The Nativity Tradition at Advent

The nativity scene as advent approaches

As I write, Advent is just a week away, and I’m looking forward to all that we share together during this season at All Saints and Christ Church. This includes decorating our own Christmas tree, which takes pride of place in the lounge window, along with our unusual nativity set.   It’s an African baked clay … Read more

Vicar’s Letter Nov 2024

Golden rays shining through dark clouds to represent the good news of Jesus in a war-torn world

Our news tells us day after day of war zones, retaliatory action, suffering people groups, political bargaining, changing weather patterns and disasters, and uncertain futures, to name a few examples.   All these things cause us to be understandably fearful and uneasy if we’re not careful.  Equally, though, we do also need to hear and be assured … Read more

Vicar’s Letter Oct 2024

We can be thankful for all God's goodness

Can I echo others’ thanks for the support so many gave during the recent successful Heritage weekend centred around All Saints Church in the heart of your community? Thank you! This kind of broad, welcoming series of events does, of course, take massive coordination and group effort, and it humbles me to see how so … Read more

Quiet Day 4

Surrender event

The Parish of Wath with Brampton is pleased to announce our fourth quiet day event at Christ Church, Brampton Bierlow. Each event is a special time for silent prayer, meditation and reflection.  This is an opportunity for anyone, old or young, experienced or novice, to come along and spend some time away from the busy world … Read more

Vicar’s Letter Sept 2024

The church is collaborating for the good of the community

So many sights, smells, sounds and images can help us remember past times or bring memories of our childhood to mind.  This happened to me today as I sat outside listening to the sounds around me.   Yes, there were birds chirping and a distant aeroplane, but gladly, there was no noise of cars or motorbikes on … Read more

Giving Day 2024

Donate spare cash to support the church

This year’s giving day for the parish of Wath with Brampton is Sunday, 14th July. Giving Day is when we remember God’s generosity and make donations to our local churches. Christians are called to be generous, as God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, without counting the cost to show us the Way to forgiveness … Read more

Vicar’s Letter July 2024

Rewilding a meadow is like coming back to traditional, even biblical values

Don’t you just love this time of year (June)? We are now, at the time of writing, on the longest day of the year, which I always remember as my late paternal grandmother’s birthday. This year, I have a growing sense of interest in the idea of ‘rewilding’.  Why do I mention this now…well in three … Read more

Vicar’s Letter June 2024

Flea market items illustrating earthly treasure

What would you consider a great find?  Perhaps you’re into metal detecting or going along to auctions/car boot sales in the hope of stumbling across something unique and collectable.   Many things we may see as having great worth, however, might also be someone else’s cast-offs.  I suppose the overall benefit here is that items get re-used or … Read more

Feeding the System

Money isn't spiritual wealth

…….For those of us who have read the Bible, we know that this is no surprise, for the fool continues to build on the sand, whilst those who hear and act build on solid ground…….. [to be continued] Is anyone ever satisfied today? Does anyone ever have enough? The reality is that most of us … Read more

Vicar’s Letter April ’24

Garden of Gethsemane

Does the future sometimes give you cause for concern I wonder, as we continue to see alarming reports of conflicts, disasters (man-made and natural), flooding, drought, hunger…the list goes on?  Perhaps you are understandably so engrossed in getting through the present with whatever pressing needs and challenges you may be facing that you have little time … Read more