Category: Sunday Sermons

Ashes are ceremonially placed on the heads of Christians on Ash Wednesday, either by being sprinkled over their heads or more often by being marked on their foreheads as a visible cross. Words based on Genesis 3:19 are used traditionally to accompany this gesture, “Memento, homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris.” (“Remember that thou art dust, and to dust thou shall return.”)

I wanted to take a moment to invest in the idea that we are asked to accept the ashes which will be imposed upon us to start our journey through Lent. I wonder how you feel about being imposed upon? Continue reading “A Reflection on the Imposition of Ashes” →

During Epiphany I am asking you to think about what kind of Church God is asking us to be through the message of Epiphany. Last week I suggested the story of the Magi from the East reminds us that we need to be a Church that welcomes people from every kind of background and tradition and perspective … just as the Holy family and Jesus himself welcomed all.

Continue reading “Epiphany” →

In the celebration of Epiphany the Messiah is revealed as the Saviour not only of the Jews but also of all the world. So I want you to think imaginatively about the story of the 3 Magi who came to worship Jesus this morning. And I want you to think about the kind of people they were and  how that helps us to see what kind of Church Christ call us to be. A Church of inclusion and of welcome to all. Continue reading “Epiphany: Welcome and Inclusion” →

We are moving towards the end of the Christian calendar and next week is the final week of the Christian year .. we are not very good at coming to end of things are we?? There can be a deep sense of loss or sadness when things come to an end.

In our readings we have an insight into one of the great themes of Jesus mission and message which was not apparent from the start. Continue reading “A time for tearing down .. Mark 13 v 1-8” →