This Sunday, our diocese says goodbye to Bishop John Holbrook, who has served as the Bishop of Brixworth in our Diocese since 2011, as he retires. During his time in the diocese, he has overseen confirmations, clergy licensing, ordination discernment, and the development of curates. He also served as acting diocesan bishop during the vacancy. … Continue reading Farewell Bishop John Holbrook: A Legacy of Faith and Support
Reflections
How to Cope with A Level Results: Embracing God’s Plan
This week, 18-year-olds across the country received their A Level results. Results day marks the culmination of many years of hard work by students. After dedicating countless hours and tireless effort to their A Levels and other qualifications, results day is the grand reveal at the end of it all. Did I pass? Did I … Continue reading How to Cope with A Level Results: Embracing God’s Plan
Understanding God’s Riches in Times of Economic Change
This week, the Bank of England has cut interest rates to 4%, the lowest in over two years. There will be a mix of feelings towards this change. Some will feel delighted, while others will be worried. These types of changes are meant to have a positive effect, but we will only know the outcome … Continue reading Understanding God’s Riches in Times of Economic Change
Formative Summer Experiences: Deepen Your Faith
School is out for the summer. As well as a break for the kids and schools, the school summer holidays mark a break for much of society. It’s a chance to rest and recover. It’s also an opportunity to do something different from your regular day-to-day routines. Some kids will get summer jobs, some will … Continue reading Formative Summer Experiences: Deepen Your Faith
What Wimbledon teaches us about being a Christian
Some of you, like me and much of the nation, have been glued to the tennis during this Wimbledon fortnight. I’ve always loved watching Wimbledon ever since that epic Nadal vs. Federer final in 2008 (if you know, you know). But what I find most striking about watching tennis is the long rallies. You see … Continue reading What Wimbledon teaches us about being a Christian
Hearing God in Silence: A Spiritual Journey
Wouldn’t it be so much easier if God made things really clear to us? I mean as clear as a brick wall or flashing neon sign. God, can you write it down for us in black and white? Could you tell us directly what to do? But alas, this is so often not the case, … Continue reading Hearing God in Silence: A Spiritual Journey
The one thing you need to do to be a Christian
I have been reflecting on the gospel reading from our midweek communion service this week, which was John 15:9-11. Jesus is speaking his final words to his disciples before he goes to the cross. In these few sentences, he captures what it means to be a Christian. Jesus says, ‘Remain in my love.’ This is … Continue reading The one thing you need to do to be a Christian
Why Come to Church During Holy Week?
This sermon was preached on Tuesday of Holy Week, 15th April 2025. Bible Reading: John 12:20-36 What do you hope to get out of Holy Week? You might consider this a strange question. What do I want to get out of Holy Week? Is the point of Holy Week to get something out of it? … Continue reading Why Come to Church During Holy Week?
God as the Gardener: Nurturing Faith for Abundant Fruit
This sermon was preached on Sunday 23rd March 2025. Bible Readings: Isaiah 55:1-9; 1 Corintians 10:1-13; Luke 13:1-9 Before starting here, I had a couple of weeks off. So, I did what any person would do with two weeks at home with no plans: I cracked on with the gardening. I was cutting down dead … Continue reading God as the Gardener: Nurturing Faith for Abundant Fruit
Navigating Change: My Farewell to Rutland
This Sunday Morning Thought was aired on Rutland and Stamford Sound on Sunday 16th February 2025 Sunday, the 23rd of February, will be my last Sunday as part of the Oakham Team of churches. I’ve been appointed as vicar of two churches in Corby and I will start there next month. Therefore, this week is … Continue reading Navigating Change: My Farewell to Rutland
Shakeel Nurmahi 