In 1934 Fred Clayton visited Vienna to brush up on his German and to take in the culture of that city. He stayed with a Jewish widow and her sons. Little did he know that this visit would shape his life. They lost touch after some time, but then, after Kristalnacht in November 1938, he … Continue reading “The redeeming act of my life” – the Kindertransport 80 years on
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How the book began …
In February 2015 I travelled to Dresden, Germany as part of a party from Coventry to join in with the commemorations marking 70 years since that city was bombed. The two cities were both (along with many others) devastated by bombing in the course of World War II. After Coventry was bombed in 1940, leaving … Continue reading How the book began …
Dreams of Dresden – A synopsis
In 1942 Secker and Warburg published a novel by first-time novelist Fred Clayton under the pseudonym Frank Clare entitled The Cloven Pine. Described as a “remarkable first book” by E. M. Forster, The Cloven Pine depicted German boys as creatures to be pitied and loved, as much victims of the Nazis as the British and … Continue reading Dreams of Dresden – A synopsis
Easter Sermon – The life-changing faith of Puddleglum – “I’m on Aslan’s side”
One of the delights of being a dad is reading stories. Bedtime is one of my favourite times of the day, because it’s story time. Sometimes we manage to sneak in a quick time for a cuddle and a read first thing in the morning if I’m awake enough. Alicia and I are reading through … Continue reading Easter Sermon – The life-changing faith of Puddleglum – “I’m on Aslan’s side”
Reflections around the cross – One Saturday
A headline in the paper read “Religious nut and freak is dead.” The spokesman for the Pharisees Explained (while looking very pleased), “This man had caused us lots of trouble, We had to get him on the double. He claimed he was the Chosen One, Almighty God, His only Son. We Pharisees weren’t having that! … Continue reading Reflections around the cross – One Saturday
An hour at the cross – Worship for Good Friday
Around the country Anglican churches everywhere will be holding "last hour" services today between 2 and 3pm. These are opportunities for prayer, reflection and meditation on Jesus' love for us. If you'd like to experience this, but are unable to get out, then you might find this helpful. This last hour is made up of … Continue reading An hour at the cross – Worship for Good Friday
New Year Update 2016
Dear friends Happy New Year! I want to update you with a few things as we begin 2016. “Generosity – A response to God’s love” Today we launch a new theme, ‘Generosity – a response to God’s love’. This January and February we will explore how our resources support God’s work and we … Continue reading New Year Update 2016
Immeasurably More
This is the sermon I preached today, based on Ephesians 3:14-21 It’s holiday season and some of us will be heading to the coast. Nearly all of us have. When we stand on the shore, there’s so much more out there. And sometimes you can stand on the shore, and if you look left, all … Continue reading Immeasurably More
His ability, my availabilty
Just listening to the audio Bible, and got as far as Exodus 3. I have a soft spot for Moses. The story of the way God led him, spoke to him and worked through him has been so helpful to me already, and God has used that story to encourage me in the past. This … Continue reading His ability, my availabilty
A personal story of reconciliation
Tomorrow I travel to Dresden, Germany as part of a party from Coventry to join in with the commemorations marking 70 years since that city was bombed. The two cities were both (along with many others) devastated by bombing in the course of World War II. After Coventry was bombed in 1940, leaving the cathedral … Continue reading A personal story of reconciliation
Halwill Publishing 