Thought for the Month
Join me each month as I ponder life with all the highs and lows we encounter along the way.
I hope you enjoy my blog whose aim is to raise a smile as well as give food for thought.
As always, I would love to hear from you, so please contact me 01278 781147 c.judson@btinternet.com
God bless you.
Rev Chris
September 2025 ‘New Beginnings’
As we step into September this year, my mind is full of ‘new beginnings’. From school days onwards, September has meant ‘new starts’ to me. New school? New teacher? New class? New lessons? These were the ‘new beginnings’ from my childhood onwards. New clothes – school uniform? New shoes, maybe, especially once the sandals were banished by the rain! New exercise books with that special aroma, and the ‘clean slate’ of a book with no mistakes in it, ….at least not yet. New start, new beginning, new possibilities……
This year, on a personal level, I find myself returning to my role as Rector after a period of time off duty, and it feels a bit like a new start. Instead of a new exercise book, I have a new hip – which I am deeply grateful for! After various operations when I was a baby and a teenager, my old hip had done me very well, but all the medics agreed that it was definitely time for a change. I was much encouraged by the positive experiences of a raft of people around me, and am deeply appreciative of all who have stepped up to cover my duties (especially Rev Margaret Hayward, who significantly increased the hours that she gifts to us!) and indeed for all the good wishes, cards and gifts that have helped me on my way – thank you! Of course, receiving the new hip is but the start, and I know that what I make of it is largely up to me. Yes, the exercises are still happening (…lots…) and I am taking good care of it, as I want it to last for a very long time!
I guess all sorts of new starts have much in common. Some seem to just happen, while we need to initiate or at least accept others, but with all of them it is up to us to then make the very best use of them. Archbishop Desmond Tutu sees God’s mercy as giving us all a new start: ‘Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning’. That doesn’t mean it is easy, and adjusting to new ways can often be painful (as indeed is adjusting to a new hip or knee), but with practice (and many exercises) the result can be transformative.
Whatever new starts lie before you this September, may you know the wonder of God’s grace and guidance, and may you be encouraged to make the most of every opportunity that they bring to you!
God bless you,
Rev Chris
August 2025 ‘Something Special, the joy of Parkrun’
Amidst all the very worrying news that we hear hourly through the media there is something special and joyful happening across the world.
This is the movement called “Parkrun.” It is something that brings a joy to those involved and I hope reading about it will bring joy to you too.
Parkrun started in Bushy Park Wimbledon on 2nd October 2004 when 13 runners and 5 volunteers got together to help a friend who was injured get back to running. This small act of kindness has become a worldwide event. There are over 2,500 parkrun locations worldwide, it takes place in 23 countries across five continents. Parkruns operates in U.K. towns, prisons and abroad in exotic locations like Canyon Rim Trail at Twin Falls. The length of the parkrun is 5k for adults and 2k for children. It is totally free to take part in. Each parkrun has a section for park-walkers to take part too and as long as the course is suitable those with mobility aids are also welcomed. There is always a “back-walker” who comes in after everyone else therefore no one is last.
The overriding ethos of parkrun is that it is not a race, it is a community event that allows people to connect and exercise in the way in which they are able
How it works:
Each week volunteers set up the course. They put out cones and notices and then stand at various points on the course to ensure participants are safe. They also clap/cheer/ encourage participants as they pass by.
The adult runs are on Saturday mornings at 9 am. We all gather at the starting post, we are welcomed and the course is explained. We clap to thank those volunteering. Then we’re off.
There are some super runners who go off like racehorses on grand national day, inbetweener runners and the joggers like me. As the fast runners pass us joggers they often say “well done” and we call back to them “amazing, you’re going well,” and in our turn us joggers give encouragement to the walkers. So, the joy is passed on.
Behind us joggers are the park-walkers and participants who use a mobility aid/wheelchair. There is a volunteer with the park walkers who makes sure they remain safe.
I started as a park-walker and was encouraged by another park-walker who told me that “it was a special space in his week where he could reflect upon life.” This was a turning point for me, as it is for many participants, because parkrun provides space and a special time to call to mind the past week. Whether you’re a fast runner, jogger, or walker. Park-run is a safe space where worries cannot enter your mind, which has to be focussed on the run. Also, parkruns are often in beautiful locations so participants can appreciate the beauty of nature.
At the end of the 5k there is always a group of volunteers cheering you on to finish and congratulating you as you pass the finish line. An added reward is that you’re safe in knowledge that you’ve earned an ice cream!
So, how does this stand up to living as a Christian:
In the Bible there are references to being resilient, caring for the stranger, encouraging others, generosity, supporting others, even running the race of life with endurance. I have observed that park-run mirrors these Christian principles and many more in the way it has been set up and the way it operates. Park-run is a little bit of Good News which gives joy to all who take part. Why don’t you give it a try, whether you’re a walker, jogger, runner or wish to volunteer.
Sending you a Blessing, Reverend Margaret.