We enjoyed another stimulating, encouraging and happy morning. Several core team members and other regulars were unable to attend but we still had the largest gathering to date! We praise God for helping us resolve the issue of a key to get into the chapel! We were also so grateful to a new friend (Esther) who prepared the refreshments for us. Laurence Wood read Psalm 139 before he led us in sung worship.
Below (and with his permission) is the short reflection on Psalm 92 given by Rev Dr Muthuraj Swamy, Director of the Cambridge Centre for Christianity Worldwide which started the proceedings. The two psalms were a perfect complement:
This Psalm (92) offers a beautiful picture of a life that continues to bear fruit, including in the later years of one’s life. Verses 14–15 offer a deeply reassuring promise: “They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’” This is a powerful reminder that aging is not a diminishing of purpose, but a deepening of it.
1. Your life still bears fruit
Fruitfulness doesn’t fade with age; it only changes shape. In younger years, fruit may have looked like activity, building, striving. But as we grow, it often appears as wisdom, patience, encouragement, faithfulness, and love. Your presence, your stories, your prayers, and your quiet strength all nourish others. Even when it feels unseen, your life continues to make a difference.
2. “Fresh and green” on the inside
Verse 14 speaks of staying “fresh and green.” It is a striking image. While the body may slow, the spirit can remain vibrant. This freshness comes from staying rooted in God, just as verses 12–13 describe: “The righteous will flourish like a palm tree… planted in the house of the Lord.” Being “planted” suggests stability, belonging, and continual nourishment. This is a reminder that you are not forgotten or uprooted, but you are deeply planted, still growing in ways that matter most.
3. A life that quietly proclaims truth
Verse 15 reminds us that a faithful life itself becomes a testimony: “The Lord is upright… my Rock.” As we get older, we may not always feel like we are “doing” much, but our enduring faith speaks volumes. Our trust through hardships, perseverance through change, our continued hope — all these proclaim God’s goodness more clearly than words alone.
4. A lifetime of seeing God’s works
Verses 3–5 speak of praising God daily and reflecting on His works: “How great are your works, Lord, how profound your thoughts!” With age comes a unique gift: perspective. You have seen seasons come and go. You have witnessed answers to prayer, unexpected turns, and sustaining grace. This long view allows for a deeper kind of praise. One rooted in both lived experience and hope.
Conclusion: You are like a well-rooted tree, still growing, still fruitful, still alive with purpose. Your life continues to tell a story of faithfulness, not just in what you do, but in who you are becoming. And perhaps most beautifully of all: you are still becoming a living witness that God is good, steady, and true — right to the very end.
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The speakers this time were Prof Cecilia Brassett (CCCT Chair) who spoke from her heart about her involvement in Campassion and her vision for a Christian Care Home. She expressed her confidence (and referencing her own experience) that the Lord will bring about the care home, in His perfect time.
John Preece, a retired air pilot (including with MAF) spoke about the Book Club which he and others lead at Heathlands in Cherry Hinton. He said how important it was to make the meetings fun, personal and to be willing to accept that not everyone can engage. Singing and poetry are also beginning to feature.
Thirdly Richard Todd, retired Head Gardener at Anglesey Abbey (National Trust) and recently published author of “Walking with God in the Garden” explained how he is using the film recordings he has made of beautiful gardens to share the joy of creation with care home residents. He shared some of the amusing and encouraging experiences which he and his wife, Chris, have had.
There was a lively time of Q&A followed by a time of prayer before the final rousing hymn “Be Thou My Vision”.
The aim of these face-to-face events is to see each other (we normally meet on Zoom) and to pray for the work. We all find them hugely encouraging and thoroughly enjoy meeting new friends and supporters every time. Look out for the next date in the Autum!
Rachel Simonson, Project Worker
