Parish Church in Ampfield, Chilworth and North Baddesley
Talks, sermons and lectures
As we approach Advent we begin to turn our thoughts to the end of time, to our death, and to a time when we will stand in the presence of God. We consider particularly themes to do with judgement and therefore to do with sin. And we have it seems to me a very narrow …
These are Scriptures: the Scriptures given by God preserved by blood, pain, past and present martyrdom. Without it we the church have no story and no song – and without a story and a song we have no certain future. The organised coincidence which is lectionary and a succession of coincidences in a ministry team …
Jesus in his words to the rich man is promoting the fact that wealth is to be shared. None of us has a right to anything. Everything we have is a gift, given by a God who provides for us generously but also makes us responsible for looking after each other. Sometimes you hear of …
How do we root out the things which put stumbling blocks in the way of those who would come to know Jesus? What will it take to ensure that all who are vulnerable and powerless, or who are ‘other’ in their illness or distress will find this sanctuary a place of truthful welcome? Theological colleges …
Read moreInclusive church: however we get there: it’s a necessary thing
Both our New Testament and Gospel readings for today address a key aspect of our calling as Christian disciples: What is to be our attitude to the ‘other’? To the person who is different, or even, as we see it, disadvantaged? Years ago, when this reading from James about the rich and poor man appearing …
Get behind me Satan it’s a good line isn’t it. Get behind me Satan. When I’ve used it or heard it used it’s almost always been in jest – used to playfully rebuke a temptation of some kind or other. It’s such a great phrase. But if we look again at the biblical context we …
Our very selves are defiled, made unholy not by what we take in, but by the corrosion of the human heart. We all have certain core traditions and beliefs that are important to us they make us who we are they define our own behaviours. and the way we think other people should behave and …
Being Christian, offering ourselves at the altar each week, accepting Christ’s body and blood into our bodies is not an easy path. This week I am going to take a break from the Gospel. We have had four weeks of the ‘Bread of Life’ and although I feel that this teaching in this this series …
I’ve been thinking this week, probably since our twwg meeting last Sunday, very much about the Eucharist – Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper, Mass – whatever you like to call it. And I’ve been reflecting that it is now so far removed from life today for most of our communities around us. Why then do …
In great compassion Jesus takes what little the community has, what it gives freely, blesses that and through it works to transform the world. Such is the fruit of compassion and faith, when humanity and God, work in harmony Does anyone have any idea what the most recognised commercial symbol is in the world? McDonalds …
Read moreFeeding of the 5000: the fruit of compassion and blessing
