Image: a view to the horizon
Peace in the early morning whilst gazing out in the Atlantic Ocean.Time for some relaxation, reading and walking at the start of a short break in February.
Rev’d Sue Martin
A wonderful view across the Bay of Alcudia from Ermita de Betlem
A journey to my favourite place in Mallorca. Following a steep and bending road, with the sharpest of hairpin bends,we made it safely in our little hire car to the Ermita de Betlem. A tiny sacred space,once home to a larger monastery similar to Lluc in Mallorca. Now it stands lonely and quiet, far from tourist eyes and coaches.
A ten minute walk along the sheep track led us to this magnificent view at the top of the Bay of Alcudia. So blue, so quiet and tranquil on a warm and gentle day.
Rev’d Sue Martin
Telling the story…
In the week before Easter I visited our three schools for their end of term Collective Worship. I had prepared a short talk, some additional props to help this incredible and yet, such a hard story. To be honest, I was feeling a little daunted.
Each of the three schools were so well prepared, in different ways, but the amazing thing that bound them all together was their understanding and ability to explain the whole story by writing, pictures and actions.
Sometimes we should just leave the story to itself and not over-complicate things. Too much theological interpretation is not always a good thing!!
Rev’d Sue Martin
Palm Sunday April 2nd 2023 at St Mary’s East Walton
What a delight to follow behind the young donkeys on our way into church on Palm Sunday. Both young donkeys went straight into church and stayed with us for the first hymn, we have a king who rides a donkey!
Donkeys – what do they mean to us? Calm, loving, spirited, friendly.
As we start Holy Week we remember the entry into Jerusalem by Jesus on the young donkey as the crowds shouted ‘Hosanna’ and waved palm leaves before him.
Much was to happen in this week … Read more in Sermons 2023
Rev’d Sue Martin
Martha had sent a message to Jesus to come quickly as her brother Lazarus was seriously ill. But Jesus stayed away for two days, why?
Some different thoughts on time keeping are…
Nice and early, Always on time, Just in time and Running late!
Nice and early. I have to admit to hardly ever fitting into the first one, nice and early. As much as I would love to be that organised I never really am.
Always on time is not for me either, hand on heart. I am now better but I have to really work at it!
Just in time fits me nicely. Gathering things together, having a last cup of tea and then getting to the right place.
Running late – can still be said of me occasionally now. I don’t like it as it means that you may be letting people down, so I do try hard!
And so Mary and Martha were distraught, Lazarus, their brother had died, They had sent word to Jesus who was only two days away, so why didn’t he come then?
Read more… Sermons 2023
A New Beginning
Let’s take a tiny thing… the snowdrop… Lots now flowering in our churchyards, a flower of winter, and a herald of Spring. How uplifting it is to see their beautiful and tiny white flowers appear through the ground and make carpets of flower in January and February. The beginning of our year. They represent purity. Light and peace.
Snowdrops are a first sign, a promise that spring is on its way, sometimes called Candlemass Bells.
Read more in Sermons 2023
Rev’d Sue Martin
Earthquakes in Syria and Turkey…
Earthquake in Turkey and Syria has caused massive destruction and loss of life. The first 7.8 magnitude quake struck near Gaziantep in the early hours of Monday, followed by a 7.5 magnitude tremor hours later. The quakes were all shallow which increased the possibility for damage.
The devastation is too horrendous for words. Rescuers were on the scene immediately, listening for the tiniest of voices in the rubble. Finding people left alive is now becoming less likely as time goes on.
Words are not enough, please donate now to charities involved. My money is going to Unicef.
In haste
Rev’d Sue Martin
Sky Full of Angels
In the depths of our winter, 2nd January was a bright and sunny day. Gazing westwards across the Norfolk fields I saw a sky lit up with angels (disguised as clouds)! There is certainly one who is shining so brightly!
Christ Whose Glory Fills the Skies!
Rev’d Sue Martin
Epiphany – the realisation that Jesus is in the world with us all!
And so the good news continues. Epiphany is the time when the Magi arrived at Bethlehem,
We know the story, we know why the Magi brought the gifts they did, they were gifts for a king. Melchior from Persia brought gold, Caspar from India brought myrrh and Balthazar from Ethiopia brought frankincense.
This the real celebration, we have all the story, we have the light of the world come to live with us, and he will be with us forever.
Read more in Epiphany page.
Let’s move forward into 2023 in the light, it has dispelled the darkness and will never be put out! Alleluia!
Rev’d Sue Martin Diocese of Norwich
Christmas and so many years ago Jesus was born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem. The shepherds on the hillside were the first visitors. The Magi came from the east as they followed the star. Why didn’t he appear amongst wealth and fortune like other kings?
He was born to be amongst us, to be with all people, and especially for those most in need.
And one of the best things to do this Christmas is in some way to remember and help people where life is hard.
So turn on the lights, eat the mince pies, deck the hall with bows of holly but don’t forget what it’s really about. Happy Christmas!