alongside our global neighbours in love and practical care.

It reminds me of a story about a village where the church bell tower had been badly damaged in a storm. The task of repairing it seemed impossible for such a small community. But one elderly woman quietly began bringing a single brick each day, placing it near the church, saying, “This is my brick for the tower.” Others saw her, and one by one, people joined in — some with bricks, some with tools, others offering a hand or making tea for the workers. Little by little, the tower rose again.

In a world where the problems can feel overwhelming, it’s tempting to believe our small actions don’t matter. But they do. Every prayer lifted, every pound given, every hand offered — it makes a difference. And when we bring our ‘brick’ together, God builds something beautiful.

So this May, as we remember peace hard-won and look to a world still longing for it, may we be people of peace, hope and generous hearts — faithful in prayer and bold in action.

A Prayer for May

God of peace and justice,

we thank you for those who worked for peace eighty years ago,

and for those who still do today.

Stir our hearts with compassion,

make us generous in love and hopeful in action.

Help us to bring our small bricks of kindness and care,

and build together a world where your peace reigns.

In Jesus’ name. Amen.

With every blessing this May.

Revd Paul

The Revd Paul Wilson

Rector of the Epworth Group of Churches

Priest-in-Charge of the Belton Group of Churches

Assistant Curate of the Crowle Group of Churches and the Haxey and Owston Ferry Plurality

Rural Dean of the Isle of Axholme Deanery