Blog | James Woodward

All Christians are Monks – Parish and the Religious life on Renewal

Posted on 31 August 2024 by James Woodward

I was recently engaged in a fascinating conversation about the prospects for the church in the West. My conversation partner wonde

And into the next decade ? On finding independence and purpose in age

Posted on 26 August 2024 by James Woodward

A short reflection on reading Dr Angela Robertson's book 'Changing Gears: Entrepreneurs @ 50+' I thin

Mark Santer : Bishop, Theologian, Pastor 1936-2024

Posted on 18 August 2024 by James Woodward

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This week, the family of Mark Santer, announced his death Our beloved father, Mark Santer, died at home on Wednesday 14th August. Over

Reading Keir Starmer : Reform, Politics and Power

Posted on 27 July 2024 by James Woodward

I first met Kier Starmer in 2011 when he offered advice to Lord Falcolners Commission of Assisted Dying supported by Demos - see: https://de

The invitation to be surprised? Art that touches the pulse.

Posted on 25 July 2024 by James Woodward

I first came across the work of Barbara Hepworth in 1980 during a visit to Aldeburgh. I had gone on a weekend party to a friend’s house on C

In praise of Anne Lamott ( Somehow: Thoughts on Love)

Posted on 7 July 2024 by James Woodward

I wish I could remember who it was who recommended the work of Anne Lamott ! I may have picked up a quotation from a website, a colleagu

Inhabiting RS Thomas on his own soil

Posted on 17 June 202417 June 2024 by James Woodward

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It is a long way from Salisbury to the Llyn Peninsula. This was a pilgrimage of sorts to the RS Thomas Poetry Festival.

The White Road: a pilgrimage of sorts by Edmund de Waal

Posted on 26 May 2024 by James Woodward

After an unexpected day of sun over a bank holiday weekend the rain has returned. Deciding to do some thinning of shelves for

Our complicated love affair with Work ? Reading Changing Gear by Hall and Stokes

Posted on 24 May 2024 by James Woodward

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I wish that booksellers wouldn't tempt their readers to a three for the price of two offer especially while waiting for another delayed trai

In the midst of death, life persists –

Posted on 2 May 2024 by James Woodward

"In the midst of death, life persists. In the midst of untruth, truth persists. In the midst of darkness, light persists.” - Mahatma Gandhi

Nothing is Secure, Except God : visiting the Community of the Sisters of the Love of God

Posted on 28 April 2024 by James Woodward

I was first introduced to the Sisters of the Love of God by Geoffrey Connor, the Vocations advisor in the diocese of Durham in the late 1970s.

Lessons from a day of celebration at Sarum College

Posted on 10 March 202410 March 2024 by James Woodward

Yesterday was the Sarum College 2024 Ceremony for the Presentation of Academic Awards. The days running up to this event, make

Faith, Hope and Carnage by Nick Cave

Posted on 15 February 2024 by James Woodward

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Our lives are fragile, unpredictable and always deeply bound up with the unpredictable shapes of pain and grief. Even at our most complete a

Reading Such a Long Journey : A biography of Gilbert Shaw, Priest

Posted on 13 February 2024 by James Woodward

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I believe that I may have had at least two copies of this book written by Rod Hacking ( now a neighbour in Salisbury but then an incumbent in

Saving Time by Jenny Odell

Posted on 28 January 2024 by James Woodward

I doubt very much, indeed, if anybody who has the time to read this book about time, would confidently be able to say that they had enough t

Awe explored by Dacher Keltner

Posted on 21 January 2024 by James Woodward

When was the last time that you were simply lost for words? A moment that took hold of you by surprise ? The glorious blue light that marks

Try Softer ? In praise of grounded advice from Kolber.