St Mark's Church - Colchester: Recent Episodes
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We are a diverse bunch of people who believe in a loving God, the good news of Jesus and living life to the full. Have a listen to some of the recent talks from our church.
strength and glory are in his sanctuary
every one, every day giving testimony of God's goodness
The pilgrims sang these songs to prepare their hearts as they travelled to the great festivals. Let us prepare our hearts as we remember the coming of Jesus, who brought God’s forgiveness and redemption to our world.
Mighty God, see your people’s pain. The walls are cracked and broken, and your people turn away. Send us a Shepherd, Lord! Send us a Son from your right hand. Our broken world still cries, “Save us in your love”.
Wars cease, breaks the bow, burns the chariot – be still and know.
What does it mean to be still and know?
The church often says ‘come’, but Jesus tells us to ‘go’. You’re healed… go. The one who showed him mercy… go. The great commission… go. Go, and preach the good news to all creation. Gathering as church to worship God and encourage each other is good, but in our gathering, we must encourage each other to scatter – we are ALL sent, every one of us is told to go.
What does it take for a church to function? Finance team, governance, admin, vision, pastoral visiting - every behind the scenes aspect as well as the up the front stuff that is visible. Preaching at and leading the Sunday gathering are not the only ministries – administration is a biblical ministry.
Every one of us has God-given spiritual gifts as well as our talents, knowledge and skills - He has intentionally chosen and gifted you for a fulfilling adventure with him – but we are responsible for using, advancing and investing what he has given us. Stewarding our talents well is really important, and that means recognising what we have been given (rather than what is missing), rejoicing in it and putting it to work.
Think of the great commission as Jesus speaking to those he had discipled (eating together… walking together… he taught, affirmed and corrected them before sending them out and asking how it went – he grew them) and saying to them “Now go and have the type of relationship I’ve had with you, with other people”.
Every Christian is a disciple of Jesus. A disciple is a learner, someone who is intentionally investing in their relationship with God – and that investment is heart, soul and mind - prayer, reading scripture and spending time with God are simple ways we can grow daily as followers of Jesus.
Each one of us is part of the body of Christ, and without our part, the body is lacking. Recapping barriers that exclude like a volunteer-paid divide, sacred-secular divide or a clergy-lay divide and connecting with the idea that we wouldn’t buy a pie and throw 97% of it away.
Jesus teaches us how and where to wait. He invites us to be present to the One who is always already present. He also invites us to listen for the knock, to watch, and to be alert. This is the God who is present in the ordinary circumstances of our lives, even in our waiting.
Pearson reminds us that the wind will blow and the rain will come because the sea is choppy, but He who gives us hope is with us.
How is your relationship with God? And how does that relationship encourage you to ask, seek and knock?
Adrian reminds us why we need to spend time with God, listening to what He is saying, and resting in His presence.
Chris gives us space to think about the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, encouraging us to eagerly desire them so we can see our community blessed by these supernatural gifts.
Emma talks to us about growing the Fruit of the Spirit by walking in step with the Holy Spirit
Adrian reminds us that the way of the cross is a path that leads to salvation and eternal life and challenges us to recognise that following this way also means being prepared give back to God a generous portion of what He gave each of us in the first place.
Fiona talks about the temptation to hold tightly to our things, and reminds us that these are the very things Jesus encourages us to let go of.
We’re going on a journey and you need to keep your focus on where you are going. Pearson reminds us that Jesus says be ready and be prepared!
Chris continues our series on caring for God's creation by talking about lamenting and repenting; encouraging us to look carefully at where we have been going in the wrong direction and to set a new course from here on.
Adrian explains that we are all trusted stewards of God’s 'Creation Business' and so we need to act wisely and well with all that is entrusted to us.
Sam reminds us that we are not rainy day people, and asks us what we are holding on to that God may be asking us to let go of.
Fiona encourages us to set out hearts on the things of God, fixing our eyes on things that are eternal.
Chris speaks about the difference between a scarcity and an abundance mentality and asks us to consider how inequality gives a very different message to the Kingdom of God message that every person is valuable and precious.
Cathy talks about our relationship with God, where we are both told to go and to come and rest.
Gavin encourages us to get right with God, make time for Jesus and be a light and invite.
We are all called to share the good news, and Adrian reminds us that we have the toolkit.
Fiona reminds of us of the sheer pleasure of taking a friend to meet our dad - because we know him, we are able to represent him and introduce people to him and his wonderful love.
Chris looks at 1 Corinthians 12 and reminds us that we are all valuable members of God's family.
Pearson talks about the incredible warmth of being in Jesus presence, reminding us that it is together in his presence that we burn brightly.
Emma encourages us to behold the wonders of God's love this Christmas - the wait is over
The time for darkness is over. A light is coming. Join Chris as he opens us Luke 1 and the angel's reminder that no word from God will ever fail
Emma talks about four ways to be wrong and brings us back to the reality that in all the wrongness, God has made a way
God has a plan for us - Gavin reminds us that this is still relevant for us today. We are not to look for quick fixes and false prophets. Instead, we need to bless the people around us and be a shining light.
Chris continues our journey through the Old Testament and surely things couldn’t get any worse.... they could - MUCH WORSE!
Fiona takes us on a journey through David's noble desire to build a house to remind us that God often has other plans.
Tia reminds us that the Ten Commandments are relevant for us today, teaching us about God and his ways.
Chris takes us on a journey into and out of Egypt with God's people - and this well known story provides a challenge to every one of us.
Gavin continues our journey through the Old Testament by looking at the challenges and difficulties Abraham faced as well as the covenant God made with him.