Christ Church Selly Park: Recent Episodes
Christ Church Selly Park
Chris Turner | Acts 9:19b-31
When [Saul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.
Even though Saul - better known to us as Paul - had preached the gospel powerfully in Damascus, the apostles in Jerusalem could not forget his previous persecution of the believers. As Chris Turner explains, Barnabas played a vital role in bridging the gap and building trust. And, as the story of Acts continues, we see further instances of Barnabas promoting the ministry of Paul and others. We all need encouragement, and we need people like Barnabas, the "son of encouragement".
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.
Bobbie Frere | Acts 9:1-19a
As [Saul] neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’
As Bobbie explains, a Damascus Road conversion has become a figure of everyday speech: a complete and sudden turnaround in beliefs and attitudes. Yet Saul - from here on known by his Greek name, Paul - was already passionate about serving God. A genuine encounter with Jesus, whether sudden or gradual, should truly be a life-changing experience.
The recording begins with the reading from Alan Haynes.
Sam Haynes | Acts 8:26-40 | Isaiah 56:1-8
The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’ Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. ‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ Philip asked. ‘How can I,’ he said, ‘unless someone explains it to me?’ So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.
For this is what the Lord says:
‘To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose what pleases me
and hold fast to my covenant -
to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will endure for ever.’
On a desert road, riding in a chariot, an Ethiopian eunuch - a senior court official - is struggling to understand a passage of Scripture. Suddenly, Philip appears alongside him and offers to explain it to him - and in doing so, introduces him to the gospel. As Sam Haynes explains, this man was an outsider according to the Jewish customs of the day, but there is no barrier to him being welcomed in by Jesus and becoming part of the family of faith.
The recording begins with the reading from John Davies.
An edited video recording of the service can be viewed on YouTube.
Explore Team | Acts 8:4-25
Now for some time a man named Simon had practised sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria... and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, ‘This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.’ They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptised. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.
Impressed by the power exercised by the apostles, Simon offers them money to have that power for himself. Wrong, Simon - but why? Through a dramatised reading and a short talk the Explore team explain that some things can't be bought or sold, only given away.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service - which also includes music - can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Acts 6:1-8:3 (extracts)
Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called) - Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia - who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.
This week's story begins with a dispute about distribution of food; it ends with an outbreak of persecution and the spreading of the gospel as the believers are scattered. In between, Stephen, appointed to what many might see as a lesser role within the church, becomes a powerful witness and the first Christian to die for his faith. As Susan Haynes explains, everything we do for God - however humble the task might seem - needs to be done in the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can be fully available for him to use.
The recording begins with the reading from Susan Mole.
An edited video recording of the service can be viewed on YouTube.
It is with great sadness that I share the following news.
The text is available on the church website here.
Hospitality starts with receiving from God, who calls us to invite others to share all he gives us in Jesus.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
What a great question I was asked at the weekend! How would you respond? Here are some of my thoughts and things to consider so we can all be prepared to give a response for the hope that we have.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
The Creator Spirit brings beauty, love and peace out of mess and chaos. God's got this, he's got us, he's got you.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Please pray for the PCC this week as we have a discussion and make a decision about the shape of our midweek ministries.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
How should we pray for peace and security - in Jerusalem and for those who love it?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
How should Christians respond to the rise of so-called Christian nationlism in the UK?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
As our government recognises a Palestinian state, how can we pray?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Thank you! Thank you so much for engaging together in prayer during our 777 Prayer Week.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Susan Haynes | Joel 2:12-18
‘Even now,’ declares the Lord,
‘return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.’
Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Amid a warning of coming judgement, the prophet Joel calls the whole people of God to repent - to confess their wrongdoing and turn back to God with all their heart. As Susan explains, the message is just as relevant to us today - and God's willingness to forgive and restore also never changes throughout the ages.
Due to technical problems during the service we do not have a recording of the original talk; instead, Susan kindly re-recorded her words for this podcast, and also added an explanation of the prayer stations through which we were able to express our repentance and the promise of God's forgiveness.
The recording begins with the reading from Phil Banting.
Starting on Sunday 31 August we are running 777 Prayer: praying together from 7am to 7pm for 7 days. But why?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Ben Green | Habakkuk 3.1-2
A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet. On shigionoth.
Lord, I have heard of your fame;
I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.
Repeat them in our day,
in our time make them known;
in wrath remember mercy.
Habakkuk goes on a journey of prayer, beginning with seeing what's wrong with the world, through some big complaints, into a big request for God to repeat his awesome acts of salvation - but ends finally in patience and joy. How can we go on the same journey, and how can we find that same joy in the Lord?
The recording begins with the reading from Susan Mole.
Anxiety, healing - how should we pray? How are we going to pray together?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Susan Haynes | Jonah 2:1-9
[Jonah prayed,]
‘In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry.
...
‘Those who cling to worthless idols
turn away from God’s love for them.
But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say, “Salvation comes from the Lord.”’
Jonah disobeyed God's call and, after being thrown into the raging sea, could expect only death. Yet God rescued him, and in this prayer Jonah gives thanks while also recognising his true place before God. As Susan explains, we can't get away from God any more than Jonah could. What can we learn from his prayer?
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.
John Lanchbury | Zephaniah 3:14-17
Sing, Daughter Zion;
shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
...
The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah spoke to a world in chaos, that had largely rejected God and his ways and was coming under his judgement. Yet this short book ends with a hopeful message. John explains how, whatever our circumstances, we can find joy even in the darkest times.
The podcast episode he refers to is The News Agents: "What's going on with young people and God?" dated 1 August 2025.
The recording begins with the reading from John Davies.
Allan Bartlam | Hosea 14:1-9
Return, Israel, to the Lord your God.
Your sins have been your downfall!
Take words with you
and return to the Lord.
Say to him:
‘Forgive all our sins
and receive us graciously,
that we may offer the fruit of our lips.’
Hosea spoke to a nation that had chosen the wrong path. Yet, as Allan explains, God was still ready to forgive them if they turned back to him. We face the same pressures today, but the promise of forgiveness still stands - and God has provided all we need to walk in the right path.
The recording begins with Ben Green interviewing Sam Haynes, who has just begun his role as Evangelism and Discipleship Assistant at Christ Church. This is followed by the reading from Elsie Lanchbury.
Prayer... privilege, challenge... but it's also a fight. Do you want to join it?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Pastoral care involves all of us; the 'one another' verses in the Bible help us see what it means.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
In Psalm 51 David repented of his sin – the way he does that can help us do the same today.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
It's only the context of eternity that the chaos and suffering we experience are bearable.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Sending disciples is not about us sending people to other countries - but each other into all the places we go during the week.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Growing disciples means serving God our Father - and as we serve him, serving one another as well.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Making disciples means sharing Jesus in word and dead, with confidence and grace.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Disciples are apprentices of Jesus: worshipping him, serving him, bearing witness to him.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
God wants to transform us from the inside out - he does the inside bit, we join in with the outside bit.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
God's kingdom is here now - he rules, he reigns on high - so why do we pray 'Your kingdom come?'
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
We honour God because he deserves it, joining in with cosmic worship and making Jesus Lord in every area of our life.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Dealing with sinWhat's the right attitude to sin? How do we take it seriously without giving in to guilt?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
RuthLet's give thanks for God's loyal love in action, shown us in Jesus, through which we become his children.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
DanielAre we brave enough to be more Christian, not less, in a hostile world?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
By My SpiritIt's hard to trust God in things that we really care about: but he tells us to act not by might nor by power, but by his Spirit.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Advent: HopeChristian hope is not a vague wish or a positive emotion, but confidence and trust in the God who fulfils all his promises.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Advent: SufferingWhat does God say when we ask him, 'Why?' He doesn't respond with an essay, but with a story - a true story - of God become a Man.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Advent: PatienceDo you find being patient hard? Paul links patience with hope and faithfulness in prayer, which can help us grow in patience.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Advent: AnticipationDo you like surprises, or do you prefer to know what's coming so you can look forward to it?
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
In ChristWhat are you 'in' today? Your home? Your car? Your uniform? Love? A bad mood? Whatever you are in - true meaning and fulfilment can only be found 'in Christ'.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Truth & LoveIt's hard to keep going as a Christian, isn't it? Often we don't talk about our challenges, which can make us feel as though we are the only ones struggling. But we aren't! It's not easy living as a Christian, and never has been.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
ChaosIn our church Bible reading plan last week, some of us were reading the end of Daniel. The first half is familiar to many of us – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace, Daniel in the lion’s den – but the second half gets a little… crazy.
Music by Denys Kyshchuk from Pixabay
Ben Green | Mark 8:1-21
The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. He sighed deeply and said, ‘Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.’ Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
Jesus refuses to meet the Pharisees on their terms, yet, as Ben explains, he has just revealed his true nature by feeding several thousand Gentiles - something the Pharisees would never have contemplated. Even Jesus' disciples struggled to gain a true understanding of who he was. Will we, who have the benefit of the New Testament and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, make the effort to find out?
The recording begins with the reading from Alison Cooper.
Ben Green | Mark 7.24-37
Jesus left that place and went to the vicinity of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it; yet he could not keep his presence secret. In fact, as soon as she heard about him, a woman whose little daughter was possessed by an impure spirit came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, born in Syrian Phoenicia. She begged Jesus to drive the demon out of her daughter. ‘First let the children eat all they want,’ he told her, ‘for it is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.’ ‘Lord,’ she replied, ‘even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.’ Then he told her, ‘For such a reply, you may go; the demon has left your daughter.’ She went home and found her child lying on the bed, and the demon gone.
Looking for some rest in Tyre, Jesus is found by a woman with a demon-possessed daughter, and then is begged to heal a man who is deaf and mute. He helped them - can we trust him to do the same today?
John Lanchbury | Mark 7:1-23
[Jesus] continued, ‘You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! For Moses said, “Honour your father and mother,” and, “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.” But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God) - then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.’
Jesus' argument with the Pharisees, who believed that serving God was a matter of strict observance of rules, carries a warning for us today, says John. We too can put our own rules and customs before a heart obedience to God. John explains how to avoid falling into the same trap as the Pharisees.
The recording begins with the reading from Pat Clayton.
Graham Romp | Mark 6:45-56
Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and [Jesus] was alone on land. He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, because they all saw him and were terrified. Immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.’ Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down.
Jesus himself had sent the disciples across the lake, but as the wind and waves grew, so did their fears. As Graham explains, they did not realise that Jesus was watching them and would come to their rescue. His actions reveal who he is and something of what God is like.
The recording begins with the reading from John Davies.
Bobbie Frere | Mark 6:30-44
They went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place. But many who saw them leaving recognised them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.
What does it mean to have compassion? As the story proceeds, Jesus' disciples become concerned about the welfare of the thousands who have come to hear him. As Bobbie explains, true compassion involves taking action - and Jesus shows it by meeting their physical as well as spiritual needs.
The recording begins with the reading from Dave Lucking.
Allan Bartlam | Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him.’ Others said, ‘He is Elijah.’ And still others claimed, ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago.’ But when Herod heard this, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!’
The story that follows describes how Herod, intrigued by God's message but unwilling to follow it, was eventually forced into making a choice - the wrong one. As Allan explains, people respond in many different ways to the question we are addressing in this series: who is Jesus? It's not enough just to believe in him: we need to live out our faith in him every day.
The recording begins with the reading from Susan Mole.
Susan Haynes and Sam Haynes | Mark 6:7-13
Calling the Twelve to him, [Jesus] began to send them out two by two... ‘Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ They went out and preached that people should repent. They drove out many demons and anointed with oil many people who were ill and healed them.
The recording contains extracts from an Explore service, beginning with the reading from Peter Frere and a short explanation from Susan. Later, Dan Parnell and Sam Haynes - together with members of the congregation - discuss how we can live out Jesus' instructions today.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Nigel Hand | Mark 6:1-6
*Jesus left there and went to his home town, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.
‘Where did this man get these things?’ they asked. ‘What's this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him.*
As Nigel Hand explains, Jesus' teaching when fully put into practice is bound to cause offence, since it runs counter to many of the values (which change over time) of the world.
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.
Bobbie Frere | Mark 1:35-45
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else - to the nearby villages - so that I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’ So he travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Far from seeking fame, it actually hindered Jesus' ministry. Despite Jesus' command, a man he heals is unable to keep quiet about it, and his failure to obey just makes things more difficult for Jesus. Bobbie encourages us to put Jesus first in everything, even if this goes against our natural desires and preferences.
The recording begins with the reading from Pat Clayton.
The audio quality is below the standard that we aim for, but we hope to replace it with a better version soon.
Susan Haynes | Mark 1:14-34
This recording was made via Zoom with limited audio quality. We hope to replace it with a better quality recording soon.
Susan Haynes | Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus came to [the eleven disciples] and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
The Great Commission, as it has become known, is perhaps the hardest task anyone has ever been set. Yet Susan has several stories of people who, in various times and places, have gone to others and brought them a little closer to following Jesus. The best news is that we don't have to do this alone: Jesus himself is with us, at work in us and those we meet.
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | Ephesians 4:11-16 | Colossians 2:6-7
Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
As humans, we start life as babies and grow up through childhood and become adults more or less automatically. As Allan explains, spiritual growth as Christians takes a bit more effort. He describes some of the steps we can take to halp make it happen, even as God works within us as we remain rooted in Christ.
The recording begins with the reading from Pat Clayton.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube. This includes the photos Allan refers to in his talk.
Ben Green | Matthew 28.16-20
Jesus came to [the eleven disciples] and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
The first part of the Christ Church mission statement is "making disciples", following the command that Jesus gave to the apostles. And, says Ben, it is one of the hardest things for us to do. He explains what it means to "make" or become a disciple, why we should do it and some principles to follow as we go about it.
The recording begins with a short introduction from Ben, and continues with the reading from Susan Haynes.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube. You might also want to watch the video recording from the previous Sunday, when the Disciples of Jesus series was introduced. Most of the service material was visual and can't be presented in this podcast.
John Lanchbury | 2 Kings 6:15-17 | Matthew 28:16-20
When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. ‘Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?’ the servant asked. ‘Don't be afraid,’ the prophet answered. ‘Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ And Elisha prayed, ‘Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.’ Then the Lord opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all round Elisha.
To human eyes, there seemed no way out for Elisha and his servant: a city besieged. Although we too may face hard battles, the reality is that God is with us through every trial. And Jesus promises to be with us as we carry out the Great Commission: ‘Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.’ John reminds us that we don't carry out this task as individuals, but as part of a worldwide body of believers. Each of us has our part to play, at the right time and place.
The recording begins with the readings from James Williams.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service (which contains some material that can't be included in the audio) can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | 1 Peter 3:15-16
In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
The sixth 'M' in our series Fruitfulness on the front line is different from all the others, says Graham. The world as a whole does not value proclaiming the gospel, and it is also something that most of us find especially difficult. Graham explains how we can make personal evangelism part of our everyday fruitful lives rather than an ill-fitting extra.
The recording begins with the reading from Dave Lucking.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | 2 Samuel 12:1-13
David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, ‘As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this must die! He must pay for that lamb four times over, because he did such a thing and had no pity.’ Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’
Very few of us will ever find ourselves in the same situation as the prophet Nathan, who at God's command confronted the king and denounced him as a murderer. Yet, says Chris, all of us have a part to play in standing up for justice and truth in a world that often does not want to hear this message. God give us the wisdom to know when and how to speak, as he did to Nathan.
The recording begins with Bobbie Frere reading a message received from Kenya following her recent vist, with Peter, to our partners there. Then John Davies continues with the reading. After Chris' talk Susan Haynes concludes with a time of prayer.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Nigel Hand | Matthew 5:13-16
[Jesus said,] ‘You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.’
‘You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.’
Our former vicar Nigel returns with a powerful challenge to be not just admirers of Jesus, but disciples. In our everyday lives and more widely, Jesus calls us to live according to his teaching and to be distinct from the world while still being in it.
The recording begins with the reading from Alison Cooper and ends with a prayer from Bobbie Frere.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Dan Parnell | Deuteronomy 8:7-18
When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
For those of us who get our food from cans, packets and takeaways it is all too easy to forget that God is the ultimate source of all that we have to eat and enjoy. Through the reading, drama and Dan Parnell's talk we were reminded in this Explore service to get the right perspective and to give thanks to God.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Luke 10:25-37
Jesus said: ‘A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he travelled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.’
As the story proceeds, we learn that the Samaritan - a member of a race traditionally hated by the Jews - tends the man's wounds and then goes to extra lengths to ensure that he is cared for. This would have shocked Jesus' listeners, but as Susan explains, the challenge is for all of us to display relentless kindness even to those we don't get on with. Small acts can make a big difference.
The recording begins with the reading from Pat Clayton.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Colossians 3:22-4:1
Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favour, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Work of some sort, whether paid or unpaid, is a fact of life for just about all of us. Since we live in a broken world, how can we restore the true God-given nature of work? Ben addresses this question in this short talk. During the service there was additional teaching in a video, produced by the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, which we can't include here for copyright reasons. A summary is included below.
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Teaching video summary:
Mark Greene, who devised the series we are following, asked why the things we do from day to day matter to God?
Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as for the Lord... it is the Lord Christ you are serving“.
Our everyday actions (all of them!) matter because we are doing them for God. If we do something for someone we love, we do it enthusiastically, carefully, as well as we can. If it‘s for God, we also do it worshipfully, for his glory.
Keith is a decorator who, when he first started out, just did it as a job to earn money. A car crash made him rethink his priorities and he decided to earn so that he could give a lot away to the church and other charities.
Only later did Keith realise that his work enabled others to live the lives they were meant to lead. He helped people who could not maintain their own properties. He served God by serving people and improving their lives.
Work is a gift by which we can serve God. Everything can be done in a way which benefits others: stacking goods on shelves so that the labels face outwards, emptying bins in a way that leaves the place tidy, designing computers so that they are easy and pleasant to use.
In the Genesis account of creation, humans are created only when there is a garden for them to look after. A loving God created the context for human flourishing through purposeful work.
The Fall meant that work would become a lot harder, with frustrations and disappointment, but its original purpose survives. Christ died to begin the restoration of whole universe. We participate in this through our daily activities.
You don't have to be a Christian to do a beautiful job. But we seek to consciously do whatever we do for Jesus. Let‘s pray that he will use our work to bless others.
Psalm 90:17 - may God establish the work of our hands.
Peter Frere | Galatians 5:13-26
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
These are qualities that we all want, but how do we make them grow? How can we be free of the desires that get in the way and lead us to behave in contrary ways? As Peter explains, these are fruit of the Holy Spirit, that only his working in us can produce - but we have an essential part to play in the process.
The recording begins with a report from Alison Cooper and Phil Banting on their visit to Bolivia as part of a team from Birmingham in August 2023. Then we hear from Bobbie and Peter Frere as they look ahead to renewing our links with Kenya in the following few weeks. This is followed by the reading from Dilys Garrod.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Mark 4:26-29
[Jesus] also said, ‘This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces corn – first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. As soon as the corn is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.’
The recording begins with Susan Haynes introducing the Explore service and explaining more about our current series, "Faithfulness on the frontline." The congregation were then asked, in groups around tables, to read one of a set of Bible passages and answer a question on it. After hearing the feedback from each of the groups Ben gave a short talk describing how we become more fruitful. How much of a part does God play and what is our responsibility?
The readings studied the congregation, and the corresponding questions, were:
Genesis 1:24-31
Where does fruitfulness originate/begin?
Colossians 1:1-14
What four things does Paul specify will come from being filled with the Spirit?
Luke 3:7-14
What should repentance lead to?
Isaiah 5:1-7
Why was the vineyard to be destroyed?
Isaiah 27:1-6
What is the promise of this passage?
John 15:1-17
What do we need to do in order to bear much fruit?
Galatians 5:13-26
What three action words associated with the Spirit does Paul say will result in fruit?
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
What are some of the elements needed to produce a fruitful harvest?
Revelation 22:1-5
Here we see the tree of life, bearing fruit, in a picture of what’s to come. What is being promised at the end of time?
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | Colossians 1:1-2,15-20
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him... For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Where and how can we make a difference for the kingdom of God? Bringing people into a direct relationship with God is of truly life-changing importance, but it is not the whole story. Introducing our new series, "Fruitfulness on the frontline", Bobbie explains that Jesus is Lord not just of the spiritual realm but of the physical world too. Over the coming weeks we will explore how we can work this out in our everyday lives.
The recording begins with the reading from Kate Routley.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Job 42.7-17
The Lord said, 'My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly.' ... and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer.
To close the series Ben summarises what Job teaches us about the life of a believer: marked by warfare, requiring patience, humility and forgiveness - with blessing at the end.
The recording begins with the reading from Dan Parnell.
Ben Green | Job 38.1 - 42.6
'Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!'
In the penultimate talk of the series, Ben looks at God's two speeches in reply to Job. First God reminds Job that he is God - creator, sustainer of all. Then he explores the nature of evil through the pictures of Behemoth and Leviathan - powerful and dangerous but God is still ultimately in charge.
The recording begins with the reading from Dilys Garrod.
Graham Romp | Job 9.32-35 | James 5.7-11
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming... As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
In this interlude in our series 'Job: Out of the Storm' Graham explores how Job points to Jesus in what he says (expressing hope), in how he lived (he didn't give up on God) and in what he suffered (innocent, rejected, betrayed, deserted, outside the city walls). One of the key lessons is this: righteousness is not incompatible with suffering. In fact Job suffers because he was righteous, exactly like Jesus: the cross shows us righteousness and suffering are deeply and intimately linked. Job thought he wanted justice, but what he actually got, was grace.
The recording begins with the reading from James Williams.
Ben Green | Job 32:1-5 | Job 33:8-18
Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him... When he saw that the three men had nothing more to say, his anger was aroused.
‘But I tell you, in this you are not right, for God is greater than any mortal. Why do you complain to him that he responds to no one’s words? For God does speak - now one way, now another - though no one perceives it.’
Into the debate, which has gone round in circles for so long, steps an angry young man, Elihu. What good can he possibly do? Yet, as Ben explains, he sees beyond everyone else - the older friends with their simplistic worldview, and Job who has come to believe that God is against him. Ben urges us to listen to God and trust him, in good times and bad.
The recording begins with the reading from John Davies. The sermon is based on the whole of chapters 32 to 37.
Allan Bartlam | Job 29:1-17 | Job 30:9-10, 30:16-23, 31:35-37
‘How I long for the months gone by, for the days when God watched over me, when his lamp shone on my head and by his light I walked through darkness! Oh, for the days when I was in my prime, when God's intimate friendship blessed my house, when the Almighty was still with me and my children were around me.’ ... ‘I cry out to you, God, but you do not answer; I stand up, but you merely look at me. You turn on me ruthlessly; with the might of your hand you attack me.’ ... ‘Oh, that I had someone to hear me!’
Job contrasts the blessedness of his former life - maybe it was not quite as perfect as he remembers it? - with the agony of his present state. As Allan explains, most of us experience a mixture of the two, but we can learn from Job's honesty.
The recording includes the readings from Sarah Trinder and ends with a short reflection from Cathie Bartlam.
Ben Green | Proverbs 8:1-11, 22-29 | Job 28
Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? ... ‘Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.’
Where then does wisdom come from? Where does understanding dwell? ... God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells, for he views the ends of the earth and sees everything under the heavens.
After all the rounds of inconclusive debate between Job and his friends, an interlude comes in the form of a poem about the most precious thing anyone could have - wisdom. But what is it, and where is it to be found? As Ben explains, all our searches lead us to Jesus, who is the way, the truth and the life.
The recording begins with the readings from Susan Mole.
Ben Green | Job 19
‘Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me. Why do you pursue me as God does? Will you never get enough of my flesh?’ ... ‘I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes – I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!’
Accused by his friends, abandoned by his family, and - as it seems to him - struck by God, all that Job values has been stripped away. All the more astonishing, says Ben, that Job still longs to see God and has faith that one day this will happen. All the more reason for us to believe, who can see something that Job did not: the cross.
The recording begins with the reading from Peter Frere. Earlier in the service, the whole congregation read Psalm 16 as an act of worship.
Allan Bartlam | Revelation 7:9-12
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’
How is it that the people of God can come from every nation? Only, says Allan, because someone told them about Jesus. The recording begins with the reading from Bobbie Frere, and continues with drama featuring some Bible characters. We also hear from Alison, Phil, John and Elsie who will be spending some time with churches in Bolivia in the coming weeks. Rachel Fasham then lists some practical steps we can take in response to Jesus' call to make disciples of all nations.
We had some problems with our recording equipment this week and the first 20 seconds or so in particular are below the audio standard we aim to achieve.
Bobbie Frere | Job 9:1-24, 32-35
Then Job replied:
‘Indeed, I know that this is true. But how can mere mortals prove their innocence before God? Though they wished to dispute with him, they could not answer him once in a thousand times. His wisdom is profound, his power is vast. Who has resisted him and come out unscathed? ... How then can I dispute with him? How can I find words to argue with him? ... Even if I summoned him and he responded, I do not believe he would give me a hearing.’
In response to Job's suffering, his 'comforters' hold to their packaged theology while his wife urges him to turn against God. Yet, as Bobbie explains, Job continues to take his complaint to God, believing that he alone has the answers. Where do we turn when we are confronted by suffering and injustice in the world?
The recording begins with the reading from John Davies. In addition to this passage, the sermon is based on the whole of chapters 4 to 27. Also, earlier in the service, the whole congregation read Psalm 84 together.
Susan Haynes | Job 15:1-26
Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied:
‘Would a wise person answer with empty notions or fill their belly with the hot east wind? Would they argue with useless words, with speeches that have no value? But you even undermine piety and hinder devotion to God. Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty. Your own mouth condemns you, not mine; your own lips testify against you.’
A debate is in progress, and it's not going well. For reasons completely unknown to him, Job is being subjected to terrible suffering. His three friends have a simple answer: it is because he has sinned, and it must have been something really bad. Yet there are aspects of our broken world that they never even considered. As Susan explains, their judgemental worldview persists into the present day, and can add to people's suffering just as it did to that of Job.
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones. In addition to this passage, the sermon is based on the whole of chapters 4 to 27. Also, earlier in the service, the whole congregation read Psalm 32 together.
Ben Green
Easter in emojis: Even though Ben's retelling of the story has a highly visual element, it can still be followed in audio only (follow the YouTube link to be able to see it). Nothing can truly convey the full drama of the first Easter Sunday, as the risen Jesus broke into the lives of his followers, just as he does today.
The recording begins with an Easter greeting led by Bobbie Frere.
A longer video recording of the Sunday service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Rachel Fasham | Luke 19:28-40
When [Jesus] came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’
Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’
What was the atmosphere really like, on that Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into Jerusalem? We get some idea from the dramatic reconstruction in this recording (thank you Explore Service team for putting it all together). Then Rachel goes on to ask whether, as for the crowd in Jerusalem, our expectations of Jesus match up with the reality.
The recording begins with the reading from Janet Chalmers.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
David Silvester | Mark 10:17-31
Jesus looked at him and loved him. ‘One thing you lack,’ he said. ‘Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.’ At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth.
This man, often known as the rich young ruler, had asked what he must do to inherit eternal life. Why did Jesus ask such a high price? David explains what was wrong in this man's life, and encourages us to search our own hearts too.
The recording begins with the reading from Susan Mole.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Luke 18:15-17
People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’
As so often, Jesus sees things differently. Those who have no status in the world's eyes point the way to the kingdom of God. But what is the difference between being childish and childlike? Susan explains some of the characteristics of children that can bring us all closer to God.
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green
During the first few months of 2020 all our lives were profoundly changed by the COVID-19 pandemic. For some, the effects were only temporary, but others lost relatives, businesses, education and more, and continue to live with the consequences. In this recording our resident puppets, Bert and Lucy, reflect on the effect on young people. Then, members of the congregation summarise some of the ways in which the Bible addresses the wider question of suffering, before Ben gives a short talk.
A digital booklet containing all the Bible passages referenced can be downloaded from from our website.
A longer video recording, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Luke 10:1-20
After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.’
At least Jesus warned his disciples what they were facing. He went on to instruct them about how to handle acceptance and rejection as they went out to spread the good news about himself. Ben Green explains how these principles apply to us today. The call remains the same: Go and spread the good news about Jesus.
The recording begins with the reading from Pat Clayton.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | Matthew 14.22-33
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. ‘It’s a ghost,’ they said, and cried out in fear.
Even in the daytime, it would have been enough of a shock to the disciples to see Jesus walking across the water towards them. But at night, in a storm... yet Peter's response is that he wants to copy Jesus and walk on the lake too. Allan encourages us to trust Jesus amid the storms of life.
The recording begins with the reading from Trevor Whitehouse, and there is a concluding prayer from Cathie Bartlam.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Judy Ward | James 1:27-2:6
Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Or... suppose the whole congregation is invited to breakfast, and while a wealthy few are given a full meal, most only have toast and a real outsider just a glass of water? Listen to the beginning of the recording to find out. Judy Ward goes on to explain the work of Christians Against Poverty in freeing people trapped in unpayable debt, and challenges us to respond to the needs, often hidden, around us.
The recording also includes an introduction from Jess Green, the reading from Janet Chalmers and a prayer from Rachel Fasham..
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | Mark 6:30-44
By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. ‘This is a remote place,’ they said, ‘and it’s already very late. Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.’ But he answered, ‘You give them something to eat.’ They said to him, ‘That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?’ ‘How many loaves do you have?’ he asked. ‘Go and see.’
Eager to hear Jesus' teaching, the crowd had followed him, and now they were in need of physical food. Having set his disciples a seemingly impossible task - to feed the crowd - Jesus now asks them to assess the resources available, which amount to just a few loaves and fish. Yet as John reminds us in his talk, anything is possible when Jesus turns up and we offer what little we have to him.
The recording begins with the reading from James Williams.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Peter Frere | John 1:35-51
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip.
Last week, Ben introduced our new series by looking at the calling of Jesus' first disciples. This week Peter focuses on John's account of the story and the reaction of those who met Jesus: to invite others to discover him for themselves.
The recording begins with the reading from Kate Routley.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Matthew 4:18-22 | Matthew 28:18-20
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.
Jesus came to [the disciples] and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’
We begin a new series this week, which Ben introduces at the beginning of the recording. Then, after the readings from Susan Mole, he continues to discuss what it means to be a disciple. We still follow the same pattern today: Jesus calls us to follow him, then we go and pass on that call to others.
A longer, edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Dan Parnell | Matthew 2:1-12
After [the Magi] had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
This short talk was part of an Explore service in which each of us could respond in different ways to what we heard. How much do we know about these mysterious Magi, and what can we learn from their place in the gospel story?
The recording begins with the reading from Susan Haynes.
A longer, edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Isaiah 43:14-21
This is what the Lord says - he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters...‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.’
We can learn from and be thankful for what God has done in the past, but we should not get stuck there. At the beginning of a new year Susan challenges us to embrace the new things God has for us and to be part of what he is doing.
The recording begins with members of the congregation describing what it is like to experience something new.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, labouring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.
Paul points out some things the Christians at Thessalonica were getting wrong in order to point them in the right direction. In this case, some had misunderstood the purpose of work. Is there a model we can follow? Bobbie outlines a framework for all kinds of work - paid or voluntary - based on gospel principles, those by which we should live.
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17
Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us - whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter - asserting that the day of the Lord has already come. Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.
What will happen in the future? How will it all end? Paul had taught the Thessalonians directly about these matters, but in his letter he only gives a summary, leaving us with many questions. Ben encourages us to focus on what we do know - that in Jesus we have the ultimate victory, whatever happens now or in the future.
The recording begins with the reading from Trevor Whitehouse.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 2 Thessalonians 1
Among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring. All this is evidence that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering.
Paul begins his second letter to a church that continues to suffer severe persecution. Are their hardships a sign of God's disfavour, or that they somehow don't matter? As Ben explains, the true explanation is far more hopeful - indeed, glorious.
The recording begins with the reading from Susan Mole.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
In all circumstances? Even when the church is suffering severe persecution, as was the case at Thessalonica? Paul ends his letter with some instructions that are timeless but especially ran counter to the culture of his time. As Graham explains, the Christian faith is truly radical.
The recording begins with the reading from Dilys Garrod.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Isaiah 52:7-10
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’
This Remembrance service is introduced by Susan Haynes, then, after the reading from a member of the Brownies, Ben speaks about where real peace can be found. Earlier in the service we had used a set of flags, each representing a nation currently in conflict, as an aid to prayer, and Ben refers to these flags in his talk.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
When Jesus returns it will be sudden and unexpected, but we can still be ready. Ben explains how, in this in-between time, we can live in the light even while we are surrounded by darkness.
The recording begins with the reading from James Williams.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.
We can have real hope, says John, because our belief is based on the historical facts of Jesus' death and resurrection. Yet we still grieve at the loss of someone close to us, and John explores how we can support each other through such difficult times.
The recording begins with the reading from Kate Routley.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12
Brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more... It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honourable, not in passionate lust like the pagans, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.
Paul has many good things to say about the church at Thessalonica and wants to encourage them to keep becoming more like Jesus. As Ben explains, there have always been areas of life where Christianity will clash with the prevailing culture of the day.
The recording begins with the reading from Trevor Whitehouse.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love... Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
Surely every church should want to be growing in faith and love, but what does that look like today? Susan involves the congregation in answering that question and encourages us to continue on that journey.
The recording begins with the reading from John Mason.
A longer edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Dan Parnell | Leviticus 23:39-43
‘So beginning with the fifteenth day of the seventh month, after you have gathered the crops of the land, celebrate the festival to the Lord for seven days; the first day is a day of sabbath rest, and the eighth day also is a day of sabbath rest... Live in temporary shelters for seven days: all native-born Israelites are to live in such shelters so that your descendants will know that I made the Israelites live in temporary shelters when I brought them out of Egypt.’
The short piece of drama which begins the recording also opened the first of our new-style, monthly Explore services. In a short talk Dan Parnell explains why we celebrate God's goodness at harvest time, and also how we can fulfil our call to restore our damaged world.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20
For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: you suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out.
As Ben reminds us, the relative lack of persecution in modern Western countries is an exception to the experience of the church throughout the ages. If we truly stand for Christ we will face opposition, just as he did, yet nothing can take away the peace with God that he offers.
The recording begins with the reading from Pat Clayton.
Peter Frere | 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel... Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
Paul defends himself against accusations that his preaching in Thessalonica had been for selfish motives or that he had exploited his hearers in some way. Peter explains some of the lessons for the way we ourselves share the gospel, through what we say and how we live our lives.
The recording begins with the reading from Susan Mole.
A longer edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
The message of the gospel should change lives, and in the case of the church at Thessalonica, it had - so much so that everyone could see it. That should be our aim too, says Bobbie: not just to believe in what Jesus has done for us but to live it out and pass it on.
The recording begins with the reading from Simon Jones.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Ben was speaking with the recent death of Queen Elizabeth II very much on our minds, and indeed the whole service was a response to her life and her commitment to follow the true King, Jesus. It is good to have the example and encouragement of others, says Ben, but above all we look to Jesus as the one who has gone before us and defeated death.
The recording begins with the reading from Bobbie Frere (sorry the audio quality is lower than we usually manage at this point).
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Acts 17:1-15
When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. ‘This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,’ he said. Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.
It all starts off so well, as some of Paul's hearers believe his message. Yet, within days, there is a riot and Paul has to leave the city, as happened in many other places too. As Ben explains, the gospel remains divisive and offensive - yet it is the only way to find true life.
This is the first in a new series Walking Worthily in which we will look at how the gospel shapes the Christian life, as explained in Paul's letters to the Thessalonians.
The recording begins with the reading from Matt Fox.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | Nehemiah 9:38 | Nehemiah 10:28-39
‘The rest of the people - priests, Levites, gatekeepers, musicians, temple servants and all who separated themselves from the neighbouring peoples for the sake of the Law of God, together with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand - all these now join their fellow Israelites the nobles, and bind themselves with a curse and an oath to follow the Law of God given through Moses the servant of God and to obey carefully all the commands, regulations and decrees of the Lord our Lord.’
It had taken the people a long time to get to the point where they could make this full and open commitment. Having recently returned from exile, they promised to observe the Law which marked them out as the people of God. As Bobbie explains, an essential step was to truly appreciate the goodness and faithfulness of God. Yet: human failure is never far away. Bobbie encourages us to remember what God has done for us but also to trust in his power rather than our own as we seek to follow him.
The recording begins with the reading from Sarah Trinder.
Bishop Walter Toro | 1 Peter 2:4-12
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Walter is the Anglican Bishop of Bolivia, and recently attended the Lambeth Conference before spending time in Birmingham strengthening links with the churches here. Walter reminds us of the unique place each of us has in the church, yet all of us are called to present Christ to the world through our lives. Walter speaks in Spanish, with English translation by David Dixie.
The recording begins with the reading from Chris Powell.
Peter Frere | Nehemiah 8
On the first day of the seventh month Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men, women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law... Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, ‘This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.
The Temple and the walls of Jerusalem have at last been rebuilt, but there is still essential work to be done. The people of Israel, returned from exile, rediscover their purpose in being and their place in God's plan - and it has a profound effect on them. Peter explains why and how we should read the Bible and let its Good News change us.
The recording begins with the reading from James Williams.
Janet Chalmers | Nehemiah 5
Now the men and their wives raised a great outcry against their fellow Jews. Some were saying, ‘We and our sons and daughters are numerous; in order for us to eat and stay alive, we must get grain.’ Others were saying, ‘We are mortgaging our fields, our vineyards and our homes to get grain during the famine.’ ... When I heard their outcry and these charges, I was very angry. I pondered them in my mind and then accused the nobles and officials. I told them, ‘You are charging your own people interest!’ So I called together a large meeting to deal with them and said: ‘As far as possible, we have bought back our fellow Jews who were sold to the Gentiles. Now you are selling your own people, only for them to be sold back to us!’ They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say.
While the poor suffer misery, the rich get ever richer. In these ancient times Nehemiah faces a very modern problem. How should he respond?
Rachel Fasham was supposed to be preaching this week, but COVID-19 forced a change in our plans and, instead, we hear from service leader Janet Chalmers in the recording with a brief introduction to what Rachel intended to say.
During the service the congregation were invited to discuss these questions:
- What was Nehemiah’s response to the situation and how is this an example of living in godliness?
- Nehemiah was a person of influence. Who do we know who has influence?
- How can we get them to use their influence?
- What should our response as individuals and as a church be to the current cost of living crisis?
- What will you pledge to do?
The PCC of Christ Church has already agreed to commit resources to help with the economic crisis during the winter months, possibly by acting as a warmth and food hub, but planning is only just beginning.
Some of the congregational responses involved supporting these efforts, and also supporting B30 Foodbank and Christians Against Poverty who are very much in the front line.
Personally we can look out for those in need and display kindness, and spend our money with independent, socially responsible businesses rather than non-tax paying giants. We can engage with politicians to promote fairness in the economic system. We can pray for the government, for those in need, for good harvests and a fair distribution.
These were some of the pledges that were made, but many will also wish to imitate Nehemiah in another respect: he carefully considered his response.
The recording includes the reading from Dave Lucking.
Ben Green | Nehemiah 4
When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry. They all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it. But we prayed to our God and posted a guard day and night to meet this threat.
Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem are doing God's work, and making good progress. Then, opposition appears, and the difficulties mount up. What's going on? Ben explains what our attitude should be to opposition and how we should respond. There's a big clue in the words “But we prayed...”
The recording begins with the reading from Susan Mole.
Allan Bartlam | Nehemiah 1.1 - 3.2 (abridged)
God's people had been in exile for many years, Jerusalem destroyed, the city gates burned by fire. God called Nehemiah - the emperor of Persia's butler - to lead his people in rebuilding the walls. Nehemiah's example can help us learn to be faithful to God wherever he has called us.
The recording begins with the reading from John Mason.
Dan Parnell | 1 Corinthians 11.23-28
The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
From the earliest days of the church, the celebration of Holy Communion has formed a central part of worship. But why, and what does it mean? Speaking in our All-In service, Dan gives a brief explanation.
The recording begins with the reading from Janet Chalmers.
Ben Green | Acts 1:1-8
Then they gathered round [Jesus] and asked him, ‘Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?’ He said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’
In their last earthly meeting, the disciples present Jesus with a request which seems completely in keeping with their understanding of God. Yet Jesus counters with a promise which reveals a much greater purpose. When we truly meet with God, whose agenda will we follow? As Ben explains, submitting to God's way - hard though it is - is truly worthwhile.
The recording begins with the reading from Trevor Whitehouse.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | John 13:1-17
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel round his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped round him.
Jesus, who knew he had total authority, took on the work of a slave. How can we acquire and live out such counter-cultural attitudes? As Ben explains, we need to do this not just within the church but in every community that we are part of.
The recording begins with the reading from Kate Routley.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | John 4.5-10, 15-18, 27-30, 39-42
So [Jesus] came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.
When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’ (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)
The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)
Jesus answered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.’
The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.’
He told her, ‘Go, call your husband and come back.’
‘I have no husband,’ she replied.
Jesus said to her, ‘You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.’
Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, ‘What do you want?’ or ‘Why are you talking with her?’
Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, ‘Come, see a man who told me everything I’ve ever done. Could this be the Messiah?’ They came out of the town and made their way towards him.
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, ‘He told me everything I’ve ever done.’ So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.
They said to the woman, ‘We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Saviour of the world.’
Chris Turner continues our series "Big Church Little Church" by looking at what evangelism is, why we do it - but most importantly how. He shares encouraging stories to illustrate how we can share our faith, and offers some practical tips: listen, ask good questions, pray, train and practise sharing the gospel and our personal testimony.
Chris Turner | Acts 2:42-47
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Chris Turner continues our series "Big Church Little Church" by considering how we grow into our identity as disciples (or 'learners') of Jesus, and lay strong foundations in the Word. He encourages us to work with and alongside one another, and offers some resources to help us.
Those resources will be made available on our website.
Ben Green | Mark 10:35-45
Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’
We begin a new series "Big church, little church" by looking at Jesus' example of service. The recording begins with Bobbie leading a brainstorming session to list all the things that happen in Christ Church (and some were missed) - things which only happen because people serve and use their gifts.
Then Ben introduces the new series, and after the reading from Chris Powell, Ben returns to challenge the way we think about gifts and how we discover, value and use them.
Below are some photos of the whiteboard at the end of the brainstorm session.
John Lanchbury | Acts 1:4-5,8 | Acts 2:1-21
[Jesus said], ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
We finish our series "Resurrection People" by celebrating the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to bring the church into being and empower it to live out Jesus' resurrection life. This All Age service tells the story in dramatised form, and Ben Green explains how we can know the Spirit's power each day.
A longer, edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | Acts 1:1-11 | Hebrews 4:14-16
[Jesus] said to them: ‘It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.’
We do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.
The recording begins with a dramatised version of the first reading (performed by Pat Clayton), as one of Jesus' disciples tries to make sense of the recent events - from the Resurrection to the Ascension. Dilys Garrod follows with the second reading, and then John Lanchbury looks at what all this means and the implications for us today. Jesus knows what it is like to be human, to go through our struggles and pain. What should our response be?
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | John 21:1-14 | Isaiah 65:17-25
Simon Peter, Thomas (also known as Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. ‘I'm going out to fish,’ Simon Peter told them, and they said, ‘We'll go with you.’ So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing... [Jesus] said, ‘Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.’ When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.
No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat. For as the days of a tree, so will be the days of my people; my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. They will not labour in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them.
Once again Jesus appears to his disciples after the Resurrection, and this time he turns up at their workplace. Does "secular" work - or related activity such as studying or volunteering - have any value in God's kingdom? Susan Haynes explains what we can learn from this encounter and how work fits in with God's purposes.
The recording begins with the readings from Kate Routley.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube. The song Susan refers to at the end of her talk is also available to hear online.
Ben Green | John 20:19-31
Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, ‘We have seen the Lord!’ But he said to them, ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.’
Thomas was hurting. He had missed out on the experience, shared by the other disciples, of having met the risen Jesus, and he remained trapped in the grief of the crucifixion. How can we avoid being trapped by our doubts? A few days later Jesus freed Thomas from his pain, and as Ben says in his talk, he can do the same for us.
The recording begins with Bobbie reading some Bible verses where people asked questions of God. The Bible reading isn't included in the recording due to a technical problem which affected the sound quality.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | Luke 24:36-49 | 1 Corinthians 15:12-23
Jesus himself stood among [the disciples] and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’ They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, ‘Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.’
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised... And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost... But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
At the first Easter, Jesus showed himself not as a disembodied spirit but in bodily form - a true resurrection. Graham Romp explains why this matters and what it means for us as we live our lives today. Jesus is risen, and we share in the promise of eternal life with him.
The recording begins with the readings from Susan Mole.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Luke 24:13-35
‘Jesus of Nazareth... was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his body.’
It's natural, if difficult, to refer to someone who has just died in the past tense. For these two disciples, walking to Emmaus, hope had died too. The stranger who walked with them transformed their way of thinking and opened their eyes to see what was really true: that Jesus, and hope, were alive forever.
Ben was speaking in a short service on the morning of the Birmingham Half-Marathon which we then went out in the street to support. The recording begins with the reading from Bobbie Frere.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | John 20:1-18
Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ ‘They have taken my Lord away,’ she said, ‘and I don't know where they have put him.’ At this, she turned round and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realise that it was Jesus.
We can only imagine the range of extreme emotions Mary went through in those few minutes, but we know where it ended up: joy. It took longer for some, but all the disciples were transformed by the knowledge that Jesus was with them forever. Susan points the way for us to experience a joy that changes us from deep within.
The recording begins with the reading from Matt Fox. Susan's talk is followed by a short meditation from Janet Chalmers.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Bishop David Urquhart | John 7.37-39
On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.’ By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.
We welcome Bishop David to lead our Easter celebration which also included baptism and confirmation. The Resurrection is central to the Christian story, but it also completely disrupted the expectations of those who were around at the time - and it still has the power to transform our lives today.
The recording begins with the reading from Sarah Crooks.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Matthew 21:1-17 | Matthew 26:36-45
The disciples... brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, ‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’ ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Hosanna in the highest heaven!’
Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, ‘“My house will be called a house of prayer,” but you are making it “a den of robbers.”’
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’ He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled... He fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’
Susan tells the story of Palm Sunday and some of the events that followed from a rather unusual source. The content is based on "An Easter Donkey's Diary" written by Tony Bower of York Schools and Youth Trust.
The readings are given by Alison Cooper, John Lanchbury and Michael Dewsbury.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Peter Frere | Mark 10:13-16 | 1 Corinthians 12:12-26
Jesus... said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’
The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I don’t need you!’ And the head cannot say to the feet, ‘I don’t need you!’ ... But God has put the body together, giving greater honour to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.
Peter ends our series "Rooted disciples" by discussing how we can put the teaching of Jesus and Paul into practice. What does it mean to be dependent, on God and on each other, in a culture which values strength and independence?
The recording begins with the readings from Trevor Whitehouse.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | 1 Peter 2.1-5 | 1 Peter 2.9-17
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
In a few sentences Peter stresses our need to grow in our personal faith, but also to play a full part in the shared life and status of God's people. Allan explores some areas in which we have to maintain a balance between what might seem to be conflicting priorities. The recording begins with the readings from Bobbie Frere.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | Acts 4.32-37 | Matthew 19.23-26
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there was no needy person among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Truly I tell you, it is hard for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.’
In those very early days of the church, the power to preach the gospel and work miracles went hand in hand with generosity. Today, we tend to cling on to our possessions and our time. Bobbie challenges us to live out community values and to work out a genuine response to world poverty. She reminds us that these are difficult questions with no ready-made answers.
The document "An evangelical commitment to simple lifestyle" that Bobbie refers to can be downloaded from http://www.internationalbulletin.org/issues/1980-04/1980-04-177-lifestyle.pdf.
The recording begins with the readings from Rachel Fasham and ends with a short prayer from service leader Martin Garrod.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Genesis 2.8-15 | Romans 8.18-23
Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed. The Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food. In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil... The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
It's always been God's purpose for us to take care of the created world, and as we know only too well, we've made a mess of it. In this service we discussed why this matters and some of the ways by which we can put things right. In the recording we hear from service leader John Lanchbury, preacher Susan Haynes, reader Chris Powell, Bobbie Frere speaking on behalf of the Eco group, and members of the congregation.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Rachel Fasham | 1 Corinthians 3.1-13 | Colossians 1.24-29
Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly – mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarrelling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?
[Christ] is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.
We know that, as Christians, we need to grow up in our faith - though as the sketch which begins the recording shows, some of us might be more happy to remain as children. Rachel explains some ways in which we can grow and so become more like Jesus.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube. It includes some visual material, and also music that can't be included in the audio recording for copyright reasons.
Bobbie Frere | 1 John 3:1-10
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.
When God makes us his children, we have the promise that one day we will be like Jesus. But, says Bobbie, this is not just something for the future. Rather, it's a process that continues throughout our lives. She encourages us to co-operate with the Holy Spirit to bring this about.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Romans 12:1-8
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Don't be conformed, be transformed. How can we live in and engage with the world around us without being pulled away from God? Ben Green continues our series Rooted disciples discussing why and how we should stay true to our calling.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Mark 8.27-38
[Jesus] called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.’
This week we begin a new series Rooted disciples based on John Stott's final book, "The radical disciple". The recording begins with service leader Graham Romp, and then Ben, introducing the series. In the sermon, Ben explains the learning process Jesus' disciples went through as he led up to his challenging, but often misunderstood, call to follow him.
An edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.‘
As Allan says, the Great Commission is the church's job description. But what's the plan? Who is going to bring it about? This short talk formed part of an All-In service focusing on our partnership with people and churches who, like us, are seeking to become and make disciples in our different places and circumstances.
A longer edited video recording of the Sunday service, including music and a video link with one of our partners in Kenya, can be viewed on YouTube.
The world map shown by Allan during his talk can be seen here:
Ben Green | Luke 2.22-40
There was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God.
To anyone else, Joseph and Mary would have looked like just another couple with a newborn baby observing the law of Moses. But Simeon, responding as he did to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, welcomed Jesus literally with open arms, thanking God for the salvation he had come to bring. Ben challenges us to be a people who will similarly walk in step with God.
A longer edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | Luke 1:57-80
They made signs to [Zechariah], to find out what he would like to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone's astonishment he wrote, 'His name is John.' Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue set free, and he began to speak, praising God. All the neighbours were filled with awe, and throughout the hill country of Judea people were talking about all these things. Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, 'What then is this child going to be?' For the Lord’s hand was with him.
When Zechariah, something like a year earlier, was told by the angel Gabriel that his aged wife would have a son, he was literally dumbstruck. Now, with the promise fulfilled in his own sight, he obeys the angel's instruction: the child's name is John. Immediately his tongue is freed, and he proclaims the greatness of God in a prophecy which our own John explains.
A longer edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | Luke 1:39-56
Mary said:
'My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour... From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me - holy is his name... He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.'
When Mary, pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit, meets Elizabeth, also pregnant through God's intervention, she bursts out into a song of praise. Graham explains why the meeting was so significant, and explores the challenging and radical message of Mary's song.
A longer edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Dan Parnell | Luke 1:26-38
The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end."
Out of the blue, it seems, this teenage girl living in an obscure town is given a responsibility and a challenge that she could never have imagined. How does she respond? Dan explains what Mary was facing, and encourages us to trust God's call just as she did.
This is the image from Worcester Cathedral that Dan refers to in his talk:
A longer edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Luke 1:5-25
An angel of the Lord appeared to [Zechariah], standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord.'
For hundreds of years it seemed that heaven had been silent. Temple worship continued, but maybe few - Zechariah among them - thought it really mattered. Suddenly, God broke in, and Zechariah was literally dumbstruck. His elderly wife, who had lost hope of bearing a child, would conceive, and through the child, hope would come to the whole nation.
Chris begins our new series Light and glory focusing on the angelic messages announcing Jesus' birth. Chris encourages us to make time to hear God's voice in our own lives.
A longer edited video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | Micah 6:1-8 | Micah 7:18-20
With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? ... He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry for ever but delight to show mercy.
Allan ends our series on Micah by speaking first about God's character, then our response. Micah highlighted the seriousness of Israel's sin but also God's desire that they should turn back to him and find mercy and forgiveness. How can we live as God desires in our very different, 21st century world?
During his talk Allan refers to a slide Susan Haynes had used to illustrate the sins of Israel. Here it is:
An edited video recording of the Sunday service which also includes the reading and prayers can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Micah 5.1-15
'But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.'
Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labour bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.
He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.
The early verses in this chapter are often read at Christmas services, speaking as they do of a new ruler to come from Bethlehem. But then the message is one of judgement and destruction. What's going on? Ben explains how Micah's prophecy speaks to every age, ultimately bringing hope and the promise of God's glorious reign to come.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Micah 4:1-8
In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and peoples will stream to it.
Many nations will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the temple of the God of Jacob... The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks.'
Up to this point Micah has prophesied disaster for the people of God as a consequence of their many sins. But now, says Susan, there is a change of tone as Micah looks forward with hope. God's kingdom rule will be established, bringing restoration and forgiveness. We, living since the coming of Jesus, have all the more reason to trust this promise.
The recording begins with the reading from Janet Chalmers. After Susan speaks, Dan Parnell describes two present-day projects that seek to put into practice the teaching of Micah. There's more information about RAWtools at https://rawtools.org.
These are the furniture restoration photos used by Susan in her talk:
A fuller video recording of the All-In service can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | Micah 3:1-12
Hear this, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of Israel, who despise justice and distort all that is right; who build Zion with bloodshed, and Jerusalem with wickedness. Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they look for the Lord’s support and say, ‘Is not the Lord among us? No disaster will come upon us.’ Therefore because of you, Zion will be ploughed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets.
What hope is there, when the nation which is supposed to belong to God has gone so badly wrong? Yet, says Graham, Micah's message did have an impact, and God responded with mercy. On Advent Sunday we look forward to the coming of Jesus, the perfect leader.
The recording begins with the reading from Matt Fox.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Micah 1.1-2.5
Look! The Lord is coming from his dwelling-place; he comes down and treads on the heights of the earth. The mountains melt beneath him and the valleys split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. All this is because of Jacob's transgression, because of the sins of the people of Israel...
Therefore, the Lord says:
‘I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves. You will no longer walk proudly, for it will be a time of calamity.
It's an uncompromising message of judgement, as Micah prophesies disaster as a punishment for Israel's sins. Yet, as Ben explains, it is a message with a purpose: to turn the people back to God, that they might be forgiven and find true life. The recording begins with Ben introducing the book (and our sermon series) as a whole, then Pat Clayton reads selected verses from the passage before Ben continues with this week's talk.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Samuel 7:2b-12
While Samuel was sacrificing the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to engage Israel in battle. But that day the Lord thundered with loud thunder against the Philistines and threw them into such a panic that they were routed before the Israelites... Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, 'Thus far the Lord has helped us.'
Earlier in the service we had thought of ways in which we receive help from other people and from God. In this All-Age Remembrance service Ben now speaks about how much we depend on God's help, and the need to remember this and thank him.
Later in the service we made a cairn of stones (now moved to the grass adjoining our driveway) to commemorate God's help to us.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: 'Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.' Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh... The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth... When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
As the story proceeds we discover the reason why Jonah was indeed the reluctant prophet, who at first ran in the opposite direction when God called him to preach repentance to the city of Nineveh. Instead of rejoicing at the spectacular success of his preaching, Jonah threw a massive sulk at this outcome. In this recording John first explains the background to the story, then focuses on what we can learn about God and what he calls us to do in our own age.
There are a couple of references in John's talk to Jacquie Dewsbury, who earned the nickname "The gratitude lady" during her stay in hospital which ended with her death 3 days before this service.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
As Graham Romp had already explained in his introduction to the service, this passage - although often read at weddings - is not speaking about romantic love. Rather, says Ben, it goes to the heart of what the Corinthians had failed to recognise - that love is what matters above everything else, no matter how worthwhile those other things might be. And what is love? Ben has the answer.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | Acts 18:1-18a
Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks.
This week we take a break from our series in 1 Corinthians to look at how the church there was founded. Paul was the leading figure but was helped and encouraged by others, including God himself. Bobbie explains how we too can share together in our individual and common work for God.
Before Bobbie speaks we hear from Aquila and Priscilla, carrying their tents as they approach an unknown future in Corinth. A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Corinthians 4.1-17
This, then, is how you ought to regard us: as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the mysteries God has revealed. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
Paul goes on to contrast his own attitude of service and reliance on God's grace with the pride displayed by the church at Corinth. The modern church is in danger too, says Ben, urging us to live faithfully according to the gospel.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Corinthians 3.1-23
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.
The church has only one true foundation, says Paul, but there is more than one way of building on it - and only some will survive. In his talk Ben explains some of the metaphors Paul uses to describe the church, and considers how we might build that church that will last and become what God intends it to be.
The recording begins with the reading from Kate Routley.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Rachel Fasham | Joel 2:21-27
Do not be afraid, land of Judah; be glad and rejoice. Surely the Lord has done great things! Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig-tree and the vine yield their riches. Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the Lord your God.
Do not be afraid... yet now, just as when the prophet Joel spoke those words, the created world is in a mess. Speaking in this All-In service, Rachel encourages us to remember God's promises and to play our part in fulfilling his purposes.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.
So far in this series we have thought about the benefits God has freely given us, and that are open to anyone who wants to receive them. But how can we understand what the gospel is, and grow in our new identity day by day? Ben speaks about true spirituality that enables us to see the truth about God and ourselves.
The recording begins with the reading from Dilys Garrod and ends with a short prayer of response from Susan Haynes.
A fuller video recording of the Sunday service can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5
Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
If the heart of your gospel is an instrument of execution, you are never really going to fit into the culture of your day, least of all in an age that glorifies style and strength. Yet, says Ben, the cross in all its weakness is the key to eternal life - a life that is truly open to all.
Before Ben speaks, the recording begins with the reading from Susan Mole.
A full video recording of the Sunday service (with some edits) can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | 1 Corinthians 1:1-17
I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched in every way - with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge - God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
You wouldn't guess it from these words, but the church at Corinth was in trouble. It was divided, disorderly and had lost sight of the things that really matter. Yet, says Ben, they belonged to Jesus and enjoyed all the benefits if only they chose to take hold of them - just like us.
This is the first in a new series "Seeing the Son" which, over the next few weeks, will take us through the first 4 chapters of 1 Corinthians. The recording begins with Ben introducing the series, then after the reading from Alison Cooper he preaches the first sermon in the series.
A full video recording of the Sunday service (with slight edits) can be viewed on YouTube.
Ben Green | Luke 12:13-21
Someone in the crowd said to him, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.’ Jesus replied, ‘Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?’ Then he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.’
Jesus went on to tell a story of a rich man who decided to build bigger barns in which to save for himself his vast stores of grain - but he did not live to enjoy his wealth. Ben challenges us: where do true riches lie? What should our life priorities be?
The recording is an edited version of our All Age Sunday service. It is introduced by Rachel Fasham and includes prayers from Phil Ennis. A longer video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | Luke 16:1-12
[Jesus said,] 'The manager said to himself, "What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I'm not strong enough to dig, and I'm ashamed to beg - I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses." So he called in each one of his master's debtors. He asked the first, "How much do you owe my master?" "Three thousand litres of olive oil," he replied. The manager told him, "Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it fifteen hundred." ... The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly... I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.'
The manager is sacked for dishonesty, and then proceeds to swindle his employer even more in order to secure his own future. Surely, Jesus' hearers will be thinking, this man will be thrown into prison? But like so many of Jesus' stories, this one has a surprise twist. Graham explains the lessons we can apply to our own lives (and acting dishonestly is not one of them).
The recording comes from a voice recorder rather than (as we prefer) our microphones so there is some traffic noise, and also some additional sounds contributed by a very young but contented member of the congregation.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by Susan Haynes with a reading by John Mason, and before that, Elsie Lanchbury interviews Adrian Jones about his experience of joining a Christ Church home group.
Peter Frere | Matthew 13:24-30, Matthew 13:36-43
Jesus told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. When the wheat sprouted and formed ears, then the weeds also appeared.... The servants asked him, “Do you want us to go and pull them up?” “No,” he answered, “because while you are pulling up the weeds, you may uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: first collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.”’
Jesus goes on to explain the meaning of the parable to his disciples. As Peter explains, it's a parable that speaks of God's patience and desire to save as many people as possible, but also of coming judgement. How should we respond to this story?
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by Bobbie Frere with a reading by Kate Routley.
For copyright reasons we can't include the music in the recording, but this was the first service since the pandemic started when we have been able to have live music and sing together as a congregation.
Susan Haynes | Luke 13:6-9
[Jesus] told this parable: 'A man had a fig-tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any. So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, "For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig-tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?" '"Sir," the man replied, "leave it alone for one more year, and I'll dig round it and fertilise it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down."'
It sounds like a warning, but it's also an encouragement. The fig tree is given more time and care in order to have the opportunity to bear fruit as was intended for it. Susan points the way for us to be fruitful in bringing glory to God in our lives.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by Ben Green, with a reading by Chris Powell and prayers from Bobbie Frere.
For copyright reasons we can't include the music in the recording. The opening song, "Let our praise be your welcome", was also used in the service held on 31 January 2021 and the closing song, "In Christ alone", was used in the service held on 20 June 2021 (the links are to YouTube videos). Also from YouTube is Dream Small by Josh Wilson.
Ben Green | Deuteronomy 31:7-8
Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, ‘Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’
As Ben speaks on the Sunday after taking up his post as vicar of Christ Church, we have much in common with the people of Israel, heading into an unknown future with a new leader. Ben points us to Moses' words of encouragement and how we should respond over the coming weeks and months.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It begins with an interview with Ben and his wife Jess, conducted by Rachel Fasham, and includes a reading by Susan Mole and closing prayer from Graham Romp. A longer video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Rachel Fasham | Matthew 13:44-46
[Jesus said,] 'The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.'
One stumbles across it by accident, while another seeks it out. Each finds something they recognise as being worth everything they own. What kinds of people are they, and what is the treasure? Rachel explains how we can become part of the story.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by Janet Chalmers, with a reading by Pat Clayton and prayers (recorded) from Phil Ennis.
For copyright reasons we can't include the music in the recording. The opening hymn, "Great is Thy faithfulness", was also used in the service held on 14 June 2020 and the closing hymn, "Be Thou my vision", was used in the service held on 25 April 2021 (the links are to YouTube videos).
Allan Bartlam | Matthew 21:28-32
[Jesus said,] 'What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, "Son, go and work today in the vineyard." "I will not," he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.'
'Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, "I will, sir," but he did not go. Which of the two did what his father wanted?'
It's a simple story and the crowd have no difficulty in coming up with the right answer. But when Jesus goes on to identify who each of the sons might represent, things get a lot more uncomfortable. This is the first of a series in which we look at some of Jesus' parables and how they apply, not just to Jesus' hearers but also to us today. Which "son" is each of us more like?
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by John Lanchbury, with a reading by Dave Lucking and prayers from Margaret Tucker.
For copyright reasons we can't include the music in the recording, but the songs used in the service were "Loved before the dawn of time" and "Hear the call of the kingdom".
Chris Turner | Mark 6:30-34, Mark 6:53-56
The apostles gathered round Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught. Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, ‘Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.‘
Having returned from the spiritual adventure of a lifetime, Jesus' followers now find themselves surrounded by a demanding crowd - as does Jesus himself. How to balance the desire to show genuine compassion with the need to recharge and find new strength? Chris points to ways in which we can apply Jesus' instructions to our lives today, and especially to the situation we find ourselves in as we prepare to be joined by our new vicar, Ben Green.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by Martin Garrod with a reading by Susan Mole and prayers from Susan Haynes. The full video version of the service, including music and a celebration of Holy Communion, can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | Mark 6:14-29
On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee. When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests. The king said to the girl, ‘Ask me for anything you want, and I’ll give it to you.’ And he promised her with an oath, ‘Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom.’ She went out and said to her mother, ‘What shall I ask for?’ ‘The head of John the Baptist,’ she answered.
In this grisly story we discover how the life of John the Baptist came to an end, as Herod's wife, whom he had denounced, took advantage of Herod's vanity and folly. The cost of being a true disciple of Jesus can be high, says John Lanchbury, even to the extent of our physical lives, and indeed we are all called to die to ourselves.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by Bobbie Frere, with prayers from Elsie Lanchbury and a reading by Trevor Whitehouse. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
During the service a video "Chu in Vietnam: No Turning Back" was shown. This can be viewed on the Open Doors Vimeo channel.
All-In Service Team | Mark 6:1-13
Then Jesus went around teaching from village to village. Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: ‘Take nothing for the journey except a staff - no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt. Whenever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that town. And if any place will not welcome you or listen to you, leave that place and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’
After being rejected in his home town, Jesus challenges his disciples to step out in faith and join him in taking the Good News to the surrounding villages. In this extract from our All-In Service Janet Chalmers, Susan Haynes, Dan Parnell and Rachel Fasham explore how we can share in Jesus' outreach today, and how some of our partners around the world are living out these values. The service also includes a reading and prayers from Ann Fasham.
The game Rachel refers to in her talk was a challenge to identify common objects just from extreme close-up photos, and the sketch showed a young person about to set out on a venture with fully-laden rucksack. The full video version of this service, including these visual items as well as music, can be viewed on YouTube. All the links to the various follow-up activities are on our website.
Allan Bartlam | Mark 5:21-43
A woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, 'If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.' Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.
As the story continues, we learn that this woman, who had been an outcast for so many years, is not only healed but commended by Jesus for her faith. And this event is itself sandwiched within another story about Jesus raising a young girl from death. Allan draws lessons for us from these dramatic encounters with Jesus which show that he has the power to change lives.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by Cathie Bartlam, who also leads prayers, with a reading by Adrian Jones. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
The music played during the prayers is "O Lord hear my prayer". Permission to stream this music obtained from ONE LICENSE, License #A-738107. All rights reserved. Jacques Berthier Copyright © 1982 Ateliers et Presses de Taizé
Susan Haynes | Mark 4:35-41
[Jesus] got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, 'Quiet! Be still!' Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, 'Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?' They were terrified and asked each other, 'Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!'
It's one thing to read or hear about a storm, and quite another to feel the force of the wind and waves and fear for our own safety. The disciples knew about and believed in God's power over creation, but to see it demonstrated through Jesus in their small boat astonished them. It is hard to trust God when the storms come in our lives, says Susan, but it's then that we most need to believe Jesus' promise to be with us.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. It is introduced by Peter Frere with a reading by Dilys Garrod and prayers from Bobbie Frere. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | Mark 4:26-34
[Jesus] also said, 'This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces corn - first the stalk, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear. As soon as the corn is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.'
If the seed is the gospel, what is our part in making it grow? We are more than passengers, says Bobbie, but co-workers with God in planting the seeds and then nurturing them towards the eventual harvest. The service is introduced by Martin Garrod and also includes a reading from Matt Fox.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Mark 3:31-35
Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. A crowd was sitting round him, and they told him, 'Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.'
'Who are my mother and my brothers?' he asked.
Then he looked at those seated in a circle round him and said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.'
At first sight, says Chris, Jesus' treatment of his physical family seems rather harsh. We know that family life brings about tension and conflicting priorities, so how did Jesus handle this? Chris has a message of hope for everyone who feels misunderstood by their own family.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music and the celebration of Holy Communion, can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | Colossians 1:15-20
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Jesus is the firstborn over all creation, and also head of the church. Yet so often we treat our physical and spiritual lives as if they were unrelated. In this special Climate Sunday service Bobbie and other participants remind us that making right choices in the way we treat the natural world are acts of worship to God. The service is introduced by Peter Frere and also includes a reading from Phil Banting.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music and further links, can be viewed on YouTube.
There are more downloadable resources for this service, mentioned by Peter near the end, available on our website.
Allan Bartlam | Acts 2:1-17
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
The coming of the Holy Spirit was marked by wind and fire, so where does water fit in? Allan reminds us that we need not just the initial filling of the Holy Spirit, but also a daily re-filling so that we can overflow to others. The service is introduced by Cathie Bartlam with a reading from Cheryl Homer and prayers from Dave Lucking. The audio quality isn't as good as we would wish, but coronavirus restrictions require us to keep the windows open which leads to some traffic noise.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | John 17:6-19 (Common English Bible)
[Jesus said,] “I have revealed your name to the people you gave me from this world... I’m praying for them. I’m not praying for the world but for those you gave me, because they are yours. Everything that is mine is yours and everything that is yours is mine; I have been glorified in them. I’m no longer in the world, but they are in the world, even as I’m coming to you. Holy Father, watch over them in your name, the name you gave me, that they will be one just as we are one.”
How amazing it is that we get to hear what was on Jesus' heart the night before he died. He prays not just for the small group of disciples who were with him, but for all who would become his followers throughout the ages. John describes some of the challenges but also the privileges and promises that we enjoy today.
The service is introduced by Martin Garrod and also includes a reading from James Howley and prayers from Becky Parnell.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | Matthew 9:35-38
Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and illness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
This is one of many places in the Gospels that refer to Jesus' compassion, and as Graham explains, there are so many occasions where this turns into practical action. How can we do the same? The service is introduced by Susan Haynes (in her garden, with bonus birdsong) and also includes a reading from Alan Haynes and prayers from Anna Gaved.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music and prayers, can be viewed on YouTube.
All-In Service Team | Mark 1:29-39
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’
Making time to be alone with his Father is just one part of a cycle of prayer that enabled Jesus to fulfil his calling. In this extract from our All-In Service Janet Chalmers, Rachel Fasham, Susan Haynes and Dan Parnell explain how we can emulate Jesus' prayer life even allowing for our different personalities and lifestyles. The service also includes a reading from Ann Fasham.
The full video version of this service, including music and much more, can be viewed on YouTube. All the links to the various follow-up activities are on our website.
Peter Frere | Hebrews 12:1-3
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Peter continues our series on the character of Christ by looking at the attitude that kept Jesus going throughout his ministry, even to death. This extract from our Sunday service is introduced by Bobbie Frere with a reading from Michael Dewsbury.
The full video version of the service, including music and news of the appointment of our new vicar, can be viewed on YouTube.
Dan Parnell | Philippians 2:5-11
Christ Jesus... made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross.
How do you settle a dispute? Paul wrote this letter to instruct quarrelling Christians to follow Jesus' example of servanthood and suffering. In his talk Dan challenges us to think how we can take the same steps. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service, introduced by John Lanchbury with a reading from Maggie Bywater and prayers from Elsie Lanchbury. The audio quality isn't as good as we would wish, but coronavirus restrictions require us to keep the windows open which leads to some traffic noise.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Matthew 23:1-12 (The Message)
Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. “The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God’s Law. You won’t go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them... Instead of giving you God’s Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn’t think of lifting a finger to help. Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next.”
Does this way of speaking fit your image of Jesus? This is far from the "gentle Jesus, meek and mild" of Nativity scenes, says Chris. What was Jesus really like as a person? Introducing a new series focusing on the character of Christ, Chris points to Jesus' determination and love of the truth which enabled him to rage against hypocrites and yet show the greatest of gentleness to broken sinners.
The service is introduced by Janet Chalmers and also includes a reading from Alison Cooper and prayers from Graham Chalmers.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music and prayers, can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | 1 Corinthians 15:1-8
What I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve... last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.
Christian belief is not based on blind faith or wishful thinking, but rather on historical facts which, if true, transform our relationship with God. Bobbie explains why the Easter message lies at the heart of our faith.
The service is introduced by Rachel Fasham and also includes a reading from John Lanchbury and prayers from Peter Frere.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Rachel Fasham | Luke 19:28-44
As [Jesus] went along, people spread their cloaks on the road. When he came near the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen: ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!’ ‘Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’ Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, rebuke your disciples!’ ‘I tell you,’ he replied, ‘if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.’
This was the high point in Jesus' final journey to Jerusalem. As Rachel points out, he had spent much of the day making the ascent from Jericho, and ahead of him lay betrayal and crucifixion. The past year has been a difficult journey for us, yet God walks with us and into a future of hope.
The service is introduced by Dan Parnell and also includes a reading from Val Hanson.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music and prayers, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Ephesians 6:10-20
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Yes, we are in a fight, but we also have armour and weapons. In the last of our series on Paul's letter to the Ephesians, Chris explains how we can stand against the opposition by using the resources God has given us.
The service is introduced by Martin Garrod and also includes a reading from Pat Clayton.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music and prayers, can be viewed on YouTube.
Peter Frere | Ephesians 6:5-10
Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. And masters, treat your slaves in the same way.
The language of slaves and masters speaks of the cultural gulf that lies between us and the world of Paul's day. Yet, argues Peter, there is much that we can read across into the modern workplace, in our attitudes and the way we treat others.
The recording, which begins with the reading, is an extract from our live Sunday service which was run via Zoom. The video version which also includes songs can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Ephesians 5:21-6:4
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Starting from that basic principle, the apostle Paul goes on to explain how this should work out in family relationships. Taken at face value his words seem jarring to modern ears, but as Susan explains, the relationship between husband and wife and between parent and child arises out of self-sacrifice and a desire to put the other first. The service is introduced by Rachel Fasham and also includes a reading from Chris Powell and prayers from Christ Church members of all ages.
The full video version of this service, including music and much more, can be viewed on YouTube. All the links to the various follow-up activities are on our website.
Susan Haynes | Ephesians 5:1-20
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord... Everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Starting her talk in darkness, Susan challenges us to actively choose - as individuals and as a church - to live in the light, just as Jesus did. It's not easy, but God has given us what we need to make this possible.
The service is introduced by Martin Garrod and also includes a reading from Sarah Trinder and prayers from Dan Parnell.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | Ephesians 4:22-5:2
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Allan follows up the metaphor of putting off and on the old and new self like a set of clothes. He talks through some of the unwanted habits and lifestyles we should throw out, and the desirable "clothes" that - unlike real ones - cost nothing. The theme will be continued next week.
The recording, which begins with the reading, is an extract from our live Sunday service which was run via Zoom. The video version which also includes the songs can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | Ephesians 4:1-16
I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
If you find it easy to live with other people, says Graham, you’re not spending enough time with them. The church is built on relationships - with God, and between each other - and although we struggle because we are all different, God's purpose for us can only be fulfilled in community. We hear a practical example in the recording as Joy speaks about her experience of being in a Christ Church home group, currently meeting virtually.
The service is introduced by Janet Chalmers and also includes a reading from Kate Routley and prayers from Cathie Bartlam.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | Ephesians 3:1-13
Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.
It's our privilege, as individuals and as a local church, to be part of God's purposes in the world. Bobbie explores this theme in her talk, and we hear how it works out in practice as Joanne Rose explains her role in the Christ Church Pastoral Care Team. The service is introduced by Peter Frere and also includes a reading from Pat Clayton and prayers from Charlotte Sherlaw-Sturrock.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | Ephesians 2:11-22
Remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth... were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
It was the big controversy of Paul's day: how could a Gentile be a true follower of Christ without becoming a Jew first? Since those days we have devised all too many ways of excluding people who do not seem to be like us. Yet Jesus has broken down the barriers, and John Lanchbury explores the implications in this week's service, which is introduced by Susan Haynes and also includes prayers from Cathie Bartlam.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service. The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Ephesians 2:4-10
It is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Without God's help we would be as good as dead, but through his grace we are not only saved but entrusted with his mission. Chris explains what God has done for us and the qualities that he enables us to display to the world. The recording is an extract from our live Sunday service which was held via Zoom.
A video version of this talk, plus the songs used in the service, can be viewed on YouTube.
Peter Frere | Ephesians 1:15-23 | Ephesians 3:14-21
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
These are big prayers, but if - like Paul - we truly believe that the power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us, everything becomes possible. Peter explains how our outlook can change as we absorb these truths, and as an example, Bobbie Frere interviews Dee to find out about a recent change in her life. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service, with readings from Sarah Trinder and prayers from Susan Haynes.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | Ephesians 1:1-14
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
The words tumble out of Paul as he proceeds to list those spiritual blessings - or as many as he can before running out of breath. Graham reflects on what makes these gifts so valuable, in this, the first of our series on Paul's letter to the Ephesians. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service, introduced by Dan Parnell with a reading from Matt Fox and prayers from James Howley.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Rachel Fasham | Matthew 2:1-12
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.' ... On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
As Rachel says, these don't seem the most appropriate gifts for a child, but they served to represent who Jesus was and his destiny. What gifts can we offer to Jesus and to his family - the church? This livestreamed service includes a talk from Rachel and is introduced by Susan Haynes with prayers from Ann Fasham.
The full video version of this service, including music and much more, can be viewed on YouTube. All the links to the various follow-up activities are on our website.
Jenny Tomlinson | Romans 16:25-27
Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith – to the only wise God be glory for ever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
It's only obvious when you've seen it: until then, it's a mystery. As Jenny explains, the coming of Jesus revealed God to the world in a way that had never happened before, but we still have to respond in each generation. In her role as Archdeacon of Birmingham Jenny has supported Christ Church unstintingly as we have searched for a new vicar, and we were delighted to welcome her to speak and lead a celebration of Holy Communion. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service, introduced by Bobbie Frere with a reading from Susan Mole and prayers from Phil Ennis.
The full video version of the service, including music and Communion, can be viewed on YouTube.
Graham Romp | 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
In all circumstances? Yet, as Graham points out, Paul's hearers had suffered persecution and confusion, and had plenty to not be thankful for. Graham tells us about a recent painful experience and how he, by God's grace, was able to find some peace during it. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service, introduced by Dan Parnell with a reading from Kate Routley and prayers from Cathie Bartlam.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | 2 Peter 3:8-15a
The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.
At some unknown future time, says Peter, Jesus will return and bring all of present human experience to an end. Yet we see no sign of it yet, so how then should we live? In his talk John encourages us to live in the present but look to the future. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service, introduced by Susan Haynes with contributions from Pat Clayton, Dave Lucking and others.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | 2 Corinthians 5
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
In this chapter Paul speaks of us as being citizens of heaven, yet living as its representatives in our world. Bobbie explains what this means for our values and lifestyle. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service introduced by Martin Garrod with a reading from Dilys Garrod.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | John 10:11-30
[Jesus said,] "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."
This would have been a very familiar image to Jesus' listeners, and even today's city dwellers understand something of the relationship between the sheep and the shepherd. Allan explains some of the implications for us as followers of Jesus - the benefits of that relationship, and the dangers of wandering away.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service introduced by Peter Frere with a reading from Trevor Whitehouse and prayers from Dan Parnell.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Isaiah 62:4-5 | Ephesians 5:25-27 | Revelation 19:6-9
As a young man marries a young woman, so will your Builder marry you; as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.
The wedding feast is something for the future, when the universal church is finally united with Christ. Before that can happen, though, the company of believers has to be made perfect - and that brings us to the present day. Chris explains what Jesus is looking for in his people and how he is at work to bring it about.
The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service introduced by Janet Chalmers with readings from Matt Fox and prayers from Susan Haynes.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23
An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him." So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: "Out of Egypt I called my son."
On Remembrance Sunday, when we focus especially on those who lost their lives in war, Chris reminds us of God's call to care for refugees, many of whom are driven from their homelands by war and persecution. That call goes back to the times of the ancient nation of Israel which was itself born out of exile. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service introduced by Rachel Fasham with a reading from Sarah Trinder and prayers from the Brownies and Guides.
The full video version of the service, including music and more contributions from the Christ Church Guide and Scout groups, can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | 2 Timothy 2:1-7 | Ephesians 6:10-20
Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
It's easy to forget that we are in a battle, says John, but it's real all the same and we need to be well equipped to take part. Fortunately the Commander provides everything we need, and we fight together, not on our own. The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service introduced by Martin Garrod with a reading from Alison Cooper and prayers from Phil Ennis.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Peter Frere | 1 Corinthians 3:9-17
By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.
As Peter explains, this is one of the big themes of the Bible. The place where God meets with his people is no longer a physical building, but instead is made of living stones - that's each of us today. How can we live that out, even when we are separated by coronavirus restrictions? The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service introduced by Susan Haynes with a reading from John Mason and prayers from one of our home groups.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body - whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. And so the body is not made up of one part but of many.
This is one of the most familiar images of the church, says Chris. Each of us has our own unique role, working together for a common purpose. What happens in a time of stress such as we are experiencing at the moment? The recording is an edited version of our Sunday service introduced by Dan Parnell with a reading from Alison Cooper and prayers from Dave Lucking.
The full video version of the service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Romans 8:15-17
God's Spirit doesn't make us slaves who are afraid of him. Instead, we become his children and call him our Father. God's Spirit makes us sure that we are his children. His Spirit lets us know that together with Christ we will be given what God has promised. We will also share in the glory of Christ, because we have suffered with him.
This week's recording begins with Susan introducing our new series "Being church in a COVID world", and then she explains some of the implications of being a family: complicated relationships yet a sense of belonging. How can we live out our lives as the family of God when we are separated by pandemic restrictions? The recording also includes a reading from Susan Mole, prayers from Phil Ennis and closing prayers from John Lanchbury.
The full video version of this service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Dan Parnell | Deuteronomy 8:7-11 | Ruth 2:14b-18
[Moses said,] 'The Lord your God is bringing you into a good land - a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig-trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.'
As [Ruth] got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, 'Let her gather among the sheaves and don't reprimand her. Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.' So Ruth gleaned in the field until evening.
Harvest in lockdown: while we couldn't celebrate in the normal way, we were still able to give thanks for God's provision for us and remember the need to share what we have with those in need. This livestreamed service includes a talk from Dan and contributions from other members of the All-In team and extra helpers.
The full video version of this service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube. All the links to the various follow-up activities are on our website.
Allan Bartlam | Matthew 7:24-29
[Jesus said,] 'Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock.'
This livestreamed service brings us to the end of our series looking at Jesus' teaching in the Sermon on the Mount. Allan explains the consequences of the choices we make, and how we can go about that long, slow task of building our lives on a firm foundation. Janet Chalmers introduces the service, with a reading from Val Hanson and prayers from Cathie Bartlam.
The full video version of this service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Bobbie Frere | Matthew 7:13-23
[Jesus said,] 'Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.'
Jesus challenges us to choose between two ways to live and two paths to follow. How do we find the right one, and be sure we are on it? Peter and Bobbie Frere lead this week's reflection, which also includes Cheryl Homer's account of fitting a day of special devotion into a busy, multi-tasking life.
The full video version of this service, including music and a video report on children's activities, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Matthew 7:1-12
[Jesus said,] 'Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, "Let me take the speck out of your eye," when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.'
Criticism is easy to give, but hard to receive. Yet, as Chris reminds us, criticism given in the right spirit and for the right motives can be beneficial, even essential if we are to grow as followers of Jesus. This recorded talk forms part of a service livestreamed from our building, with an introduction from Dan Parnell and contributions from James Howley, Judy Ward and Ann and Richard Fasham.
The full video version of this service, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
John Lanchbury | Matthew 6:25-34
[Jesus said,] 'So do not worry, saying, "What shall we eat?" or "What shall we drink?" or "What shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.'
Jesus was speaking to people who mainly lived a hand to mouth existence. How does his teaching work out in our far more complex world, that is currently beset by anxiety? John points us to the eternal principles of the kingdom of God, and has practical suggestions for handling the worry that we all encounter. The recording is introduced by Martin Garrod with contributions from Dilys Garrod, Pat Clayton and Phil Ennis.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Peter Frere | Matthew 6:19-24
[Jesus said,] 'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.'
Two ways to live, two priorities to live by. What should be our attitude to material wealth? How can we find true fulfilment? Graham helps us to work out the answers with help from Susan Haynes, Margaret Tucker, the Rose family and others. We also hear from Helen and Fred Collin about their experience of 'deaccumulation'.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Peter Frere | Matthew 6:1-18
[Jesus said,] 'Be careful not to practise your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.'
'So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honoured by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.'
It's the same with prayer and fasting, said Jesus: if you do it to receive the praise of others, that praise is all the reward you will get. How can we get our hearts in the right place? Peter points to Jesus' own teaching as a means of developing a God-centred attitude. The recording is introduced by Bobbie Frere and we also hear a powerful piece of drama from Phil Smith and Peter to illustrate the reading, plus contributions from Jeanne and Amanda.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Chris Turner | Matthew 5:38-48
[Jesus said,] 'You have heard that it was said, "Love your neighbour and hate your enemy." But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.'
Once again Jesus raises the bar, commanding us to transform our attitude to those who oppose us. Chris explains why we should do this and gives us pointers to how we can overcome our natural desire for retribution. The recording is introduced by John Lanchbury.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | Matthew 5:27-30
[Jesus said,] 'You have heard that it was said, "You shall not commit adultery." But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
It's not just about the outward appearance, but what goes on in the heart. And what a challenge this is! Money, sex, power and many more things have the ability to fill us with passion and drive us to irresponsible actions. Allan points the way to finding freedom and restoring balance in our lives. The recording is introduced by Cathie and includes feedback from Ellie on her experience of a 24 hour media fast.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Susan Haynes | Matthew 5:33-37
[Jesus said,] 'You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, “Do not break your oath, but fulfil to the Lord the oaths you have made.” But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all... All you need to say is simply “Yes,” or “No”; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.'
It may not be a matter of outright lying - more bending or obscuring the truth - but Jesus sets a typically high standard in the transparent way we should speak to others. In this shortened version of an All-In service, Janet Chalmers explains how and why we lie, and Susan encourages us to tell the truth in love. The recording is introduced by Rachel Fasham and includes contributions from several young people. Some of the sections were recorded outdoors which means that there is a bit of wind noise in places.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection can be viewed on YouTube.
Daniel's story is one of tragedy, hope and inspiration. When he first joined Christ Church he spoke little English and faced a long and difficult battle to obtain refugee status having fled a civil war which engulfed his family. He went on to gain a first-class degree and teaching qualification, and is about to start a new job at a school in Worcester. Cath Wheeler interviewed him about his move and the recording ends with prayers from members of his home group.
Due to Daniel's status we can't present this as a video interview but if you picture a smiling face that will sum up Daniel! We will miss him so much. The interview was conducted via Zoom so sorry the audio quality isn't quite up to our usual standard.
Books given to Daniel as a leaving gift
Home group prayers for Daniel
Bobbie Frere | Matthew 5:21-26
[Jesus said:] 'You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, "You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment." But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment... And anyone who says, "You fool!" will be in danger of the fire of hell.'
Ideally we would only get angry about the things that anger God, but unfortunately... Bobbie explores the reasons for our anger and the resources God has provided to help us deal with it. Dan Parnell introduces the recording which also includes prayers and an explosion!
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Adding baking soda to vinegar starts a chemical reaction...
... which leads to an explosion!
Peter Frere | Matthew 5:1-12
[Jesus said:] 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.'
At the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus goes on to list many more people whose state of blessedness seems, well, unlikely. As Peter explains, this is an open invitation to everyone - no matter what life may have thrown at them - to be part of the kingdom of God and find their deepest needs met. The recording is introduced by Bobbie and we also hear about a project that puts these values of open welcome into practice.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | Matthew 4:23-5.2 | Matthew 7:24-29
For the next few weeks we'll be focusing on "the greatest sermon ever preached". In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus set out the values of the Kingdom of God and challenged his followers to set out on an adventure of faith. Martin and Allan introduce the series and encourage us too to live life to the full.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them.
[Jesus said,] 'Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.'
Rachel Fasham | Matthew 13:31-33
There have been some pretty awful monarchs thought history, in Bible times as well as in the last few centuries, but the kingdom of God has a perfect King and works in an entirely different way to any earthly kingdom. Together with Susan Haynes, who also introduces the recording, Rachel explores what it means for us to live under the sovereignty of God.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube.
[Jesus] told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.' He told them still another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about thirty kilograms of flour until it worked all through the dough.'
John Lanchbury | Isaiah 40:12-31
The Bible leaves us in no doubt about the absolute sovereignty of God: that he is the Creator of the universe and he can choose to do anything he wants. But in that case, why doesn't he step in and prevent many of the bad things that happen in our world? John discusses this question from his own experience as well as from a biblical perspective.
The book John mentions in his talk is Where is God in a coronavirus world? by John Lennox.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube. The recording is introduced by Dan Parnell.
Why do you complain, Jacob? Why do you say, Israel, 'My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause is disregarded by my God'? Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.
Chris Turner | Psalm 139:1-6
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
If God knows us completely, why would anyone try to hide from him? Yet, says Chris, our shame makes us fearful to open up to him and, indeed, others. Chris has a challenge for us as a church.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube. The recording is introduced by Bobbie Frere and includes an interview with Chris Chalmers as she leaves us to begin ordained ministry.
Allan Bartlam | Psalm 62 | Matthew 7:24-27
The events of the first few months of this year have been a painful reminder that we live in a fast-changing world. People and communities change too as we grow and learn. Yet, as Allan reminds us, God does not change. We can rely on his nature and promises, just as a house built on a rock is secure. How can we put that into practice in our daily lives?
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube. The recording is introduced by Susan Haynes and includes other voices from Christ Church.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall not be shaken. My salvation and my honour depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.
[Jesus said,] 'Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.'
Chris Chalmers | Psalm 139:7-12
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there... If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
If God is everywhere, that includes our darkest places - even when he feels furthest away - as well as the times when we really feel his presence. Chris describes some occasions when this has been true in her life, and encourages us to think of our own examples.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection can be viewed on YouTube. The recording is introduced by Susan Haynes and includes a reading from Ann Fasham and contributions from many more Christ Church people and families. This is an online version of an All-In Service, with a range of activities for us to continue the theme in different ways. All the details are in the YouTube video description.
Graham Romp | Acts 2:1-12
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Within just a few weeks Jesus had died, been raised again and ascended into heaven. What now? Uncertain and anxious, Jesus' disciples are waiting as he had commanded them. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit comes and gives them power to proclaim the Good News to everyone. Graham reminds us that the Holy Spirit is still working in us, making God known and breaking down barriers even as we continue to experience physical lockdown.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including music, can be viewed on YouTube. The recording is introduced by John Lanchbury and includes a reading from Elsie Lanchbury and prayers from Chris Chalmers.
Susan Haynes | Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 | Revelation 21:1-7
God is not bound by times and seasons as we are. He existed before time and will exist for ever - and he wants to share that eternity with us. But as Susan explains, eternal life is very much about what happens here and now, and we have a part to play in bringing heaven to earth.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection can be viewed on YouTube. The recording is introduced by Bobbie Frere and includes prayers from the members of her home group.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'
Chris Turner | Genesis 22:9-14 | Acts 17:24-28
The angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, 'Abraham! Abraham!... Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.' Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place "The Lord Will Provide". And to this day it is said, 'On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.'
[Paul said,] 'The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. "For in him we live and move and have our being."'
Abraham's journey of faith, of learning over many years to wait for God to keep his promises, is put to the supreme test when it appears that his son Isaac - through whom the promises were to be fulfilled - is to be sacrificed. Once again, at the right time, God provides. Chris encourages us to remember our own experiences of God's faithfulness, to learn from our failures and to recognise once again the riches of what God has provided for us, supremely through the sacrifice of his own Son.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection can be viewed on YouTube. The recording is introduced by Dan Parnell and also includes prayers from Fred, Helen, James, Elsie and John.
Allan Bartlam | Genesis 1:1-5 | John 1:1-4 | Psalm 8:1-5 | Revelation 4:11
We go on location this week as Cathie introduces our weekly reflection, accompanied by the sound of birdsong. The signs of God's creative power are all around us, says Allan, and even within us because God has given the gift of creativity to each of us. The recording ends with our musicians demonstrating their creativity by singing and playing "How great Thou art" in virtual choir fashion.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection, including a slideshow of photos to accompany the song, can be viewed on YouTube.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?
'You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.'
Bobbie Frere | Isaiah 40:10-14 | Romans 11:33-35 | Jeremiah 9:23-24
This week we begin a new series thinking about who God is. His nature is unchanging, beyond all that we can imagine, a rock on which we can stand in a time of crisis. Bobbie and Peter lead this reflection, which also includes readings and prayers from Graham and Jacky Romp and a song from our "virtual" musicians.
The full video version of this Sunday morning reflection can be viewed on YouTube. The Tearfund article "Decoding coronavirus" that Bobbie refers to in her talk can be found here.
Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 'Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counsellor?' 'Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?'
'Let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the Lord.
Chris Chalmers | Luke 24:13-35
[Jesus] said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
What a Bible study it must have been for these two travellers on the dusty road out of Jerusalem. Heartbroken at Jesus' death, and now bewildered by reports of his resurrection, the mysterious stranger starts to make sense to them of all they have been through. As Chris explains, we may not even be aware of the risen Jesus walking with us, but he is there, through the highs and lows of life, speaking truth and encouraging us.
This is a slightly edited version of our Sunday morning reflection, introduced by Peter Frere with a reading from Trevor Whitehouse and prayers from Dan Parnell. The full video version can be viewed on YouTube. The song referred to by Chris in her talk can be heard here.
Bobbie Frere | John 20:19-29
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you!' After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.
In lockdown for fear of the dangers outside, and with no idea how it will all end. Does that sound familiar? Into this apparently hopeless situation, Jesus turns up and suddenly everything looks different. Bobbie explains how the presence of Jesus can change us and give us hope today.
This is a shortened form of our Sunday morning reflection, introduced by Susan Haynes with prayers from Adrian Jones. The full video version can be viewed on YouTube.
Allan Bartlam | John 20:1-18
Simon Peter arrived after him, entered the tomb, observed the linen cloths lying there, and the kerchief used to cover his head not lying with the linen cloths but separate, neatly folded by itself. Then the other disciple, the one who had got there first, went into the tomb, took one look at the evidence, and believed. No one yet knew from the Scripture that he had to rise from the dead.
This is an audio version of our online celebration, as coronavirus restrictions prevent us from meeting as we normally would on Easter Sunday. Yet, as Allan explains, Jesus walked out of the tomb into life and freedom on that resurrection day, and we can share that life now even while we live under these temporary constraints.
The full video version can be viewed on YouTube. Thank you to Cathie, Elsie and John for their contributions, and to the congregation of Christ Church for providing the closing hymn via an archive recording.