2025 Autumn

For centuries – millennia even – human beings have struggled with the great question of where the bad things come from. Why do people hate and hurt each other, and why do bad things happen to people who don’t deserve them? It is the latter question that contributors to this issue are particularly concerned with.
Authors of the first three articles are courageous in sharing their own experiences – Richard Laugharne of walking alongside his beloved wife, Trish Roberts-Thomson of living with cancer and Chris Blackwell of coping with mental health problems. There is much to learn from their words.

Then there are articles which describe ministering to those who are struggling with illness or bereavement. Sian Nicholas is a hospital chaplain, engaging with people coming to terms with difficult diagnoses or rapidly approaching end of life. Rona Orme suggests ways of ministering to children who are struggling with (or facing) the loss of a beloved family member or teacher. Peter Harris takes a historical view, showing how the Church has responded to the sick and dying in the past, and considers what this tradition may teach us today, while Ann Bowes demonstrates how the ministry of Julian of Norwich has guided her own.

A wide variety of topics is covered in the feature articles. Jessy Price introduces us to the world of board games, and finds lessons for evangelism. John Griffiths encourages us to take a sabbatical. Richard Hall continues his series about Christianity and Parliament.David Blundell urges us to ‘walk the talk’ and always be ready to give an account of the hope that is within us. Jonathan Smith writes of the riches to be found in contemplative prayer and Richard Dixon finds the work of the psychiatrist Viktor Frankl helpful for pastoral ministry.

Storytelling can be a great way of sharing a message. It is a technique Margaret Pickthorne uses often in preaching, and I hope you will enjoy her offering here. And our featured book is an innovative take on the ancient Book of Tobit. I have read the whole of Eleanor Williams’ novella and recommend it.

In our next issue, we will consider the first five books of the Bible, and explore what we can learn from them today. The last issue of the year will focus on  teaching and mentoring new disciples, and we will start 2026 by looking at worship. I am always delighted to hear from readers, either about articles published or with ideas for new ones.

With my best wishes and prayers.

Richenda