It seems to be the pattern of things that life through January rushes past so quickly that we find ourselves already into February before I know what has happened. The three-year mark since I left full-time parish ministry did not pass unnoticed by me as we celebrated Candlemas this past Sunday; it was a timely reminder…

Welcome to my favourite season of the year, and this month's blogpost. Last Sunday, I was able to robe and join clergy colleagues as we took part in the Advent Carol Service, a procession from darkness to light. This was my first ministerial duty for several months, as I have had to set aside this aspect of my public ministry since the summer, in order to focus on catching up with icon commissions, alongside a new academic year for my Masters in Fine Art. On the Monday (the following day),...

These three words have held significance for me for many years. They were prompted by a study module when I was at theological college: in order to broaden our practical experience of church and ministry, we were asked to organise a placement in an "unfamiliar context". For many students, that meant spending time in a neighbouring parish where the tradition was somewhat different from what they were used to; for others, it was about exploring chaplaincy and spending time working in a school,...