Worship – Worship at home

‘Who do you say that I am’ … and what difference has it made in your life? Proverbs 1:20-33 Psalm 19 James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38 Today (11th September or 9/11) is one of those landmark days in history as the world paused to reflect on the 20th Anniversary of the huge loss of life at the World TradeContinue reading

Taste and see

I Kings 19:4-9 Psalm 34:1-8 Ephesians 4:25-5:2 John 6:35, 41-51 Well-being The tears of Tom Daley, the withdrawal of Simone Biles from her first gymnastic event, the early exit of Naomi Osaka, who said “I feel like my attitude wasn’t that great because I don’t really know how to cope with that pressure” the disappointment of Bianca WalkdenContinue reading “Taste and see”

The vision & the thorn

Lectionary readings: 2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10 Psalm 48 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 Mark 6:1-13 Wouldn’t it be brilliant if the Bible had an answer to every question you have ever asked or been asked? Especially on those days when awful stuff has happened and people ask ‘why me?’ or ‘why does God let it happen?’ In the letter to the CorinthiansContinue reading “The vision & the thorn”

Of scattered seeds and mighty mustard-shrubs

Lectionary readings: Psalm 92 Ezekiel 17:22-24 2 Corinthians 5:6-17 Mark 4:26-34 We hear a great deal about ‘building back better’ these days, and even that great repository of knowledge, Wikipedia, has an article on the subject (and no mention of the British PM). It’s all about reducing risk and increasing resilience. It sounds really good, and I am still reflectingContinue reading “Of scattered seeds and mighty mustard-shrubs”

Jesus prays for you

Lectionary readings: Acts 1:15-17, 21-26 Psalm 1 1 John 5:9-13 John 17:6-19 What an amazing world technology has given to us. Those with family and friends in other parts of the UK, or across the pond, or half way round the world, can now converse face to face via the computer screen; enabling the whole family toContinue reading “Jesus prays for you”

The Presentation in the Temple

Malachi 3:1-4 Psalm 84 Hebrews 2:14-18 Luke 2:22-40 Introduction: There is a real sense of yearning in this Psalm for many who long to get back to church. Online platforms are good and have met a need, but there is something profound about worshipping God together in the same space; and there is something significance about place. At theContinue reading “The Presentation in the Temple”

God’s initiative

Lectionary readings: Genesis 1:1-5 Psalm 29 Acts 19:1-7 Mark 1:4-11 Just when we thought it safe to come out after Advent in Year B, where we encounter John the Baptist in two gospels, we are back with St Mark and the baptism of Jesus. So what is baptism? When we lived in Cornwall, my youngerContinue reading “God’s initiative”

Prepare

Second Sunday of Advent year B Isaiah 40:1-11 Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13 2 Peter 3:8-15a Mark 1:1-8 Surely God’s salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Psalm 85:9 Hills of the north, rejoice;river and mountain spring,hark toContinue reading “Prepare”

Watch

Lectionary readings for the first Sunday of Advent year B Isaiah 64:1-9 Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 Mark 13:24-37 Lo, he comes with clouds descending,once for favoured sinners slain;thousand thousand saints attendingswell the triumph of his train:Alleluia!God appears on earth to reign. Every eye shall now behold himrobed in dreadful majesty;those who set at nought and soldContinue reading “Watch”

Parables of end-times

Lectionary readings: Judges 4:1-7 Psalm 123 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Matthew 25:14-30 Collect Your glory, O God, fills heaven and earth and all creation resounds with your praise. As we rejoice in your presence, may we know your power to save and praise you for your faithfulness, now and forever; through Christ our Lord. Amen The news this weekContinue reading “Parables of end-times”