On the pilgrim way ‘What I am finding in the emptiness is something else – a new gift’

26/09/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey finds inspiration in empty spaces

‘Empty’ feels such a negative word and yet I am beginning to question that. I have a very dear housebound friend whose diary and calendar are almost always empty. That means that whenever … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘I handed in my keys and walked home with tears streaming down my face’

29/08/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey clears out and finds lost treasures

Last Saturday I went into Brentwood United Reformed Church for the last time. Men from the two other churches in the pastorate were loading things into a hired white van – the … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘We stood quietly, craning our necks’

26/06/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey learns lessons from the birds

As 8 July – the date of the closing service for Brentwood United Reformed Church – approaches I seem to become more and more detached, at least on the surface. Last Sunday, my … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘We are discovering the pleasure of giving’

02/06/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey prepares for closing time

I am proud of my little local church because it is managing to be fully alive while it prepares carefully and thoughtfully for closure on 8 July. We have four elders, three of them … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘It was a life-giving journey. I felt free’

28/04/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey enjoys a life-giving solo journey

Recently I travelled by train to visit my favourite cousin in Germany and then my daughter, Mary, in the Netherlands. It was such a life-giving journey. I felt so free – just me … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘She keeps my zest for life alive’

24/03/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey gives thanks for a friend

I have put away the photo of Kees and me, taken last summer on our diamond wedding anniversary. Our son took it and gave us a large copy, which had pride of place, … Read More