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Here the herald calls the nations
Here the herald calls the nations
by Andrew Pratt
Here the herald calls the nations, pointing to the path to peace, making clear the way for God-head, bringing freedom and release. Hear the word that he is preaching, ‘turn again toward God’s way’. See the Lord of life is coming, greet the Lord’s expected day. Verse 3 follows Tun…
Hymn: We have drunk wine from the grapes in this vinery
Hymn: We have drunk wine from the grapes in this vinery
by Andrew Pratt
We have drunk wine from the grapes in this vinery grapes that have hung in the sun, now a sign: Jesus taught plainly, with words of simplicity, 'you are those branches and I am that vine'. Look at it this way, imagine a scene with me: look at the gardener tending each branch. Tho…
In the temple, place of peace (version 2)
In the temple, place of peace (version 2)
by Andrew Pratt
In the temple, place of peace, Mary, Joseph, stand in awe; Anna comes with songs of joy, Simeon sings, yet knows the score. Bitter sweet this time of hope, winter passes Lent awaits; let us pause, reflect awhile: joy of birth or cross of hate? Verses 3-5 follow Tune: LAUDS (Wilso…
No magic, but a simple need
No magic, but a simple need
by Andrew Pratt
No magic, but a simple need was met when Jesus joined a feast, a wedding was well underway until the wine ran low, then ceased. While Jesus never looked for fame his mother called him to her side to ask that he would help them out, assuming grace would now provide. He wasn't such…
Over mountains, through the valleys
Over mountains, through the valleys
by Andrew Pratt
Over mountains, through the valleys let the voice of God be heard, singing, crying in a language often vivid or absurd. God translate your message for us, so that we might understand all your heights of grace and glory, as we worship hand in hand. Verses 3-4 follow Tune: CROSS OF…
Flawed and fickle priests and people
Flawed and fickle priests and people
by Andrew Pratt
Flawed and fickle priests and people - hymn Third Sunday after Pentecost Matthew 11: 16-19, 25-30 Flawed and fickle priests and people, like young children playing games, running, squabbling, teasing, laughing, calling one another names. But the children's understanding Jesus t…
Joseph wept, his brothers found him
Joseph wept, his brothers found him
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: Joseph wept, his brothers found him Proper 15 year A Genesis 45: 1 – 15 Joseph wept, his brothers found him, found the one that they had sold, stunning grace would now confound them, family bonds would last and hold. Famine brought them to his table, desperation drove them …
Monologue/Meditation : ‘I’m good’
Monologue/Meditation : ‘I’m good’
by Andrew Pratt
Monologue/Meditation : ‘I’m good’ 'How are you?' 'I'm good'. It's a common greeting these days, but call me old-fashioned, every time I hear that, I'm brought up short. We used to say, 'I'm fine' or I'm well'. But 'I'm good'? No, that doesn't work for me. Let me run that by you a…
Now take away the stone, he is not dead
Now take away the stone, he is not dead
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: 'Now take away the stone, he is not dead', Fifth Sunday in Lent John 11: 1 - 45 'Now take away the stone, he is not dead', the people looked amazed, yet some with dread. For Lazarus was buried four long days, the stench said this was more than just a phase. Yes dead is dead…
Job for Everyone - Insight Lies in Submission to the Lord
Job for Everyone - Insight Lies in Submission to the Lord
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Insight Lies in Submission to the Lord Job 28: 1-28 In two weeks I have to preach at the seminary’s baccalaureate service (a kind of commissioning service, I could call it for U.K. readers). Each year as I have listened appreciatively to the baccalaureate sermon, I have wondered …
Gazing on the Gospels year c - The Third Sunday of Epiphany Year C
Gazing on the Gospels year c - The Third Sunday of Epiphany Year C
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
The Third Sunday of Epiphany Luke 4.14-21 Gaze on the scene in the synagogue. The men crowd in, some who normally wouldn’t bother to attend, but today have rediscovered their piety in the urge to see what the fuss is about. They arrive early so they’ll get a seat with a view. The…
1 and 2 Kings for Everyone - When the Apostate King's Son Gets Sick
1 and 2 Kings for Everyone - When the Apostate King's Son Gets Sick
by SPCK - John Goldingay
When the Apostate King’s Son Gets Sick 1 Kings 13:33-14:20 Last night a friend of mine was blowing a fuse concerning the sermon at her church a couple of Sundays ago. The preacher was talking about Jesus’ healing of the man who had been lying sick by the Pool of Siloam for thirty…
Gazing on the Gospels year c - Easter Day Year C
Gazing on the Gospels year c - Easter Day Year C
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Easter Day Luke 24.1-12 Gaze on the early dawn. Each time we see it, it is as if we live through all the stages of creation again. First all is chaos and confusion, the stars are obscured by cloud and so is the moon. One moment nothing is visible, all is dark and we stumble about…
Gazing on the Gospels year c - The Second Sunday of Lent Year C
Gazing on the Gospels year c - The Second Sunday of Lent Year C
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
The Second Sunday of Lent Luke 13.31-35 Gaze on Jerusalem today, in greater need than ever of her children being gathered together in harmony. It is a city divided between Jew and Muslim, Jew and Christian, with no-go areas armed by guns. Churches are locked. Doubt and suspicion …
Lectionary Reflection Year C - The Second Sunday Before Advent Year C
Lectionary Reflection Year C - The Second Sunday Before Advent Year C
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Second Sunday Before Advent Malachi 4.1–2a 2 Thessalonians 3.6–13 Luke 21.5–19 The material in today’s reading from Luke can be found in a very similar form in Mark 13 and Matthew 24, and all are agreed that the temple is the trigger for these terrible sayings. Jesus seems to…
John for Everyone Part 1 - Children of Abraham - Or of the Devil