Palm Crosses

Symbols of togetherness and connection… Gospel Reading: Mark 11.1-11 Liturgy of the Palms By the way, for those you who heard (or read) last Sunday’s sermon on growing things, in case you were wondering, I did plant those seeds last week. And yesterday afternoon, I spotted the first tiny seedling poke its head up! Palm Sunday […]

Bethany: the place of welcome and friends

‘Welcome, Nicky.  Welcome, welcome, welcome!’ said Azman.  Moving from the hallway to the living room, Elaine came forward with the biggest smile on her face and said, ‘Nicky you are so welcome.’  It’s funny when we reflect on things in life, how it can be a momentary phrase that changes our lives forever.  I’d never […]

Jesus & cushions!

Finding comfort in the storm… Mark 4.35-41 When evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side [of the lake].” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so […]

Kum ba yah, My Lord

Sermon for Mothering Sunday, by Lucy Gildersleeves Today is Mothering Sunday, when we celebrate ‘mother church’, and those who have been as mothers to us – those who have cared, nourished, protected and stood by us – and we celebrate God’s motherly love for us. You might like to have a pencil and a piece […]

Divine Images of Mothering

Images of Divine Love, God as Mother, God as Father We are so used to saying, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” that we automatically limit our thinking and imagery to the male gender. The impact of the words Father and Son are such that we tend to think of Spirit as male also. But for […]

Rules, or “Love Rules”?

Thoughts on the Ten Commandments There are few things so frustrating in life as rules – when they are not in your favour. Equally rules are extremely useful when trying to navigate a strange and unfamiliar situation.  Revd. Jim preached a wonderful sermon for us yesterday on the Ten Commandments, and he has sent me […]

Human Wisdom & Divine Foolishness

Game theory is all about making decisions based on trying to work out what the other is going to do, and what is therefore of greatest benefit to ‘me’. There are various kinds of games, but the bottom line is our choices and those of others are always going to interact with and impact on […]