[This reflection by Helen Ruffhead was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 04/Jan/2026]
The month January is named after the Roman God Janus who had two faces, symbolising the ability to look both forward and backward. It is often a time for reflecting on the past and contemplating the future, but therein lies the danger. All too often the biggest disturbers of my peace are regret for past mistakes and fears for the future.
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[This reflection by David Makanjuola was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 19/Oct/2025]
As I write this, it has been a very eventful few days. After two years of turmoil, hardship and heartache, the ceasefire has come into effect between Israel and the people in Gaza. Many people played a part behind the scenes in negotiations to end the conflict and get the hostages home, President Trump being very significant in getting things across the line.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during September 2025]
Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Bears all its sons away.[1]
Do you know what time it is? A seemingly straightforward question for which a glance at a nearby screen or timepiece should provide a simple answer. However, as our opening quotation might suggest, there is more to it than that.
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during September 2025]
“Don’t take from next month what belongs to next month”[1]
These words were spoken by Grace Makutsi, a character in the series of books by Alexander McCall Smith under the general title of “The No1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”. The principle contains a certain amount of wisdom but is it practical?
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during August 2025]
The people that do know their God shall be strong.
Daniel 11 v32 [KJV]
When we think of the book of Daniel it is likely that we think of lions who lost their appetite, three fire-resistant fellows or a statue with fractured feet. Indeed, even people with little or no knowledge of the Bible will probably recognise those events, but what of the rest of the book? How many of us who claim to be familiar with the Old Testament know much about the content of chapters 7 to 12?
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[A ‘Tuesday Challenge‘ originally prepared for the congregation of Horley Baptist Church during June 2025]
Rejoice with those who rejoice (sharing others’ joy), and weep with those who weep (sharing others’ grief).
Romans 12 v15 [AMP]
Is Paul suggesting that we should be two-faced in our relationships? Certainly not, but this verse does recognise that there may be times when we are faced with two different courses of action.
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