The September–December 2020 issues of our Bible reading notes and Messy Church's Get Messy! magazine have arrived! Keep reading to find out what's inside...

New Daylight
Editor Sally Welch writes...
Ruth Bancewicz and her team of scientists help us to see God at work in creation in a new way. Amanda Bloor’s imaginative exploration of ways of praying with everyday objects will help us stretch our ‘prayer muscles’ as she offers us new ways of encountering God, as part of New Daylight's contribution to BRF’s Holy Habits initiative. And, in the run-up to Christmas, Veronica Zundel will take us through that wonderful tradition of the Nine Lessons and Carols, beloved by so many.

Guidelines
Editor Helen Paynter writes...
In complementary readings, Paul Williams and Peter Phillips reflect on the relevance and interpretation of the Bible today. In an age when biblical literacy in the UK is at a deep low, these themes are important and relevant for us. There are familiar names, too. Derek Tidball brings us a set of reflections on some of the richness of salvation – a theme ever to be explored, to be pondered and to draw us to worship. Derek’s notes help us to do just that. In Advent, another well-loved contributor, David Kerrigan, will be helping us to reflect on the meaning of the kingdom of peace: an ancient and glorious theme whose relevance seems more pressing with every passing year.

Bible Reflections for Older People
Editor Eley McAinsh writes...
This issue of Bible Reflections for Older People covers Advent and Christmas, and angels feature prominently here: from Angela Tilby’s thoughtful series, ‘God’s messengers’, through Denise Line’s charming description of an abbey’s ‘Angel project’, to the words of a much-loved Victorian hymn and a reimagining of the angels’ message to 21st-century ‘shepherds’.

Day by Day with God
Editor Jill Rattle writes...
Our contributors in these notes are certainly not lukewarm. They are passionate about Jesus and the scriptures and feel privileged to share that love with you. We welcome three new contributors in this issue: Deborah Humphries, a Methodist minister, explores the letter to the Colossians; Karen Ling, mother of four, writes about listening and learning from Jesus in our pressurised lives; and opening this edition with her notes on Book 5 of the Psalms is Lakshmi Jeffreys, an Anglican vicar.

The Upper Room
Editorial Director Lindsay L. Gray writes...
In this issue, many writers share stories about the ways that faith in Christ and a dedication to spiritual practices have affected their lives. Some describe shifts in attitude and relationships because of their connection to God. Others describe a new-found sense of peace and awareness of God’s presence when they slow down and invest time in practising their faith.

And a note from the UK Editor, Susan Hibbins...
It is with some sadness that I write this editorial, since it is my last as UK editor of The Upper Room UK edition... I have so appreciated reading the uplifting stories of faith in the meditations which make up this unique devotional magazine. The Upper Room truly represents many individuals who form a worldwide family of faith, people who want to share with others what God is doing in their lives.
As I move into a new chapter of life, I would like to thank you all for the companionship and friendship I have received from you on the way – and may God bless us all with his continuing grace.

Get Messy!
The story of David and Goliath is one of those Bible classics and a great way to start off a new term in September. In October, when we remember our prisons, we look at the story of Paul and Silas escaping from prison. In November we invite everyone to shine like a star, as the church calendar reminds us to commemorate the saints who have shone like stars before us. Of course, December is our annual celebration of the birth of Jesus.