Reflection for an Epiphany Psalm
Revd Derek Akker writes…
I hope your Christmas and New Year celebrations went well.
Here are some thoughts for Epiphany .
Firstly, some words from an Epiphany Carol
I sought him dressed in finest clothes,
where money talks and status grows;
but power and wealth he never chose:
it seems he lived in poverty.
And so, distinct from all we’d planned,
among the poorest of the land,
we did what few might understand:
we touched God in a baby’s hand.
(Iona Community)
God bless and the best of wishes for 2026, hoping for a more peaceful year where justice reigns.
Fr Derek
Click here to read the Psalm 72 Epiphany Reflection
Adoration of the Magi”, painted about 1604 in India Tim Evanson Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0
Rievaulx Abbey, a reflection for Advent 1
In late September 2025 we visited North Yorkshire, our visit followed several days of heavy rain the effected much of northern England. We were fortunate to have warm dry weather, although the ground around Rievaulx Abbey was rather soft.
I had wanted to visit Rievaulx for a while and it was worth the wait. Most of the photographs were taken by Sue or me…
To continue reading this Advent Reflection, click here Rievaulx Abbey Reflection pr,
Every two months you can enjoy news from our community as well as articles, poems and reflections in our Church Magazine, Lifeline. Here is our latest issue, we hope you enjoy it!
Click here to read Lifeline 212 November 2025
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel… Join us for our Advent Carol Service, in a church bathed in candlelight as we celebrate the start of Advent. This Sunday 30th November at 19.30. With full choir and congregational carols. All Welcome!
Psalm 23 has been described as a universal Psalm, the pearl of Psalms, a Psalm for all seasons. I warm to the opening words of the psalm from the Iona Community Daily Worship Book:
You God, are my shepherd; I need nothing more.
But of course, they are not the words we know the best. I imagine many of us were introduced to Psalm 23 through the version sung to Crimond.
Reading the Scriptures in the 21st century can raise questions; questions we do not always have an answer to, for example:
You set the earth on foundations so firm it will never be shaken. And you set clear limits to safeguard the earth from flooding. The psalmist was not attempting to explain the science behind creation, he was writing a song of praise to the God, the Creator, he was attempting to capture the grandeur of the earth with its pleasures. The rhythm and flow of the words of the psalm are directing us toward the meaning of creation not a scientific explanation.
We know we cannot escape the realities that the earth does move – the movement of the tectonic plates is witness to that and earthquakes still happen. Also, that the climate is changing and the safeguards are breaking down and flooding is happening.
To continue reading click here Psalm 104 part 2 – Reflection pr
The Psalmist in his own poetic style offers words of praise to God. He has almost put the creation story of Genesis 1 into song. We have light and the heavens, wind and water, vegetation, birds and animals and wine to cheer our spirits. The psalm deserves to be read slowly taking in the words of the psalmist and those who have interpreted the ancient texts.
My soul, bless God our maker.
God, you are magnificent, clothed with glory
and majesty, wrapped in a cloak of light.
You stretch out the skies like a tent,
your home is beyond the heavens, the clouds provide your chariot.
You ride on the wings of the wind.
Breezes and gales are your messengers, fire and flames your attendants.
You set the earth on foundations, so firm it will never be shaken.
You clothed the earth with seas; their waters covered the mountains.
This psalm starts with a reverence, a breath taking recognition glorious majesty and beauty of God. Through the writer, we are taken to an enchanted place, verse by verse there are pointers to the divine love that created a place of beauty and grandeur.
To continue reading Intro 2 – Psalms Reflection
What was in the mind of the psalmist when he penned this psalm? In the space of a few words, he elevates the place of children’s words of praise in the scheme of things.
God, our God,
How glorious is your name in all the earth;
your majesty is praised above the heavens.
The praise on the lips of babies and children silence those who oppose you.
Also, a little later he asks the question ‘what are humans that you (God) should remember them, what are humans that you should remember them.’ He answers this question with ‘You have appointed us guardians of creation and put all things under our care.’
When I look at the sky which your fingers made, at the moon and stars you set in place,
what are humans that you should remember them,
mere mortals that you make time for them.
Yet you have made us in your own image and crowned us with glory and honour.
You have appointed us guardians of creation and put all things under our care
Click here to continue reading Psalm 8 Reflection
Moon, stars, tree and reflection
Bessi – Creative Commons Zero, Public Domain Dedication
Don’t be anxious because of the wicked, don’t envy those who do wrong.
They will wither as quickly as grass, And fade like flowers of the field.
Trust in God and do good;
Settle down be at peace.
Let God be your deep delight and give you your heart’s desire.
Give your life over to God
who will bring out the best in you. Your integrity will be clear
and as bright as the noonday sun.
Psalm 37 is the 8th longest Psalm, with 40 verses. Today our reflection focuses on the first 11 verses and follows the Iona Abbey Worship Book psalm reading for the Monday in week 2 of its 6 week cycle.
To continue reading click here Psalm 37 Reflection
Photographs
Moel-y-Gaer, Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd, Clwydian Hills, Wales
Llywelyn2000 – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
Still Pond and the bloom of azaleas, Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park, London
Diliff – Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0
FOODBANK: As always, we will be collecting for Stem in De Stad – please bring non-perishable items for their foodbank including packaged food, toiletries and sealed drinks. All items should be new and unused. The boxes will be upstairs, at the entrance to the main church. COLLECTION: there will be a special collection for a cause which Rev Bruce and Tim will talk about during the service. HARVEST TEA: our wonderful group of volunteers will be setting up the table as you arrive so please bring your contributions to the church room. After the service the food will be blessed before we eat. MUSIC: our choir, led by Martin, will welcome members of the Anglican Singers and on organ we are joined by Alessandro. RAFFLE: there will be a raffle with a wonderful fruit hamper as first prize so bring small change!