Holbrook Methodist Church, Ipswich (2026)

15/10/2026

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

The sky at night

Read:
‘The moon and the stars, which you have ordained’ (Psalm 8:3)

Think:
I remember realising, some years ago, that I was the only person in our household old enough to remember the first Moon landing properly. I can still recall the wonder of hearing those words from the first astronauts as they stepped out into an unknown world.

The mysteries of the sky still amaze and bewilder me. When I am outside in the dark and look up at the stars, I have little idea which constellation is which. If I notice a particularly bright light, I am never quite sure whether it is a star or a planet.

Perhaps that is why I find it easy to imagine God, with delicate fingers, placing each point of light in just the right place. Whether that is a sign of faith or simply evidence that I am a little unhinged, I will leave you to decide.

For me, the mechanics of physics do not diminish that picture; they make it even more remarkable. The precise laws that hold everything together seem both unimaginably vast and astonishingly delicate. The more we discover about the universe, the more there is to wonder at—and perhaps the more reason we have to pause, look up, and give thanks.

Our own bodies are every bit as carefully constructed, but they are so familiar to us that it is easy to take them for granted. If you struggle to see the delicacy of God’s design when you look at your face in the mirror, turn off the lights and look out at the night sky—or go and stand outside in the dark and look up. For all we have done to damage the world around us, the design is intricate and wonderful.

A Prayer:
God, when we look at the stitches in a fine piece of needlework, we wonder at the skill of the fingers that created it. How much more do we marvel at the stitches with which you have sewn together the earth, sea and sky, and all that is in them. We thank you for revealing yourself to us, and pray that our response may be worthy of the Creator’s art. Amen.

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

14/10/2026

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

14/10/2026

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

A time of transition

October is a time of transition, when we start to think about putting the heating on, planting bulbs for the spring, and, for some making plans for Christmas.

In the church I belong to it is a time of preparing shoeboxes to send to families who have very little, in our case through the "Amen" charity, which supplies shoeboxes to Christian partners who work in areas of high need, mainly in Romania. Because we know the boxes go to an area that has very cold winters, our church knitters spend many hours throughout the year making hats, scarves, mittens and blankets to go in the boxes or accompany them.

I am not a very imaginative shopper, and often ask my family to choose their own Christmas gifts, but I find the compiling of my shoebox one of the most pleasurable ways of preparing for Christmas. Videos of the families receiving their boxes show just what poor conditions they live in, so it is entirely appropriate to send basic toiletries such as soap, flannels, toothbrushes and shampoo, things we would include on our own shopping list without a thought. Shopping for small toys, pens, notebooks, and stickers is fun and we are reassured that the children swap between themselves if a gift is not suited to them.

Last year our trusty organiser sent off 480 boxes. The goal this year is 500!

There is a real joy that comes from doing something creative in God's service. Knitting, choosing items in the shops and wrapping the shoebox with Christmas paper, and a prayer all come into that category and bless the giver as much as the receiver I believe.

Prayer. We thank you Lord for opportunities to serve you in practical ways, and to show your love to those who have very little. We thank you for the Christians who are serving these people in their own country, and pray that our gifts, though very small in monetary terms, may be an encouragement to them as well as to the families who receive the gifts.

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

13/10/2026

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

Ecclesiastes 1: 9
What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.

My first TFTD contribution, published in March 2022, was based on a family meal conversation about older and modern hymns. I was a little surprised to see a recent social media discussion about the same subject, with strong views on both sides. Comments mentioned monotonous tunes and repetitive wording.

As a non-contributor to that discussion, I was amused because after over 80 years of church attendance, the criticisms about some new hymns could also be levelled at some older hymns. Of course, I assumed (perhaps wrongly) that some critics had little association with older hymns or choruses, sometimes called one-verse hymns.

I am sure we all have, and are entitled to, our own opinions about today’s “church” music. I know how easily I may be distracted by lovely harmony or a key change, an unusual musical introduction or arrangement between verses. I try not to be critical (still a challenge sometimes when listening at home), but one thing I try to do is concentrate on the words.

I was reminded of my Dad, who was not keen on the repetition of the chorus in some hymns and would sometimes request a change of tune. This served two purposes: firstly, to avoid the constant repetition, but also because it encouraged the congregation to concentrate on the words, rather than sing a familiar hymn almost without realising what was being sung. The option to change a tune, of course, is seldom possible with most of today’s songs.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight. AMEN

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

12/10/2026

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

Shoes part 2

I wrote on the subject of shoes in a previous TFTD (29-6-26).

A recent visit from the infamous Bill the boxer left me with an unwearable pair of gardening “cloggies”. It was Sunday morning and he was left at home in the sole charge of my husband. On my return from church I found an insole laying in the middle of the hall floor. Further searching revealed a torn and chewed remnant of said “cloggies”.

This in turn reminded me of our circuit prayer meeting that was led by Rev. Vivienne using the bible reference to the armour of God, but using more contemporary clothing analogies. We ended thinking about the “shoes of obedience.”

In my previous TFTD I mentioned various types of shoes – walking boots to help us on a long and arduous journey, slippers for those times we need to relax, reflect and refresh, and heels when we want to look smart – but beware of our own vanity.

Thinking about my “cloggies”, I wear them when I’m pottering in the garden, or for a quick trip up to the other end of the garden e.g. to the compost heap. For heavier work, my wellingtons come out.

We all have shoes for different tasks. I wouldn’t wear my slippers to dig the garden and I probably wouldn’t wear my walking boots in the house.

In our faith journey, God gives us the tools to walk in obedience, to be active and to rest, to travel a long journey or a short trip. There may be distractions along the way – having your shoes shredded by the mischievous hound clearly demonstrates this. However God always provides the tools we need – yes I have a new pair of “cloggies!”

Prayer: Gracious and merciful Father, help us to put on the shoes of obedience fit for the task ahead. Walk alongside us as we tread the path you set out before us. Thank you for giving us the footwear we need for each journey we make. Forgive us the times when we are distracted by those who try to deter us, and thank you that even when we have been distracted you help us to get back on track. Amen

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

11/10/2026

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

11/10/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Rev Derek Grimshaw

The Jigsaw Puzzle

Over the years I have enjoyed completing jigsaw puzzles, there was a time when I would tackle a 1000 piece on a drawing board and would sit there patiently over several days working on my challenge.

Unlike a lot of people who will start with assembling the edge pieces first, my style was to pick out the pieces for the major features like the sky or the sea, or distinctive buildings. The busier I got, I shifted onto 500 piece puzzles that I could assemble in a couple of hours. I have the sort of mind that means that I can normally complete puzzles quite quickly and to be honest I am nowhere near patient enough to spend days working on something like this.

On a visit to Sandringham house in Norfolk a few years ago I learned that the late Queen always had a jigsaw puzzle on the go and would add a few pieces each time she walked past the table in her somewhat expansive rooms.

Today, I am nowhere near patient enough to sit down and build a traditional puzzle and for some reason the manufacturers seem to like producing increasingly difficult puzzles which I find stressful rather than relaxing. About ten years ago I found digital jigsaw puzzles that I can do on line, they have been a revelation to me, I can sit and without having to put too much thought in, I can assemble them. Best of all, there is a facility where I can select one of my own photographs and as if by magic it can become a puzzle and that adds a whole new dimension.

In my life of leading groups of people, I have often thought that the successful team is a bit like a jigsaw puzzle, each piece is a unique shape and image and most importantly every piece has its place and, as we all know, one of the most irritating things is when we have almost finished and find a piece missing. A successful team is made up of people, each bringing their own individual gifts and graces and each person is of value whatever they have to bring. Most importantly, if just one piece is missing, the picture isn’t complete.

What does your piece of the jigsaw look like?

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

10/10/2026

Today’s thought for the day is brought to us by Jilly Lyon-Taylor

Remaining in the Presence of God

“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. Then Moses would return to the camp, but his young aide Joshua son of Nun did not leave the tent.”
Exodus 33:11, NIV

The face of Moses was radiant after he had spoken with the Lord (Exodus 34:29) and today’s verse speaks further about this special relationship that Moses had with God. God would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.

Moses would return to the camp after meeting with God, but we’re told that Joshua didn’t leave the tent. What amazing preparation it was for Joshua, remaining in the presence of the Lord! Later on, Joshua was one of the twelve men sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land (Numbers 13), and while ten of them could only focus on the problems and their own weaknesses, seeing the people there as giants and themselves like grasshoppers, Joshua’s response was completely different.

Having spent time in the presence of the Lord, he was able to see things from God’s perspective and have complete faith that God would do what He promised. God was later able to entrust to him the tremendous responsibility of leading the people into the Promised Land.

Do we remain in the presence of the Lord, or do we pop in and out, hastily asking for help for all that we need? God is longing for us to remain with Him so that He can speak to us face to face. The more we do, the more we will see ourselves as He sees us instead of focusing on our weaknesses and problems, and the more we will see the situations we are up against from His perspective.

Prayer
Lord, forgive me for the times I have popped quickly in and out of your presence. I want to learn to remain in your presence so you can speak to me, and I want to see things as you see them. Please help me to do this. In Jesus, Amen.

www.ellel.uk

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

09/10/2026

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

Have you ever had a panic moment, when someone asks if they can visit and you look around and your home is a mess? I had one recently and woke up in super energised cleaning mode to see what could be done before the impending afternoon visit. So, I dusted and wiped, polished and vacuumed until the living room looked presentable (finding a Christmas tree decoration in the process – its October! – now hanging my head in shame).

Whoops! Then I looked in the kitchen!!! I knew I wouldn’t have time for a deep clean. I swept and washed the floor and wiped down the surfaces. Then I came to the fridge!!! Opened the door and it was disgusting. I have since done some research : Dirty fridges certainly emit unpleasant odours, indicating the presence of mould or decay. Mould spores can ruin your food and affect your respiratory health when inhaled. Great! A dirty refrigerator can pose serious health risks, including the potential for foodborne illnesses and allergic reactions. Here are some of the dangers associated with a dirty fridge:

Bacterial Growth: Bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria can thrive in a dirty fridge, leading to severe gastrointestinal illnesses.

Mould and Mildew: These allergens can trigger asthma symptoms and other respiratory issues when inhaled.

Cross-Contamination: Spills and crumbs in crevices become microbe hotspots. Regular cleaning prevents their growth. Moulds and yeasts can spoil food and cause allergies.

Yuk! Well, that was all happening in the capacity of my fridge and I didn’t have time to do much about it. So, I took the magnets and notes off the door and wiped the outside clean with an anti-bacterial wipe. It looked so much better! I could forget the impending dangers of the inside by making the outside gleam!

Oh dear! This is what I do so often in my life. What was it Jesus said about painted sepulchres in Matthew 23:27,” You hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs (painted sepulchres) which look fine on the outside but are full of bones and decaying corpses on the inside. In the same way, on the outside you appear good to everybody, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and sins.”

Just to make it clear before there’s a phone call to Health and Safety, I didn’t find any bones or decaying corpses in my fridge, but I’m sure you get the drift …. Jesus was addressing the scribes and Pharisees – the religious and respected people of His day, condemning them for their outward beautiful looks which hid the rot inside. God looks on the heart –it’s not a condemnation of wanting the outside of you to look good but He knows what we’re really like. Inside. Would you be happy for him to open the fridge door of your life?

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

Holbrook Methodist Church

15/10/2026

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