Churches Together in Hadleigh

29/10/2026

This is well said. When politicians try to scare you by telling you one religion is bad and coming to get you, watch out, this is typically a psy-op to divide the population and gain your unquestioning support.

29/10/2026

Twice in the last week someone from church has asked me what bible they should get. Others may have the same question so here’s my answer:

Firstly despite what you may have heard on the internet the KJV is not a good translation of the bible.
It’s really important in translation history but it’s not a good translation in an academic sense and wouldn’t hold up to the standards of modern translation.
It’s also in 500 year old English which really doesn’t help.

So don’t use that one but when it comes to what bible should we be using…
Well that’s not a simple question because a “neutral” translation of the bible doesn’t exist.

Pete Ens said
“Every translator who has ever lived has had to make a lot of decisions, both consciously and also unconsciously, about meaning, or context, or grammar, or what these idioms mean, or style
…we will not achieve neutrality.”

The NRSV is broadly considered by translators and scholars to be the standard of modern biblical translation so that’s probably the best bet.

But here’s what I’d say to someone picking up the bible for the first time, from someone who picked it up once and completely fell in love with it:
If you’re expecting to find a clear and uncomplicated explanation of God, life and the universe you won’t find it.
And if you’re expecting to find an accurate and unbiased account of history you won’t find it.

It’s a complicated book. To begin with it’s not one book it’s a collection of different books including multiple genres and styles from multiple cultures and time periods.
It’s not an accurate, unbiased account of history. And it’s not really pretending to be. That’s been projected onto it.
It has biases, cultural influences and at times is intentionally projecting a political and religious interpretation of events.
And it’s been influenced by later editors.

Simplistic readings of the bible are dangerous.
Just because someone says “the bible says” doesn’t mean that the bible actually says it. And people have used that approach to claim God ordains some very harmful and violent things.
It’s not a magic book written by the hand of God that you can’t interpret or question.
It took shape over a few hundred years. The first list we have of the books we call the new testament is from 367 AD.
And its interpretation is complex, confusing and sometimes utterly confounding.
Approach it with curiosity and nuance. Ask lots of questions.
And you’ll find wisdom, passed down from people who came long before you. You’ll find beauty and yes, I believe, you’ll find God.

29/10/2026

We invite you to join us online as we pray for more children and young people to know the love of Christ.

Every Tuesday at 1 pm (BST), the Church of England hosts a specific prayer meeting to see a doubling of Children and Young People by 2030.

Would you consider taking the time to pray for children and young people across all denominations and traditions or even hosting a prayer meeting in your own church or network?

Together, we can see the next generation transformed by the power of God.

To join us in prayer, visit https://bit.ly/42O7kDO

29/10/2026

God of the hidden way and the open horizon,
gather all that is heavy and all that still holds hope.
When our world fractures and our patience grows thin,
form us in the quiet, faithful work of reconciliation.
Where love is given in service, often unseen,
renew strength and gladness for the journey ahead.
Set our feet again upon your way,
that through loss and longing new life may yet arise,
and a deeper song
begins to rise before the dawn. Amen.

Leslie Newton, former Chair, Yorkshire North and East District

Find more ways to pray at methodist.org.uk/prayer.

28/10/2026

28/10/2026

Tomorrow is now Tonight !!

We are looking forward to an evening of worshipping God tomorrow (Wednesday) at 7.00pm. All welcome. See you there.

28/10/2026

Lord, in our seasons of sorrow you are the source of joy. Thank you for your promise to be near to the broken-hearted and to bind their wounds.

Lord, for those who are longing for a freshness from you, we pray you would rest on them. We pray your presence would illuminate sparks of joy, allowing them to spread your goodness.

Lord, do what only you can – bring strength from fear, joy from grief, and bless your children around the world. Amen.

Rareş Călugăr, District Superintendent, UMC Romania

Find more ways to pray at methodist.org.uk/prayer.

28/10/2026