Here’s the link to our May 2026 magazine, paper copies of which are available in both our churches.
This Kingdom Season edition includes an explanation of what Kingdom Season is, alongside reflections, news and information about upcoming events. There’s an invitation to take part in an ‘Infinity Bridge’ walk to mark 150 years of the Mothers’ Union – and some thoughts on Spring Harvest.
The May 2026 magazine also includes these thoughts from Nigel…
Here I am
I hear you knocking, but…….
Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. (Revelation 3 v 20)
How are you with cold callers? The knock on the door, or the bell rings – who’s that now?
…”Good afternoon, we’re just working down the road and your driveway/roof/garden looks like it might need some attention. We can help….” or ” Hello there, how are you, I’m here on behalf of ???? charity and I wonder if you would like to give some financial support to our work.”
What is your reaction? I have to admit that often my natural response is often along the lines of “No thank you….I’ll call you if I want you…don’t come pestering me with unsolicited approaches. Unsolicited meaning the approach is unwanted or unwelcome.
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday some 2000 years ago he was making a public statement, as were his followers. It was his time to come into Jerusalem in a blaze of publicity. I don’t know if he actually shook a lot of hands, as would happen now-a-days, but I think he was certainly out to attract attention. He probably smiled and perhaps waved back to the people as they waved and shouted ‘Hosanna’.
Beneath the smile though he knew things would change – that the welcome would change to a rebuff, a spurn, and worse.
Yes, many welcomed Jesus but there were also many who saw him as a disruptive, unwelcome, cold caller who had become a problem that had to be dealt with.
He just turns up
I can’t help but think that these days Jesus is still something of a cold caller. I don’t see him making a specific appointment with us. He just turns up. He will knock on the door of our lives and await a response; waiting to see if we will open the door and welcome him in – or either not open the door at all, or open the door a little bit only to give him the cold shoulder.
Personally, I know that in September 1983 I opened that door and welcomed Jesus into my life. But when I look back before then I can recognise that Jesus had been knocking before and I had given him the standard cold call response….not now! Go away!
That cold caller attitude can continue long after the initial “Yes Jesus, welcome, do come into my life.” Like those times when Jesus calls us to do something and we turn him down – maybe we are too busy; maybe we feel there is no way we could do what he is asking – don’t ask me to do that!!….not now….go away!!!
Welcome him in
This verse from Revelation tells us that Jesus doesn’t just barge in. When he calls, he may politely knock and wait. But the knocking may get louder and more persistent. We may choose to ignore it but eventually we will have to take action and respond. We open the door and we then realise that we should have responded to the knocking earlier – we really do want to welcome him in.
Then he will come in, enter our lives; and things will change as he transforms our minds and hearts through his personal, persistent, patient love.
Jesus will no longer be the cold caller but will be the warm, understanding, best friend we have always wanted.
Sorry I must end there – someone is at the door……..!
Nigel Silvester