Rev Matt iBlog

A few years ago, I took the courage to share my personal story of suffering with depression. I didn’t know what to expect—but what I found was an outpouring of love and support. Many people came forward and shared their own stories of mental health struggles. That solidarity and honesty were deeply comforting. Members of Muswell Hill Methodist Church were fantastic, and I remain grateful for their kindness. Since then, I’ve reflected on the wider context we’re living in. From the global pandemic to the continuing cost-of-living crisis, our society is under intense pressure. It’s no wonder we’re facing a growing mental health crisis across the UK. During my current sabbatical, I’ve been focusing on different aspects of inclusivity. One area that’s especially close to my heart is how the Christian Church responds to mental health. The Bible isn’t silent on the subject of mental anguish. Elijah, fearing for his life at the hands of Queen Jezebel, sat down under a broom tree and prayed for...

During my sabbatical, I’ve had the opportunity to attend Andy’s Man Club , a free nationwide support group that runs every Monday at 7PM. These groups create a safe, judgment-free, and non-clinical environment where men can open up about the storms affecting their lives. There’s no pressure to speak—men are welcome to just listen if they wish. I’ll be honest: I was nervous the first time I went. The team leaders wait outside the venue to welcome people in. Even now, I still feel a bit intimidated seeing them standing outside, but they’re genuinely there to help men feel at ease. It made me think about how people must feel walking into church for the first time, and how we might be more intentional in creating a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. Once I was sat in the circle, I felt right at home. It was amazing to be part of a community of men from all walks of life, sharing the same space and supporting one another. One of the group’s simple but powerful rules is: no phones out....

I am currently on sabbatical until the 21st of July—a time of pause, reflection, and renewal. So far, it has been a real gift. I've been blessed with precious time with family. Helen and I recently enjoyed a beautiful week away in Whitby, celebrating my father-in-law’s 80th birthday. Moments like these remind me how important it is to slow down and cherish what really matters. I’m also making the most of this sabbatical by doing things I love—like attending sports events—and, more importantly, taking time to reconnect with God and reflect on my calling. I began ministry in 2018, and although I was due to be ordained in 2020, the pandemic delayed that moment until 2021. Like so many in ministry, it feels like I haven’t truly stopped since COVID-19 changed our world. This sabbatical is giving me space to breathe, to pray, and to listen. A Focus on Inclusive Welcome One of the main focuses of this time is to explore how churches can offer a truly  inclusive welcome  to all. I bel...

Hello everyone, It was exactly a year ago that I shared my news with you because I wanted it to be my story. Today, I want to update you on my journey and how I’m feeling much better now. When I was first diagnosed, I felt like I was in a black hole. I experienced feelings of rejection, loneliness, and uselessness. My mind was overwhelmed with doubts and worries. During this dark time, I found comfort in Jesus’ cry from the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me” (Matthew 27:46 & Mark 15:34). His words reminded me that even in my suffering, I am not alone. The journey to recovery wasn’t easy. I started on antidepressants and received counselling. The support from my friends and family has been invaluable. I’ve had my share of “wobbles,” but overall, I feel much stronger and more hopeful. One of the significant realisations during my recovery was the importance of talking about mental health. There’s a stigma around depression, especially in the church, where people...

Dear Friends, Crickey! Christmas is fast approaching, bringing many tasks such as attending many carol services and school nativities. However, amongst the stress and twinkly lights, there are many opportunities for sharing the good news.  Out of the Ordinary  is our 2023 Advent and Christmas theme. Our theme invites people to scratch beneath the surface to see God revealed. Advent and Christmas invite us to spend time with God: times when God promises to show up. Let’s keep watch, so that we’ll notice when God keeps that promise. Advent comes from Latin adventus, “coming”. As the carol proclaims:  Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. What’s your favourite Christmas Carol? According to Classic FM website the number one Christmas Carol is O Holy Night. In the top ten is the well-known O Little Town of Bethlehem which was written by the Revd Phillips Brooks following a journey he had made from Jerusalem to Bethlehem during the season of Christmas 186...

I remember Helen bringing home a young cat called Larry. For the next 11 years Larry would bring us so much comfort and joy. Helen and I had to make the tough decision of having Larry put to sleep.  I feared when this day would come. I have never felt so much pain and heartbreak in all my life.  Helen and I have been married for 12 years, and 11 of those we’ve had Larry. The house feels empty, and I am learning to deal with it.    Having a much-loved pet is many things and a gift in a variety of ways.  An experience that defies the human flaw of relationship being a complex set of belongings.  Loving a pet invokes an unconditional love in return, leading to golden memories that reveal the special nature of animals who trust and watch over we humans. Francis of Assisi spent much of his time preaching about animals, exhorting that all creatures are brothers and sisters under God. This is why I believe humanity has much to learn from all God’s c...