In the document published by the Diocese of Leicester, they quote Oswald Chambers: “beware of harkening back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been.” What a poignant message at this time when the future of the church hinges on the decisions we make next. Whilst …
With the hope of restrictions soon lifting in the United Kingdom, it makes this period of isolation all the more difficult for some. With a near threshold to normality on the horizon, it draws focus to the struggles we still have right now. As Christians, we value the faith restoring tools God provides us with. …
Isaiah 54 verses 2 to 4 are inspiring. “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch the tent curtains wide, lengthen the chords and strengthen the stakes. … do not be afraid.” Contrary to what circumstances suggest, now could be the right time for optimism. This was the case surrounding the prophesy to Isaiah. It may …
For many Christians, like those of us at JBKS Architects, their faith is the rock of stability during this pandemic and the lockdowns, like a building’s foundations. The question is, is it stable enough, or is it shaking? What is faith? It says in the bible, in Hebrews 11, “faith is confidence in what we …
Of course, it’s not Christmas with COVID, it’s Christmas with Jesus Christ. It’s the celebration of his birth, whatever. On the other hand, there is no escaping the fact that it is so different. Since it is our specialist work, we at JBKS, are always very interested and concerned with the thoughts and feelings of …
“Well, here we go again” is a phrase you might have heard a lot this week, usually said with an air of woe and a tone of despair. The Prime Minister’s announcement on the 31st of October that a second lockdown would be implemented from Thursday the 5th of November for four weeks is really …
The word “church” can mean different things to different people. Some would say that the church is the body of people who meet to praise God and share like-minded thoughts, but for others, the word is limited to the looming grey buildings with square towers containing bells. For some people, the word might implicate fear …
In England, churches have been able to reopen their services for communal worship. Those attending services are required to keep at least 1m away from anyone not from their own household or support bubble, with some churches requiring mandatory face-coverings. Whilst many churches across England have opened their doors for prayer, many churches are still …
St Pauls’ church, Slough is a very large Victorian style 20th century church built in the residential suburbs of the town. It is enormously high and was so hard to heat that in the 1960s a flat roofed interior structure was built to provide a smaller, easier to heat hall, entirely within the west end …
As of the 13th June, churches in England have been allowed to open for individual prayer and funeral services. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government recognises that there are significant mental-health benefits for people being able to pray in their place of worship which for some people, cannot be replicated by praying at …