The lovely Sarah McLaughlan came to visit us last night. We had a lovely time. Thank you, Sarah! Alison Keogh chaired our evening.
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Even through some foggy mornings and days, springtime is coming, as noted by the endless birdsong and activity, and the now luminous green appearing in our woodland. Even the moss gives a fantasy look to the forest, with its lime-green, almost luminescent colour.
The humble but very territorial blackbird is out and about with all the other busy birds, cocking his head to hear the earthworms underfoot. The male is black with that bright orange beak, and the female has a soft brown plumage.
They are a protected bird, and also one of our most common birds, so common that perhaps they get overlooked in favour of the more striking colours of some of their kin. His song is beautiful, though, as noted in many poems and songs. Numbers swell in the wintertime as their Scandinavian and Baltic cousins join them in this slightly warmer climate. These pairs often stay together for life. The female lays about three to six beautiful turquoise eggs with rusty spots. They used to be named “ousel,” as noted in the works of Shakespeare, but in 1486 they were renamed simply blackbirds. Folklore in general has them as harbingers of change, and Celtic symbolism holds that their song thins the veil between this world and the next.
We welcomed the lovely Sarah McLaughlan last night to our little church with a big heart. Sarah brought many inspired thoughts to remind us and uplift us, and then shared many lovely and very helpful messages for the family. Thank you so much, Sarah. We really did have such a lovely evening. Alison Keogh chaired our gathering. Thank you.
As always, we thank our readers and prayer people. We thank hospitality and Carole’s cake making. We thank Lisa for running our music, and also our healers who were on hand afterwards. Thank you to everyone who pitches in with the set-up, break-down, and the washing up.
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Please pray this week for more understanding in this world, understanding in our homes, in our communities, and on the global stage. Understanding brings compassion, and compassion heals situations. The Golden Rule stands in every age.
Calendar up tomorrow.
Have a lovely week. Find the beauty in every day.
Photo credit: Mireille Berthoud
The Latest Blogs from Rob Harvey – Life After Death
Can You Prepare for When You Die?
One question I hear repeatedly is:
“Is there anything we can do to prepare for death?”
From my experience, the answer is yes — and it is far simpler than people might imagine.
When someone dies, they leave their physical body but remain aware of their surroundings for a short period. Many people stay close to their loved ones for a couple of weeks while they adjust to this new state of being.
During this time, loved ones may sense their presence but often dismiss it.
“I thought I felt them near me.”
“It was probably just my imagination.”
But what if it wasn’t?
Having an open mind and helping your loved ones understand what may happen can make this adjustment period much easier for everyone involved.
👉 To read the full article:
Can You Prepare for When You Die?
https://robharveylifeafterdeath.co.uk/2026/03/03/can-you-prepare-for-when-you-die/
Why I Do This Work: Opening Minds to Life After Death
People often ask me why I spend so much time doing this work — giving talks, helping spirits move on, running a church, and sharing my experiences online.
The answer comes from something I have seen many times.
When people die and leave their physical body, they are sometimes completely shocked by what has happened — especially if they never believed in life after death.
Suddenly they realise they are still conscious.
They are still aware.
And they begin to wonder what is happening.
That is why I believe it is so important to simply plant seeds in people’s minds — to open the possibility that life may continue beyond this world.
Sometimes that small idea can make the transition far less confusing.
👉 To read the full article:
Why I Do This Work: Opening Minds to the Possibility of Life After Death
https://robharveylifeafterdeath.co.uk/2026/03/06/why-i-do-this-work/
A Shared Message
Both of these blogs share the same underlying message.
Death does not have to be something we fear.
Understanding what may happen — and keeping an open mind — can bring comfort, clarity, and even peace to both the living and those who have passed.
If these ideas resonate with you, I encourage you to explore the full articles above.
They may change the way you think about life… and what comes after it.
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Photo credit Colin Rees. Creative Flower Photography
We move into March, that crazy, unpredictable month of March winds and ever-changing weather. What’s new? Meteorological spring began yesterday, on the 1st, St David’s Day, as Ken reminded me at church, though the spring (Vernal) equinox is not until the 20th this year.
It is absolutely gorgeous in this neck of the woods right now. So much is beginning to bloom, and even some early cherry blossoms are already out. The weather may be a little “choppy” for a while, but it will grow warmer and calmer, at least according to the 17th-century expression, “In like a lion, out like a lamb.” Let’s hold fast to that.
Yesterday we enjoyed our special Healing Service in Chawton. It was an absolutely beautiful evening of prayers and readings, followed by the gentle outpouring of healing love from above, led by our President, Rob Harvey. Thank you, everyone.
The Spiritual energies were so high that, whether healer or healee, we were all bathed in love and goodness. I trust everyone slept well afterwards. We usually take a group picture, but we were so busy fellowshipping and enjoying Carole’s cake that we completely forgot!
Special thanks to our healers:
Julie Sheraman Searle, Steve Lidgett Williams, Rob Harvey, Barbara Matthews, Ken Matthews, Jane Trillaud, Chris Elliot, Aimee Andrews, and Alison Keogh.
Thank you also to Sue and Carole for hospitality, Julie and Lisa for the music, and of course to all who helped set up, break down, and wash up. Always so appreciated.
Prayer of the Week
Please pray for Peace in our world. As more conflict erupts, so many innocent lives remain in peril.
Calendar up later.
Have a beautiful week. Let us be thankful for all that we have, for what we have is somebody else’s dream.
After a glorious day Wednesday, we gathered in high spirits for our mid week service and heard lovely prayers and readings. It is such a treat, just to pause for this brief time. Thank you everyone. Healing was, and is always available on a Wednesday evening.
Please continue to pray for Mother Earth and the natural world.
We have our beautiful Healing Service, Sunday in Chawton.
Join us for a truly beautiful evening.
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Chris Shore chaired for the lovely Irene Hall and Em Dowsing on Sunday evening in Chawton. Thank you, ladies, for a lovely night!
Alton Christian Spiritualist Church 