St Luke's Church Kingstanding

08/09/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - September 7th.

As we all arrived at Church for the family service yesterday morning, each of us was given a strip of coloured fabric. Later we learned that these were to represent ourselves: all different, with varied histories, and somewhat frayed around the edges! We were invited to spend a little time reflecting on our lives, remembering the things for which we need to ask for forgiveness, or parts of ourselves about which we feel regret or shame. The children then collected the strips of fabric and while we listened to two songs they worked to produce something from the fabric which, when revealed, surprised us all with its beauty. They had tied the strips onto a wire cross to demonstrate the transformation Jesus offers each one of us through his sacrificial death on the Cross. A poignant and powerful reminder, for which to give heartfelt thanks.

27/08/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - August 27th

It was sad to hear of the death of Dolly Parton earlier in the week. Like most of us, I guess, I knew the name and could sing along to a few of her most popular songs. However, I knew nothing of her very humble beginnings as the fourth of twelve children brought up in a one room cabin with no electricity. Her father was illiterate and because of that, as her enormous wealth began to mount she spearheaded a number of charitable projects. She funded medical research which led to one of the first Covid vaccines, donated to wild-fire victims and other charities relating to both wildlife and communities in need. However, it is her Imagination Library funding over 300million books to help children learn to read, of which I knew nothing, that has inspired me this week and made me give thanks for such generosity and kindness in the midst of world news that seems to express little else but aggression, selfishness and greed. Thank you, Dolly.

21/08/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - August 21st.

This past week's diary jottings have touched on the ways in which church life, friendships, prayer and silence have influenced my day to day life seeking to follow Jesus.
Amongst these thoughts and memories my mind went back to a time many years ago when a friend and I used to go on retreat to a convent in Wantage. Silence was a special, healing part of those weeks. Sometimes, one of the nuns, Sister Anna, would suggest long walks in the beautiful countryside nearby. Because my friend had no transport I would push a note under the door of her room suggesting she could join me, which she invariably did. We would drive out to the hills in silence, walk in silence and return without a word being spoken, but both with a faith and friendship deepened in such a way that 30 years later we still value the lessons we learned during those times.
Lord, help us to continue to discover the power and wonder of silent communion with you and in that silence to discover afresh your love for us. Amen.

17/08/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - August 17th

Early yesterday morning I listened to a radio programme called, 'Heart and Soul,' which told the story of a Methodist pastor who had renounced all contact with the Church, to start her own church in South Africa. She described her previous church experiences as including rejection of those who expressed their lives in different ways, exclusivity and unfriendliness.
After the programme I continued to think about the aspects of faith, which she had sought to recreate in her newly formed church: those of faith in Jesus Christ, offering his loving, forgiving acceptance of all, regardless of their differences and past lives. As I continued to reflect I gave grateful thanks for the church community of St Andrew's, Shottery which I attend and where faith in Christ's love is practised in warm, friendly, healing ways to all who enter the doors. Thank you St. Andrew's and thank you, Lord. Please help us to continue to be guided by your Word and to follow your ways. Amen

07/08/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - August 7th.

Next week our 15 years old granddaughter is coming to stay for a few days, so the diary will be taking a rest until Monday, August 17th. I thought it would be good to leave you with some words of a poem called 'Happiness', written many years ago by a young pupil in a junior school in which I was working. I hope they make you smile:
Happiness is yellow,
It smells like a burnt sun,
It tastes like a juicy apple,
It sounds like laughter,
It feels like friendship,
It lives in the heart of God.'
I hope happiness fills the heart and mind of each of my diary readers and may the blessing of God rest upon you. Amen.

29/07/2026

If you would like to see Matteo and myself in this show, you need to book your tickets for Sep 2026.

Set in the days following the events of 9/11, the musical tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers unexpectedly stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, and the extraordinary kindness shown by the local community.
It's a powerful, moving, and often surprisingly funny celebration of compassion, resilience, and the connections we make in the most unexpected circumstances.

If you would like to book tickets visit our website www.cloc.org.uk. ❤️🎭

09/07/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - July 9th

Yesterday my husband and I were invited to pay a visit to someone we have been acquainted with for many years, but have only recently got to know a lot better. She had been very kind, caring for a mutual friend for many years through difficult times until her friend died, and then experienced the added trials of needing to have both her own hips replaced.
I was pleased a few weeks ago to hear that she had moved and would love to receive a visit from us. What a transformation from the sad, struggling person she had become. Her new, park home is in a most beautiful setting, looking out onto glorious views and clearly offering her fresh possibilities, new friendships, and uplifting hope.

Thank you, Lord, for the ways in which the beauty of your natural world can provide such inner healing for us. May our hearts leap with joy listening afresh to the song of the birds and observing the beauty of the changing seasons. Amen.

29/06/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - June 29th.

Let us begin the week with a smile.
Yesterday, a friend celebrated his 40 years serving as a priest. He began his homily with a story of two men waiting at the gates of heaven after they had died, and being welcomed by St. Peter. He reminded them of Jesus's promise that, 'In my Father's house there are many rooms.' To the first man, a taxi driver, he promised a beautiful room with a king size bed, en suite facilities, and a magnificent sea view. To the second, a priest, he offered only a single room, with few facilities and lacking a view of any sort. When the priest questioned the reason for this seemingly disproportionate reward for life-long service he received the reply that the taxi driver made every passenger spend their whole journey in prayer because of his terrible driving, whereas the priest sent his listeners off to sleep because of his boring sermons!
Father Darren then went on to urge us all to serve God with our whole lives, fully using the gifts that we have been given.

16/06/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BDGLGrMCt/

3 weeks on Sat, 20th June we have our Funday and we are delighted that the one and only KRAZY KRYS will be coming to entertain us.
If you've seen him in panto you need to see the real deal 12.30pm, Don't miss him!!!

16/06/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - June 16th.

In a novel I am reading two of the main characters are exploring Venice. One day's outing includes a visit to a Basilica and afterwards they describe how they felt completely overwhelmed by the magnificence of the architecture and the richness of the interior.

That descriptive passage set me thinking about my own moments of unforgettable awe and joy in the presence of great beauty. It made me realise that it has rarely occurred for me when viewing man-made objects and structures, but more often in the natural world.

I recalled a moment surrounded by Swiss mountains when my husband and I stood in silent wonder watching an enormous eagle soaring over a valley below us; there's the golden glory of a field of buttercups or the exquisite beauty of a butterfly and so many other gifts of nature.

I give thanks today for both God's gifts to those who create wonderful art and architecture and his gifts to us all in the natural world. Lord, help us to treasure and take care of them. Amen.