What is parkwalk?

parkwalk is an initiative by parkrun UK launched globally in October 2022 to celebrate parkrun’s 18th anniversary and promote walking as a valued and inclusive part of their weekly 5k events. Recognising that not everyone feels ready to run or jog, parkwalk was designed to break down barriers to participation and support people of all fitness levels, especially those new to physical activity or managing long-term health conditions.

Every Saturday morning, participants gather at local parks across the UK and beyond to walk, jog, or run the 5k course. There’s no time pressure, people are encouraged to go at their own pace. Importantly, the Tail Walker volunteer ensures that no one finishes last, reinforcing the core value that parkrun is for everyone.

In support of the campaign, a new volunteer role called the parkwalker was introduced. Positioned between the runners and the Tail Walker, parkwalkers wear light blue vests and walk the route while offering encouragement and companionship to others walking, helping to foster a stronger sense of community and belonging.

Walking itself brings proven health benefits, such as improved cardiovascular fitness, reduced stress, and better mental wellbeing. According to parkrun, research shows walking 5,000 steps three times per week can significantly lower the risk of early death.

Since its launch, over one million walks have been completed globally, showing that parkwalk has not only increased participation but has also created a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

Palm Sunday to Easter

Easter Sunday stands as the most important day in the Christian calendar, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Its full significance becomes clearer when seen in the light of the events of Holy Week, which leads believers on a journey from joy to sorrow and then to hope.

Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, when Jesus enters Jerusalem as a king, greeted by crowds waving palm branches and shouting ‘Hosanna’. It’s a moment of triumph, but also one of deep irony. The same people who welcomed him would soon call for his crucifixion. As the week continues, Jesus openly challenges the religious leaders, cleanses the temple, and teaches with increasing urgency. Tensions mount, and by Thursday, he shares a final meal with his disciples. This Last Supper is where he breaks bread and shares wine, symbolising his body and blood, and teaches them about love, humility, and sacrifice by washing their feet.

That night, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, wrestling with the weight of what lies ahead. He’s soon betrayed by Judas and arrested. What follows is a series of unjust trials, brutal beatings, and finally, crucifixion. On Good Friday, Jesus is nailed to the cross and dies in agony. The sky darkens, the temple curtain tears, and his followers are left heartbroken and confused. Saturday brings silence, as his body lies in the tomb and all seems lost.

Then, on Easter Sunday, everything changes. At dawn, women come to the tomb and find it empty. Angels announce that Jesus is risen. He appears to his followers, not as a ghost or a memory, but alive, transformed, and triumphant over death. At that moment, the sorrow of Friday and the silence of Saturday give way to the joy of new life.

Easter Sunday is significant because it confirms Jesus as the Son of God and proves that his sacrifice wasn’t in vain. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15, if Christ had not been raised, faith would be useless. But because he lives, Christians believe they too will rise. The resurrection defeats death, not just for Jesus, but for all who trust in him. It turns the cross into a symbol of hope, and the tomb into a gateway of life.

Seen through the lens of Holy Week, Easter doesn’t ignore pain, it redeems it. The resurrection gives meaning to the suffering and shows that love is stronger than death. It calls believers to live with hope, courage, and purpose, knowing that no darkness is final, and no tomb is sealed forever. Easter Sunday declares that the story is not over, and never will be.

Volunteering at parkrun

Volunteering at parkrun offers far more than a chance to give back. It brings a host of benefits that positively impact mental, emotional, and even professional wellbeing. Many regular volunteers speak of a deep sense of fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from contributing to the event’s success each week. Studies support this, showing that volunteering can lift mood, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing.

One of the most rewarding aspects of volunteering at parkrun is the sense of community it builds. Whether you’re marshalling, timing, scanning barcodes, or cheering people on, you’re surrounded by like-minded individuals who share a passion for health, connection, and community spirit. These shared moments often lead to lasting friendships and a richer appreciation for the value of local engagement.

Volunteering at parkrun is also a fantastic way to develop and strengthen key life skills. Each role provides opportunities to improve communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. Whether you’re coordinating a finish funnel or supporting first-timers, every task contributes to both personal and professional growth.

From a career perspective, volunteering at parkrun is a valuable addition to your CV. It demonstrates initiative, reliability, and a genuine willingness to contribute to something bigger than yourself. For jobseekers, students, or anyone looking to stand out, regular volunteering shows commitment, people skills, and the ability to work under pressure, all traits employers value highly.

Most importantly, parkrun volunteering can be a journey of self-discovery. It invites you to try new roles, push beyond your comfort zone, and sometimes uncover talents you didn’t know you had. In serving others, you often gain just as much in return, whether it’s confidence, clarity, or simply the joy of making someone’s Saturday morning a little brighter.

Overall, parkrun volunteering is a win-win. It strengthens communities, supports wellbeing, and enriches personal and professional lives. Every barcode scan, every time check, every cheer matters, and so do the people who give their time to make it all happen. Why not have a go?

The Bible in 40 Posts

Each post in the series The Bible in 40 Posts covers one or more of the 66 books of the Bible. It aims to present a simple overview of Bible to understand its overall message, the inherent theme at its heart, and to show the centrality of Jesus in both Old and New Testaments.

The series serves as a basic reference point, as a simple Lent Course, or as a 40 day devotional to be used at any time. Each post contains links to the previous and next posts in the sequence, these will open in a new tab. You can find an index page here, and all posts are tagged with a #bible40 hashtag.

It’s for those of all faiths and none. I hope it’ll clear up any misunderstandings or negative perceptions and that you’ll find it helpful.

The Book of Revelation

We began our journey in Genesis and have now reached Revelation, the final book of the Bible. From start to finish, the Bible tells the story of Jesus Christ, the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. He’s the thread that runs through every page, the central figure, the Saviour and Lord of humankind.

Revelation is a book filled with hope. Despite the turmoil and darkness we may see in the world, its message is clear: God will triumph over evil. It encourages believers to remain faithful and to live holy lives so they may share in the victory of God’s eternal kingdom.

At the same time, Revelation issues a warning, not to fall away from faith in Christ. It assures those who remain true to him that they will be part of his ultimate victory.

The book belongs to a genre called apocalyptic literature. The term ‘apocalypse’ comes from a Greek word meaning ‘unveiling’ or ‘revelation’. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbols, it reveals how evil will be conquered and replaced by the peace and goodness of God’s kingdom.

John writes of a vision where he sees a new heaven and a new earth, for the old had passed away. He describes the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, beautiful like a bride, and hears a voice declaring that God’s dwelling is now with his people. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more sorrow, crying, or pain, for the old order is gone (Revelation 21:1–4).

This is the future God promises to his people. He will dwell with them, personally present, bringing comfort and peace. Suffering, sickness, and hate will disappear forever.

Then, the One on the throne proclaims, I am making everything new! and affirms the trustworthiness of his words. He declares, It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To all who thirst, he offers the water of life freely. Those who overcome will inherit all this. I will be their God and they will be my children (Revelation 21:5–7).

Revelation calls us to endure and remain loyal to Jesus the King. The challenge is to stand firm and stay on his side.

Master, thou wilt keep us,
By thy grace divine,
Always on the Lord’s side,
Saviour, always thine.

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The Letters of 1 & 2 Peter & Jude

1 & 2 Peter and Jude focus on encouraging believers to stay faithful in the face of suffering, false teaching, and spiritual opposition. These letters remind us that following Jesus isn’t about popularity or ease, it’s about perseverance and reflecting his character in a hostile world.

Peter’s audience initially rejoiced in their newfound faith, but soon found themselves targeted and mistreated just for being Christians. This led them to question whether continuing in faith was truly worthwhile. Peter urged them not to give up, assuring them that God cares for them deeply and that they’re not alone in their suffering. He painted a vivid picture of the Christian journey: believers are strangers in this world, temporarily passing through on their way to an eternal inheritance kept in heaven.

He reminded them that their redemption came not through worldly wealth, but through the precious blood of Christ. In the face of spiritual attack and hardship, Peter encouraged them to cast their anxiety on God, resist the devil, and stand firm in faith, knowing that after suffering for a little while, God himself would restore, strengthen, and uphold them.

Jude echoed similar themes. Both he and Peter addressed the danger of false teachers who were leading some astray. Their counsel was clear, don’t engage with or follow these deceivers. Instead, remain rooted in the truth and the love of Christ.

Ultimately, all three letters urge believers to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and reflect him to others. As we journey through a world that may not understand or welcome us, we’re to be Jesus to those around us, demonstrating his forgiveness, mercy, and love in all we do.

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The Letters of James & 1-3 John

We now turn to the Letters of James and John. Both writers offer profound insight into what gives life its true value: being someone to someone else, living in relationship and purpose through God’s perspective.

James urges readers to start by gaining the right perspective on life, which he defines as wisdom from above. He contrasts this with worldly wisdom, showing how your chosen perspective shapes your actions and the direction of your life. From God’s viewpoint, wisdom isn’t about intellect or ambition, it’s about a life marked by humility, peace, and mercy. This divine wisdom produces good fruit and nurtures peace, whereas human wisdom, driven by envy and selfish ambition, leads only to disorder.

James’s message is deeply practical. He stresses that true faith naturally results in action. Faith without deeds, he says plainly, is dead. Living a meaningful life means aligning your choices with God’s wisdom, allowing that perspective to shape everything you do.

John, on the other hand, focuses on love as the defining feature of a life that matters. He reminds us that Jesus Christ’s sacrifice is the ultimate demonstration of love, and that we’re called to reflect that same love in our relationships with others. If we see someone in need and turn away, we show that God’s love is not truly alive in us.

According to John, a meaningful life flows from a right view of Jesus. He invites us to marvel at the great love God has lavished on us, calling us his children. This identity transforms how we see ourselves and the world. We live with hope, knowing that when Christ appears, we shall be like him. This hope leads us to live pure lives, shaped by the certainty of who we are in Christ and who we are becoming.

Together, the letters of James and John form a powerful message: to live sensibly and meaningfully, we must adopt God’s perspective. James teaches that such a perspective gives rise to wise actions, while John shows that love, embodied in Jesus, is at the heart of that wisdom.

Both writers point us toward a life that isn’t measured by status or success but by faith expressed through action, and love poured out for others. When we live with this in mind, we discover that the real value of life is found not in what we gain, but in who we become, and who we are to others, through Christ.

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The Letter to the Hebrews

The Letter to the Hebrews offers a powerful message of encouragement for those whose Christian faith may be faltering under pressure. Addressing early Jewish converts, the writer urges perseverance in the face of hardship, presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate example and perfecter of faith. The audience was tempted to return to their old religious practices, but the author insists they must keep pressing forward, fixing their eyes on Jesus.

In Hebrews 12:1–3, the faithful are likened to runners in a race, urged to cast off anything that hinders them, especially sin, and to run with endurance. Jesus, who for the joy set before him endured the suffering of the cross and now sits at God’s right hand, is held up as the model of unwavering faith. By looking to him, believers will find strength not to lose heart, even in times of severe trial.

Although the author does not name himself, he was clearly known to his original readers. For centuries, the book was attributed to the apostle Paul, but key differences in language and emphasis suggest someone else wrote it, though the teachings are fully consistent with Paul’s. Whoever the author was, he understood deeply both the Jewish heritage of his audience and the transformative nature of Christ’s role in salvation history.

The letter’s recipients were steeped in the traditions of the Old Testament. The writer draws on this familiarity, pointing out how God’s communication with humanity changed dramatically with the arrival of Jesus. Whereas God once spoke through prophets, he now speaks through his Son. Hebrews 1:1–3 declares that Jesus is not just a messenger but the very radiance of God’s glory, sustaining all things and providing purification for sins before taking his place in heaven.

This shift, from prophetic revelation to the presence of God’s own Son, underscores why turning back would be a spiritual regression. Jesus is the heir of all things and the one through whom the universe was made. He’s not simply a teacher or prophet, but the living, divine expression of God himself.

The message is clear: to stay on the winning side, one must follow Jesus. Life may become difficult, but faith means keeping one’s eyes fixed on the one who has gone before, endured suffering, and triumphed. As the ancient Israelites were led toward the Promised Land, believers today are invited to journey toward an eternal one, with Christ as their guide.

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1 & 2 Timothy & Titus

Paul, acting as a pastor and mentor, wrote two letters to Timothy and one to Titus, his closest companions in ministry. Together, they travelled widely, spreading the gospel from town to town. Paul could trust them to remain behind to help new congregations grow in faith while he pressed on with his mission. Though young, both men carried significant responsibility, and Paul’s letters offered them guidance, encouragement, and loving support.

Their work was far from easy. They faced criticism, some questioned their age, others their message. False teachers tried to confuse the believers, stirring up arguments and doubt. Paul urged them to hold firm, reminding them that the heart of their mission was simple and profound: Jesus came into the world to save sinners. That truth must not be lost, no matter the resistance they faced.

To help them stay strong, Paul exhorted them to flee from distractions and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith, he wrote, take hold of the eternal life to which you were called (1 Timothy 6:11–12). Their age didn’t disqualify them, the truth they carried mattered far more than how they were perceived. They were to watch their lives closely, ensuring their teaching was sound and their conduct godly.

Beyond defending the gospel, Timothy and Titus were also tasked with helping the early Church become organised. Paul gave them practical advice on church leadership, encouraging the appointment of elders and deacons who were faithful and trustworthy. He urged consistency in Christian living across the community, everyone was to reflect the character of God.

Finally, Paul reminded his young protégés of the strength that comes from grace. Just as God’s grace had been sufficient for Paul, it would also sustain them. They were to keep their hope anchored in God, for as Paul wrote, that is why we labour and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe (1 Timothy 4:10).

In the face of hardship, Paul’s message was clear: remain faithful, teach the truth, and trust in the God who saves.

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