TEARING UP THE PLAN In more than one religion, producing food in desert places is the mark of a true God. In the earlier books of our Bible, there are…

CUTTING SOME SLACK It was in 1989 that I first moved into the South East. I was called to be Associate Minister of the URC in Purley, at that time,…

PICKING UP THE VIBES READING: Mark 6,verses 14-29. The death of John the Baptist Why would anybody want to have a story like this read in church? It is not…

A MOTLEY CREW Think about Team Building- when you shape a group of people together for a purpose. You are looking for balance of the necessary strengths and skills; a…

RAISED AGAIN? The prophet Ezekiel was staring at a world in ruins. His nation of Israel had been invaded and ultimately destroyed. Living in exile with his people, news had…

THE POWER PACK The sermon began with a video clip of the Beavers packing for a journey. The Scout motto is “Be Prepared.” When you go on a journey, you…

SIGNING UP Famous last words number 2: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This is the bit we do not like. It implies talking about our faith; trying to…

WHAT ABOUT HIM? “YOU are the Architect of your own life” reads the text on inspirational posters and the title of a self-help book by David Worthy. Very good, except,…

LEARNING TO BE LOVED There is no doubt about it- faith should make you a kinder person. That’s what this conversation between Jesus and Peter is about: “Peter, do you…

TAKING THE OLD INTO THE NEW It was Princess Eugenie, wasn’t it, who deliberately had her wedding dress designed to reveal a long scar running down the back of her…