Lectionary 25/02/2024
- Second Sunday of/in Lent - Year B
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Jesus Heals a Leper
Jesus Heals a Leper
by Dave Hopwood
A New Kind of Fishing Bible Ref: Matthew 4,8,9 &12; Mark 1-3; Luke 4-6; John 4 & 5 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to …
Blind Guides
Blind Guides
by Dave Hopwood
Feet of Clay and the Breath of God Bible Ref: Isaiah 42; Matthew 5-8 & 10; Mark 3; Luke 6 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to …
The Centurion's Servant
The Centurion's Servant
by Dave Hopwood
A Matter of Life and Death Bible Ref: Matthew 8,9,& 11 -13; Mark 3&4; Luke 7&8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the l…
Hidden Treasure and Precious Pearls
Hidden Treasure and Precious Pearls
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
The Death of John the Baptist
The Death of John the Baptist
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand People
Jesus Feeds Five Thousand People
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
The Bread of Life
The Bread of Life
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
What Makes a Person Unclean
What Makes a Person Unclean
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
Jesus Heals a Deaf Mute
Jesus Heals a Deaf Mute
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
Jesus Feeds Four Thousand People
Jesus Feeds Four Thousand People
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the linkin…
The Pharisees Ask for a Sign
The Pharisees Ask for a Sign
by Dave Hopwood
Food and Water Bible Ref: Matthew 9-11 & 13-16; Mark 6-8; Luke 9; John 6-7 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator to read the link…
Intercessions for Years A, B and C Book - Lent 2 – Year B
Intercessions for Years A, B and C Book - Lent 2 – Year B
by SPCK - Ian Black
Lent 2 – Year B God of our salvation We trust in your promise. Jesus, Saviour of the world, you embraced the way of sacrificial love. Give your Church faith and courage to follow you wherever it may lead . . . Taken from Intercessions for Years A, B and C by Ian Black
The Yeast of the Pharisees
The Yeast of the Pharisees
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Jesus Heals a Blind Man
Jesus Heals a Blind Man
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Peter's Declaration about Jesus
Peter's Declaration about Jesus
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
The Transfiguration
The Transfiguration
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Jesus Heals a Deaf and Dumb Boy
Jesus Heals a Deaf and Dumb Boy
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Money from a Fish's Mouth
Money from a Fish's Mouth
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Become Like a Child
Become Like a Child
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Who is the Greatest
Who is the Greatest
by Dave Hopwood
Who is the Greatest? Jesus: James – what were you and the others talking about on the way here today? James: Ah! Well – lots of things Lord… Jesus: Anything in particular? You appeared to have a heated debate at one point? James: Oh not really… Just… nothing. Jesus: John – what’s…
The Unforgiving Servant
The Unforgiving Servant
by Dave Hopwood
The Unforgiving Servant King: Now, I suppose you know why I’ve called you here today? Servant: Er... to polish your boots, sir? King: No. Servant: Oh, er... to feed your Majesty’s royal dogs perhaps. King: No. Servant: Er... I know - to lend you some money? King: NO! I am the Kin…
Thunderbolts from Heaven on a Smaritan Village
Thunderbolts from Heaven on a Smaritan Village
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Counting the Cost
Counting the Cost
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
The Temple Guards
The Temple Guards
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
The Woman Caught in Adultery
The Woman Caught in Adultery
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Faith matter
Faith matter
by Marjorie Dobson
2nd Sunday in Lent Genesis 12: 1-4a Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17 Meditation: Faith matters Abraham could have stayed at home, safe and sheltered, lawful and loved. Why not? Many others were doing the same. Keeping their heads down and their noses clean. Why didn’t he do that? Surely God …
Good Saviour Jesus‚ mercy show
Good Saviour Jesus‚ mercy show
by Norman J Goreham (1931-2021)
TO GOD WITH ALL OUR HEART RETURN (A HYMN FOR THE LENTEN SEASON) Good Saviour Jesus‚ mercy show to your whole church now penitent‚ that we in godliness may grow throughout these forty days of Lent. This living sacrifice we make: your patient love for us discern‚ the cycle of our s…
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Saturday: First Week in Holy Week Year B
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Saturday: First Week in Holy Week Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B WEEK 1: SATURDAY... ...Fans of detective stories will know the drill. The main lines of the plot are reasonably clear, or so it appears. But somewhere on the way there will be a clue, a hint, a nudge, which the alert reader will pick up. The culprit …
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Second Sunday of Lent Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Second Sunday of Lent Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Second Sunday of Lent Genesis 17.1–7, 15, 16 Romans 4.13–25 Mark 8.31–38 The Old Testament readings for Lent this year are encouraging us to think about covenants. Last week we had the covenant with Noah, this week we have Abraham, and next week – let me give you a sneak prev…
Hymn: Not so funny, yet he chuckled
Hymn: Not so funny, yet he chuckled
by Andrew Pratt
Not so funny, yet he chuckled, this was not the time he’d planned, in his nineties, got his pension, soon to be a family man! Verses 2-3 follow Tune: SHIPSTON Metre: 8 7 8 7 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 7/2/2012 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, www.stainer.co.uk. Pleas…
Poem: If God could...
Poem: If God could...
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: If God could … (this would probably work best with two readers taking alternative lines, although it could be used as a solo piece with pauses between the lines.) If God could make a promise to a couple in their nineties – even given that time may have been counted differen…
Hymn: When my mind was double doubting
Hymn: When my mind was double doubting
by Andrew Pratt
When my mind was double doubting, when my brain was racked with pain, when no angels flew about me, when I thought I’d gone insane, suddenly God came and found me, brought me back to life again. Raise the roof with hallelujahs, paint the skies with psalms of praise, God has plumb…
Prayer: God who listens
Prayer: God who listens
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: God who listens God, who listens, even when we think you’re not around to do so, we come to you because we know we can trust you. Even when we are unsure of ourselves and feel far away from you, you are always there, waiting for us to recognize your voice and to ask for y…
Prayer: Trust beyond imagination
Prayer: Trust beyond imagination
by Andrew Pratt
Prayer: Trust beyond imagination God, parent and guardian, stand by us in our weakness we pray, that when even our imagination can see no way through, a spark of faith is kept alive in our hearts; Kindle it, we pray. At those times when are tempted to challenge and condemn others…
Reflection/poem: Challenge
Reflection/poem: Challenge
by Marjorie Dobson
Reflection/poem: Challenge ‘You don’t need to do that! Why do you put yourself through it? It’s totally unnecessary!’ Wise advice? Maybe – in some circumstances. Self-inflicted suffering doesn’t seem to make sense in the everyday world. But there are times when we have to face th…
Hymn: All the pain and hurt and horror
Hymn: All the pain and hurt and horror
by Andrew Pratt
All the pain and hurt and horror, loss, denial and mistrust, hovered round as Jesus waited for his friends to re-adjust. Lost within misunderstanding: thought that love was just a dream, knew that it would be so easy, they’re confounded by Love’s scheme. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: L…
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Sunday: Week 2 in Lent Year B
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Sunday: Week 2 in Lent Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B WEEK 2: SUNDAY... ...Imagine you are standing there in the dark, at the foot of the cross. The sun’s light has failed, and through your tears all you can see is this horrible pole stretching up, with Jesus hanging there, his whole body so tortured th…
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Friday: Week 3 in Lent Year B
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B - Friday: Week 3 in Lent Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Lent for Everyone Mark Year B WEEK 3:FRIDAY... ...The first time I went on live radio, I wasn’t conscious of being terrified until I began to speak. Even then, I didn’t feel it as a flutter in the stomach, or my knees knocking together, or anything like that. It came out – well, …
Mark for Everyone - Jesus Predicts His Death
Mark for Everyone - Jesus Predicts His Death
by SPCK - N T Wright
Mark For Everyone MARK 8.31—9.1 Jesus Predicts His Death... ...I watched from a window as the riot police got ready. They looked like sportsmen preparing for a match, putting on pads and helmets, gloves and special outer clothes. Only this wasn’t a game. It was real. They didn’t …
Hebrews for Everyone - What Faith Really Means
Hebrews for Everyone - What Faith Really Means
by SPCK - N T Wright
What Faith Really Means Hebrews 11.1-6 I had thought we were alone on the hillside. It had been misty for some of our walk, and at other times sharp little squalls of rain had spat in our faces. But we had kept going, knowing there would be some difficult climbing later on (a roc…
Hebrews for Everyone - The Finished Achievement of the Messiah
Hebrews for Everyone - The Finished Achievement of the Messiah
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Finished Achievement of the Messiah Hebrews 10.11-18 Many of us in the modern world do our work sitting down. I’m sitting at a desk as I write this; I’m aware that my posture isn’t perfect, that I’m in danger of getting stiff shoulders, and that if I took more time to walk ar…
Hebrews for Everyone - Faith and the Future: Noah, Abraham, Sarah
Hebrews for Everyone - Faith and the Future: Noah, Abraham, Sarah
by SPCK - N T Wright
Faith and the Future: Noah, Abraham, Sarah Hebrews 11.7-12 ‘The starry heaven above us’ was one of the two central facts upon which the great philosopher Immanuel Kant based his view of God. (The other was ‘the moral law within us’.) From the earliest recorded times, humans have …
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - Abraham's Faith - and Ours
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - Abraham's Faith - and Ours
by SPCK - N T Wright
Abraham’s Faith – and Ours ROMANS 4.18-25 When my family and I emigrated to Canada in the early 1980s, we frequently thought about the early pioneers, arriving in a new and unknown country with no idea what they would find, what the weather would be like, what crops might grow, o…
LWPT Meditations - Second Sunday of Lent - Year B
LWPT Meditations - Second Sunday of Lent - Year B
by Susan Thorne
Meditation- 2nd Sun of Lent Year B Genesis 17 v 1-7,15-16 Psalm 22 23-31 Romans 4 v 13-25 Mark 8 v 31-38 When Jesus cried out those terrible words from the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” he was speaking the first verse of Psalm 22 - actually a song of praise -…
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 22:14
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 22:14
by SPCK - James Jones
Psalm 22:14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart also in the midst of my body is even like melting wax. Recovering from heart surgery I could not find a more vivid expression to describe my aching body and soul. Anaesthesia, sedation and painkil…
Genesis for Everyone Part 1 - Get Yourself Outta Here
Genesis for Everyone Part 1 - Get Yourself Outta Here
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Get Yourself Outta Here Genesis 11: 31- 12: 2a I just had a phone call from a graduate of our seminary who is about to leave the United States to join some people seeking to establish a Christian presence in a country where there is little such witness. She knows that when my wif…
Genesis for Everyone Part 1 - To Be a Blessing
Genesis for Everyone Part 1 - To Be a Blessing
by SPCK - John Goldingay
To Be a Blessing Genesis 12: 2b When my grandmother died, she left her legacy to be divided among her grandchildren. Her legacy was about two hundred pounds (about three hundred dollars), and we got about twenty pounds each. I bought two prints with it: one sits behind me as I wr…
Genesis for Everyone Part 1 - So Abraham Went
Genesis for Everyone Part 1 - So Abraham Went
by SPCK - John Goldingay
So Abraham Went Genesis 12: 3-6a I first visited the Middle East six years after Israel occupied the West Bank. We were based mostly in Tel Aviv, but we had not been there long before we drove up into the West Bank and went to Nablus, one of its three most important towns. The na…
The unexpected move
The unexpected move
by Rev. Margaret Roe
The unexpected move Sarah – Genesis 12:1-9 It’s hard to be uprooted at my age. “Pack your bags” he had said. “Why, where are we going?” “I don’t know”, he replied. “Just pack your bags.” Well I know women should obey their husbands but this was too much. “How long are we going fo…
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - From Worldview to Theology
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - From Worldview to Theology
by SPCK - N T Wright
Part 1: PAUL AND HIS WORLD Chapter One RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY? 2 Philemon and the Study of Paul (iii) From Worldview to Theology The particular claim of the present book, then, embodied in the transition between Part II and Part III, is that when we understand the worldview of Pau…
Psalms for Everyone - My God, My God, Why?
Psalms for Everyone - My God, My God, Why?
by SPCK - John Goldingay
My God, My God, Why? Psalm 22: 1-18 Each Palm Sunday as part of our church’s worship we read the story of Jesus’ trial and execution, with members of the congregation taking different parts. There are a number of frightening moments in the story. Particularly sickening is the poi…
Psalms for Everyone - On Facing Two Sets of Facts
Psalms for Everyone - On Facing Two Sets of Facts
by SPCK - John Goldingay
On Facing Two Sets of Facts Psalm 22: 19-31 Two friends of ours were giving us an amusing account of a difference they had discerned between the way they approach problems in their relationship and in other aspects of life. It was amusing yet also serious and profound. When there…
The Living God - God and the darkness of faith
The Living God - God and the darkness of faith
by SPCK - Alister McGrath
An almighty God: power, compassion and suffering 3 God and the darkness of faith When I was young my family took vacations in County Donegal in the north-west of Ireland. We loved its beautiful beaches and rugged countryside. However, Atlantic rainstorms, sweeping in from the wes…
Rhythms of remembering - Lent - Monday Morning Prayer
Rhythms of remembering - Lent - Monday Morning Prayer
by SPCK - Hannah Ward & Jennifer Wild
LENT - Monday Morning Prayer Blessed are you, O God: you call us to follow the way of Jesus. ….Let us humble ourselves; let us strive to know our God, whose justice dawns like the morning star; ….its dawning is as sure as the sunrise...
Journeying With Mark Year B - Christmas
Journeying With Mark Year B - Christmas
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
2 Christmas Exploring the text Mark’s Gospel provides slim pickings at Christmas time. Unlike the Gospels of Matthew and Luke it provides no run-up to the birth of Jesus and no account of the events surrounding his birth. It does not even, like John’s Gospel, provide a poetic int…
Journeying With Mark Year B - Epiphany
Journeying With Mark Year B - Epiphany
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
3 Epiphany Exploring the text In the season of Epiphany we celebrate the revelation of God in the world, and in particular his revelation to the Magi in Matthew’s Gospel. Yet again this idea seems to run counter to Mark’s Gospel, which appears on the surface to be more concerned …
Journeying With Mark Year B - Lent
Journeying With Mark Year B - Lent
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
4 Lent Exploring the text During Lent we prepare ourselves for the Passion of Christ, looking forward to that time when Jesus’ suffering and death will bring redemption to the world. In Mark’s Gospel, we discover that we are not the only ones expecting Jesus’ death: Jesus too loo…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The Lion's Appearance
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The Lion's Appearance
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The lion’s appearance Symbolism and meaning The opening of any ancient biography usually tried to say something about who the subject was and where he came from. Often the first words included the subject’s name, and, perhaps, a brief comment about his family, ancestry or home to…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The beast of conflict
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The beast of conflict
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The beast of conflict Opposition and ministry, Mark 1—8 One thing is clear about lions in every age and culture: they are powerful fighters with a keen sense of territory. After the opening flurry of chapter 1, Jesus starts to roam far and wide around the northern territories by …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - What kind of animal is this creature?
Four Gospels, One Jesus - What kind of animal is this creature?
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
What kind of animal is this creature? Identity and interlude, Mark 8—10 So, everybody misunderstands Jesus during the first half of this gospel – his family (3.21–35), the crowds (4.10–12), the Gerasenes (5.17), his own home town (6.1–6), the religious leaders (7.6; 8.11–12) and …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - In at the kill
Four Gospels, One Jesus - In at the kill
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
In at the kill The Passion, Mark 14—15 At last we come to the ending – the Markan Passion, a dark scene to which the whole gospel has been leading. Jesus has made his way to Jerusalem, and this geographical concentration has brought the conflict into focus: a lion’s story should …
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The ox, the herd, and the drivers
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The ox, the herd, and the drivers
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
The ox, the herd, and the drivers Luke’s characterization The gospels’ stories involve three main protagonists – Jesus himself, his disciples and the religious leaders of his day, with three storylines developing en route to their shared climax at the death and resurrection. So l…
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The way of an eagle in the sky
Four Gospels, One Jesus - The way of an eagle in the sky
by SPCK - Richard A Burridge
‘The way of an eagle in the sky’ Following John’s story, style and structure The ‘way of an eagle in the sky’ may be hard to understand (Prov. 30.19) but many readers have felt similarly as they have sought to follow the twists and turns, heights and depths of this most subtle ev…
the greatest prayer - Pray Then in This Way
the greatest prayer - Pray Then in This Way
by SPCK - John Dominic Crossan
1 Pray Then in This Way We do not know how to pray as we ought. Romans 8:26 There is a design team for airports whose special job is the location of public electricity outlets in passenger terminals. Their job is to make them…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book I (Pss. 1-41)
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Book I (Pss. 1-41)
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Book I (Pss. 1-41) Book I opens, in Psalm 1, with words encouraging faithful meditation upon the Torah. The book continues in Psalm 2 with words of warning to the nations and their rulers to recognize the God of Israel as king over all. The psalms are framed (1:1 and 2:11) with t…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - First Lesson
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - First Lesson
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
First Lesson (Mark 8: 22- 9: 50) The two-stage healing of the blind man from Bethsaida serves both as the conclusion to the journeys back and forth across the sea in chapters 4–8 and as the introduction to the journey from Galilee to Jerusalem in chapters 8–10. Physical sight has…
Traces of Glory Year B - The Second Sunday of Lent - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - The Second Sunday of Lent - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
The Second Sunday of Lent To you, O Lord, be praise and glory, for the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ over death and hell; in him we are more than conquerors, for he has called us into eternal life. Lord, make us worthy of our calling that we may serve you in love and peace; th…
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Second Sunday in Lent - Year B
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Second Sunday in Lent - Year B
by Andrew Pratt and Marjorie Dobson
Second Sunday in Lent - Year B Service contents: Hymn: God has spoken, by his prophets or Bright morning maker, as your sun breaks through Psalm 22:23-31 Prayer: God who listens Hymn: Have faith in God, my heart or When my mind was double doubting, Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 …
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Mark's gospel A Drama in Three Acts
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Mark's gospel A Drama in Three Acts
by BRF - Dick France
MARK’S GOSPEL- A DRAMA in THREE ACTS After a prologue which sets the scene, Mark’s story unfolds in three main sections, each of which has a distinct geographical setting: 1:1–13 Prologue (set in ‘the wilderness’) 1:14—8:21 Act 1: Galilee 8:22—10:52 …
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Peter Declares his Faith
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Peter Declares his Faith
by BRF - Dick France
PETER DECLARES his FAITH Caesarea Philippi is the most northerly point of Jesus’ journeys, in a remote non-Jewish area in the foothills of the Mount Hermon range. He takes his disciples not to the town itself but into the countryside, and the whole focus of this part of the story…
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - A Dose of Cold Water
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - A Dose of Cold Water
by BRF - Dick France
A DOSE of COLD WATER The command to maintain silence must have been deflating enough, but what follows is far harder to take. The martyrdom of the Son of man The exciting title ‘Messiah’ is immediately dropped, and Jesus speaks of himself, as he usually does, as the ‘Son of man’.…
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Ultimate Realities
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - Ultimate Realities
by BRF - Dick France
ULTIMATE REALITIES Gaining and losing Verses 35–37 are hard to translate, since the same Greek word, here translated by ‘life’ (but sometimes also by ‘soul’), means both the fact of being physically alive and not dead and also the real self which is far more than physical life an…
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - The Veil Is Drawn Aside
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - The Veil Is Drawn Aside
by BRF - Dick France
The VEIL is DRAWN ASIDE There is a further possible meaning of Jesus’ puzzling saying in verse 1 about seeing that the kingdom of God has come with power. For ‘some’ (only three) of those who heard it would indeed have a more immediate vision of power and glory, a foretaste of wh…
JOHN: The people's bible commentary - The TEACHER is TAUGHT HEAVENLY THINGS
JOHN: The people's bible commentary - The TEACHER is TAUGHT HEAVENLY THINGS
by BRF - Richard A. Burridge
The TEACHER is TAUGHT HEAVENLY THINGS After Jesus’ comparison of the Spirit with the wind, poor old Nicodemus has to ask for yet further explanation (3:9). As ‘a teacher of Israel’ (3:10), he should have known the old prophecies about God giving his people ‘a new heart and a new …
52 Reflections on Faith - Emmaus: the eyes of faith
52 Reflections on Faith - Emmaus: the eyes of faith
by BRF - Stephen W. Need
Emmaus: The eyes of faith During the last couple of decades or so, a series of fascinating coffee table books called Magic Eye have appeared in the shops. The books contain what, at first sight, look like fairly boring two-dimensional wallpaper patterns, but if you hold the pages…
Traces of Glory Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - The Fifth Sunday of Easter - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
The Fifth Sunday of Easter God of love, may we abide in your presence and so abide in your love: as we freely receive your love, let us freely share with others all that you have given us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, for ever …
52 Reflections on Faith - Jesus Christ today
52 Reflections on Faith - Jesus Christ today
by BRF - Stephen W. Need
8 Jesus Christ today: ‘Who is Jesus Christ for us today?’ This is the famous question asked by Dietrich Bonhoeffer from his cell in Tegel military prison, Germany, during the last 18 months of his life. Bonhoeffer had been arrested and imprisoned by the Nazis in April 1943. He wa…
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 19 - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 19 - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
Proper 19 O Lord, as Peter confessed you as Christ, give us boldness to proclaim your redeeming love and saving power in the world; may we be ready to beat the cross and give ourselves for others and the advancement of your kingdom; we ask this in your Name, Jesus our Lord, who w…
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 23 - Year B
Traces of Glory Year B - Proper 23 - Year B
by SPCK - David Adam
Proper 23 Holy and Strong One, we praise you for Jesus Christ our great High Priest, who has entered into the fullness of the kingdom in heaven and opened for us a gate of glory. May we approach the throne of grace and boldness, and in time of need know your mercy and grace; thro…
52 Reflections on Faith - Remembrance: Hope against hope
52 Reflections on Faith - Remembrance: Hope against hope
by BRF - Stephen W. Need
Remembrance: Hope against hope Remembrance Sunday is a sombre day. It’s the day of the year set aside for remembering all those who died in the two World Wars of 1914–18 and 1939–45. Always held on the Sunday nearest to 11 November, it marks the cessation of violence at the end o…
The Womens' Bible Commentary - The Mothers and Fathers of Israel
The Womens' Bible Commentary - The Mothers and Fathers of Israel
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
The Mothers and Fathers of Israel Commentaries on Genesis 12–50 generally focus on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph, ancestral heroes of Israel. Their life stories are built from traditional elements such as the hero’s unusual birth, his stormy relationship with his brothers, yo…
52 Reflections on Faith - Justification by faith: Computer studies
52 Reflections on Faith - Justification by faith: Computer studies
by BRF - Stephen W. Need
Justification by faith: Computer studies Sometime back in the late 1980s, I took an adventurous step and bought an Amstrad computer. Thinking of it now, it feels like a computer dinosaur. Actually, mine was only a word processor and I bought it partly, at least, under the sad ill…
MARK THE PEOPLE’S BIBLE COMMENTARY - PUTTING the CART before the HORSE
MARK THE PEOPLE’S BIBLE COMMENTARY - PUTTING the CART before the HORSE
by BRF - Dick France
PUTTING the CART before the HORSE MARK 7: 9-13 ‘Making void the word of God’ The unexpected accusation which Jesus has launched against the scribes in verse 8 is repeated in different words twice more, in verses 9 and 13…
MARK THE PEOPLE’S BIBLE COMMENTARY - WHAT about ELIJAH?
MARK THE PEOPLE’S BIBLE COMMENTARY - WHAT about ELIJAH?
by BRF - Dick France
WHAT about ELIJAH? MARK 9: 9-13 There is something bizarre and yet reassuring in the picture of Jesus walking down the mountain in earnest conversation with Peter, James and John, so soon after they have seen him bathed in dazzling light and talking with men long dead…
journeying with John - 4 Passion and Holy Week
journeying with John - 4 Passion and Holy Week
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
4 Passion and Holy Week Each of the Gospels brings its portrayal of Jesus to a climax with his death. Although the themes are different in each Gospel, it is important to pay close attention to the themes that come to the fore in the crucifixion accounts, since they tell us somet…
embodying mark - 3 Following the Healer
embodying mark - 3 Following the Healer
by SPCK - meda a a stamper
3 Following the Healer Hearing the healing in Mark The teacher on the boat of Mark 4 has crossed over to the other side. Beyond the stormy seas, he is confronted by the torment of human suffering in its various guises: the raging of a tortured demoniac, the desperation of the fat…
embodying mark - 7 Following the King
embodying mark - 7 Following the King
by SPCK - meda a a stamper
7 Following the King Finally we come to the terrible death of the Son, betrayed, denied and deserted by his male followers; mocked by passers-by, who shake their heads and say ‘Aha’, and by the religious authorities, who have condemned him in a kangaroo court and handed him over …
CHRISTIANITY AND THE RENEWAL OF NATURE - 1d Creative engagement with nature
CHRISTIANITY AND THE RENEWAL OF NATURE - 1d Creative engagement with nature
by SPCK - Sebastian C.H. Kim and Jonathan Draper
Creative engagement with nature Renewing the face of the earth, then, is an enterprise not of imposing some private human vision on a passive nature but of living in such a way as to bring more clearly to light the interconnectedness of all things and their dependence on what we …
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 208
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 208
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
A selection of commentary, reflection and prayer ideas from various Christian authors and the full bible texts from the NRSV for this week's lectionary. NOW INCLUDING SERIALISED BOOKS FROM SPCK AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM BRF. Check below for details. Subscribe to Fresh Thoughts For S…
Vine Video - What are you being called to? - Vine Video - 28th February
Vine Video - What are you being called to? - Vine Video - 28th February
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
The Vine Video 28th February 2021 What are you being called to? Video version of the 'What are you being called to?'section of this week's Vine resources. You might like to use this video at the appropriate part in the service to help people reflect on their own vocation / callin…
Following Christ
Following Christ
by Colin Smith
This reflection is based upon Mark 8:34 were Jesus sets out what following him entails. Three main ideas arise from this verse namely the call of Christ, the cross of Christ and the company of Christ. each of these are considered in turn both in terms of the Biblical revelation …
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What news is good? That Christ will live forever?
What news is good? That Christ will live forever?
by Andrew Pratt
What news is good? That Christ will live forever? Beyond a cruel death an empty grave? And whether this is fact or faith means nothing unless Christ's Spirit gives the means to save. If we endure derision, in this moment, or share communion bread within this place, unless our liv…
Hymn: Not so funny, yet he chuckled
Hymn: Not so funny, yet he chuckled
by Andrew Pratt
Not so funny, yet he chuckled, this was not the time he’d planned, in his nineties, got his pension, soon to be a family man! Verses 2-3 follow Tune: SHIPSTON Metre: 8 7 8 7 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 7/2/2012 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, www.stainer.co.uk. Pleas…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Second Sunday of Lent Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Second Sunday of Lent Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Second Sunday of Lent Genesis 17.1–7, 15, 16 Romans 4.13–25 Mark 8.31–38 The Old Testament readings for Lent this year are encouraging us to think about covenants. Last week we had the covenant with Noah, this week we have Abraham, and next week – let me give you a sneak prev…
When the stars were shining brightly
When the stars were shining brightly
by Andrew Pratt
When the stars were shining brightly, over silent, sand and stone, through the desert God had led us, seeking rest where we might home. Our companion, friend, defender, cloudy pillar, fiery light, brought us safe through fear and danger, to the morning from our night. Verse 2 fol…
Faith matter
Faith matter
by Marjorie Dobson
2nd Sunday in Lent Genesis 12: 1-4a Romans 4: 1-5, 13-17 Meditation: Faith matters Abraham could have stayed at home, safe and sheltered, lawful and loved. Why not? Many others were doing the same. Keeping their heads down and their noses clean. Why didn’t he do that? Surely God …
LWPT Meditations - Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
LWPT Meditations - Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
by Susan Thorne
Meditation – Tenth Sunday of Ordinary Time Year A Genesis 12:1-9 Psalm 33:1-12 Romans 4:13-25 Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26 There had been the Fall (Genesis 3), the Flood (Genesis 6) and the disastrous Tower of Babel (Genesis 11). Then came a man whom God could call “friend” – Abram, lat…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - The Second Sunday of Lent Year A
Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - The Second Sunday of Lent Year A
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Second Sunday of Lent - Year A Genesis 12.1–4a Romans 4.1–5, 13–17 John 3.1–17 ‘Leave country, kin and home, and go.’ And Abram went. The call was like that other word, to leave and cleave, spoken before the Fall: a marriage vow, a challenge and a pledge of loyalty. Like,…
Out of hope we act with boldness
Out of hope we act with boldness
by Andrew Pratt
Out of hope we act with boldness, Christ sustaining us through grace now our faith unveils the Godhead, now we're praying face to face. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: LOVE DIVINE (Stainer) Metre: 8.7.8.7 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 24/1/2013 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, w…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - Second Sunday of Easter - Year A
Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - Second Sunday of Easter - Year A
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Second Sunday of Easter - Year A Acts 2.14a, 22–32 1 Peter 1.3–9 John 20.19–31 Jesus’ resurrection scattered new meanings all around, like light reflecting a thousand ways off a priceless jewel. The first thing was the validation of Jesus’ messianic ministry. His powerful dee…
Justice? Justice? Call for justice
Justice? Justice? Call for justice
by Andrew Pratt
Justice? Justice? Call for justice in this crazed demented world? Where is righteousness uncovered? Where are grace and love unfurled? God we need your simple conscience to inform the words we say, child like eyes unmasked, perceiving mothers grieving day by day. Verses 3-4 follo…
Paul for Everyone The Prison Letters - Grace, not Works
Paul for Everyone The Prison Letters - Grace, not Works
by SPCK - N T Wright
Grace, not Works Ephesians 2.8-10 In the mid-1970s a country vet in a small town in northern England suddenly became world-famous. James Herriot, quite suddenly and in mid-life, wrote books that sold in huge quantities around the world. Herriot (whose real name was Alfred Wight) …
Paul for Everyone Romans part 2 - The Fulfilment of the Covenant
Paul for Everyone Romans part 2 - The Fulfilment of the Covenant
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Fulfilment of the Covenant ROMANS 10.5-13 Edward Elgar was the greatest English composer of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Among his many works, perhaps the best known is the Enigma Variations. As the second word of its name implies, it is a set of variation…
Hymn: The years have turned
Hymn: The years have turned
by Andrew Pratt
The years have turned, the ages passed, millennia run like a stream, and were those words of prophecy a concrete hope, or just a dream? And could a child embody peace, and justice have a human face, could holiness and righteousness inform our grasp of love and grace? Verses 3-4 f…
Reflection: Impossibilities
Reflection: Impossibilities
by Marjorie Dobson
Reflection: Impossibilities When Alice went Through the Looking Glass, the White Queen told her that in her youth she had managed to ‘believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.’ She was an amateur when compared with Abram, or Abraham, as he’d become known when his…
Poem: If God could...
Poem: If God could...
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: If God could … (this would probably work best with two readers taking alternative lines, although it could be used as a solo piece with pauses between the lines.) If God could make a promise to a couple in their nineties – even given that time may have been counted differen…
LWPT Meditations - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
LWPT Meditations - Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
by Susan Thorne
Meditation – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A Romans 10: 5-15 “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10 v 13) Who is this Lord on whom we must call? The words, quoted by Paul in his letter to the Romans, are from the prophecy of Joel (2 v 32) and are…
Chosen by Christ
Chosen by Christ
by Julie M Fairweather
Chosen by Christ When You said that I didn’t choose You that it was You who chose me I knew it was true. For only You could have led me here met me here - in this place. This place where You look on me and You see me as I truly am - warts and all. Yet still You write my name in…
On the move
On the move
by Marjorie Dobson
2nd Sunday in Lent Genesis 12: 1 – 4a Drama Monologue: On the move I see they’re off again! That couple next door. Some families always seem to be on the move, don’t they? Of course they’re not really from round here anyway. They’re foreigners. Been here a long time mind, but the…
Abram set out on a journey
Abram set out on a journey
by Andrew Pratt
2nd Sunday in Lent Hymn: Abram set out on a journey Abram set out on a journey, joined this new, uncertain, game. Challenges bring new excitement, no two days will be the same. Life was settled, now it’s shaken, preconceptions turned around, every day a new beginning, every place…
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - A Dose of Cold Water
Mark The People's Bible Commentary - A Dose of Cold Water
by BRF - Dick France
A DOSE of COLD WATER The command to maintain silence must have been deflating enough, but what follows is far harder to take. The martyrdom of the Son of man The exciting title ‘Messiah’ is immediately dropped, and Jesus speaks of himself, as he usually does, as the ‘Son of man’.…
Counting the Cost
Counting the Cost
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Peter's Declaration about Jesus
Peter's Declaration about Jesus
by Dave Hopwood
The Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing But… Bible Ref: Matthew 16-18; Mark 8 & 9; Luke 9; John 7-8 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a na…
Take up your cross and follow me
Take up your cross and follow me
by Rev David East
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is:- • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in…
Imagining the Lectionary: Come Advent Spirit and enlighten our imaginations (Advent 1B)
Imagining the Lectionary: Come Advent Spirit and enlighten our imaginations (Advent 1B)
by David Perry
Imagining the Lectionary: Come Advent Spirit and enlighten our imaginations (Advent 1B) Reflection accompanying images “street performer with hoop of fire” "Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come" (Mark 13:33) As night falls in the centre of Nottingham a …
A baby had been promised
A baby had been promised
by Andrew Pratt
A baby had been promised, a child had come to birth whose counsel should be honoured by everyone on earth. His presence was first signalled in unexpected ways by shepherds and by Magi who came to offer praise. Verses 2-3 follow © Andrew Pratt 19/1/2014 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) …
People will gather in praise for creation
People will gather in praise for creation
by Andrew Pratt
People will gather in praise for creation, praise for the love that has brought us to birth. Nations acknowledge a oneness of purpose, this is God’s dream for the whole of the earth. Those who are weeping will find consolation, comfort and peace that the world cannot give... Vers…
We gather in this holy space
We gather in this holy space
by Andrew Pratt
We gather in this holy space. We pray in penitence and awe. Your spirit moves within this place, we bow, as we have done before. Your law is written on each heart, your love will penetrate each soul, you bring through music, thought and art a covenant to make us whole. Verses 3-4…
Poem: Covenant
Poem: Covenant
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Covenant A covenant of love is made between two people who are committed to each other and want to share their lives with each other. Each enters into the covenant with the intention of giving all to a lifelong relationship. All is done in good faith and with the best of mo…
Hymn: A legal agreement gave God and the people
Hymn: A legal agreement gave God and the people
by Andrew Pratt
A legal agreement gave God and the people a new sense of confidence, comfort and peace. The covenant forged led to new understanding, God's spirit within them had brought them release; Verses 2-3 follow Tune: WAS LEBET, WAS SCHWEBET Metre: 12.11.12.11 Andrew Pratt (born 1948)…
Hymn: God we need to know your mercy
Hymn: God we need to know your mercy
by Andrew Pratt
God we need to know your mercy, feel your grace around our lives, sense the presence of your spirit, loving kindness that survives. Faults that haunt us from our history are eroded by your grace; through your mercy life is lifted to a brighter finer place. Verse 3 follows Tune: S…
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - Dying to the Law
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - Dying to the Law
by SPCK - N T Wright
Dying to the Law ROMANS 7.1-6 I have done my best, in this book and the others like it, to use illustrations which will help my readers get to the heart of the point in each passage. Some reviewers have questioned both the wisdom of this attempt and my skill in achieving it, but …
The Lord now lives
The Lord now lives
by Michael Docker
The Lord now lives; the world has turned The Lord now lives; the world has turned: Life that had ended now revives. The Lord now lives, and we are turned From sighs of grief to sing, 'He lives!'; From fearful nights, from angry days, From clouded minds and wayward wills To richer…
By faith not sight
By faith not sight
by Hannah Soar
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in t…
By faith not sight - red
By faith not sight - red
by Hannah Soar
TIP- PowerPoint Slide Size- The ideal way to insert into PowerPoint is • Reduce the image size to 1024x768 pixels using your image editing software. (Will reduce image proportionally) • Insert as Picture in the normal way. • If needed fill the slide area by placing the image in t…
Monologue/Drama:No more sacrifices!
Monologue/Drama:No more sacrifices!
by Marjorie Dobson
Monologue/Drama:No more sacrifices! No more sacrifices! No more burnt offerings! What’s he trying to do? Put me out of business? Who does he think he is? This is my way of life. I’ve been selling pure young lambs and birds for years now. Reasonable prices – although I’ll get a bi…
Poem: Heavenly vision
Poem: Heavenly vision
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Heavenly vision A city of gold wrapped in a vision of light, where there is no night, nor a temple in sight, but with a river pure and crystal bright flowing between twelve trees of life planted to heal the nations’ strife. Such is one vision of heaven. Continues... ©Marjor…
Lazarus is Raised from the Dead
Lazarus is Raised from the Dead
by Dave Hopwood
The Great and the Good Bible Ref: Matthew 19-20 & 26; Mark 10 & 14; Luke 17-19; John 11 & 12 Each of the following sketches (scenes) can be used to form the basis for a complete act of worship or used as individual scenes on separate occasions. Each scene will require a narrator …
John for Everyone Part 1 - Moses and the Messiah
John for Everyone Part 1 - Moses and the Messiah
by SPCK - N T Wright
Moses and the Messiah John 7.19-30 My friend was walking with his son through a park in a Canadian city. It was a lovely summer day. The son had recently taken up golf, and was itching to practise some shots with a club he’d brought with him. ‘You can’t do that,’ said my friend. …
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - The Badge, the Name and the Meaning
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - The Badge, the Name and the Meaning
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Badge, the Name and the Meaning ROMANS 2.25-29 From time to time one of the big supermarket chains decides to try to pass off its own products as though they were made by one of the regular manufacturers. I remember one store a while ago which sold breakfast cereal with a pac…
Paul for Everyone The Prison Letters - Warning: Don't Trust the Flesh
Paul for Everyone The Prison Letters - Warning: Don't Trust the Flesh
by SPCK - N T Wright
Warning: Don’t Trust in the Flesh Philippians 3.1-6 If you saw a movie advertisement which highlighted the word FLESH, you would know what it meant. Pornography, no doubt. Graphic sexual scenes, quite likely. Or at least that’s what they would want you to think, to try to lure yo…
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - God's Determined Faithfulness
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - God's Determined Faithfulness
by SPCK - N T Wright
God’s Determined Faithfulness ROMANS 3.1-8 I once carried some valuable jewellery half way round the world. My wife and I were going to New Zealand. Friends of ours in England were wanting to send something – I think it was a necklace – to another part of the family. They didn’t …
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Standing Firm Against Opposition
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Standing Firm Against Opposition
by SPCK - N T Wright
Standing Firm Against Opposition Galatians 2.1-5 The anthropologist Nigel Barley wrote two famous (and often very funny) books, The Innocent Anthropologist and A Plague of Caterpillars, about the Dowayo tribe, with whom he lived for a while in a remote part of the African republi…
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Boasting in the Cross
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Boasting in the Cross
by SPCK - N T Wright
Boasting in the Cross Galatians 6.11-18 At least half of all the items that come through my letter-box each day are what we loosely call ‘junk mail’. Often I receive letters which, though they may have my name at the top, have in fact been mass-produced by a computer as part of a…
Paul for Everyone The Prison Letters - Unveiling the New Temple
Paul for Everyone The Prison Letters - Unveiling the New Temple
by SPCK - N T Wright
Unveiling the New Temple Ephesians 2.17-22 One of the greatest worldwide problems of our time is the plight of refugees and asylum-seekers. People in the West sometimes try to pretend that the world is now a civilized place where most people can go about their business in peace, …
When our faith in folk is broken
When our faith in folk is broken
by Avis Palmer
When our faith in folk is broken, When rejection comes our way; Christ suspected and misrendered, Be our living hope today. When our anger burns and rages, When we're subject to its might; Christ of upturned Temple tables, Calm our self destructive fight. Verses 3-6 follow © Avis…
Prayer: Weeping God
Prayer: Weeping God
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: Weeping God Weeping God, we come to join in your tears for those people who are refugees, or have been taken captive from their own country. We weep for those fleeing from violence and oppression; for those falsely accused of rebellion, when only seeking for justice; for …
Faith is the tight-rope of travelling people
Faith is the tight-rope of travelling people
by Andrew Pratt
Faith is the tight-rope of travelling people, taut between mountains of mercy and grace. Pilgrims remember the fears of their parents, trials and deliverance they had to face. Hope kept the balance when human experience met with the fire and the dangers of life, torture and stoni…
Here is hope in desolation
Here is hope in desolation
by Andrew Pratt
3rd Sunday in Lent Romans 5: 1 – 11 Hymn: Here is hope in desolation Here is hope in desolation: pain that speaks of sacrifice bringing deeper faith among us, mirrored God, embodied Christ. Here within this turmoil, testing, every sinew of God’s grace stretched in tension, peace …
Hymn: Pray and praise or keep in healing
Hymn: Pray and praise or keep in healing
by Andrew Pratt
Pray and praise or keep in healing, all the people we hold dear; share in honest hope and feeling all our faith that God is here. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: SHIPSTON Metre: 8.7.8.7 Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 21/8/2012 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, www.stainer.co.uk. …
Hymn: The Psalmist calls for new songs praising God
Hymn: The Psalmist calls for new songs praising God
by Andrew Pratt
The Psalmist calls for new songs praising God but we prefer familiar words and ways. We hold and cage and mould God to our will, defending customs smothering our praise. A world-wide pool of images and grace informs our faith, re-vitalises hope, and so our view, so narrow and obs…
Love enters in our joy and gladness
Love enters in our joy and gladness
by Andrew Pratt
Love enters in our joy and gladness, love celebrates each win, each goal, love sits with us in deepest sadness, love lives with us and makes us whole. Love holds us in our deepest sorrow, love feels the hurt beneath a sigh, loves walks with us toward tomorrow, loves lives with us…
Love that breaks the heart of God
Love that breaks the heart of God
by Andrew Pratt
Love that breaks the heart of God, love of Israel, you or me, love that taught a child to walk, has the power to set us free. Loving kindness now ignored, people turn their backs on grace, turn away from faith and hope, fear to see God's loving face. Verse 2 follows Tune: ABERYST…
This day we remember the passage to freedom
This day we remember the passage to freedom
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: This day we remember the passage to freedom Proper 18 Year A Exodus 12: 1 – 14 This day we remember the passage to freedom, the Exodus journey, redemption at hand the Passover meal we recall at this season, the sign of God's faithfulness brought to the land. This day we rem…
When roots grow deep and branches rise
When roots grow deep and branches rise
by Andrew Pratt
When roots grow deep and branches rise they mirror faith secure in grace. And from this ground thanksgiving grows beyond this time, in every place. Verses 2 follows Tune: BRESLAU Metre: LM Andrew Pratt (born 1948) Words © 12/7/2013 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England, www.stain…
See the veins that run through marble
See the veins that run through marble
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: See the veins that run through marble Proper 16 year A Isaiah 51: 1 – 6 See the veins that run through marble, making every slab unique, like them, strands run through our history, through our thoughts and words we speak. We are hewn from living history, formed by comfort, …
The long awaited son
The long awaited son
by Rev. Margaret Roe
The long awaited son Have you ever made a fool of yourself and been embarrassed? I’m sure you have. Well I did once. Except I was embarrassed first and then made an ever bigger fool of myself. One day some visitors came. They were strangers but seemed to have come with a purpose.…
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Stephen Tells the Story
Acts for Everyone part 1 - Stephen Tells the Story
by SPCK - N T Wright
Stephen Tells the Story Acts 7.1-16 One of the most obvious differences between cricket and baseball is the way the ball is projected towards the person who is trying to hit it. As most people will know, the person who ‘pitches’ in baseball stands on a single spot, where he (or s…
Moulin Rouge Bible Study Part 4
Moulin Rouge Bible Study Part 4
by Tim Marshall
A Bible Study which relies heavily on discussion rather than leading. Using the film 'Moulin Rouge' as a starting point and then looking at a variety of passages (which can be obtained from the web in a variety of different translations) There are questions to help start discussi…
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - Abraham the Father of Both Uncircumcised and Circumcised
Paul for Everyone Romans part 1 - Abraham the Father of Both Uncircumcised and Circumcised
by SPCK - N T Wright
Abraham the Father of Both Uncircumcised and Circumcised ROMANS 4.9-12 One of the most solemn moments of a wedding ceremony comes when the bride and groom give or exchange rings. I have taken many weddings in my time. I have also stood there as a proud father for the weddings of …
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Paul's Appeal to His Children
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Paul's Appeal to His Children
by SPCK - N T Wright
Paul’s Appeal to His Children Galatians 4.12-20 The French teacher was a strict disciplinarian. We weren’t allowed to speak a word of English during the classes, and neither did he. Everything, even trivial comments or requests, had to be made in French. He was determined that we…
Come now and follow me
Come now and follow me
by Avis Palmer
Come now and follow me, To us Christ's words are spoken. He calls each one by name; By Love our hearts are woken. We're asked to walk with faith A path we cannot tell; And well shall all things be, And all things shall be well. Verses 2-3 follow © Avis Palmer Tune Nun danket (H&P…
Poem: Mary Magdalene
Poem: Mary Magdalene
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Mary Magdalene My name is Mary, common enough in my time to need to be identified by place, or family. Mine is such a name. They call me the Magdalene. People call me other names. Some claim I was a prostitute, perhaps because the town whose name I bear is famous for that t…
Reflection/meditation: Agreement
Reflection/meditation: Agreement
by Marjorie Dobson
Reflection/meditation: Agreement It’s all about personal responsibility, isn’t it? It’s all about not being able to pass the blame back to a past generation, or excuse personal behaviour by claiming that it’s all in the genetic structure. At one time everyone relied totally on Go…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Israelites in Egypt
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Israelites in Egypt
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Israelites in Egypt The descendants of Jacob number seventy when they arrive in Egypt. They multiply and fill the land of Egypt with language reminiscent of the fertility of creation in Genesis (Exod. 1:7; Gen. 1:28)…
In the stress of expectation
In the stress of expectation
by Andrew Pratt
In the stress of expectation, Jesus feared his coming fate, here in anxiousness he waited unjust judgement of the state: but then fired with righteous anger brought the hypocrites to book, challenging their suppositions, then disarming with a look. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: CALON L…
Imagining the Lectionary: Seasons of Leadership (Proper 25A; Ordinary 30A)
Imagining the Lectionary: Seasons of Leadership (Proper 25A; Ordinary 30A)
by David Perry
Imagining the Lectionary: Seasons of Leadership (Proper 25A; Ordinary 30A) Reflection accompanying images: “The last rose of summer” and “The end of the last rose of summer” As the autumn weather deteriorates a solitary pink flower is the last remembrance of summer on this rose…
Imagining the Lectionary: Held firm and strong (Epiphany 3B)
Imagining the Lectionary: Held firm and strong (Epiphany 3B)
by David Perry
Imagining the Lectionary: Held firm and strong (Epiphany 3B) Reflection accompanying images “Held firm and strong 1”, “Held firm and strong 2” and “Held firm and strong 3” The cross-shaped mooring bollards in the photographs convey such a real sense of hefty, unbreakable streng…
The unexpected move
The unexpected move
by Rev. Margaret Roe
The unexpected move Sarah – Genesis 12:1-9 It’s hard to be uprooted at my age. “Pack your bags” he had said. “Why, where are we going?” “I don’t know”, he replied. “Just pack your bags.” Well I know women should obey their husbands but this was too much. “How long are we going fo…
Prayer: Trust beyond imagination