This scene comes from the final chapter of John’s Gospel (John 21:1–14), where the risen Jesus appears to his disciples on the shore after a long, fruitless night of fishing. But this reflection begins before they arrive—when it’s just you and him, quietly waiting.

This wasn’t just a birth. It was resurrection, redemption, and fierce, beautiful grace.

Guest blog post from Leadership Coach Beth O’Neill on her experience with Birth Debrief Prayer with Helena

Why it’s sometimes good that I’m NOT at a birth!

A short reflection on Emmanuel, God with us, and a link to Zacchaeus and the Sycamore Tree.

A poem depicting the BIRTH in a stable in Bethlehem which broke the chains of humanity, forever

Image by Isabel Lindsay

Adapted from a sermon I gave in church, in August 2024. The Healing at the Pool of Bethesda is John 5. I relate it to my 38 years of life, and the nudge/kick up the backside I had from God.

newlife ordination birth doula vocation deacon servant serve ministry

Scallop shells! I love them. They are so significant to me and symbolise a lot. Pilgrimage, journey, birth, new life, sacred moments and new beginnings.

Thoughts from a sermon, linking John chapter 15 and the story of Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch. What does a good branch look like?

Parallels from the Christmas to the Easter story- related to birth, new life and the relationships that Jesus had with his mother Mary and Mary Magdalene.

Understanding the sacred roots of your birth journey.

Joseph slept on his decision, and God changed his perspective, from that place of rest.

A full script for those who may find it helpful. You can either use this to do in your own time, or you can look ahead to see what kind of things we might do on 29th December, in our live guided prayer session!

I absolutely LOVE facilitating safe, relaxing and poignant spaces for people. Whether it be to rest, to pray, to meet with God or simply just to ‘be’ - it can be so moving and powerful to watch these moments take place. I believe I have seen the Spirit move in many people’s lives when they have paused, listened and invited God in.