Many of us carry precious memories passed through generations—stories of those who stood up for what was right, who fought in wars, or who served in quiet, often unseen ways.

Saints are all those who listen attentively for God’s word, who know they won’t get everything right, but who trust in the continuing inexhaustible kindness of God. 

It’s easy to think that we as ordinary citizens have no power, no influence, but we do, and we can enable others to do so. It just needs the spark of one person to start a fire that changes everything.

Is Jesus a god, a human or somehow both? If Jesus is in some way a god, are there two gods or one? If there is one God, how is Jesus connected with God the Father? And what do we think about the Holy Spirit, the church, baptism, and resurrection?

The world Welcome comes from two words - "Wil" which means "desired" and "Cuma" which means "Guest". Its a rather lovely way to think about the word - to desire a guest. To wish for company. 

How do we live well in a world that marks many different life defining moments, almost simultaneously?

What strikes me within the diversity are the contrasts. Perhaps the starkest is between those who can afford to use the artisan and independent cafes and shops and those who sit on the streets begging.  These are the visible ones.

This Sunday 21st September happens to also be what was traditionally called a "Red Letter Day". It's a way of describing a special feast day that occurs in the calendar,

The Magnificat.  It expresses not only Mary’s pride in her God, but also names why – God is the one who raises the lowly, and who feeds the hungry. 

Yet, possibly because of that very specific context, it speaks out clearly about the Christian values of forgiveness and reconciliation.

The letter then goes on to encourage its readers to follow the example of all those heroes that they had heard about.

It is a word that is not just based on "no knowledge" but of some knowledge of the world matched with the humility that we perhaps don't have as yet the full picture.

Prayers for places to be filled, for people to come and be part of something special, for everyone to be safe and blessed by others. 

It is at this time when we think about the ministry of the church today. Not many of us are given a new name, but many of us are called to new and exciting ministries.

‘God anointed Jesus with power’: yes, God’s power was evident, as he taught and as he fed people in amazing ways.

It is also the summit of the mountain we are climbing as we see the grand vista that hope in Christ gives.

It’s easy, when we are involved in a conflict, to concentrate solely on winning the struggle.  But “then what?”  What will happen afterwards? 

We are celebrating Christ’s resurrection, the event that remade us as Easter people, a rebirth-the spring-of our own lives of faith.

Having walked the road of Lent and Holy week, of foot washing, agape meals, silence and Good Friday we are now almost at that time.

I want to tell you about something I find achingly beautiful - something that blows my mind and heals my soul. Did you know that 'Jesus'...

In John’s Gospel this week some of those closest to Jesus are beginning to understand where the road to Jerusalem is leading

This week we have a mini pause from Lent and celebrate "Mothering Sunday". A  mix of traditions and emotions

But there is another much deeper and richer meaning to what it means to be “holy”. It is to have something of God about you.

Whilst our other period  of preparation at Advent is one of joyous anticipation, Lent is more poignant and sober, but also a time of beauty

Lent is a season to be more attentive to the presence of God, and our neediness.

Lent is rapidly approaching. Lent has traditionally been used as a time for reflection and self-examination. It is a time we can consider...

However, change is bittersweet. It’s endings as well as beginnings, and our Candlemas text reminds us of a moment of change and transfer.

We do so always in trust - that like Jesus,  that they will be received, blessed, adored and recognised for who they are.

Dear All Saints and St Marys If you only heard one word from the mouth of Jesus, what might that be?  ‘Love’.  ‘God’.  No, I suggest that...

Happy Gaudete! What a great word to say and reflect on. It is a word that has been set to many a tune-a gift of an earworm for your weekend!

However, it is a reminder to me that peace is hard won, however uncomfortable that may be.

As we begin Advent, we are asked to begin again. To start afresh with God. To come with all hopes, dreams, worries & fears & lay them out.

The Beatitudes recognises and values the poor, grieving, downtrodden, the lowest in society

God would help us ‘hear, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest - ’So how where do we start so our Bible studies don’t give us indigestion?

it can be anything that we put in the place of God that can become our stumbling block, not just money.

It exhorts its hearers to be faithful to Christ, despite difficulties and persecution, because Christ is so much more past leaders

Dear All Saints and St Marys I have always had a soft spot for the Feast of St Michael and All Angels. I have found the ministry of...

Dear Friends in Christ,   Reflecting on a British summer that seems to have consisted of more rain than sunshine, it’s easy to grumble...

Fear not, rejoice and be glad !   Joel 2:21 Services this Sunday 15th September St. Marys 10.00am  - Sung Holy Communion All Saints...

Dear All Saints and St Marys The season of September is in full swing as schools return and the summer holidays fade from view. Autumn...

But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. James 1:22 NRSV   Dear All Saints and St Mary's   This Sunday’s...

So Christians are asked again through these words what is it that we believe & know about Jesus? What difference does that make to us all?

In sharing in Jesus together, we heal wounds, build unity & find strength to lift our hearts and voices to sing a song of hope and peace

Despite knowing all that God has done for us, we can forget that he is with us and try to succeed in our own strength. It is all too easy to

The words we have from the passage in Ephesians this week speaks of Christ who binds people and brings them together. I have a strong image

The account of the fate of John the Baptist is a chance to  reconsider the nature of power and how it is enacted

Jesus came that 'they might have life to the full'.

‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ Mark 4.40   Dear All Saints and St Mary’s   Jesus’ rebuff of the disciples in this ...

Conflict, discord, disagreement between individuals, groups and nations is something that we are all very aware of.

From the very start of the church, Christians have recognized God the Father, the transcendent creator, above and beyond the created order..