Church News – January 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters

The dust has settled, the wrapping paper thrown in the bin and the last of the turkey sandwiches have been digested. Christmas is over … for now!

January can be a difficult month for people as the glow of the lights and the twinkle of the tinsel start to fade and we’re just left with cold winter days and long dark nights but for others, they’re glad it’s all over and life can get back to “normal”. Roy Wood famously sang, “I wish it could be Christmas every day”. Now I think that is a bit much but I want to talk to you today about ways we can keep at least a bit of Christmas all year round.

One of my favourite Christmas stories is the Dickens’ Classic, A Christmas Carol. A tale of redemption and of a mean spirited Scrooge learning to open his heart and use what he has to offer, to benefit the poor and those in need. At the end of the tale, after the ghosts have left and Scrooge realises he’s back from his adventures in time for Christmas, he makes a pledge. Scrooge says, “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year”. That is the pledge I think we should all make this year.

Now, in saying that, I feel I need to clarify what I mean by the spirit of Christmas. It’s not the presents, the money spent, the flashing lights or even the food. But it’s the sharing of love and kindness that we empathize at Christmas that should be with us all the year. The message of Christmas is one of peace and goodwill to all and that message should not be just for December but for all our lives. The birth of Jesus, in that humble stable, is a gift that lasts far longer than the toys and presents we receive on Christmas Day. It is a gift that can transform our lives and the lives of all people if we open our hearts and use His teachings as a guide to bring goodwill and peace to all people.

I don ‘t know what this year will bring, but I am certain that whatever happens, whatever hardships we face, whatever challenges we face, if we meet them with love in our hearts and the Spirit of Christmas, then the light of Christ will guide the way this year and all year through.

God bless, James

WHAT, OH WHAT, IS THAT PERSON'S NAME???


Do your New Year Resolutions include the forlorn hope that you will be better at remembering people’s names in 2026?

Many of us have difficulty remembering names. It’s not just TV personalities and so on, but people we meet in the street. We know exactly who they are, we see them every week in church or the supermarket, we know what job they do and which school their children go to. But as for their name – it’s a blank.

Help is at hand, however. Not to solve the problem, but at least to name it. ‘Anomic aphasia’ is the clinical name for the inability to remember a name, even when we can remember everything else about someone. 
There is also the strange truth that the cure for anomic aphasia comes spontaneously, often in the middle of the night, when that elusive identity pops unbidden into our memory. We must be sure, of course, to put the light on and write it down, because for sure it will be gone again with the morning light!

PEACEFUL MIND

At the time of writing, there is quite a bit of ill-health knocking around and maybe the following quotes will help?  The Bible tells the story of Jesus and His disciples in a boat. The wind blows, the waves rise, and the disciples are stressed. Like them, we also get hit by storms in life. Like them, we can’t control what comes our way. But like them, we can know that Jesus is also with us.
Maybe these bible promises will help?

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

The Lord gives strength to His people, the Lord blesses His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11)

For God is not a God of disorder but of peace - as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people. (1 Corinthians 14:33)



Prayer for the New Year, 2026

Dear Father, Lord of all time,   Here we are! Another New Year!

So many mixed emotions for different people, for different reasons. For some, the reluctance to leave a year which brought joy and happiness; for some the relief of leaving behind a difficult year; for some, sadness at moving into a year where a loved one has never been; for some, apprehension and insecurity about what might lie ahead in this world of polarisation, conflict and confusion about what is true.

Lord, help us to take time at the start of 2026 to refocus our hearts, minds and spirits – to tune into you, our unchanging God.

Help us to be calmed and encouraged by the promise of Jesus that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. The safe Way. The ultimate Truth. The Life, your gift, to be with you for all eternity.

You promised never to leave us or forsake us. When we put our trust in you, through what Jesus did on the cross, we are secure, we are accompanied, no matter what the New Year brings.

We can go forward, safely.    Thank you, in Jesus’ name,   Amen.

By Daphne Kitching