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
Tag: faithgoeswalkabout Page 1 of 6
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
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
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!
St Mary’s East Walton, West Norfolk
The last of the shopping, the final decorations, how many more lights can we have?
Watching the night skies when it has been so cold and the night skies have shimmered with stars have been amazing. Jupiter has been shining bright in the evening sky. How much brighter it would have shone on that Christmas Eve before Jesus was born as it moved towards an alignment with Saturn and the star Regulus.
A time for awe and wonder, a time to experience how large is the universe and how small our part plays, but yet for each one of us we are important to God.
Mary and Joseph would have been approaching Bethlehem so many years ago, the city would have been seen under the same sparkling sky.
Let’s journey together under the same starry skies.
Rev’d Sue Martin
Harvest services from our schools have filled the churches. Way beyond our expectations. Churches bursting at the seams. Food donations piled high at the font and the altar. All ready to be taken to the town food bank.
Children’s voices raised the roof. Prayers read and stories told.
What more could I add than just the biggest thank you from the depths of my heart for bringing back the love, laughter and joy to church.
Rev’d Sue Martin