The Cranmer Group Podcast: Recent Episodes
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Welcome to our weekly podcast – Cranmer Online! We're starting off with a Bible reading, a short sermon on that passage, and some prayers.
Tim draws on Jesus's 'Nazareth Manifesto' of Luke 4:16-21, and reflecting on both the political upheavals of recent days, and the Church's commemoration on July 30th of emancipation campaigners, William Wilberforce, Olaudah Equiano and Thomas Clarkson. He asks us whether Jesus, the Messiah, was political; and how we, as his followers, are called to respond 'politically' in living out our faith.
We continue our journey through Matthew's Gospel (on this Sunday, looking at chapter 13, verses 31-33 and 44-46), with Eoin's baptism, and with a bit of help from the World Cup! Tim explores small beginnings in Jesus's parables of the mustard seed and the yeast; and the finding of the true value of the Kingdom of Heaven, in the parables of the treasure buried in the field, and The Pearl of Great Price.
As we welcome little Brontë into God's family at her baptism, Tim asks each one of us (speaking about the Parable of the Sower, in Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23) how is the quality of our "spiritual soil" into which God sows His word? What spiritual fruit will I enable Jesus to bring forth from me?
Annie shows us how Jesus reassures John the Baptist in his doubting, and how he reassures us: “I am with you, I will carry your burdens with you and for you, I will NEVER leave you and you WILL find my rest - I promise you.” Jesus continues, “But come to me as a child - open, curious, trusting, so that I can work with you and begin to shape into my likeness, ready to represent me in this world.” Let’s hold our ‘theologising’ lightly and focus on our developing relationship with Jesus!
Tim helps us to reflect on the three short verses of Matthew 10:40-42, showing us how:
-Christ goes with us;
-We represent Christ; and
-Even the smallest acts matter.
Tim helps us navigate through a difficult Gospel passage, Matthew 10:24-39. Jesus challenges all of us who follow him, to place him before everything and everyone else in our lives, with the assurance that - with him alongside us - we have no need ever to be afraid.
Tim unpacks Jesus's sending out of his disciples (apostles, as they are referred to here, for the first time, in fact) in Matthew 9:35 - 10:10, finding encouragement for us in all the possibilities to bring the Kingdom of Heaven into people's lives, through our words and our actions.
Reflecting on Matthew 9:9-13 & 18-26, and Romans 4:13-25, Bron helps us to see that we are promised that God is, and always will be, faithful to us; as He challenges us and encourages us in our discipleship journey of - and in - faith.
Reflecting especially on Genesis 1:1 - 2:4, Annie asks us what might be our response to the greatness, complexity and diversity of our God - three persons, yet one God - with His amazing mission and love for us all?
In the conclusion of our mini-series on generosity and giving, Tim marvels at the extraordinary Pentecost gift of the Holy Spirit to Christ's first followers, and also to us today (Acts 2:1-21). And then, drawing on the account of Jesus witnessing the widow's offering to the Lord (Mark 12:41-44), he invites us to reflect on our response to all that God gives to us - do we open our lives to the power of the Spirit at work in us, so that we will bear extraordinary fruit of love and trust, faithfulness and generosity, like the widow?
In the first of our mini-series on generosity and giving, our Archdeacon of Nottingham, the Ven. Phil Williams, asks us about what and whom we truly love. From that place of love, echoing God's love for us above all in the gift of Jesus, Phil asks us what we will do for the people and communities amongst whom God has placed us, drawing especially on the example of the Macedonian Christians to whom Paul refers in 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (also Matthew 6:19-21).
Rev. Tim Chambers, in the plenary session of our 2025 Annual Parochial Church Meetings, looks back over all that God has done amongst us in 2025, and looks forward to some important developments in Cranmer Group life, potentially in the pipeline in the months and years to come.
Please note that there are some brief interruptions in the talk due to slightly malfunctioning technology - we're sorry about that, and thank you for your patience!
In the final Sunday reflecting on our Benefice's ministry 'Areas of Focus', Tim encourages us to consider Jesus's words to his disciples in John 15:1-17, that he is the vine and we are the branches, and that only through abiding in him, and sharing his love, can we bear the beautiful "fruit that will last" which he calls us to do.
In the second of our Sundays in which we're reflecting on our Benefice's three ministry 'Areas of Focus', Kevin Deacon shares with us how prayer shapes the way we live - our discipleship! - individually and as God's family (Mark 1:35–39, and Colossians 1:9–12).
In the first of our three Sundays in which we focus on our Benefice's ministry 'Areas of Focus', Clare Chambers speaks to us about Children, Youth and Families, drawing on Paul's Second Letter to Timothy (chapter 1, verses 1-7) and Matthew 13:1-9 - and also on her recent gardening adventures! Clare shares with us what God is already doing in this area of ministry across our church family, and how we are called to nourish the faith of future generations, just as we ourselves were nurtured in our walk with Jesus.
Annie shares with us one of what she describes as three stories with a common, single theme, of 'Jesus and the people on the edge': his encounter with two disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-36, and Psalm 22:1-11)
Tim explores how the resurrected Jesus's words first to his disciples, and then to Thomas, of "Peace be with you!" can be prayed by us over ourselves; over those we love; and over God's world. (Acts 2:14a & 22-32; and John 20:19-31)
As we celebrate Easter Day, linking it back into our recent Exodus sermon series, Tim shares with us - in the risen Jesus's words to the women by his tomb - why the resurrection means that we need never be afraid (Exodus 14:21-31 and Matthew 28:vv1-10).
Drawing on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in Matthew 21:1-11, and referring back to Exodus 13:17-22, Tim encourages us to choose "The Way of Humility" modelled by Jesus, a King like no other.
Tim brings together the threads of our journey through Exodus, drawing on Exodus chapter 40, verses 16-38, and John's Gospel, chapter 1, verses 14-18. He shows how God dwelling amongst his people in the Tabernacle, as they journeyed through the wilderness, is fulfilled in Jesus "tabernacling" in our hearts today.
Looking especially at the story of the Golden Calf in Exodus, chapter 32, verses 1-20, and also Jesus's tempting in the wilderness, in Matthew, chapter 4, verses 1-11, Tim explores how each one of us is drawn to worship idols in our lives, and how we may be able, with God's help, to resist these temptations, and worship Him alone.
Looking at Exodus 20:1-17, & 20; and Matthew 5:17-20, Bron shows us how the Ten Commandments aren't "a list of all the things you're not allowed do to", but instead are God's blueprint for his people to have a wonderful life lived in harmony with one another and with Him - a life which is fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
Annie considers how the Exodus story is our story too. For 2000 years Jesus has been leading his children through the wilderness towards God’s eternal Promise. While we travel together we are reminded to trust him each day, and that we will have all we need for the journey. (Readings: Exodus, chapter 16; and John, chapter 6, verses 28-35).
Rev. Emily Charkham, Chaplain to the Bishop of Southwell, very kindly blessed us with her wisdom at the start of Lent. Emily shared her reflections on Exodus 12:1-13; 21-23 and 29-32 (the Passover), and John 1:19-34 (John the Baptist witnesses to Jesus). As we continue our Exodus series with the ten plagues and the Passover, Emily ask us to reflect on whether we, like Pharaoh, have hardened our hearts to God, or if we will choose to live our lives in the light of not just the Passover lamb, but the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world: Jesus himself?
Annie leads us through the story of Moses and the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-15; and also looking at John 14:1-9). Through this story we discover God’s desire to draw near to each one of his children, as we travel with him through the uncertainties of life into his Kingdom of peace and plenty.
We start our new preaching series on how the story of Exodus prefigures the story of Jesus, and our journey of discipleship with him. Reflecting on how God's people were not only oppressed in slavery in Egypt, but also heard by the Lord, Tim examines how what God promised to His people in Exodus, He embodies in Jesus. (Exodus 1:1-14 and 23-25; Luke 4:14-21)
Looking at 1 Corinthians 1:18-end, and John 2:1-11, Bronwen explores the connections between wisdom and foolishness, in the context of miracles.
Looking especially at Jesus's calling of his first disciples in Matthew 4:12-23, Tim explores how, as we choose to follow him as his disciples, Christ accepts each one of us as we are - but never leaves us as we are.
Tim leads us in reflecting on two of the 'Areas of Focus' in our draft Cranmer Group Strategy, about which he spoke after the service in Orston this Sunday. With reference to John 1:29-42, and our practices of prayer and discipleship as we follow Jesus, he asks us to consider where - and especially in whom - we "abide". And then, looking at 1 Corinthians 1:1-9, he encourages us that we can inspired by the the Christians of Corinth who, despite all their failings as a community of believers, were full of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and secure in their salvation, all thanks to the grace of God. Just like them, we can be also!
Each one of us has been offered a priceless and personal gift by Jesus. Have we unwrapped it? And if we have, have we discovered what it is?
At the start of a New Year, and looking at Revelation 3:14-22 and Matthew 5:1 and 13-16, Annie leads us through some reflections on what this might mean for each of us personally, and where we might begin.
Drawing on the Scriptures of Isaiah 60:1-6 and Matthew 2:1-12, Tim shows us how the gifts to the Christ-child from the Magi point us to him - Jesus, the Greatest Gift of All.
Reflecting on Isaiah 63:7-9 and especially Matthew 2:13-18, Tim helps us to explore how we can have confidence that - in spite of the suffering of the innocent - the redemptive work of Jesus is certain, and it is true.
Annie rounds off our Advent series, reminding us of God’s abiding presence with us, as we journey with the Holy Spirit towards Christmas, waiting expectantly for the promised return of Jesus. Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-19 and Matthew 24:36-44.
Drawing on Isaiah 25:1-10 and Matthew 11:2-11, Bron encourages us to keep on praying; keep being expectant; and keep being patient. God's grace is sufficient, and He will bring to us what we need, even if it is not what we expected!
Annie continues Tim’s theme for Advent for us all to be vigilant, prayerful and active. She reminds us, referring to Psalm 98 and Luke 2:1-6, that Christmas is part of a far bigger story which is still being played out. We are called during Advent to be vigilant, expectant and joyful in anticipation of the return of Jesus.
Tim reflects on what God calls us to do, as we wait on Him in this Advent season, drawing on Romans 13:11-14, and Matthew 24:36-44.
Reflecting on Colossians 1:9-20 & Luke 23:32-43, Tim asked us the question, "So What?" As we celebrate this Feast of Christ the King, worshipping the One who rules over all, what difference - "So What?" - does Jesus's majesty and rule over all make to us and the way in which we live our lives as his disciples?
Looking at John's encouragement to us to "love with actions and in truth" (1 John 3:16-24), and Jesus's account of who our neighbour is (The Good Samaritan; Luke 10:25-37), Tim encourages us all to see that Biblically-rooted principles of safeguarding are the responsibility of everyone in our church family.
Through stories and the poetry of the World War I British Army Chaplain, Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy - better known as "Woodbine Willie" - Tim reflects on the messages of Paul's Letter to the Romans, chapter 8, verses 31-39, and Revelation, chapter 21, verses 1-7, and the hope, love and new life we find in Jesus Christ.
Bron reflects on Jesus's actions in John 18.1-12, in contrast to those of the hot-headed apostle, Peter; and also looks at the latter's teaching once he had acquired greater spiritual maturity, in 2 Peter 1:1-8. She considers how self-control helps us, as Christians, to resist the temptation to act on simple, sinful impulses or conform to the ways of the world. True self-control is not a talent we can sustain on our own; rather, it is a gift, exercised in the fruit of the Holy Spirit, which frees us to live according to God's will.
Referring to God appearing to Elijah in the cave (1 Kings 19:7-13) and Jesus speaking about himself in Matthew 11:25-30, Annie speaks of gentleness as 'power under restraint', and of Jesus claiming that gentleness is at the core of who he is, and who God is.
With a bit of congregational heckling(!) and the help of a current very popular TV show, Tim considers how, in the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den (Daniel 6:1-23) and Jesus's teaching in Matthew 25:14-30, God's faithfulness to us inspires us to be faithful to him, showing courage and boldness for our King and His Kingdom.
In our Harvest Holy Communion at St. Mary's Orston, referring to the lessons of Scripture in Exodus 16:1-8, and Luke 10:25-37, Bronwen explores the harvest of goodness in God's provision for us, and the harvest of goodness in the Fruit of the Spirit.
Drawing on David's covenantal kindness to Mephibosheth (2 Samuel 9:1-13); and Jesus's teaching to his followers (Matthew 25:31-40), that their showing of kindness to others, is as if they are being kind to him; Tim encourages us to allow the Holy Spirit to grow God's kindness in us.
Through the parables of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin in Luke 15:1-10, and Paul's First Letter to Timothy (chapter 1, verses 12-17), Bron highlights Jesus's unlimited patience with each one of us. Illustrated by the figure of the shepherd, searching relentlessly for, and finally finding, the lost sheep (and helped by her own illustrations of making a fruit salad and baking a Victoria sponge!), Bron shares how we're called to show this same, Christ-like patience, both to ourselves and to others.
With some help from one of our family's favourite children's books - and Paul's letter to the Philippians, chapter 4, verses 4-9, and John chapter 14, verses 15-27 - Tim explains how God's gift of peace is one which is based not on the absence of the things which may bring anxiety and care into our lives. Rather, the Fruit of the Spirit which is God's peace, is based on presence - the gift of the Holy Spirit's presence in our hearts, displacing all the chaos which may be swirling around in our lives.
Annie continues our series on the Fruit of the Spirit by considering the gift of Joy, referring to 1 Peter 1:1-9 and Mark 1:1-8. Unlike happiness, joy doesn’t depend on our circumstances but remains with us, even in adversity. It’s closely tied to Grace and grows as our confidence in the ‘Good News’ of God’s Kingdom flourishes, and is a fruit intended for us to share to bring life to those around us.
Tim kicks off our new sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit described by Paul in Galatians Chapter 5, verses 13-26, reflecting on Jesus's command to us to love one another (John's Gospel 13:31-35), and St. John's description of the relationship between divine love and human love (The First Letter of John 4:7-21).
Particularly drawing on what Paul says to the early Christians in Corinth (1 Corinthians 14:1-5), Tim explores how the Spiritual Gifts of prophesy and encouragement can show us the character of God; be a blessing individually and as a church family, as they build us up and reveal the fruit of the Spirit in us - which we'll explore more fully after our brief summer pause. See you again in September, for more spiritual nourishment from our preachers!
Reflecting on Luke 21:1-4 and Philippians 4:10-20, Annie shares with us why generosity is an important gift for the Church; and how we develop and use this gift for God’s glory and the building up of his Kingdom here, in this place.
Through Jesus's teaching to his disciples in Matthew's Gospel, chapter 20, verses 20-28, and the command of the prophet Micah (chapter 6, verses 6-8) to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God", Bronwen encourages each of us to consider whether God may be calling us into a position of servant leadership, following in Christ's footsteps.
Continuing our sermon series on the Holy Spirit, Tim leads us in the first of our explorations of the Gifts of the Spirit which Paul outlines in Romans 12:1-8. Tim invites us, through God's grace, to receive the spiritual gift of service, that we might use all the gifts He has given us through his Holy Spirit, in the service of His people in our Benefice, and beyond.
Drawing on Ephesians 1:3-14 and Luke 11:5-13, Annie outlines five simple elements to being "filled continually" with the Holy Spirit, as Paul desires for us: Believe; Ask; Stay close; Let go! - yes, 5 not 4!
With the help of Jesus's encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-8), and Paul's Letter to the Romans (chapter 8; verses 9-17), Tim helps us discover that the Holy Spirit gives new life; that the Holy Spirit comes and makes his dwelling in us; and that the Holy Spirit leads us as children of God, testifying with our spirit that we are not only God’s children, but also his heirs.
With the help of the illustration of the 'Borromean Rings', Bron helps us to discover God's promise for each one of us that the Holy Spirit is His gift to us, and, because God is love, we experience that love through the Holy Spirit.
On this day of Pentecost, Tim invites us all to step into a place of spiritual health and maturity - which is nothing less than ever-increasing closeness to the person of Jesus himself - by opening our hearts and lives to the work of God’s Holy Spirit in us.
Drawing especially on Matthew chapter 11, verses 28-30, in The Message version, Tim reflects on what he may heave learned from the Lord during his mini-sabbatical over the summer holidays
Tim brings to a close our sermon series on our Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham's Vision 2030, reflecting on what we have to offer to the people of our communities: the "living hope" of Jesus Christ, of which Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:3-9. In the language of CS Lewis's 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe', Tim encourages us to discern where, already, "Aslan is on the move", and to join in with what God is already doing to build His Kingdom around us. Why not watch the Diocese's brief film, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFxN9lp2tZ8 , to see the new life that God is causing to spring up in our communities? [Also John 10:1-10]
Annie suggests, with advice from Jesus in Luke 8:42-48 and Luke 11:1-10, how we might go about building up prayer in our lives, both individually and as the gathered people of God in this time and place.
Looking especially at Jesus' challenge to his disciples in Luke 9:23-25, to "deny themselves, take up their cross daily and follow me", Bronwen encourages us to give up our current life for a life following Jesus, in which we are promised abundant life in this life, and eternal life in the life to come [also referring to Ephesians 5:1-17].
Looking at Exodus 18:9-27 and Matthew 8:35-38, and thinking about why
we seek to be a church family that is “growing leaders", Tim challenges us to reflect on Jesus’s call on our lives as his followers, and to ask him to show us where, and how, he may be calling us to serve and lead, as part of this church family.
Reflecting on both the Creation narrative of Genesis 1 and also Paul's image in 1 Corinthians 12 of the church as being like a body, comprised of so many different and complementing parts, Annie encourages us reflect on why we should seek to become more diverse in our church family. Firstly, we do so because Jesus embodied engaging with those who were the outsiders of society in his day; and secondly, because we are part of God's family, which extends across the globe; across time; and across boundaries.
Drawing on Psalm 95, and John 4:7-26, Bron invites us to consider what "inspiring worship" might look like, and how, especially, "inspiring worship" ensures that our churches are places of welcome for all, because no one is beyond God’s love.
Drawing on Christ's words in Luke 18:15-17, and the declarations of Psalm 8, Clare Chambers shares with us what Scripture says about planting young spiritual seedings, and nurturing them into "oaks of righteousness", as Jesus would have us do. This is the first of the "Areas of Focus" in our preaching series on our Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham's Vision 2030: "Reaching Younger", with specific emphasis on what we're doing in our Cranmer Group context to minister to the children, young people and families of our communities.
As we celebrate joy-filled baptisms at both our 9am and 11am services on this Trinity Sunday, Tim considers how Jesus's encounter with Nicodemus (John 3:1-17), and especially his words in verse 16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" - encapsulate our faith in the Trinitarian God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Tim considers how the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples on the first Pentecost, inspires us as we follow our new Diocesan Vision 2030: "Growing Disciples of Christ, with Compassion, Confidence and Courage". This is the first part of his sermon - watch the Bishops of Southwell and Sherwood introduce the new Vision, and what it means for us in our churches, here, and then listen to Part 2!
After our Bishops' introduction to the new Diocesan Vision (here), Tim continues his sermon considering how the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Disciples on the first Pentecost, inspires us as we follow this new Vision 2030: "Growing Disciples of Christ, with Compassion, Confidence and Courage". Note that you need to listen to Part 1 of Tim's preach first, for this to make sense!
As we celebrate another baptism in our church family today, Tim explores with us Jesus's prayer for his disciples in John 17:6-19. He reflects on how God the Father protects us; how God the Son prays for us; and how God’s Word - Scripture - purifies us, whilst at the same time His Holy Spirit fills us.
Tim invites us - with some help from Ella, the Vicarage Labrador - to consider the unique qualities of Jesus' loving friendship for us all, that he describes in John 15:9-17 - sharing, 'stickability' and sacrifice.
Bronwen invites us to bear good fruit in our lives, as disciples of Jesus Christ. But, as Christ tells us in John 15:1-8, Bron reminds us that we can only be the disciples God wants us to be, when we remain connected to the vine, to Jesus himself.
Tim looks at what Jesus says about himself in John 10:11-18 - that he is our Good Shepherd, who cares completely for us; in whom we can place our trust totally; and who gives everything for us.
Just as Bronwen reflected on Jesus's words to the Disciples in his first encounter with them after the Resurrection, as told by John, Tim considers Christ's same words to them in Luke 24:36-49. Tim examines how Luke’s message to us is that Jesus’ resurrection is real; that, despite all that we – like the Disciples – have done, Jesus comes to us with a message of his forgiveness and grace; and that Jesus has risen from the dead, so that each one of us might know his peace.
Bron speaks to us about the resurrected Jesus's first appearance to the Disciples as they hid from the religious authorities (John 20:19-end), and reflects on Christ's first words to them - "Peace be with you". Bron encourages us, also, to know this peace of the pardoned sinner in our hearts, and to be filled with God's Holy Spirit, as we accept Jesus's challenge to all who follow him, to share his transforming peace with all the world.
Tim invites us, with the three women, to look into Jesus's empty tomb, and reflect on their faith, and on our own. Although - unlike in the other three Gospels - in Mark's account of the Resurrection (Mark 16:1-8), there is no encounter between the risen Jesus and his followers, we can see from the change we see in Peter in Acts 10:34-43, that he and his fellow disciples must have had their lives transformed by meeting with the Lord once again. How might our lives be transformed by such an encounter also?
Looking at Mark's account of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, Tim suggests that Jesus preaches not one, but two 'sermons without words', through his actions on that day. As we also join with the Jerusalem crowds to proclaim “Hosanna”, Jesus comes to us now, in humility and service, and asks us, “Am I truly your King?”
Annie encourages us, looking at Christ's words in John 12:20-33, that God's Word cannot fail; that His new covenant is already in place for us in and through Jesus; and that all we need to do is to say "Yes!" to him.
Tim looks at how God shows his love for the world above all through Jesus lifted up on the cross, through whom we receive reconcilation and healing (John 3:14-21)
Through John 2:13-22, and 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, Bronwen helps us to think about why Good Friday is - although at the time it looked very different to Christ's followers - in fact "good" to all who believe in Jesus.
Tim, with the help of Mark 8:31-38, encourages us to consider the true nature of Jesus as Saviour; and what it really means, to be one of his followers. Through looking at the reasons - 'personal', 'legal' and 'cosmic' - why Jesus had to die on the cross, Tim helps us to think of ourselves as having, in and through Jesus, a new agenda, a new identity, and a new hope.
Through the story of God's first covenant of grace, made after The Flood not only with Noah but with the whole of Creation (Genesis 9:8-17), Annie points us to Jesus as the very foundation on whom all of God's promises rest.
Bronwen helps us to understand better who God is, through the revelation of the transfigured Jesus as the very glory of God (Mark 9:2-9).
Tim helps us to reflect on what God is truly like, in and through the person of Jesus - "the image of the invisible God", as he is referred to in Colossians 1:15-23. Christ is both this perfect expression of human-ness, and yet also the Word of God who brought the universe into being, as expressed in that most famous of Christmas scriptures, John 1:1-14.
Through the example of the faithfulness to God of Simeon and Anna (told in the account of Luke, chapter 2, verses 22-40 - the Presentation of the infant Jesus in the Temple), Bronwen helps us to consider what it means to dedicate our lives to God.
Where do we see that our personal dedication to God has been, or still is, working? What has been a sacrifice? What has been a joy? What has been life-giving? What is next?
Annie considers how we may attune ourselves to the call God places on each one of our lives, to best use for Him the gifts with which He blesses us. She especially does so by looking at God's call on Jonah, as the Lord sends him to call the people of Nineveh back to His ways (Jonah 3 and 4).
In the story of Jesus's calling of two of his first disciples, from John 1:43-51, Tim encourages us to say to others, using Philip's words to Nathanael, "come and see" this Jesus whom he has encountered. And for those of us who may not yet know Jesus in our lives, Christ's words slightly earlier in John's Gospel, to Andrew and Simon Peter, "Follow me!" are spoken to us too - why not follow Jesus in your life too?
Now that all of our Christmas decorations have been packed away, Tim takes the opportunity to focus in on the stable, and the infant Christ in the manger. He considers what the story of the Epiphany - the making known of Jesus to all, through the figures of the Magi - tells us of the essence of Jesus Christ, and what it asks of us. Like the Magi, with their gifts for Jesus, what do we have in our hands, to give in worship to our Lord and Saviour?
Annie, with the help of Psalm 103:1-12 and Matthew 6:25-34, encourages us to turn and give thanks for all God's blessings to us in 2023; and to look forward to the New Year, paying attention to the ways in which God wants to bless us in 2024, and to how He encourages us to give any challenges we may face to Him. She reminds us of God's amazing, unreasonable love for each one of us, and that we are safe in His hands.
Reflecting on Mary's response to the angel Gabriel in Luke chapter 1 (verses 26-38), Tim asks what might it look like for each one of us to say to God, like Mary, “May your word to me be fulfilled”. How might you and I - declaring ourselves to be, in Mary’s words, “the Lord’s servant” - be used for God's incredible purposes, beyond all our human possibilities?
Annie accompanies us on our Advent journey into the light of Christ, challenging us as to how we make space and time for Jesus in the busy-ness of our preparations for Christmas, looking at John's Gospel, chapter 1, verses 6-8 and 19-28. She especially recommends using the fantastic Lectio 365 daily devotionals, which you can find at https://www.24-7prayer.com/resource/lectio-365/ , and the app for which you can download onto your phone or tablet, to help you in this.
As we continue to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus, looking at Mark, chapter 1, verses 1-8, Bronwen asks us, not, "Are you ready for Christmas?" - as we all seem to say! - but the far more profound question, "Are you ready for God?"
From Jesus' message to us to be watchful, from Mark 13:24-37, Tim encourages us to be expectant in prayer; confident in the Gospel we share; and courageous in our witness to the Good News of the love of Jesus Christ for all.
Rev. Jonathan Mole, Vicar of All Hallows, Lady Bay, shares with us about Jesus's Lordship, referring to both Ephesians 1:15-23 and John 13:31-35. You have to imagine the ball of string flying into the chancel, and a small length of string at the end representing our life on earth!
Tim explores another of the "hard sayings" of Jesus, the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), thinking about how we respond to the extraordinary spiritual gifts that God has given to each one of us, in the abundance of His love. Do we truly use them to build God's Kingdom here amongst us, with boldness, creativity and courage, or do we live out of fear, and keep what He has given us to ourselves?
With context from his Grandfather's diary, written in the trenches of Flanders in World War One, Tim shares with us what the scriptures tell us about war and above all about God's peace. Reflecting on the imagery of "swords into ploughshares" from Micah 4:1-5, and Jesus's declaration that "blessed are the peacemakers" from Matthew 5:1-12, we see how the transformative power of God - above all in the person of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected - can change evil into good, and death into life.
Reflecting on the Biblical witness of James 2:1-13, and Mark 12:28-34, Tim encourages us to be welcoming to those who come through the doors of our churches, or whom we may have the opportunity to welcome at other points in our Benefice life, like the Food Hub or our Cranmer Plus youth group. Like Abraham in Genesis 18, we may never know when we might be entertaining angels!
Tim considers what is unique about a specifically Christian perspective on joy, and how we can bring that joy into our Benefice life, and share it with others. He especially looks at what the apostle, James, says about being joyful (James 1:1-12) and how being rooted in the love and the Word of God, by streams of living water - like the image of the tree in Psalm 1 - is the path to true joy in God, whatever the external circumstances of our lives.
Tim helps us to think about what it might look like to be a 'courageous' disciple of Christ, following the example of Peter and John in Acts 4:1-13, as opposed to the (as yet!) timid Peter of Matthew 14:22-33.
He suggests that each one of us, following the disciples’ example, is called to do three spiritual things:
-Keep our eyes ON Jesus;
-Keep our heart IN Jesus; and
-Keep your words OF Jesus.
Annie helps us to consider what it means to be 'hopeful' people of God, gaining inspiration from the (slightly unlikely!) source of the Lamentations of Jeremiah (chapter3, verses 17-26) and also Peter's speech to the gathered crowds on the first Pentecost (Acts chapter 2, verses 21-36) .
Looking at the examples of members of the early Church (Acts chapter 4, verses 23-31) and Jesus (Mark's account of the Feeding of the Five Thousand), Tim encourages us to be prayerful, both individually and collectively, and in so doing, obtain a heavenly perspective on our own lives, and on those of our churches and communities.
In week two of our preaching series, Bronwen moves on to being 'Generous' - the first of our Cranmer Group Values, which underlie how we seek to love Jesus, one another, our villages and God's world.
In this Harvest season, Bron explores God's generosity to us as expressed in Psalm 65's imagery of abundance, and the miraculous provision of Jesus' Feeding of the Five Thousand, in Matthew's account (chapter 14, verses 13-21), and reflects on how we can mirror this generosity to others.
In the first of a new preaching new series on our Cranmer Group's Vision and Values, Tim sets out how we respond to God's love for us, in our Benefice Vision (“We are one, growing community of disciples, who seek to love Jesus, one another, our villages and God’s world”), drawing inspiration from 1 John 4:7-21 and John 13:31-35.
Annie guides us through the second part of Christ's teaching in the second half of Matthew 18 (verses 21-35), further exploring what Jesus has to say to those who follow him about God's mercy to us, and how we, in turn, extend that to others.
Tim tries to help us navigate some tricky pastoral waters, with Jesus' teaching about how we should behave towards one another in the family of his disciples (Matthew 18:15-20).
Tim continues our journey through Matthew's Gospel, looking at chapter 16, verses 21-28, and asking us "What is your true self?" (or, putting it another way, "What Are You Here For?").
We look with Tim at how Peter responds to Jesus' question to the disciples in Matthew 16:13-20, taking encouragement both from the certainty of his reply, and also from the ways in which the disciples are human like us, with all our failings, and yet they and we are still loved by Jesus, and given the task of building Christ's Church and God's Kingdom, here on earth.
Tim helps us - hopefully! - to understand better the potentially tricky passage from Matthew 15, verses 21-28, in which Jesus encounters the Canaanite woman. Her extraordinary faith in Christ results in her daughter being healed, and is an example to us all.
Annie helps us to discover the essence of our Heavenly Father, and just how intimately He loves us, through Moses' encounter with the Lord on Mount Sinai in Exodus 34, and Matthew's account of Jesus' baptism (Matt. 3, verses 13-17).
In the final instalment of our journey through Paul's letter to the Philippians (chapter 4, verses 10-23), Tim ponders how we all want to be content, but try to attain this through possessions, success and experiences rather than through learning to place our trust in Jesus, who has already given us the joy in contentment that comes from knowing in our hearts that our names are already written in heaven.
Tim reflects on Paul's message to the Philippian Christians in chapter 3, verse 17 to chapter 4, verse 9, of his letter to them. He encourages us, also sharing some of his own personal journey of faith, to see the "Joy in Trust" that:
- comes from seeing ourselves as Citizens of Heaven;
- comes from standing firm on the promises that Jesus has made to each one of us who follow him; and
- comes through “not being anxious about anything”, as we pray and give thanks in every situation.
Tim leads us through St. Paul's life before and after encountering the risen Jesus, as recounted to the Philippian believers in Chapter 3, verses 1-16. He encourages us that it's through our faith in Christ alone, not through any good that we may or may not do in our lives, that we are made 'righteous' - that is, brought into right relationship with our Heavenly Father.
We continue our exploration of Paul's letter to the Philippians, through chapter 2, verses 14-30. Annie suggests to us that letting go of our self, and allowing God to do His work in us, with us and through us, leads us to joy in fellowship, as we shine in a dark world, drawing others to our community and to Christ himself.
Bronwen continues our Philippians sermon series, reflecting on chapter 1, verse 27, to chapter 2, verse 11, thinking especially about how we find joy in Jesus. She suggests that joy (J-O-Y) comes from putting "J" - Jesus - first; "O" - others - second; and "Y" - yourself - last.
This week, we start our new sermon series journeying together through St. Paul's Letter to the Philippians: "The Letter of Joy". Tim sets the scene for the letter, and explores how we can share in Paul's joy in the Good News - the Gospel - of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:1-26).
On this Trinity Sunday, Tim encourages us to deepen our understanding of, and connection with, all three persons of our triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, through Jesus' "Great Commission" of Matthew 28, and the final verses of St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians - what we often now know as the Grace.
Annie considers the fulfilment of God's covenant with us - foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-34 - through the person of Jesus, and sealed with the gift of God's Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Tim explores what Jesus says to his disciples in John 17:1-11, in the light of the Ascension (Acts 1:6-14)
Tim reflects on Jesus abiding in us, and us abiding in him, based on Christ's words to his disciples in John 14:15-21
Annie looks at Jesus, the Good Shepherd, in John 10:1-10, and how we can recognise and follow the Shepherd's voice, that we might experience "life to the full", in and through him.
Tim - accompanied by the rain drumming on the roof of Hawksworth Church! - looks at hope fulfilled through Scripture, Sacrament and Spirit, in the encounter of the two disciples with the risen Jesus, on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35).
Bronwen looks at Thomas' encounter with the risen Jesus (John 20:19-end), and reflects on how our personal stories of encountering Jesus enable us to share our faith with others.
With the help of St. Matthew's account of the Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-10), Tim gives us the encouragement of what Easter really means to all of us, for our past; for our present; and for our future.
Tim brings to a close our sermon series, by inviting us to follow the examples of the crowds welcoming Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday; and the poor widow, extraordinarily giving her two coins to God in the Temple: what do we bring, to worship our King?
Annie Dickinson, through the story of Jesus' encounter with Zacchaeus, the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10), encourages us, like Zacchaeus, to give generously and joyfully of what we have, in response to God's grace - the gift freely given to each of us through Jesus himself.
Tim continues our Lent sermon series on God's extraordinary generosity, and how we are called to respond to Him with our own generosity. He asks how we - unlike the rich landowner - can be "rich towards God" in the way we steward what we are given by God; and how we might also answer the question the landowner asks of himself, "What shall I do?"
Rev. Canon Bronwen Gamble continues our Lent sermon series on God's generosity, and our response, through Jesus' encounter with the Rich Young Ruler (Luke 18:18-30), and St. Paul's teaching on "the love of money" in 1 Timothy 6:3-10.
Tim kicks off our Lent sermon series on God's extraordinary generosity, and how we are called to respond to Him with our own generosity. Our Vicar does some "scene setting" for the series; and considers what Jesus says about himself to Nicodemus in St. John's Gospel (chapter 3, verses 1-17), and how St. Paul encourages the early Christians in Corinth to be generous (2 Corinthians, chapter 9, verses 6-15).
On Palm Sunday, Tim shares with us, in the last of our Lent sermon series on Nehemiah, that his story of rebuilding Jerusalem ends ultimately in failure. But we also look forward in St. John's Gospel, in that same city of Jerusalem, to “the ‘true’ Nehemiah”, in the person of Jesus, entering on a donkey to the cries of “Hosanna!” from the crowds.
Rev. Peter Watkins shares with us from chapter 12 of the Book of Nehemiah how, when we worship the Lord, we are called make our worship joyful, holy, and sacrificial.
Annie Dickinson, our Lay Minister, continues our Lent preaching series through the Book of Nehemiah, speaking to us on Chapter 5, and how the bread and wine shared between the people of Jerusalem prefigure God’s spiritual food for us in Word and Eucharist, and an encouragement to trust in God’s abundant provision for us all.
Tim continues our journey through the Book of Nehemiah, looking at how Nehemiah coped with opposition from without and within, and reflecting on the lessons for us today.
Tim continues our Lent sermon series on Nehemiah, to tie in with the Cranmer Group vision process, reflecting on the sort of church we desire to be in our communities. He preaches on Nehemiah 3:1-12.
The second sermon in our series linked to the Cranmer Group's new vision - Tim preaches on Nehemiah, chapter 2.
Tim starts our sermon series from the Book of Nehemiah (Chapter 1), also with Matthew 6:1-6 & 16-18, considering God's vision for the Cranmer Group as seen through the lens of Nehemiah.
Tim shares how a moment of recognition on the Mount of Transfiguration utterly changes the lives of Peter, James and John, as they realise Jesus is truly the Son of God, in all his glory.
Rev'd Peter Watkins speaks to us about how God is revealed to us in the person of Jesus, the King in whom God's Kingdom is found in all its fullness, and in whom we find everlasting hope, especially in these difficult times.
Tim talks about the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple, which we celebrate in the festival of Candlemas, and about what this shows us about God's peace; about the faithfulness of God; and about our transformation into the likeness of Christ, shining out his light into the world.
Tim looks at the stories of Abraham's encounter with Melchizedek, and the Wedding at Cana; what they show us about God's extraordinary abundance; and how we respond to His generosity to us.
Looking at how God calls to Samuel and Nathanael, Tim considers how He may be calling each one of us
Tim explores beginnings, through the Creation story of Genesis 1:1-5, and the narrative of the Baptism of Christ, in Mark1:4-11.
Tim talks about how 'numbers matter' in St. John's Gospel, looking at the figure of John the Baptist, and what he tells us about what's really important to John the Evangelist in his account of the life of Jesus - and what that should mean for us as his disciples.
Tim considers what it means to prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus Christ, and to help others prepare themselves also, with reference to Isaiah Chapter 40, verses 1-11, and Mark's Gospel, Chapter 1, verses 1-8.
Tim talks about the People of God, the theme for the first Sunday of Advent, sharing from Isaiah 64:1-9.
A recording of the online Cranmer Group Remembrance Sunday service - the 'gaps' in the recording are where the colours are being laid on the altar, and wreaths laid at the memorial in St. John of Beverley, Whatton.
In our first service back in our church buildings, from St. Thomas's Aslockton, Rev. Tim Chambers begins a sermon series on what it means to "be church"; what we are called by God to be, as His people, gathered and scattered. This podcast is a recording of the whole service, taken in the church, and as such is of variable sound quality at times.
Rev. Tim Chambers concludes our series exploring St. Paul's Letter to the Romans, looking at Chapter 12, verses 9-21.
Rev. Tim Chambers explores God's love for us through the climax of St. Paul's Letter to the Romans (Chapter 8, verses 26-39).
This Whitsun, in our Cranmer Group Virtual Service, Tim shares with us his thoughts on Luke's account of the first Pentecost, from Acts 2:1-21 - with a slightly tongue-in-cheek preach title.
Do join in at home with the worship in our virtual service - the hymn lyrics are on the Cranmer Group website, at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
And don't forget that we're meeting once again this morning at 10.15 on Zoom, to catch up with one another across the Benefice. Grab yourself a quick coffee after listening to this podcast, and join us on the call. Details of how to join the meeting are again at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
See you there, and God bless
It’s great to welcome another member of our congregations, Alison Stewart, as our preacher this week. Tying in with the prayer theme of the ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ global prayer initiative between Ascension Day and Pentecost, Alison speaks to us from Acts chapter 1 on ‘Waiting & Praying’.
Do join in at home with the worship in our virtual service - the hymn lyrics are on the Cranmer Group website, at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
And don't forget that - hopefully successfully this week! - we're meeting this morning at 10.15 on Zoom, to catch up with one another across the Benefice. Grab yourself a quick coffee after listening to this podcast, and join us on the call. Details of how to join the meeting are again at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
See you there!
We're delighted that our Lay Reader, Annie Dickinson, is sharing with us today about St. Paul addressing the people of Athens, from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 17, verses 22-31.
Do join in at home with the worship in our virtual service - the hymn lyrics are on the Cranmer Group website, at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
And don't forget that - for the first time - we're meeting this morning at 10.15 on Zoom, to catch up with one another across the Benefice. Grab yourself a quick coffee after listening to this podcast, and join us on the call. Details of how to join the meeting are again at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
We hope to see you there!
Rev. Tim Chambers looks at how St. Stephen met his death, from the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 7, verses 55-60. Although it's a difficult story, I believe it's also one that's extraordinarily positive for us all.
Do join in at home with the worship in our virtual service - the hymn lyrics are on the Cranmer Group website, at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
Rev. Tim Chambers looks at the characteristics of the early church, as portrayed in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2, verses 42-47. How might they apply to us today in the Cranmer Group?
Do join in at home with the worship in our virtual service - the song and hymn lyrics are on the Cranmer Group website, at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
Rev. Tim Chambers looks at the story from Luke's Gospel, Chapter 24, of Jesus appearing to two of his disciples on the Road to Emmaus.
If you would like to join in at home with the worship in our virtual service, the song and hymn lyrics are on the Cranmer Group website, at https://www.cranmergroup.org.uk/blog/
Rev. Tim Chambers looks at the story of Christ appearing to his disciples, and especially 'Doubting Thomas', in John chapter 20, focusing on the character of Jesus in these encounters.
Rev. Tim Chambers looks at the significance of Easter for each one of us, perhaps especially in these difficult times, through St. John's account of the resurrection (John chapter 20, verses 1-18)
In our Palm Sunday podcast, Rev. Tim Chambers preaches on Matthew's account of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, and leads us in prayer.
Rev. Tim Chambers leads our first 'virtual service' with a sermon on Ezekiel 37:1-14, and a selection of prayers.