Melksham Church: Recent Episodes
Melksham Church
We are a family of 3 lively, growing, Anglican Churches in the heart of Wiltshire. To connect with us, visit https://melksham.church
As we begin a new year, we’re starting a new series looking in depth at the ancient Creed we recite week by week.
- 28th January 2024
- Isaiah 40
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
As we begin a new year, we’re starting a new series looking in depth at the ancient Creed we recite week by week.
- 14th January 2024
- Matthew 6
- Celia Shill
- St Michael’s, Melksham
As we begin a new year, we’re starting a new series looking in depth at the ancient Creed we recite week by week. But why bother with a clear definition of the Christian faith, and what difference does it make to profess it?
- 7th January 2024
- Hebrews 11:1-6
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
The calling God has placed on the church not only feels difficult - it’s impossible. But we’ve got a God who can do miracles! As we launch into a new year, let’s pray that His ‘all-surpassing power’ would be at work Making Jesus Known
- 2 Cor 4
- Charlie Thomson
- 3rd Dec 2023
- St Michael’s, Melksham
As we kick off a new (ecclesiastical) year, we’re leaning into a new vision set by the Bishop for our Diocese of Salisbury - ‘Making Jesus Known’, which is a great summary of what every church should be doing.
- 26th November 2033
- 2 Corinthians 4
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
We all know our Achilles Heel when it comes to temptation. Is it realistic, or even possible to control our passions and desires?! Galatians 5 says it is…
- Galatians 5
- 29th October 2023
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
What does God have to do with the rest of life? Should there be a separation between the secular and the sacred; between Sunday and Monday; between private faith and public life? Jesus says ‘no’…
- Matthew 23:15-22
- 22nd Oct 2023
- Charlie Thomson
- St Barnabas, Beanacre
Good things come to those who wait… but what if we don’t like waiting?! Psalm 130 is a great prayer that gives us a practical model of how to grow in the virtue of patience.
- 24th September
- Psalm 130
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
In a world of chaos and anxiety, what does it mean to have peace?
- 17th September, 2023
- Matthew 6
- Francis Moloney
- St Michael’s, Melksham
Is Christianity a spent force? Scripture portrays the church as a Vineyard, and although it seems there isn’t much fruit at the moment, history suggests that the stage may be set for a fresh move of the Spirit.
- Galatians 5
- 3rd September, 2023
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- Charlie Thomson
What do we need to do in order to know that we have been saved? In Romans 10, Paul explains how we can have assurance of salvation.
- Romans 10
- Francis Moloney
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- 13th August 2023
Many people have an allergic reaction to the idea of predestination - the belief that God is sovereign over our lives. However, Romans 9 is crystal clear not only that God is in control, but that this is great news for us today.
- Romans 9
- Charlie Thomson
- 6th August 2023
- St Michael’s, Melksham
How can we know God loves us? In this great chapter, Paul explains not only that we are loved by God, but that we can be sure about it
- Romans 8
- 23rd July 2023
- Francis Moloney
- St Michael’s Melksham
Do you ever wonder if you’re a bit of a rubbish Christian? You’re in good company! In Romans 7, St Paul gives us all encouragement by explaining how struggling against sin is par for the course for Christians.
- Romans 7
- 2nd July 2023
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
If God is so loving, and he’ll freely forgive our sins, doesn’t that mean we can do whatever we want?!
In Romans 6, Paul anticipated the obvious question, and explains how God’s Grace doesn’t encourage more sin, but helps us to live holy lives
- Romans 6
- 25th June 2023
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
As we continue our journey through Romans, we’re given a revolutionary approach to transform our suffering.
- Romans 5:1-8
- 18th June, 2023
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- Charlie Thomson
This summer we’re beginning a new series working through Paul’s explosive letter to the Romans. In chapter 4, Paul explains how Abraham is a picture of justification by faith.
- Romans 4
- 11th June 2023
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
Our Annual Meeting this Pentecost is a chance to ask how we’re doing as a church. As we look back and look forward, is the church still something to be excited about?
- Charlie Thomson
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- 28th May 2023
John tells us that he hand picked 7 ‘signs’ that Jesus performed to include in his gospel, to paint a portrait of who Jesus is. This week we’re continuing with the 4th sign, Jesus walking across the sea.
- John 6
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- 19th March 2023
John tells us that he hand picked 7 ‘signs’ that Jesus performed to include in his gospel, to paint a portrait of who Jesus is. This week we’re continuing with the 4th sign, Jesus feeding the 5000.
- John 6
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- 12th March 2023
John tells us that he hand picked 7 ‘signs’ that Jesus performed to include in his gospel, to paint a portrait of who Jesus is. This week we’re continuing with the 3rd sign, Jesus healing at the Pool of Bethesda.
- John 5
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- 5th March 2023
John tells us that he hand picked 7 ‘signs’ that Jesus performed to include in his gospel, to paint a portrait of who Jesus is. This week we’re kicking off with the first sign, Jesus turning the water into wine.
- John 2:1-11
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- 19th February 2023
As we begin a new year, we’re spending 5 weeks focusing on our top priorities as a church family.
- Mark 10:13-16
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael’s, Melksham
- 5th February 2023
As we begin a new year, we’re spending 5 weeks focusing on our top priorities as a church family.
- John 13:34-35
- Charlie Thomson
- St Barnabas, Beanacre
- 29th January 2023
As we begin a new year, we’re spending 5 weeks focusing on our top priorities as a church family.
- Colossians 1:28-2:5
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 15th January 2023
As we begin a new year, we’re spending 5 weeks focusing on our top priorities as a church family, starting with the great commission to share the good news with others.
- Romans 10:8-15
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 8th January 2023
Which box did you tick on the census, when asked about your religious faith? Although there are any number of boxes we categorise ourselves into, from Jesus perspective there are only two ways to live.
- Luke 23:32-43
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 20th November 2022
Remembrance Sunday.
- Luke 1:5-19
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 13th November 2022
Do you believe in the resurrection from the dead? Scepticism is nothing new - in this fascinating exchange, Jesus is quizzed by sceptics who think the idea is ridiculous.
- Luke 20:27-40
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 6th November 2022
What should the church be doing? In these verses, Jesus explains and demonstrates the reason for his coming.
- Luke 19:1-10
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 30th October 2022
If God’s love is so powerful, could he even forgive really bad people? What about Hitler?! In this short parable, Jesus shows how free forgiveness is available to absolutely everyone.
- Luke 18:9-14
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 16thOctober 2022
Being thankful is associated with a raft of mental and physical health benefits. How can we cultivate an attitude of gratitude?
- Luke 17:11-19
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 9th October 2022
Many commentators have pointed out the significance of the Queen’s faith. But what exactly is faith, and why is it so powerful?
- Luke 17:3-10
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 2nd October 2022
We’re reading the most famous short story ever told, during our period of mourning for the most famous woman who ever lived. But it’s difficult to imagine a life that looks less like the Prodigal Son’s than Queen Elizabeth’s! So why was this parable one of the Queen’s favourites, and what does it say to us today?
- Luke 15:11-32
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 18th September 2022
In some of the most challenging words in the New Testament, Jesus exhorts us to weigh up what following him might cost, before we commit to discipleship.
- Luke 14:25-34
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 4th September 2022
In this week’s parable, Jesus says that heaven is a party - and we’re all invited! Tragically however, it’s all too easy to RSVP with a lame excuse…
- Luke 14:15-24
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 28th August 2022
St Amdrew’s is in a season of transition as our minister has moved on to pastures new. But we’re not the first church in that situation! In Acts 20, Paul shared with the church he was leaving behind the most important thing they needed to hear - the gospel of Amazing Grace.
- Acts 20:17-24
- Charlie Thomson
- St Andrew’s, Melksham
- 21st August 2022
If we knew Jesus was coming back this afternoon, would we be happy for him to find our finances arranged as they are, or would we wish we’d organised them differently? In Luke 12, Jesus implores us to be like wise servants who are ready for their master’s return
- Luke 12:32-40
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 7th August 2022
Although most people pray, very few people claim to be experts in prayer. As we continue through Luke’s gospel, the disciples ask a brilliant question, “Lord, teach us to pray.” So if we’d like some help when it comes to prayer, we’re in good company!
- Luke 11:1-13
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 24thJuly 2022
So often we spend time on what is urgent, but not necessarily important. In our busy lives, what's the most important thing of all to grasp as disciples of Jesus? As we continue our journey through the middle chapters of Luke's gospel, Jesus teaches a valuable lesson to those of us who are prone to busy-ness.
- Luke 10:38-42
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 17th July 2022
Surely love must be the greatest thing in the world! But what is the true nature of love, and how can we become more loving? Jesus tells us, in one of the most famous stories ever told.
- Luke 10:25-37
- Charlie Thomson
- St Barnabas, Beanacre
- 10th July 2022
We would love to see the church grow! But Jesus doesn't seem to be interested in telling people to 'come' - instead, he says to us to 'go'. By listening in to Jesus sending out the 72, there's a message for us about why, how, and who God wants to send.
- Luke 10:1-11
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 3rd July 2022
As we begin a new series working through the middle chapters of Luke's gospel we find ourselves asking with the disciples (ch8 v25) "who is this?" In this unforgettable episode in Jesus' ministry, He demonstrates his absolute compassion, his supreme power, and his ability to liberate us from bondage.
- Luke 8:26-39
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 19th June 2022
During the Queen's Coronation service, something took place which was so profound they didn't televise it - she was anointed. But since Pentecost, the anointing of Holy Spirit isn't just for Kings and Queens, it's for everyone! So how can we have the same experience, and what does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit today?
- John 14:6-27
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 5th June 2022
Our Annual Meeting (APCM) gives a great opportunity to ask what the church should be doing, and to refocus ourselves on the task that Jesus gave us.
- Matt 28:16-20
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 1st May 2022
What does it mean when people say "Jesus died for me"? During our Good Friday service, we visited 3 scenes from Jesus' arrest, trial and crucifixion, to see 3 different aspects of what Jesus' death means for us.
- Matthew 26-27
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 15th April 2022
How did you become a Christian? Was it a dramatic conversion when everything was suddenly illuminated? Or has it been a more gradual experience, with the lights going on over time, on a 'dimmer switch'? Unlike Paul on the Damascus Road, the experience of the disciples on the Emmaus Road was one of dawning realisation, as the risen Jesus lifted their faces, opened their eyes, and warmed their hearts.
- Luke 24:13-35
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 23rd April 2022
With dishonest politicians, war in Europe, a cost of living crisis, climate change, and a global pandemic, there is plenty of fear around. But on Easter morning, the message was "do not be afraid!" Can the message of the angels 2000 years ago help us overcome fear today?
- Matthew 28:1-10
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's, Melksham
- 17th April 2022
On Palm Sunday, the crowds cheered 'Hosanna' as King Jesus arrived in the city. But a week later, the same crowd chanted 'crucify him'. How did Jesus' approval ratings drop so quickly?
- Matthew 21:1-11
- Charlie Thomson
- St Barnabas, Beanacre
- 10th April 2022
We all know that money and possessions can't make us happy, and yet so many of us spend our lives working hard, to earn more money, so that we can buy more 'stuff'. But Jesus urges his followers to live lives marked by 'Simplicity', which is the path to true peace.
- Matthew 6:19-34
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's Melksham
- 3rd April 2022
Why did Mothering Sunday originate? As a break in the middle of strict fasting during Lent! But today, fasting seems a very strange concept - are we neglecting something which Jesus expected of his disciples?
- Matthew 6:16-18
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's Melksham
- 27th March 2022
The Lord's Prayer is so familiar to us we can almost pray it without thinking! But Jesus has loads to teach us from these verses if we want to learn who to pray to, what to pray for, and how to pray.
- Matthew 6:5-15
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's Melksham
- 20th March 2022
According to our very own Bishop Andrew, "our holy habits tend to drift and slacken, and we need Lent to tighten up our resolve". But if we want to get into spiritual shape this Lent, Jesus warns that it's possible to practice our religion in a way that's actually not healthy. This week we kick off a new series looking at what Jesus teaches his disciples about Real Religion, beginning with 'giving to the needy'.
- Matthew 6:1-4
- Charlie Thomson
- St Michael's Melksham
- 6th March 2022
Each week we say in the Creed "I believe in the resurrection of the body." But how will the dead be raised? With what kind of body will they come?
1 Corinthians 15:35-49
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
27th February 2022
If those who started our church were able to see us today, would they say we were bang on track, or have we drifted from our mission? If so, what can prevent us going off course?
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
6th February 2022
Christians have had 2000 years to establish plenty of traditions, many of which give us comfort and security in a changing world. But what did Jesus make of tradition?
Mark 2:18-28
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
30th January 2022
If you found a golden ticket that guaranteed you an answered prayer, what would you ask for?
Mark 2:1-12
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
16th January 2022
Eisenhower said that "the urgent is seldom important, and the important is seldom urgent". There were plenty of things clamouring for Jesus' attention, but what were his priorities, and what should ours be?
Mark 1:35-45
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
9th January 2022
Many people know Jesus the Comforter, Jesus the Inspiration; Jesus the Lucky Charm; Jesus the Insurance Policy. But do we know Jesus the Teacher?
Mark 1:21-34
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
2nd January 2022
As the year draws to a close, are things looking brighter or darker? Where can we look for light in 2022?
Isaiah 9
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
19th December 2021
No council meeting, skittles match or pilates class ever kicked off with a few songs - so why do Christians love to sing?
Psalm 145
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
19th December 2021
Is Christianity all about neat answers? David's prayer teaches us that as we approach God, the answer is often both/and.
Psalm 144
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
12th December 2021
Should we be humble or confident as we approach God in prayer? David teaches us to be both.
Psalm 143
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
5th December 2021
A lot of people are worrying about the end of the world - how should we think as Christians?
Mark 13
Charlie Thomson
St Barnabas Beanacre
28th November 2021
Are we looking for a divine encounter? We don't have to guess what God is like - he has spoken!
Psalm 19
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
21st November 2021
The message of Jesus is Good News that demands a response, and is worth sharing.
Mark 1:14-20
Charlie Thomson
St Michael's Melksham
7th November 2021