Lectionary 28/12/2025

Nativity for Now

by Jonathan Sharp

CHRISTMAS DRAMA

Flight into Epypt

by Marjorie Dobson

First Sunday after Christmas Day Matthew 2. 13-23 Meditation: Flight into Egypt Another journey! And we’re going in the wrong direction again. What is God trying to do to me? To us? Why can’t we just go home and live in peace? I know Jesus is a sturdy child – and a happy one too,…

The boy in the Temple

by Marjorie Dobson

First Sunday after Christmas year A (second service) Luke 2.41-52 The boy in the Temple Parents were panicking, searching and desperate. Where was the child who should be in their care? Friends started muttering, chattering, gossiping, ‘Surely they must have known he wasn’t there…

Lectionary Reflections Year A - The First Sunday of Christmas Year A

by SPCK - Jane Williams

The First Sunday of Christmas - Year A Isaiah 63:7–9 Hebrews 2:10–18 Matthew 2:13–23 Isaiah and Hebrews show us God’s way of being in the world, a way that should be blindingly obvious to us at Christmas. Isaiah is reminding the people of all that God has done for them throughout…

Intercessions for Years A, B and C Book - Intercessions – Christmas 1 – Year A

by SPCK - Ian Black

Intercessions – Christmas 1 – Year A Glory to God in the highest And peace to his people on earth. Lord of grace, your love is steadfast and we are saved by your presence in your Son. Give to your Church the gifts of grace to proclaim your liberty . . . We will exalt your name. L…

Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - The First Sunday of Christmas Year A

by SPCK - N T Wright

The First Sunday of Christmas - Year A Isaiah 63: 7-9 Hebrews 2: 10-18 Matthew 12: 13-23 More Isaianic translation problems. Fortunately here the meaning is not in doubt. ‘In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them’? – or is it ‘He became t…

Gazing on the Gospels Year A - Christmas Day Year A

by SPCK - Judith Dimond

Gazing on the Gospels year A Christmas 1

Clouds and Glory Year A - The First Sunday of Christmas - Year A

by SPCK - David Adam

The First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 63.7-9: Ps. 148. [1-6] 7-14 : Hebrews 2. 10-18 : Matthew 2. 13-23 Opening Prayer, Prayer of Intercession, The Peace and The Blessing. Father, we remember before you all who are persecuted for their faith, those imprisoned for their beliefs, Fa…

Prayers for All Occasions Book - New Year Prayer

by SPCK - Ian Black

New Year Prayers for All Occasions Lord of time and eternity, we stand on the threshold of a new year. Strengthen our resolve to dedicate our lives afresh in your service leaving behind all that would distort your image within us... Taken from Prayers for All Occasions by Ian Bla…

All Desires Known - Defender of the Helpless Collect

by SPCK - Janet Morley

DEFENDER OF THE HELPLESS Collect Matthew 2.13–18; 1 Corinthians 1.2–9 God of the dispossessed, defender of the helpless, you grieve with all the women who weep... Christmas 1 (A); Holy Innocents (ABC) Taken from All Desires Known by Janet Morley Published by SPCK

Paul for Everyone The Prison Letters - Unity in Everything

by SPCK - N T Wright

Unity in Everything Philippians 2.1-4 We sat and watched spellbound as the actors moved at what seemed like the speed of light. It was a complex and intricate play, with many layers and double or treble meanings. At times things were happening so fast, all around the stage, that …

Paul for Everyone The Prison Letters - The Mind of the Messiah

by SPCK - N T Wright

The Mind of the Messiah When people in the ancient world thought of heroic leaders, rulers and kings they often thought of Alexander the Great (356–323 BC). At the age of 20 he succeeded his father Philip to the throne of Macedonia, quickly made himself master of all Greece, and …

Luke for Everyone - The Boy Jesus

by SPCK - N T Wright

The Boy Jesus Luke 2.41-52 When I was a child, I walked a mile to the bus stop every morning, by myself or with my sister. At the other end of the trip, I walked by myself to school. In the evening, I came back the same way. I never felt unsafe, even in the dark winter days. Now,…

Prayers for First Sunday after Christmas

by John Birch

First Sunday after Christmas (Years A, B and C) OPENING WORDS A lot has happened in the last week. Some of us have spent time travelling, maybe to the places that we grew up in to visit family and old friends. Gifts and greetings have been exchanged, carols have been sung to remi…

Hebrews for Everyone - The Messiah and His Brothers and Sisters

by SPCK - N T Wright

The Messiah and His Brothers and Sisters HEBREWS 2.10-18 Some while ago there was a movie by the name of A River Runs through It. It told the story of two brothers growing up in the beautiful Montana countryside. The older one was quiet, studious, hard-working; he got a good job …

Open with God Book - January - New Year

by Christine Odell

January – New Year Calendar of Prayers Reading: Revelation 21.1-7 ‘And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” ' Sometimes, God of the present moment, we feel afraid of things that are new...

Meditation - 1st Sunday of Christmas Year A

by David Middleton

Meditation – 1st Sunday of Christmas Year A Another Joseph goes to Egypt Matthew 2: 13-23 Joseph reeled in agony at the news. He had just heard that back home, many infant lives had been lost at the hands of Herod, who, frightened that a newborn baby would take his throne, had mu…

LWPT Meditations - First Sunday of Christmas - Year A

by Susan Thorne

Meditation –  First Sunday of Christmas Yr A Isaiah 63:7-9 Psalm 148 Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23 After Christmas we have to return to reality, back from snowy landscapes peopled by shepherds and wise men, back from the glowing stable – far cleaner and more comfortable than an…

Prayers for Sunday after Christmas Year A

by John Birch

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…

Times and Seasons - Full Service - First Sunday after Christmas - Year A

by Andrew Pratt and Marjorie Dobson

Full Service First Sunday after Christmas Year A Order of Service contains: Call to Worship Opening Hymn Prayer- God of our future Hymn Reading - Isaiah 63:7-9 Reading - Psalm 148 Hymn Reading - Hebrews 2:10-18 Reading - Matthew 2:13-23 Sermon Idea One - Flight into Egypt Sermon …

Poem/Meditation-A day to remember

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem/Meditation : A day to remember? Remember a birth, insignificant coming, disruption, taxation, migration, not homing; except to a stable or some say a cave, foreshadow of future, too imminent grave. This is the day, but three years yet onward. Our dates mix and muddle, confus…

Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - Blessings and Atrocities

by SPCK - John Goldingay

Blessings and Atrocities Psalm 128-129 On the satirical Web site The Onion, one of last week’s headlines proclaimed, “Lack of Media Interest Makes Genocide Cover-Up Unnecessary.” The “story” explained that an African warlord had declared that global disinterest in the wholesale s…

Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - Dance and Slaughter

by SPCK - John Goldingay

Dance and Slaughter Psalm 148-149 As a teenager, I did not learn to dance or to shoot a gun for different reasons. I didn’t learn to dance because my church regarded dancing as “worldly”; it wasn’t appropriate to people who were really committed to God. I didn’t learn to shoot be…

Four Gospels, One Jesus - Where is he who is born King of the Jews?

by SPCK - Richard A Burridge

Where is he who is born King of the Jews? Infancy narratives, Matthew 1—2 Mark begins with ‘the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ’, but Matthew picks another key word – genesis: ‘the book of the generation (biblos geneseos) of Jesus Christ, son of David, son of Abraham’ (1.…

Four Gospels, One Jesus - The Teacher's vindication

by SPCK - Richard A Burridge

The Teacher’s vindication The Resurrection, Matthew 28 This atmosphere of supernatural intervention openly visible to all continues into Matthew’s resurrection account, as does his desire to tie up the loose ends and explain the difficulties. While Mark ends with a characteristic…

Four Gospels, One Jesus - Those who are burdened with heavy loads

by SPCK - Richard A Burridge

Those who are burdened with heavy loads The ministry of the ox The keynote for Luke’s portrait of Jesus is set in his initial visit to the synagogue at Nazareth (4.16–30). Luke’s story is three times longer than the equivalent accounts which occur much later in Mark and Matthew (…

Four Gospels, One Jesus - From four gospels forward to many Jesuses

by SPCK - Richard A Burridge

From four gospels forward to many Jesuses Many interpretations tend to create the subject’s portrait in the author’s own image. Irenaeus applies the four living creatures not only to the evangelists themselves, but also to their portraits of Jesus: the four symbols are ‘images of…

The Women's Bible Commentary - Mother

by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley

Mother Mothers are the only women who remain untouched by negative criticism in Ben Sira’s text. He mentions mothers, however, only in conjunction with, and as secondary to, fathers…

The Women's Bible Commentary - “No Male and Female”

by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley

“No Male and Female” Galatians 3:28 has long been a centre of controversy, more so in recent years with the rise of feminist readings of the Bible…

The Women's Bible Commentary - The Household Code

by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley

The Household Code The author believes that behaviour appropriate to the new life is communal in nature (3:12–15), constituted by Christian worship (3:16–17), and marked by the peace and harmony of the reconciled creation (3:14)…

readings for weddings - 2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills

by SPCK - Mark Oakley

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills: from whence cometh my help…

readings for weddings - 5 Clothe yourselves with love

by SPCK - Mark Oakley

Clothe yourselves with love As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience…

The Act of Prayer Year B - First Sunday of Christmas Year B

by BRF - John Birch

First Sunday of Christmas Year B Opening prayer We join with creation and the angels above in praising our maker and redeemer for the wonders around us, the glory of his grace, and the Christ-child, born in a stable who is salvation for all people upon earth…

No Sermon at the carol Service - A Nativity Poem

by Rev Andy Walker

A poem to capture the meaning of the Nativity, shared in a gentle, thought provoking manner.

John 1:1-5 A reflection

by Colin Smith

This short 550 word reflection considers the fascinating, but puzzling opening verses of John's gospel. It has been used both as a short Christmas sermon and a small group discussion starter. The” Word” is identified with “The Logos”, a concept from Greek philosophy, which would …

Psalm 148 – a reflection Does the east wind howl in praise of God?

by Marjorie Dobson

Psalm 148 – a reflection Does the east wind howl in praise of God? Does the lightning flash to bring light to the world? Does the snow swirl to purify the dark earth? Does the hail rain down in a dance of joy? Do the clouds rejoice that above them is light? Do the mountains and h…

Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - Christmas - No Way Assembly

by Christian Assembly Team

Numbers Assembly – No Way Christmas (0) Bible ref: Matthew 1 to 2:1-12 This assembly would usually be used at or close to Christmas... Story NO WAY! said Mary when the angel told her she was going to have a baby. “I can’t be pregnant because I’m not married yet.” But when the ang…

Prayer: God, our refuge

by Marjorie Dobson

Prayer: God, our refuge God, our refuge, you have promised shelter and safety for those who love and trust in you. Yet in the world around us we see faithful people suffering, innocent people injured and dying, children starving and women attacked and molested. Daily we hear of w…

Prayer: Sowing in tears

by Marjorie Dobson

Prayer: Sowing in tears ‘Those that sow in tears shall reap in joy.’ Dear God, those words sound so comforting, but we are aware that there are many people who weep without hope of joy of any kind...    

We Believe in Love

by Andrew T Murphy

A poem, or perhaps a hymn waiting for a tune. A reflection on suffering and hope in the form of a creed, revolving around the death and resurrection of Christ. For reflection, prayer, or use in worship.

Prayer: God of greatness and glory

by Andrew Pratt

God of greatness and glory, God of splendour and surprise, God of cross and manger; God of hope in present danger, Your voice shakes the earth, sounding like thunder, breaking cedars. Your voice is like flames consuming the wilderness. Your nature seems destructive in its power, …

Drama/dialogue: Eastern strangers

by Marjorie Dobson

Drama/dialogue: Eastern strangers (A piece for two voices. The first one reads straight to the audience, as if ignoring the interruptions. The second interacts with the audience, letting them in on the comments and questions. Only in the last three lines do the two speakers relat…

Poem: Look to the heavens

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem: Look to the heavens If the heavens speak of the glory of God and the skies show God’s handiwork, then wherever we are on this planet we can look up and know that God is communicating with us. No need of language. No need of speech. The glory that is above us... Continues ©M…

A God of Compassion - Lord of heaven and earth

by John Birch

Lord of heaven and earth

Poem: The Kingdom of God

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem/Reflection: The Kingdom of God The Old Testament Kingdom of God was shaken by the word of God so that the people of God felt a genuine fear of approaching God under any circumstances. Continues... ©Marjorie Dobson

Poem/Prayer: God’s children

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem/Prayer: God’s children We are God’s children, led by the Spirit, knowing that we can come to a loving parent with total confidence that we are offered love and care. We are not slaves, held in chains by a cruel owner, but allowed to fly free, guided only by the principles an…

For all who question

by John Birch

For all who question

God of compassion

by Marjorie Dobson

God of compassion

Moulin Rouge Bible Study Part 1

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…

Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 9 Year B

by SPCK - Judith Dimond

Proper 9 Mark 6: 1-13 Gaze on all the preparations we make for a journey these days. Count the suitcases, shoulder bags, plastic bags, camera cases and picnic hampers that we pile into the back of the car. Today we even need ‘SatNav’ to find our way for us. Gone are the days when…

Reflection: Royalty

by Marjorie Dobson

Psalm 99 Reflection: Royalty In our so-called civilised world, evil leaders rule with cruelty, violence and a total disregard for the welfare of their people. Other, manipulative people prefer to be the power behind their leader’s throne and use cunning, political scheming, bribe…

Who knows?

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem: Who knows? Proper 14 year A Genesis 37: 1-4, 12-28; Psalm 105: 1-6, 16-22, 45b Did Jacob know, while favouring one son, the brothers planned to kill that special one? Did Reuben know, by letting Joseph live, they would be saved by what that boy could give... 7 August 2011, …

My child I love you

by Andrew Wightman

The fathers love for us His children.

Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - The Fiery Furnace Assembly

by Christian Assembly Team

The Fiery Furnace - 3 plus 1 Bible ref: Daniel Chapters 1 to 3 If the assembly is for an infant school and you don’t feel that they could cope with the miming, alternatively you could dress up the characters keeping them at the front or just tell the story... Drama and Story (Mim…

Poem: Morning light

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem: Morning light Below, swirled a bank of pure white cloud. Above, the sun spilled brilliance of golden light. The balcony suspended in space, rooted to earth by the walls of the building was the only reality. The world had disappeared and the glory of the heavens shone around…

Poem: Childlike

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem: Childlike When we are confronted by the simplicity of a child wanting a straight answer to an awkward question, or looking with genuine curiosity at a beetle or a bird, Continues... ©Marjorie Dobson  

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…

Advent Waiting Affirmation and Confession

by Rob Eastwood Dewing

Advent opening liturgy and confession

Prayer: God, who weeps as we do

by Marjorie Dobson

Prayer: God, who weeps as we do God, who weeps as we do when we see another city destroyed, another home shelled, another victim gunned down in the street, another suicide bomber creating death and injury, another column of refugees fleeing to a hazardous safety, another child dy…

Monologue: The Order of Melchizedek

by Marjorie Dobson

Monologue: The Order of Melchizedek Melchizedek! Now there’s a great name for a High Priest, if ever I heard one. Melchizedek!! Good strong name. Starts with an ‘M’ – a thrusting letter – pushing the word out into the waiting world. And it’s got four syllables – very impressive, …

Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 4 Year B

by SPCK - N T Wright

  Proper 4 1 Samuel 3.1-10 2 Corinthians 4.5-12 Mark 2.23-3.6 Like a cathedral chorister, Samuel has been brought to live and work in the atmosphere of prayer, worship and pilgrimage. Considering the lively human interest, it’s surprising this story didn’t entice the great classi…

Prayer: Psalm 31 – A responsive prayer

by Marjorie Dobson

Prayer: Psalm 31 – a responsive prayer Where there is distress and tears are the deepest expression of sorrow – God, bring your comforting presence. Where there is pain and anguish that cries out for healing – God, bring your comforting presence. Where weakness and infirmity drai…

clouds and glory - Proper 18 - Year A

by SPCK - David Adam

Proper 18 Year A Sunday between 4 and 10 September inclusive Lord, awaken us to your glory. Open our eyes to your presence. Open our ears to your call. Open our hearts to your love, that we may proclaim that you are among us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen…

Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 4 Year B

by SPCK - Judith Dimond

Proper 4 Mark 2:23- 3:6 Gaze on a wheat field, glowing under the sun, ready for harvest. The stalks are bowing down almost in prayer, ready for reaping. The field is so full and sturdy and dense that all the footpaths that run across it are hidden. So Jesus walks straight through…

For children of all nations

by John Birch

For children of all nations

Two mothers of Bethlehem

by Kit Walkham

A short but powerful drama or shared reading for 2 women. Aims to link Christmas and Easter. Stories for children help prepare them for the realities of life. So bereaved mothers from 1st century and 21st century Bethlehem challenge Mary as to what stories she told Jesus. Writte…

How much more?

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem: How much more? Proper 19 Year A Psalm 103: 8-13 Parents can forgive and forget the mistakes their children make; the heartache they often cause; the irresponsible behaviour, the outbursts of temper, the wilfulness and waywardness that youngsters can exhibit. For love is the…

Monologue: Martha and Mary

by Andrew Pratt

Monologue: Martha and Mary. Ah, a woman's work. Well the place for a woman is in the kitchen isn't it? Who sweeps a room as for The Lord makes that and the action fine. Bring back the drawing room I say, where after eating our fill, thank you ladies, we might withdraw, take port,…

Drama-The Mystery of the Wrestler in the Night

by Kit Walkham

DRAMA

Monologue: Jesus and Herod

by Andrew Pratt

Monologue: Jesus and Herod I love me. No, don't get me wrong. I know you can see me! And I see myself in the mirror...each morning. Seeing me waking up is not a pretty sight! I'm not always proud of what I say or do. I have my regrets, oh yes. But...you knew there'd be a but, but…

Prayer: Generous and caring God

by Marjorie Dobson

Prayer: Generous and caring God Generous and caring God, we come to you in answer to your invitation to satisfy our thirst for knowledge and our hunger for your love and guidance. We come because you have promised to be faithful to us and we promise to try to live in a way that r…

Monologue/drama: Those poor Greeks

by

Monologue/drama: Those poor Greeks Those poor Greeks must have got a bit of a shock. Granted, they were in town for the Passover festival – and strange things often happened at festivals. Granted, they were Greeks – and their thirst for knowledge was well-known and, mostly, respe…

In my heart I have known

by John Birch

In my heart I have known

Christmas Prayer:Thank You

by Sue Brown

Prayer of Thanksgiving and Intercession Thank you, Lord for Mary.   Thank you for her willingness to do what you asked of her, for the care she took of Jesus while he was a baby and as he grew up. Mary showed great faith in you, trusting you although the way ahead was hard. Remem…

Numbers in the Bible Assembly Collection - The Paralysed Man Assembly

by Christian Assembly Team

The Paralysed Man (4 and 1) Bible ref: Mark 2:1-12 If you have time find photographs of equipment that help people who are paralysed for projecting in the assembly as a lot of children will not have seen the items before... Story About the same time that Jesus was born in Bethleh…

Prayer about faith

by John Birch

PRAYER

glimpses of glory - The Fourth Sunday of Lent - Year C

by SPCK - David Adam

The Fourth Sunday of Lent Lord of all compassion, we return to you like children who had wandered away: We trust in your love, we rejoice in your mercy, we know you will accept us…

Gathering Prayers and Blessing based on Psalm 121

by Christine Dutton

Gathering Prayers based on Psalm 121 I will lift my eyes up to the hills Creator God, who shaped and continues to shape the mountains, gather us together to worship you. Creator God, gather us together to look up and around us as we worship, noticing the world in which you have p…

Prayer: Reassuring God

by Marjorie Dobson

Prayer: Reassuring God Reassuring God, we come to thank you for all those caring and compassionate people who offer support and encouragement to others in so many different ways. Their love and their service is offered willingly and with a true spirit of dedication. Yet we so oft…

When life's a mess

by Andrew Wightman

When life's a mess and we don't know how to sort things out.

Poppies and Snowdrops - Prayer/blessing: When weariness cries out

by Marjorie Dobson

Prayer/blessing: When weariness cries out When weariness cries out for an end to suffering, God is listening to you. When fear is like a smothering blanket, God will wrap his care around you. When life is slipping away, God is walking each step of the journey with you. When the d…

Rhythms of remembering - Advent - Thursday Morning Prayer

by SPCK - Hannah Ward & Jennifer Wild

ADVENT - Thursday Morning Prayer Blessed are you, O God: you come to set your people free. By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness...

When oppression cruelty and fear

by John Birch

When oppression cruelty and fear

This is your world

by John Birch

This is your world

Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 7 Year B

by SPCK - N T Wright

Proper 7 1 Samuel 17.[1a, 4-11, 19-23] 32-49 2 Corinthians 6.1-13 Mark 4.35-41 Right from the start in Mark, Jesus is up against it. Tempted by Satan in the wilderness; shrieked at by benighted souls in the synagogue; criticized by the self-appointed religious experts. Now the se…

Poem: Determination

by Marjorie Dobson

Poem: Determination Nothing could deter him. Not religious opposition. Not the wily Herod. Not the prophetic predictions. Not the Pharisees with their plotting, nor the teachers with their testing, nor the disciples and their doubting. Nothing could stop him. Continues... ©Marjor…

It all feels so unjust

by Andrew Pratt

Monologue: It all feels so unjust Sixth Sunday of Easter 1 Peter 3: 13 – 22 It all feels so unjust when they slag me off, makes me cynical. I hardly want to believe anymore. Call themselves Christian? And they tell me how to behave? Should look at themselves. It all feels so unju…