Chapter & verse: John 4: 1-42

24/02/2023 | Reform

Stephen Tomkins rethinks Jesus’ meeting with the Samaritan woman

This is a Bible story that I have changed my mind about. Sermons and commentaries I came across generally portrayed this woman as sinful, failing to listen to Jesus, failing to … Read More

All are welcome? Neurodivergence

24/02/2023 | Reform

Managing church with neurodivergence

I wonder what feeling genuinely welcome means to you. In this column I am speaking to a range of people from around the URC about their experiences of church and what welcome might feel like, for … Read More

On the pilgrim way: ‘Everyone was hanging on God’s word’

24/02/2023 | Reform

Sheila Maxey pays an inspiring visit to Taizé

The Taizé Community in France is really for the young. I had not been for ten years, but my daughter, Ruth, wangled us in, out of season, this January. Entering the barn … Read More

Do stay for tea and coffee: ‘I used to think I didn’t have time for a daily walk’

24/02/2023 | Reform

Paul Kerensa finds he has time to walk the dog

I’ve never been one for resolutions – they’re too breakable. Now Lent’s here, with yet more chances for me to over-self-promise and under-self-deliver. (At least my resolution to invent double-hyphenated … Read More

Art in focus – March 2023

24/02/2023 | Reform

The Transfiguration,by RaphaelOil tempera on woodNow in the Pinacoteca of the Vatican Museum

For a long period of art history, Raphael’s Transfiguration was considered the greatest painting in the world. It was commissioned by Cardinal Giulio de Medici and was … Read More

Editorial: To be with us in what we suffer

24/02/2023 | Reform

At the time of writing, the official count has reached 33,179 deaths from the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. The final figure might be twice that, according to the United Nations.

It was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever … Read More