St Luke's Church Kingstanding

16/06/2026

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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.

22/05/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - May 22nd

As we come to the end of our week of reflection on the effect that waiting has upon our lives and our faith, I can't resist sharing with you a small scene that delighted me yesterday.
As I busied myself dusting round the dining room my attention was caught by a movement outside. I looked up and there sitting on the garden fence was a row of five small, very young birds. I guess they had only recently learned to fly and I can only assume they were still hoping the mother bird would appear with some food, nevertheless, as they waited, happily chirping and fluttering their wings they lifted my spirits and have made me smile each time I have brought them to mind.
Lord, thank you for special moments of unexpected joy and for the many gifts of nature that await us if we step aside, even momentarily from the busyness of today's world. Help us to cherish such moments. Amen

20/05/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - May 20th.

What a strange time it must have been for the disciples after Jesus finally ascended into heaven, leaving them with the instruction to wait for the gift of the Holy Spirit and the promise that they would be blessed with power to enable them to witness to people far and near about the truth of his everlasting life and love.

Nevertheless, though, just try for a few moments to imagine the feelings and thoughts that must have been stirring through the minds of this crowd of disciples as they waited together. I guess and hope that, along with grief, fear and anxiety they took strength from each other for we are told 'they all joined together constantly in prayer...' (Acts 1:14)
Reading this passage once again has helped me recall the strength, quiet joy and sense of peace and unity I have received, and still know, when gathering with groups, large and small to pray, and I thank God for the freedom, the call and opportunity to do this.

19/05/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - May 19th.

I smiled to myself yesterday for life was giving me a dose of practicing what I preach! Some weeks ago now we ordered a piece of furniture that we need to facilitate a slight reordering of our home. Well, the due date for its delivery has come and gone and I was told yesterday that it would be yet another two weeks before we can expect it to arrive. I could feel impatience beginning to rise when I remembered that only that morning I had urged diary readers to 'wait without getting anxious and fretting!'

I turned my mind to think of the disciples who could take no recourse by getting in touch with Jesus to ask for further information about the arrival of the promised Holy Spirit, they simply had to place their trust in Him and wait patiently - and so must I.

Lord Jesus, help us in all the phases of our lives, when troubled, anxious and impatient to place our hope in you and face each difficulty we encounter with a trusting, prayerful spirit. Amen

18/05/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - May 18th.

'On one occasion when Jesus was eating with the disciples, he gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised." (Acts 1:4)

We live in an age when many have come to expect or demand that every wish be granted quickly, if not immediately. But things cannot always happen in this way, as many of us who are older learned as children. My thoughts went back to my childhood, when just after the war money and longed-for things were not readily available and waiting, hoping and dreaming were lessons we learned the hard way.

Psalm 27:14 offers some wise words about waiting without getting anxious and fretting: 'Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.'

Lord, help us to learn to be patient and to wait quietly without fretting for your will to unfold in your good time. Amen.

15/05/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - May 15th.

As I listened to the early morning news on the radio this morning I could feel my spirits descending into gloom and despair as reports of violence, dispute, threat and destruction flowed one after the other.

My thoughts were drawn with thanksgiving and renewed joy to the memory of a family party my husband and I attended last Saturday to celebrate the 2nd birthday of one of our great granddaughters. We joined the gathering of family, friends and young children and what a delight it was to spend time in the midst of such a harmonious group, filled with love, warmth, kindness and laughter.

Dear Lord, we pray afresh today that peace, understanding and care for the welfare and wellbeing of all will take root in the hearts and minds of people throughout the world. Please help each one of us to live in harmony with our neighbour. Amen

04/05/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - May 4th.

Dear diary friends, I am setting off to the Shrine at Walsingham along with a group of other pilgrims from St. Andrew's Shottery, first thing this morning, so the diary will be taking a rest this week. Do please pray for us and I will be praying for you all. May God bless you until we meet again in the diary next Monday. Lord, bless us each one as we continue our pilgrimage through life with you. Amen

27/04/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - April 27th.

On Saturday I went to a gathering in Chipping Campden called 'Women Together.' In a warm, friendly atmosphere we listened to the testimony of a young woman called Amy. It was as a teenager at a meeting that she heard the words that were to deeply impact upon her future: 'When Jesus is Lord of your life, life is always an adventure.' In that moment she became a Christian and her life has certainly been one of unexpected adventures, as she has sought to follow Jesus, more of which I will relate during this week.
Her life gives strong witness to the truth of the words from Philippians 2:9-11, 'Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.'

22/04/2026

Diary of a Cross in my Pocket - April 22nd.

The speaker on Prayer for the Day this morning on Radio 4 started the day with a smile. She told listeners of a phrase of her young daughter's that became a saying in her family, 'I doing it all my byself!' (And yes, that is what she said!)

It is wonderful to watch a child grow in independence which is a desirable quality, but sadly, life for some children, and indeed some adults, forces them to be independent because there is no one to help them.

At some time in our lives we will all experience difficulties of one sort or another, when we may feel lonely or afraid. The words from Proverbs 3:5 offer great hope, strength and consolation:

'Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.'