St Barnabas Thatcham: Recent Episodes
Nicola Hulks
Recent events have meant that meeting together in person isn't possible so let's meet together virtually instead! Join us every Sunday at 10am for reflections, prayers, support for these extraordinary times and, being St B's, no doubt a few laughs too!
Welcome to this week's podcast! Today we are reflecting on the theme of friendship, our friendships with others and how they sustain us and bring us life, and our friendship with God and all that means for our lives. We'll be back together in person from Sunday 23rd May at Thatcham Park School so do join us then!
Today we reflect on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. What does this image have to teach us about God's presence in our lives and about ourselves?
This week we spend some time reflecting on the theme of 'seeing Jesus' lead by Brenda and with a guided mediation from Nicola.
Welcome to our Sunday Service for the Second Sunday of Lent. Today we think about the story of Abraham and Sarah, an iconic story of promises, journey and family, from the Old Testament. We think about where God might be in our journey right now and where might he be leading us. Thanks for listening in!
Welcome to the St B's podcast for the first Sunday of Lent. Brenda is leading us this week and Angela will be sharing a reflection as we set out on this very unusual Lent!
Welcome to this week's Sunday service. This week we are thinking about the theme of rest, taking time to get the rest we need and finding strength in God.
Welcome to this week's Sunday service from St Barnabas Church in Thatcham! This week Angela shares some thoughts with us on one of Jesus' first recorded miracles, turning water into wine!
Join us for this Sunday's service where we reflect, with Brenda, on the story of Jesus' baptism.
Today we think about the theme of 'Travelling On' as we reflect on the story of the Three Kings. If you have children at home then you might also like to check out our YouTube Epiphany service for families - https://youtu.be/0bDOASd6yo0
Welcome to this Sunday's service, the last of the church year, where we celebrate Christ the King! Brenda is leading us and Nicola is bringing a reflection, plus we update you on our Christmas projects in the community.
This week we think about the Parable of the Talents. How is God calling us to use what we have with courage and creativity?
If you have children at home you might like to watch our Parable of the Talents video on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlAeMscrmQQ
Here we are, lockdown 2.0! As in the Spring we will be releasing a weekly podcast service during the time we cannot meet in person and this week Angela leads us with Nicola sharing some thoughts on this Remembrance Sunday. We'll also be having get togethers on Zoom, do get in touch for the details to join in with that.
As I was preparing for 'in person' church this week I decided to record my sermon for those of you who aren't able to make it. Here it is, I hope you enjoy!
Nicola
Have you ever wondered what the Christian faith is all about but you weren't sure where to start? In this episode I give a very brief history of the Christian faith, where it came from and what it is like today. I then discuss three values of Christianity that, for me, are at it's heart - love, forgiveness and hope. Do get in touch if you have any questions, enjoy!
Today we continue to think about the story of Jacob from the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. Jacob during his life was renamed 'Israel' - which means 'one who struggles with God'. What does it mean to struggle or wrestle with God and what can we take away from Jacob's story for our own journey? Brenda leads us in prayer and we have a new contribution from our music group. Thanks for joining us!
Today we think about Jesus' parables, particularly his parables about the Kingdom of God. Brenda leads us in a reflection and Nicola leads us in prayers.
Today we think about a parable that Jesus told about wheat and weeds and reflect on the character of Jacob from the Old Testament. Angela, our new curate, leads us in our reflections and Brenda leads us in prayer. We are also meeting together at St Mary's today (Sunday 19th July) at 11.30am. If you weren't able to join us then these are the sermon and prayers we all heard that day.
Today on Thatcham Voices we have the great pleasure of hearing from our Mayor Councillor Mike Cole. Mike shares his own experience of lockdown life and what the council have been doing, through their band of volunteers, to support the community in Thatcham.
This week for our Sunday service we think about Jesus' famous words 'come to me all who are weary, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light'. Brenda leads us in a reflection on these words and Alison leads us in prayer. We also (virtually!) welcome our new curate Angela and we'll be having a Zoom tea and coffee at 11am on Sunday 5th July, do visit our website for details of how to contact us to join in.
Today on Thatcham Voices we are speaking to a local business owner, Amey Tunney. Amey runs a local Eco business called Emporio Green Army selling all kinds of innovative products that help us to make our lives and our homes that be more environmentally friendly. We talk about business during the pandemic, managing business and kids and Amey's hopes for the future. You can find out more about Emporio Green Army here - https://emporiogreenarmy.selz.com/ Thanks for listening!
This week we tackle the controversial but iconic story of the sacrifice of Isaac from the book of Genesis in the Old Testament. This story has perplexed and amazed generations of scholars and people of faith so we're going to have a bit of a think about what we might draw from it today. We also spend some time praying and enjoying another beautiful arrangement by our music group. Thanks for joining!
Today we talk with Laura Lewis from Swings and Smiles, a fantastic organisation based in Thatcham that seeks to support children with special needs here in Thatcham and across West Berkshire. We talk about the challenges families have been experiencing during this time and the positive ways that Swings and Smiles have been able to reach out and support them. You can find our more about them and support their work at https://www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk/
The Discover series is all about exploring the basics of Christianity for those new to the church or thinking about faith for the first time. Today we think all about Jesus! I give you a basic bio of Jesus' life followed by three things that for me make Jesus such a fascinating and compelling figure. We finish off with some book recommendations for you to explore. Do send me any comments or questions via instagram or our website!
join us for our Sunday service online! This week we have a talk from Brenda, a new song from our music group and prayers led by Leanne. You are very welcome whether you are a St B's regular or joining us for the first time.
In our new series, Thatcham Voices, we interview people from across our town to hear to wide and varied experiences of the Coronavirus pandemic in Thatcham.
Today we hear from Karen Frost who works a a Pastoral Development Worker for the Methodist Church in Thatcham, particularly with the elderly in our town and beyond. We talk about life for those who are continuing to isolate and shield at home, how we as a community can support them and our hopes for the future.
If you would like to share your story with us then we'd love to hear it, visit https://stbarnabasthatcham.weebly.com/ to get in touch.
It's our birthday!! Join us as we celebrate our 14th birthday as St Barnabas Church. Today we explore the story of Barnabas together and consider what this might have to say to us as a community today.
There is also a video for children about St Barnabas available on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKCO7akjebg&t=3s
In this special episode in our Discover series we explore the topic of prayer. During the pandemic the global 'googling' of 'how to pray' have skyrocketed. So what is prayer all about? Prayer is as individual as each one of us. We explore some simple ways to explore prayer and offer some resources to help you on your journey.
Welcome to this new series of episodes on the basics of faith, spirituality and the Christian life. Designed for those who are brand new to church, and for those who want to go back to basics and ask those questions that you never had a chance to ask!
You can find an accompanying blog post for this episode at https://stbarnabasthatcham.weebly.com/blog with a month long reading plan to get you started!
Welcome to the St B's Podcast! Here this week you will find our usual offering of a thought provoking reflection, prayers and music along with a very special announcement!
In this week's podcast we think about the words that Jesus spoke to his disciples before he died and reflect what they might have to say to us about Jesus' promises to us and hopes for us.
This week we think about the guiding of God over our lives as we reflect on the image of the Good Shepherd. Brenda leads us in prayer and Nicola gives us a reflection, followed by a surprise from our lovely music group!
This week we think about the story of the Emmaus road, where Jesus appeared after his death to two disciples, spoke with them and changed the course of their lives. We think about our own path at the moment and where we might find Jesus in our lives too. Welcome, whether you are a St B's regular or new to listening in, it's great to have you with us.
This week we think about the events that happened after the Easter story, thinking particularly about the disciple Thomas. We think about doubt and faith, and the desire of God to give us what we need.
Welcome and a very Happy Easter to you! Today we celebrate the great Easter story that is at the heart of our faith
Today we reflect with Reverend Nicola on those final words of Jesus from the cross, 'It is Finished'.
Join Reverend Brenda for today's reflection on the Last Supper in John's Gospel for Maundy Thursday
Join Reverend Brenda to explore the story of Judas from the Gospel of John on this Wednesday of Holy Week
As we start this new and unusual Holy Week we think about how and why we might follow the story of Jesus through Holy Week and what that might mean for us spiritually. We will be back every morning this week at 7am with a new reflection.
This Sunday we celebrate Palm Sunday with some familiar prayers from the Palm Sunday service and with a reflection from Nicola and prayers from Brenda.
Welcome to this second week of the St B's Podcast! This week we will be continuing our Lent journey with a reflection on the story of the raising of Lazarus with Reverend Brenda.
Welcome to our first Sunday episode! Today, on Mothering Sunday, we are thinking about the Motherhood of God. There are also resources for the children on our You Tube Channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3p7EbrsT3U&t=11s. See you all next week!
A little intro from Reverend Nicola! Welcome, it's great to have you! We'll be back on Sunday at 10am with a special edition for Mothering Sunday