Shaken

April 2026

Dear Friends

Since December we now all know what an earthquake feels like (albeit a small one) and how worrying it is to think that your roof is falling in or your neighbour’s house has exploded. 

Most people are glad to get off boats and planes and get their “feet back on solid ground”.  But those who experience big earthquakes say that it is deeply unsettling when the ground is no longer solid and no place of safety remains.  So the shaking of the ground can stand as a symbol for any sudden, unexpected or overwhelming disruption to our lives or to the world.

There are two earthquakes recorded in the Gospels. 

The first happened at the same moment that Jesus, crying out in a loud voice from the cross, gave up his spirit and died.  “The earth shook and the rocks split”  Matthew 27:51.  We don’t need to believe that God ‘interfered’ in the normal movement of tectonic plates to produce an earthquake at just the right time – we just need to accept the Bible’s claim that no atom moves without God’s command, He “rules over all”  Psalm 103:19.  God shakes the world that rejects and crucifies his Son, giving notice that judgment is coming for the stubborn and unexpected rescue for the trusting.

The second earthquake happened 3 days later (according to their way of reckoning) at dawn on the first day of the week.  “There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.”  Matthew 28:2  What else but a violent shaking of solid ground could convey the enormity of what was happening, the splitting of history into BC and AD.  The reign of death that brings such misery to all was giving way to a new era in which all who trust in Christ are assured that they too will stand triumphant on the other side of death.

The three sad days are quickly sped;
he rises glorious from the dead.
All glory to our risen Head.
Hallelujah!

Sincerely

Graham Burrows

Culture Review

March 2026

Dear Friends

‘Culture’ can refer to the music or art that a group of people like.  More broadly, it means the way that a group or society behave, and the things that they believe and value.  Sometimes we rejoice in the culture – when someone’s honesty leads them to make a big effort to return to us something that we lost.  Sometimes we despair – at destructive and selfish acts that seem to be deep-rooted.  (And, of course, we get much more easily worked up by bad behaviour in others than by our own self-centredness.)

Culture flows from worship.  If you want to understand the culture of a group then think about what or who they worship.  What are they devoted to?  Who are the ‘gods’ they are living for?  What do they spend their money on?  Who are they looking to for happiness and security?  What do they serve?

Culture flows from worship.  Even the word ‘culture’ comes from a Latin word that means to cultivate, honour or worship.

The prominent church building in our village tells us what previous generations thought about the worship of the villagers – that it ought to be directed to the Lord Jesus Christ as the one who created us and died to rescue us.  That there is space to spare in our church on Sundays despite the large increase in population tells us that most of us have been directing our worship and our hope elsewhere.

So my question is, How are the gods of our age doing?  Are they delivering on their promises?  Are they producing a culture that we can rejoice in, or not?  What effect is the worship of other ‘gods’ having on our children and grandchildren?  What our village worships will determine what our village becomes.

If you are starting to think that our trust has been in the wrong place, and you would be willing to hear again the command of the God of the Bible that we have ‘no other gods before Him’ then please consider coming along to one of our First Steps services, and bringing your family along too.  We promise to make every effort to help and encourage you to take what may be your first steps in a whole new direction.

Sincerely

Graham Burrows

Starting the Journey

February 2026

Dear Friends

‘Journey to Rome’

There may still be some places left on our Holiday Club organised by Burton and Holme Churches and taking place at Burton Morewood School on Thursday 19 and Friday 20 February 2026 from 9am to 5pm each day.  £6 for 2 days to cover snacks and lunch.

Our enthusiastic leaders and helpers are getting ready to welcome children (from Reception to Year 6) for a packed two days of Roman and Italian-themed activities and Bible teaching led by Sue Aranzulla who has many years’ experience of organising similar events.  We’re also inviting parents, carers and other family members to Aperitivos at 4pm on the Friday to enjoy a taste of the culture the children will have experienced.

To book please go to www.burtonandholmechurches.org

First Steps Services

Are you or your family interested in coming to church but feel that would be as big a step for you as it would be for me to join a Scuba diving club – I’ve never been to such a thing and I have no idea what that would be like!  Starting on Sunday 22 February the last Sunday service each month will be a ‘First Steps Service’ – when those who regularly join us for worship will be especially ready to welcome children, young adults and older adults who have not attended church very much, or at all.  The service will be like our regular Sunday gatherings but shorter (about 50 minutes) and we’ll make every effort not to baffle or embarrass but to be clear and welcoming.  We encourage you to bring children of all ages and not to worry about noise or fidgeting.      

Our first ‘First Steps’ service will be at 10am on Sunday 22 February in St James Burton and we will be inviting all children and families from the Holiday Club to come too.  You will be very welcome.  For all who are able to stay the short service will be followed by a ‘Holiday Club Round-Up’ over refreshments.  And then a warm invitation to everyone to stay for a light lunch which we will provide.

Future ‘First Steps’ services will alternate between Burton and Holme.  If you join our mailing list (use the link at www.burtonandholmechurches.org) then we’ll email to let you know when and where they will be.

Sincerely

Graham Burrows