The work of peacemakers in places of conflict and division is hard, careful work of finding compromise and helping different sides to see one another’s perspective. Lasting peace comes from focusing on what we have in common as fellow human beings. This does not mean ignoring the wrongs or allowing injustice to stand. Forgiveness too can be a long, hard road. The reality is that no-one truly wins through repeating the cycle of polarisation, division, and violence. We all benefit from true and just peace. Finding peace within our own lives also needs to be made, rather than waiting for some imagined future when there will be no more demands on us. To cultivate peace in our lives is not about being free of worries or issues, but rather being able to stand firm through the storms of life, feet firmly planted on the solid ground of who we are and what matters. Christians are encouraged to remember that we are all made in God’s image and saved through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Nothing can take that away from us. From this truth, we can look at others and try to see God’s image in them too. In this way, peace is made and all are blessed.
Several members of our church family get together each week for Bible study and fellowship. These ‘home groups’ provide a relaxed and friendly environment for exploring the Bible, prayer and conversation. Back in the autumn term of 2025, Steve’s home group, who meet on Thursday evenings, were considering what they should study during Advent. A chance conversation in church, with Claire and Robin, about the Franciscan tradition of celebrating the Feast Day of St Francis on the last day of Creationtide, led to a book recommendation, which certainly gave Steve food for thought. This book, ‘Making Room for Christ through Advent’, was written by practising Franciscans and provides a day-by-day journey through advent. Each of the twenty-five days includes a bible verse, a prayer and a reflection, drawing inspiration from the development of Christ in the womb, from conception to birth. Steve was initially nervous about recommending the book to his homegroup as he was unsure about how the concept of discussing Jesus’ development during Mary’s pregnancy would be received. He need not have worried as his infectious enthusiasm and desire to explore this idea spread to the group. They had not thought about Jesus pre-birth before, and they appreciated the opportunity to reflect on the deeply human experiences associated with Mary’s pregnancy and Jesus’ birth. Steve greatly enjoyed leading the study sessions, taking on the discipline of preparation, exploring the Bible, cross referencing verses and learning more about the Old Testament prophecies that have been fulfilled through Jesus. Mary had a unique awareness of Jesus’ humanity as she experienced his life from its earliest moments. She was the chosen, faithful and willing means by which God became human in Jesus, enabling Him to show His sacrificial love to humanity, providing forgiveness for our sins and offering the gift of eternal life. In Steve’s words “If Mary, a young Jewish girl, gave up her own plans and reputation to “make room” for Jesus, then we too should make space in our lives for Him, taking time to listen to His will.”
As part of our mission partnership with the Diocese of Western Tanganyika, Tanzania, we sponsor four students, Debora, Lusiana, Jonas and Joseph, at the Lake Tanganyika Theological College (LTTC). In addition to paying their fees we were able to contribute £199 from individual donations to buy them the Bibles they did not have. With gifts from other sponsors in the diocese, all the students were presented with Bibles bought in Tanzania by a team of three from Emmanuel Church Network, Cheltenham in February 2026.Becca, Adrian and Fiona reported on their visit.‘We visited the theological college a couple of times. Alberto who leads the theological college was often with us visiting other churches, so we got to know him well. Adrian and Fiona observed some teaching; Becca had some conversations with the tutors particularly Brighton and Cosmos.Alberto is leading LTTC at the new site. He lives at the old site in town and is also in charge of the education delivered there. When we visited this site we saw the music school, tailoring school and computer lessons. The new site is beautiful, they have landscaped it well with an avenue of trees and crops growing around the site, and they are keeping pigs!Currently there are 45 students, 7 women, 9 lecturers. Last year there were 32 students. 11 are graduating this year. There should be 60 students next year. They are building a new tutors block. There are also plans to build a larger kitchen area. The main challenge they discussed with us was the size of the library, lack of computers and internet access. The library is small and most of the books are in English. Becca contacted SCONUL an online library which is used by students in the UK. This enables access to books and journals via the internet. SCONUL said they do not provide access to this for colleges and universities outside the UK. However, this may be something to explore through other routes. Maybe the Ugandan Christian university would be a good institution to talk with, as some clergy have studied/are studying there. It was great to see women training there and to see some out leading churches and doing their curacy.’ Thank you all who contributed generously towards providing Bibles.
In January, our teenage CORE youth Group led our 10:30 service for the first time. The initial reaction to this suggestion from leaders, Joe and Chris, ranged from ‘No way!’ to ‘We could have smoke machines and lights!’ But as feelings calmed, the ideas flowed. The end result was a service in which the content was produced entirely by the young people themselves. Some shared later what it had meant to them. ‘I wasn’t expecting to do the whole service at first. I was nervous, but it went much better than expected. We worked well together as friends and bounced ideas off each other.’‘I discovered the deeper meaning of some of the things we say and do in church.’‘I enjoyed it and would do it again! I feel closer to God through it and have a deeper sense of being part of the church family.’Parents and church members were justifiably proud of their young people. We heard comments like ‘I wanted to give them a clap!’ ‘It was wonderful!’ ‘and 'I didn’t really know what the CORE group was before and now I do.’ We asked Revd Joe why it is important for CORE to have opportunities to lead worship. ‘They are not just the church of the future but the church now. By putting a worship service together for others, they learn to think more deeply about what worship means to them. It is an opportunity for our young people to discover and exercise their gifts in a place that is safe. As adults we tend to stick to certain ways of doing things and it is good to have traditions challenged. Jesus challenged his disciples when he put a child in the midst of them. Putting children and families at the centre of church life means, among other things, involving them in worship.‘Well done, CORE group! We look forward to seeing you at the front again, reading, leading, praying and playing in the music group in the not too distant future.
