https://brmc.methodistic.org.uk/

Bramford Road Methodist Church, Ipswich (2026)

04/06/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by William Glasse

Mind blowing

Read John 16:12-15

Some of us can ‘do maths’, while others are baffled by numbers. As we grow up, we tend to master the skills we need to get by in life—unless, of course, we are among those who find numbers fascinating for their own sake.

My father was one of those people. He took advanced maths in his stride at school and remained unfazed by the subject throughout his life. He was baffled by my adolescent struggles with elementary O-level maths, and I was equally baffled by his bafflement. As life has gone on, I have reached a point where I am reasonably competent in the maths I need to use—but no more.

After Pentecost, the disciples were to become leaders of the new Church. In today’s passage, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will help them understand what they need to know and will progressively deepen their understanding.

We need to remind ourselves of that from time to time, especially when we feel inadequate for the work we believe we are called to do. The totality of God’s truth is beyond our comprehension; it is truly ‘mind-blowing’. Yet when we look back, we realise that faith is a learning process: the more we learn, the more our capacity to learn grows. The Holy Spirit always meets us where we are and helps us move forward from there.

It is easy to compare our understanding with that of others—a dangerous pastime. God helps us know and understand what is necessary for us, and within our capacity. Our conversations about our progress in this lifelong school of faith should be with our teacher, the Holy Spirit, not with our peers.

A Prayer
Holy Spirit, help me to rely on you for the teaching I need to understand your ways and your will for me. Spare me the agony of trying to be like others and help me instead to become the person you are calling me to be. Amen.

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to: [email protected]

03/06/2026

Every week, we publish a 10 minute service to help you relax, refresh and renew. Make yourself a drink and join us at a time to suit you by clicking the following link : https://bit.ly/3rKggKa

03/06/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Judy Steward

Having taken you to Bristol in my last week's thought I am remaining there for 2 or 3 more weeks, and this week I am still at John Wesley's New Room. In the 18th century Bristol was the largest UK city after London and levels of poverty and sickness were very high. The city was still largely contained within the old medieval walls. The population of around 40,000 were crowded into old timber and plaster houses originally built to hold around 5,000. There was no system of sanitation and the streets were clogged with filth. While a small group of wealthy merchants controlled the city and started to build expensive new homes for themselves, most of the workers were paid wages that scarcely enabled them to live, and disease was rife with the city riddled with crime, drunkenness and brutality.

John and Charles Wesley questioned how such a rich city could let most of its people live in such dire poverty? From their viewpoint everyone was a child of God and therefore was a person who should be valued and treated fairly. For a time, they provided free medicines to the poor administered from the "New Room" but funds ran out and their concern for people's health continued.

So, John Wesley wrote a book, " Primitive Physick” containing health advice to try to promote good health before people fell into serious illness. In the book he emphasised keeping clean drinking water as the best beverage, eating plain food, avoiding excess salt, pickled foods and alcoholic spirits. The value of exercise was stressed,

"Exercise is of greater service to your health than a hundred medicines".

He also advised against smoking, not because he knew of its impact on the lungs, but because it destroyed people's teeth. He believed everyone should have access to medical care and advocated herbal remedies. So, he was a man ahead of his time, who took seriously his responsibility to promote good health practices, as well as offering people the gift of salvation.

Down the centuries Christian philanthropists have become concerned about people's physical health, seeing the link between poverty, poor living conditions and levels of sickness. Their work and influence lie behind the development of public health services, housing, water and sanitation services and legislation. In trying to help make things better for all citizens they have striven to practice and develop the healing ministry of Jesus.

Prayer - Dear Lord Jesus. We see your concern for those who were sick and disabled throughout the gospel accounts. We thank you for those Christians who work to promote good health for everyone and to minister to the sick. May we play our part in this ministry in small ways as far as we can.

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to: [email protected]

02/06/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by David Stone

Continuing reflection on the Prayer Card from the Christian organisation called Medical Missionary News (https://mmn.uk.com). Friday’s prayer is DISASTER SUPPORT & RELIEF

“Please pray for those who are suffering from either natural or political disaster. Pray for those seeking to get medicines and food to those who need it. Pray, especially for those on the ground who are seeking to help those affected, that as they show practical love, they will be able to share something of the hope that Jesus can give even in the most desperate conditions.”

I recall a statement from many years ago, possibly quoted in an earlier contribution. “I sat where they sat, and wept when they wept, then went home and forgot all about it.”

One of my daughters, living in the USA, attended a church with a large congregation, resulting in three services each Sunday. Following a disaster in Haiti, a group of volunteers went out as a team to do what they could. I understand that most of the team were excellent at DIY and, undoubtedly, would have been very helpful in all sorts of tasks for a period. But it wasn’t long before another disaster occurred, and Haiti was forgotten in the news, and it was a long time afterwards that I had a reminder of that team from an American church.

Even Jesus’ disciples had a problem staying awake when their prayer support was needed.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, most, if not all of us, live busy lives, and there is much that may easily distract us. Please remind us of people and situations that need our prayers and help us to be consistent in our support, even when we may never know the outcome of those prayers. AMEN

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to: [email protected]

01/06/2026

Our Prayer month begins today. We are lifting the future of the Ipswich Circuit and all the decisions that have to be made in prayer.

This week, we are especially praying for the circuit churches of Museum Street, Bramford Road and Landseer Road. Please pray for the circuit and these churches especially during the next 7 days. We are trying to have as many people as possible praying at 6pm each day wherever you are so if you can pray at this time please do :)

01/06/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Liz Cope

Improving myopia

As a follow on from the body parts series of TFTD, I am sharing my recent experience at the optician.

I have been myopic (short-sighted) since I was about 12 years old and have worn glasses continuously since then. (Apart from a brief foray into contact lenses as a student – that’s another tale!)

Because my father had glaucoma, I get called in for a (free) eye test annually. My most recent eye test started with the screening tests; a scan of the back of the eye, a photograph of the back of the eye, a pressure test and the peripheral field test. This one entails clicking a button every time you see a light flash, whilst focusing on a central spot. Anyone who has done this will know the feeling of panic, thinking you’ve missed a light, or clicking by mistake.

Much to my relief I passed all the tests, although my age meant that “early cataracts” and a bit of “A-V nipping”(where the artery crosses over the vein) at the back of the eye were inevitable.

Eventually the optometrist sat back and announced that my short sightedness had improved by a whole dioptre (lens prescription). This was no miracle, but simply a reflection of my ageing eyes!

Being myopic or shortsighted is a colloquial term often used for not seeing what is around us. Sometimes we are spiritually myopic, not seeing Jesus who is alive and living in us. If we pray, study God’s word, listen to God’s voice then our myopia can be improved, not by a new pair of glasses, but by his saving grace.

Prayer: Thank you Lord that though we are sometimes short-sighted, your Holy Spirit gives us clear vision. Thank you that your saving grace can improve our spiritual myopia, and we can be free to see the vibrant colours of your creation. AMEN

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to: [email protected]

31/05/2026

Liz Cope brings us this weeks recorded sermon. The sermon can be viewed by clicking the following link https://bit.ly/3cpjlty.

31/05/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Rev Steve Mann

Sing to the Lord a New Song

We continue a series that seeks to take inspiration from the words of newer hymns and songs.

You don’t need me to tell you that Psalm 23 has resonated with readers of the Bible down through the ages and, today, we consider the first of three songs based upon it (watch out for the other two in subsequent thoughts).

King of Love

The King of Love my Shepherd is

Whose goodness faileth never

I nothing lack if I am His

And He is mine forever

And He is mine forever

Where streams of living water flow

My ransomed soul He leadeth

And where the verdant pastures grow

With food celestial feedeth

Never failing, Ruler of my heart

Everlasting, Lover of my soul

On the mountain high or in the valley low

The King of Love my Shepherd is

The King of Love my Shepherd is

Lost and foolish off I strayed

But yet in love He sought me

And on His shoulder gently laid

And home rejoicing brought me

In death’s dark veil I fear no ill

With Thee, dear Lord, beside me

Thy rod and staff my comfort still

Thy cross before to guide me

Oh, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Oh, Hallelujah, Hallelujah

And so through all the length of days

Thy goodness faileth never

Good Shepherd, may I sing Your praise

Within Your house forever

Within Your house forever

Songwriters: Adam Palmer, Jonathan Smith, Matthew Hein, Stephanie Kulla, Stuart Garrard
©2013 All Essential Music, Be Essential Songs, I Am "They" Publishing, Jingram Music Publishing, So Essential Tunes, Stugio Music Publishing CCLI: 6529824

You can listen to the song here: https://bit.ly/4f0TCG3

This song was written by a Christian worship group called ‘I Am They’ who came together to lead worship for a one-off event in Nevada in 2008 but then continued writing and recording together until 2022. Their name is based on John 17 where Jesus repeatedly uses ‘they’/’them’ to refer to his present and future followers as in verses 22 and 23:

I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one – I in them and you in me – so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

For members of the group it was a way of saying, ‘I am counted among those followers’.

As I grew up, the two most notable hymns based upon Psalm 23 were ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’ by Francis Rous and H. W. Baker’s ‘The King of Love my Shepherd Is’. Then came Stuart Townend’s ‘The Lord’s my Shepherd’ and today we consider a song that takes its inspiration not just from Psalm 23 but from a reworking of ‘The King of Love my Shepherd Is’.

‘King of Love’ is one of I Am They’s earliest songs and became a firm favourite when I introduced it to the churches I was then serving in Oxfordshire but one thing puzzled me. A chorus has been added to H W Baker’s hymn but the most significant change to the words themselves is in the fourth verse where ‘vale’ has been replaced by ‘veil’. Is this a typo or was the original considered unintelligible to a non-UK audience or too antiquated? I don’t know the answer to those questions but the change does give us plenty to ponder as we ask ‘What’s in a word?’.

‘Vale’, at least to British ears, takes us into the countryside with its sheep and shepherds. ‘Death’s dark vale’ (the valley of the shadow of death) pictures dangerous times or places where you may face the threat or even the reality of death but, in either scenario, there can be trust in the protection of the shepherd who accompanies us.

By contrast, ‘Death’s dark veil’ focuses on the point of death itself and the unknown territory that lies concealed from our sight beyond the veil. Here again, you can trust in Jesus, the good shepherd, who has gone before you into the unknown and promises, as you yourself face death, that he will be there to accompany you onward.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that your loving presence, like that of the shepherd, is always with me. May I have a clear sense of your nearness, particularly when I am facing death’s dark vale or veil, and lead me to your house within which I will sing your praise forever. Amen.

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to: [email protected]

30/05/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Patricia Lake
www.ellel.uk

God’s Suddenly

“And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”
Acts 2:2, KJV

The word ‘suddenly’ in scripture has often been used to describe when God unexpectedly breaks through into human circumstances which are impossible with men. However, for a ‘suddenly’ of God to come, you have to be waiting, for what may seem to be a very long time, and it usually happens when all hope, from a human perspective, has gone.

I was listening to a sermon recently where the local pastor expressed it like this: “Only those who’ve waited know how to appreciate God’s suddenly when it comes”. God’s suddenly equips you with something new; new energy for your body and new vision. And God’s suddenly cannot be imitated.

God’s suddenly can also affect any given situation. The Apostles receiving the sudden infilling of the Holy Spirit, where the Lord had instructed them to wait for the promise of the Father, in the upper room, ushered in the coming of the Holy Spirit, and was quite different from Paul and Silas’ situation. Paul and Silas were imprisoned for the sake of the gospel, but then God’s suddenly arrived, and everyone’s chains were loosed.

Whatever the situation, both sets of circumstances show us that the right attitude will activate the presence of God and others may be depending on our ‘suddenly’ for their freedom to arrive. The timing has to be perfect in a specific place, and with the right people. The wrong company can hinder you from receiving your ‘suddenly’.

So, if you’re still waiting patiently for a breakthrough, it’s on its way. God knows your name and your circumstances, and He always arrives on time, in His perfect time. When God’s ‘suddenly’ arrives, you’ll be glad you waited, it will be more than worth it.

Prayer - Dear Lord, thank You for the ‘suddenlys’ you have in store for each of us. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You and to trust You for Your perfect plans and purposes in Your time for each of our lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to: [email protected]

29/05/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Christine O’Neill

Psalm 10:12
‘Arise, O Lord; O God, lift up Thine hand, forget not the helpless.’

It always amazes me how relevant God’s Word is today, even though it was compiled centuries ago. In this psalm, David shows himself to be a man who isn’t getting his ‘Why?’ questions answered. He trusts God completely but doesn’t understand why unjust things happen. You may be feeling the same today. Often in our family life, people who were partners can turn against each other cruelly. In our workplace, we may witness colleagues being compromised or taken advantage of. In our country, one community may discriminate against another. In our world, nation may attack another with little provocation. Where is God when life gets grubby, threatening and scary?

The Psalmist calls on God to arise, act for the helpless victims and against the perpetrators. He knows God sees and listens but is frustrated that He doesn’t appear to do anything. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

While the day of justice may still be in the future, the promise of encouragement is in the present. We can trust God even though we see oppression and injustice reigning. We know He loves the helpless, grief-stricken and oppressed – so much that He became one of them literally.

God personally identified with all victims for all time when He came as Jesus and lived among sin, dying an undeserved horrific death for each of us.

Prayer: Lord, the world is filled with so many tragedies and injustices. We always search for meaning and reasons, but we are human and can’t see from Your vantage point. Make us aware that You do see and listen; just because we don’t see Your response in particular situations, we know that by living and dying as one of us, Your Son has intimate experience of unjust suffering. Help us to trust Your wisdom and give us the encouragement and strength that only You can give. Amen

If you have any contributions for thought of the day, please send them to: [email protected]

Bramford Road Methodist Church

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