Thanksgiving

Poem 751 – Psalm of Thanksgiving

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To the tune of Hark the Herald…

Father God we thank you for:
Family that comes from all over,
Children and grandchildren that bring us joy,
New friends, old friends, good friends getting older,
Dogs and goldfish, don’t forget the guinea pigs,
Health and healing, sunshine and the rain,
180 thousand raised so far
and lots of guests on our Alpha.
Father God we thank you for
Mercy and forgiveness that on us you pour!

Last Sunday, we drew up a list of things we were grateful for from the year that was just finishing. It was suggested that perhaps we could make a song out of them, so here they are, slightly adapted, as used in our service today to the tune of a well-known Christmas carol.
(04.01.26)

© Ben Quant 2026
Photo by Wilhelm Gunkel on Unsplash

Poem 475 – Friday

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At the end of the walk
look back at the route,
Retrace your paths
and steps, recall
the twists and turns,
the detours taken.
Remember the views,
and picture the scenes
that stopped your breath
and brought you life.
Recount steep paths,
successfully navigated;
gain strength for those
ongoing climbs.
Rest tired limbs;
the satisfying ache
of journey’s end –
at least for now.
Give thanks for those
who’ve walked with you,
and those you have
accompanied.

Tomorrow will bring more hours and challenges, but for now it’s Friday evening, and time to stop, take stop, and give thanks.
(04.04.25)

© Ben Quant 2025

Poem 279 – Twenty-Five Years

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Twenty-five years,
three weddings and
too many funerals.

Baptisms in the garden,
sometimes warm,
but usually freezing.

Broxbourne foodbank,
winter night shelters,
Big Picnics at the park.

Soul Survivor,
Greenbelt,
weekends away.

Two schools and
numerous toddlers
toddlering.

Neverending rotas,
conversations,
unexpected meetings.

Five Advent candles –
so, who remembers
what they mean?

Pastoral visits,
Drop-In lunches
and nursing home services.

Three electric guitars
and three road bikes
pressed into service.

Church redevelopment
requiring prayer and
grants for funding.

So many faces,
places, emotions
and activities.

So many, so much
and yet throughout,
one God, one church, one family.

Today I celebrated 25 amazing years as minister at Wormley Free Church. What a privilege it’s been! These verses don’t do it justice, but I’ve loved being here and looking forward to where our life together as a church family takes us next.
(01.09.24)

© Ben Quant 2024