Lectionary 18/01/2026
- Second Sunday after Epiphany-Year A
- Epiphany 2/Ordinary 2 - Year A
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Twelve Months of Sundays Year A - The Second Sunday of Epiphany Year A
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Second Sunday of Epiphany - Year A Isaiah 49: 1-7 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9 John 1: 29-42 Our question to Isaiah is always, ‘Who is the Servant?’ Israel, replies the prophet (Isaiah 49.3). But the far harder question is, ‘Who is Israel?’ To this, Isaiah gives three concentric answ…
Intercessions for Years A, B and C Book - Epiphany 2 – Year A
Intercessions for Years A, B and C Book - Epiphany 2 – Year A
by SPCK - Ian Black
Epiphany 2 – Year A Lord, arise and shine Make known your glory. Faithful God, we give you thanks for your sanctifying presence in your Son. Bless your saints throughout the world; everyone who calls on your name . . . Taken from Intercessions for Years A, B and C by Ian Black
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - Sources
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - Sources
by SPCK - N T Wright
Part 1: PAUL AND HIS WORLD Chapter One RETURN OF THE RUNAWAY? 2 Philemon and the Study of Paul (v) Sources The first question most historians ask has to do with sources. Here we face a problem as much of scholarly fashion as of historical substance. Since the present volume is de…
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Second Sunday after Epiphany - Year A
Times and Seasons - Full Service - Second Sunday after Epiphany - Year A
by Andrew Pratt and Marjorie Dobson
Second Sunday after Epiphany - Year A Order of Service contains: Opening Hymn: Prayer: Welcoming God Hymn: Reading: Isaiah 49:1-7 Hymn: Reading John 1:29-42 Sermon idea: Failure – Reflection on John 1:29-42 Hymn: Prayer: God who has called us Hymn: Blessing Andrew Pratt (born 1…
Failure–Reflection on John 1:29-42
Failure–Reflection on John 1:29-42
by Marjorie Dobson
Failure – Reflection on John 1:29-42 If John had decided not to take on the role of Baptist, there would have been no noisy wilderness prophet to gaze at in amazement and to challenge supposedly God-fearing folk about lifestyle and commitment. Who would have baptised Jesus then a…
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…
I have a dream that on a day
I have a dream that on a day
by Andrew Pratt
I have a dream that on a day not very long from now, that war-like weapons will be banned, by grace, God show us how. I have a dream that love will hear another's crying need, that justice will demand we act in spite of race or creed. Verses 2-3 follow Tune: KINGSFOLD Andrew Pr…
Who can fathom point or purpose
Who can fathom point or purpose
by Andrew Pratt
Who can fathom point or purpose in our random history? Who can frame a sharper focus, clear the clouds of mystery. In this present generation, where can God be seen or known? Are we blind to love and goodness where the grace of God is shown? Verse 3 follows Tune: GOTT WILL’S MACH…
What do you seek?
What do you seek?
by Paul Glass
Regina and Reggie from the city ask what you are looking for. ‘What do you seek?’ John Ch. 1. 29-42 Reggie: Hi there, welcome. Regina: Listen carefully. Reggie: I’m Reggie. Regina: And I’m Regina. Reggie: We’re something big in the City. Regina: Really, really big. Reggie: So you…
Isaiah for everyone - The Servant's Servant
Isaiah for everyone - The Servant's Servant
by SPCK - John Goldingay
The Servant’s Servant A few weeks ago I had to preach at the ordination of a friend. She asked me to choose a passage as a Scripture reading from which I would preach. She laughed when I told her it would be the first of these two paragraphs, because (she commented) everyone knew…
John The People's Commentary - Come & See
John The People's Commentary - Come & See
by BRF - Richard A. Burridge
Come & See Once again, this scene begins with John the Baptist declaring that Jesus is the Lamb of God (1:36). Two of John’s disciples hear what he says, and, realizing that he is pointing away from himself to Jesus, leave John to find out about Jesus…
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 150
Fresh Thoughts For Sunday - Fresh Thoughts For Sunday Issue 150
by Twelvebaskets Ltd
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journeying with John - 8 Ordinary Time
journeying with John - 8 Ordinary Time
by SPCK - Woodward, Gooder and Pryce
8 Ordinary Time I am the bread of life Chapter 1 began with an exploration of the great Prologue of John’s Gospel. It seems right, therefore, to end the book with an exploration of the other iconic feature of John’s Gospel – the ‘I am’ sayings. Jesus’ various ‘I am’ sayings occur…
Clouds and Glory Year A - The Second Sunday of Epiphany - Year A
Clouds and Glory Year A - The Second Sunday of Epiphany - Year A
by SPCK - David Adam
The Second Sunday of Epiphany Isaiah 49. 1-7: Ps. 40. 1-11 : 1 Corinthians 1. 1-9 : John 1. 29-42 O Lord our God, you call us in the depths of our being, you have a purpose for us: open our ears to your call, open our hearts to your love, open our minds to your purpose, that we m…
Lectionary Reflections Year A - The Second Sunday of Epiphany Year A
Lectionary Reflections Year A - The Second Sunday of Epiphany Year A
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Second Sunday of Epiphany - Year A Isaiah 49.1–7 1 Corinthians 1.1–9 John 1.29–42 To be called by God is a thing of joy and terror, in about equal measures. The Corinthians are largely experiencing the excitement, at present, but their walk of discipleship will certainly lead…
A laser like tongue used when speaking God's word
A laser like tongue used when speaking God's word
by Andrew Pratt
Hymn: A laser like tongue used when speaking God’s word Second Sunday after Epiphany Isaiah 49: 1 – 7; John 1: 29 – 42 A laser like tongue used when speaking God’s word, an arc-light to shine through the crass or absurd. The prophet had spoken of just such a voice, embodied in Jo…
Prayers for All Occasions Book - Epiphany Prayer
Prayers for All Occasions Book - Epiphany Prayer
by SPCK - Ian Black
Epiphany Prayer Generous God, everything we are and have comes from you; in adoration we lay before you the sweet fragrance of our worship for you alone are worthy of our praise and thanksgiving... Taken from Prayers for All Occasions by Ian Black Published by SPCK
John for Everyone Part 1 - The Lamb and the Spirit
John for Everyone Part 1 - The Lamb and the Spirit
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Lamb and the Spirit John 1.29-34 ‘What I want to know is – what’s that sheep doing there?’ The student had been sick for several days, and I went to visit him. He was in his first year at university, and the whole world of cultural and intellectual enquiry was opening up in f…
John for Everyone Part 1 - The First Disciples
John for Everyone Part 1 - The First Disciples
by SPCK - N T Wright
The First Disciples John 1.35-42 I was staying with my uncle in Toronto. I was nineteen at the time. He took me with him for a day on one of his hobbies: clay-pigeon shooting. I hadn’t even seen the sport before, let alone done it. Little disks of clay are propelled from a machin…
John for Everyone Part 1 - Philip and Nathanael
John for Everyone Part 1 - Philip and Nathanael
by SPCK - N T Wright
Philip and Nathanael John 1.43-51 Jacob was a schemer and twister. All his early life he had one eye on the main chance, especially if it meant getting one up on his older twin, Esau. In fact, even the story of how they were born included the telling detail: he’d been holding on …
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Paul's Distress Over the Galatians
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Paul's Distress Over the Galatians
by SPCK - N T Wright
Paul’s Distress Over the Galatians Galatians 1.1-9 Imagine you’re in South Africa in the 1970s. Apartheid is at its height. You are embarked on a risky project: to build a community centre where everybody will be equally welcome, no matter what their colour or race. You’ve design…
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Paul's Conversion and Call
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Paul's Conversion and Call
by SPCK - N T Wright
Paul’s Conversion and Call Galatians 1.10-17 John Henry Newman was one of the great figures of nineteenth-century England. A brilliant thinker and writer, a spellbinding preacher and a deeply sensitive soul, he left the Anglican Church and became a Roman Catholic in 1845. After a…
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Paul's First Visit to Peter
Paul for Everyone: Galatians and Thessalonians - Paul's First Visit to Peter
by SPCK - N T Wright
Paul’s First Visit to Peter Galatians 1.18-24 A few years ago in England a strange advertisement appeared on large billboards. Without explanation, it simply said, ‘IT IS. ARE YOU?’ It was, of course, designed to tease, so that when the answer was revealed a few weeks later every…
Open with God Book - January - Epiphany
Open with God Book - January - Epiphany
by Christine Odell
January – Epiphany Calendar of Prayers Reading: Matthew 2: 1-12 Provide a small dish of pound coins, an oil burner and a candle. Place the coins upon a table. God of majesty, the wise men presented the gold of kings to your baby Son, when they offered him homage...
Meditation - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Meditation - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
by David Middleton
Meditation – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A Let the Son shine in John 1: (1-9) 10-18 They say that my eyes are the window to my soul, the lamp that lights up my whole body. If my eyes are good then my whole being will be full of light! Pure eyes will let the sunshine into my so…
Meditation - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Meditation - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
by David Middleton
Meditation – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A Come and meet the Messiah! John 1: 29-42 Yes Simon, I know I’m late, and yes I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you mend the nets, but Simon, you know I said ‘If this Jesus is going to do what John says he will, then I want to be part o…
Meditation - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Meditation - 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
by David Middleton
Meditation – 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Yr A A new fishing boat? Matthew 4: 12-23 There was something about John’s message that just couldn’t be ignored; I was a sinner, and so was everyone else; it hurt my pride… and most everyone else’s too, but it was true. So it came as no g…
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 40:10, 12, 15
With My WholeHeart - Psalm 40:10, 12, 15
by SPCK - James Jones
Psalm 40:10, 12, 15 To be content to do only the will of God is how God originally fashioned the heart to be. With the gift of freedom came also the risk that the human heart might chase after other desires. These psalms testify to the vagaries of the heart, but they also capture…
There is a season - Epiphany Introduction
There is a season - Epiphany Introduction
by SPCK - Margaret Pritchard Houston
EPIPHANY And we have seen his glory INTRODUCTION Epiphany is a festival that often gets lost, coming so close after Christmas and often being seen as little more than the postscript to the Christmas story itself – ‘and then, twelve days later, three Kings arrived and gave Jesus p…
Snowy scene with sledge
Snowy scene with sledge
by Rose humphrey
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…
Snow Fun
Snow Fun
by Rose humphrey
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…
Sledging
Sledging
by Rose humphrey
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…
Psalms for Everyone - Praise and Thanksgiving as a Key to Prayer-II
Psalms for Everyone - Praise and Thanksgiving as a Key to Prayer-II
by SPCK - John Goldingay
Praise and Thanksgiving as a Key to Prayer-II Psalm 40 As usual we had a time of sharing praise and prayer concerns in church yesterday, and as usual I had more success getting people to share prayer concerns than to share reasons for thanksgiving. As far as I remember the only t…
LWPT Meditations - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
LWPT Meditations - Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year A
by Susan Thorne
Meditation – Second Sunday Ordinary Time Yr A Isaiah 49:1-7 Psalm 40:1-11 John 1:29-42 There is the shock of sudden recognition in the gospel reading today. It is an experience some of us have, perhaps once in a lifetime, when we see in someone or in an event, the fulfilment of …
If I were a Shepherd
If I were a Shepherd
by Rose humphrey
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…
Three Wise Men
Three Wise Men
by Rose humphrey
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…
Wise man with Gold
Wise man with Gold
by Rose humphrey
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…
Wise Man with Frankincense
Wise Man with Frankincense
by Rose humphrey
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…
Wise man with Myrrh
Wise man with Myrrh
by Rose humphrey
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…
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - The Theology of a Pharisee
Paul and the Faithfulness of God - The Theology of a Pharisee
by SPCK - N T Wright
Chapter TWO LIKE BIRDS HOVERING OVERHEAD: THE FAITHFULNESS OF THE GOD OF ISRAEL The Theology of a Pharisee It is not difficult to draw out from what has already been said the main lines of Pharisaic theology, bringing into brief and I hope sharp focus the larger and longer treatm…
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Introduction
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Introduction
by SPCK - N T Wright
Chapter Three ATHENE AND HER OWL: THE WISDOM OF THE GREEKS Introduction Perhaps it was the questions Homer raised and never answered: why the vain Olympians should interfere in Agamemnon’s war; or how air, water, earth and fire combine into a kosmos; how we can be ‘free’; what ma…
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy
PAUL AND THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD - Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy
by SPCK - N T Wright
3. Athene and Her Owl: the Wisdom of the Greeks Jewish Responses to Pagan Philosophy Before we do that, one final task remains. Granted that Paul grew up in the world of strict Pharisaic Judaism, what response might we expect him to have to the world of pagan philosophy? It would…
Rhythms of remembering - Advent - Tuesday Morning Prayer
Rhythms of remembering - Advent - Tuesday Morning Prayer
by SPCK - Hannah Ward & Jennifer Wild
ADVENT - Tuesday Morning Prayer Blessed are you, O God: in you we put our trust. Those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint...
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - On Openness
Psalms for Everyone Part 2 - On Openness
by SPCK - John Goldingay
On Openness Psalm 139 My wife carries in her purse a photograph of her prospective grandchild, an image from her daughter’s sonogram. It is extraordinary to have this vivid reminder of the way a baby is steadily developing in the womb. When the prospective mother is sick, as she …
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 - Status and Authority in God's Realm
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Status and Authority in God's Realm
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Status and Authority in God’s Realm (1 Corinthians 1-4) In the opening section of the letter, Paul addresses the central problem afflicting the church: divisions among its members into competing groups (1:10). Status competition was endemic to the culture, but it was antithetical…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - The Incarnation
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - The Incarnation
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
The Incarnation (John 1) The classic statement of 1:14 (my trans.), “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us and we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth,” establishes the incarnation theme. It is further amplified by 1:1…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Personified Daughter Zion
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Personified Daughter Zion
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Personified Daughter Zion (Isaiah 47: 1-15; 49: 14 – 50: 3; 51: 17 – 52: 12; 54: 1-17) Babylon’s fall is imagined throughout Isaiah 41–48, climaxing in chapter 47, where Daughter Babylon herself is taunted. Once tender and delicate, she will now sit throneless in the dust. She wi…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Second Isaiah
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - Second Isaiah
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Second Isaiah (Isaiah 40-55) The sixteen chapters that begin with “Comfort, comfort my people” comprise a complex but thematically continuous piece focusing on Jerusalem’s restoration as the Babylonian era ended. The prophet is self-effacing and barely visible, but certain aspect…
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - "My Servant" Israel
THE WOMEN'S BIBLE COMMENTARY - "My Servant" Israel
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Beginning in chapter 41, Israel is proffered a re-envisioned role as God’s servant. The relationship between Israel and the servant was obscured for decades by Bernhard Duhm’s theory of four servant songs in chapters 42, 49, 50, and 53, discontinuous with their contexts...
52 Reflections on Faith - John the Baptist: pointing to Jesus
52 Reflections on Faith - John the Baptist: pointing to Jesus
by BRF - Stephen W. Need
John the Baptist: pointing to Jesus The bones of John the Baptist have been discovered in Bulgaria, or so some newspapers have implied. A number of remains, including a knuckle bone, have been found in a sarcophagus in the grounds of a monastery on an island called Sveti Ivan, of…
The Womens' Bible Commentary - Third Isaiah
The Womens' Bible Commentary - Third Isaiah
by SPCK - Newsom, Ringe and Lapsley
Third Isaiah The last eleven chapters, set in Jerusalem after the return from exile, further Zion’s story while developing a variety of themes from previous chapters. Not only does personified Zion continue, but other themes of interest, such as inclusion and justice, both human …
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…
Learning from the Baptism of Jesus
Learning from the Baptism of Jesus
by Colin Smith
This reflection/sermon (900 words) considers a number of understandings of the Baptism of Jesus. The possibility that it could, at least partially, be allegorical is examined, and conclusions drawn. How such a consideration can have a devotional and lifestyle impact is suggested.
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GLOSSARY Acts for Everyone Part 2 age to come, see present age apostle, disciple, the Twelve ‘Apostle’ means ‘one who is sent’. It could be used of an ambassador or official delegate. In the New Testament it is sometimes used specifically of Jesus’ inner circle of twelve; but Pau…
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Beneath The Cross
by Rose humphrey
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…
Ordinary 1 and 2 Year B
Ordinary 1 and 2 Year B
by Digistry
Four Mini Movies for Ordinary 1 and 2 Year B Holy Spirit - Call to Worship Based on Mark 1:4-11 Lectionary: Ordinary 1 B Creation - Reflection Based on Genesis 1:1-15 Lectionary: Ordinary 1 B Search for Me - Praise - Prayer Based on Psalm 139: 1-6, 13-18 Lectionary: Ordinary 2 B…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - Proper 11 Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - Proper 11 Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
Proper 11 Jeremiah 23: 1-6 Ephesians-2: 11-22 Mark 6: 30-34, 53-56 In today’s reading from Mark’s Gospel, we get a strong sense of the enormous pressure Jesus and the disciples were under at this point in his ministry. Jesus is at the height of his popularity and although his con…
Sometimes we wonder at the work
Sometimes we wonder at the work
by Andrew Pratt
Sometimes we wonder at the work of God whose name we praise, for God is not bent to our wants, nor to our words or ways. Our thoughts and actions, every rite, contain no magic powers. We have to let the Spirit blow through other lives and ours. Verses 3-5 follow Tune: AULD LANG S…
Strange holiness: the glory of the Godhead
Strange holiness: the glory of the Godhead
by Andrew Pratt
Strange holiness: the glory of the Godhead, once named as love, the voice of living grace, the Word that spoke the cosmos into being: now Moses met that glory face to face. Unveiled he took that same un-borrowed glory, the covenant was given to his hand; two tablets of the law ga…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Day of Pentecost Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Day of Pentecost Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Day of Pentecost Acts 2.1-21 Romans 8.22-27 John 15.26-27; 16.4b-15 It is one of the striking features of the New Testament that Luke, Paul and John, so very different as writers and theologians, sing in rich harmony when it comes to the Spirit. At the heart of the music is the…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Second Sunday of Easter Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The Second Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The Second Sunday of Easter Acts 4.32–35 1 1 John 1.1—2.2 John 20.19–31 The recent popularity of The Lord of the Rings has helpfully given new vitality to the word ‘fellowship’. The people who make up the ‘fellowship of the ring’ are not natural allies. They have little in comm…
How High Is Gods Faithfulness
How High Is Gods Faithfulness
by Rothwell Baptist
Poem by Pat Wray - Psalm 36:5 and Deuteronomy 33:27 Extract: How high is God's faithfulness? High as the clouds! There's nothing to fear 'neath the sky; No child of the Father meets trouble alone With such a Companion by. How deep is God's faithfulness? Deep as the sea! That's de…
Poem - We read of cultures from the past
Poem - We read of cultures from the past
by Andrew Pratt
We read of cultures from the past where slaves were normal, commonplace. Today we look with different eyes, to keep a slave would bring disgrace. Yet people still are caught and sold, removed from family and friends, then bought, mistreated and abused. For them life’s horror neve…
We read of cultures from the past
We read of cultures from the past
by Andrew Pratt
We read of cultures from the past where slaves were normal, commonplace. Today we look with different eyes, to keep a slave would bring disgrace. Yet people still are caught and sold, removed from family and friends, then bought, mistreated and abused. For them life’s horror neve…
Poem/Reflection: Consolation
Poem/Reflection: Consolation
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem/Reflection: Consolation We, who never met Jesus as a man; never sat at his feet to listen to his teaching; never had the chance to ask him a question; never felt his personal touch of healing; never heard one of his stories from his own lips; never witnessed his attacks on t…
Prayer: God, our refuge
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…
Poem: Too much to take in
Poem: Too much to take in
by Marjorie Dobson
Poem: Too much to take in If Jesus knew that his disciples would not remember half of what he was saying and that they would panic and worry and hide away from their troubles, puzzled by misunderstanding and full of fear – doesn’t that give us some kind of comfort when we find ou…
Hymn: Rejoice! Rejoice! Again I say rejoice!
Hymn: Rejoice! Rejoice! Again I say rejoice!
by Andrew Pratt
Rejoice! Rejoice! Again I say rejoice! Our God is near, it's time to make our choice, in gentleness and purposeful in grace, to share God's love in every time and place. Rejoice! Rejoice! Again I say rejoice! Put fear aside, let prayer inspire each voice. This is the gift that ea…
Hymn: Who's my mother, sister, brother
Hymn: Who's my mother, sister, brother
by Andrew Pratt
Who's my mother, sister, brother, when the odds are piled up high, when the allegations clatter, when the insults sing and fly? Will you stand in strength beside me, or will you deride, deny, calling me the prince of devils, will you hide behind a lie? Verses 2-3 follow Tune: BET…
Who knows?
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, …
Parallel Lives of Jesus - 3c The Characterization of Jesus
Parallel Lives of Jesus - 3c The Characterization of Jesus
by SPCK - Edward Adams
The Characterization of Jesus More so in Mark than in any of the other Gospels, there is mystery surrounding the figure of Jesus. People wonder who he is (4:41; 6:3; 8:27, 29; 11:28; 14:61; 15:2), and Jesus often tells those who have knowledge of his identity to keep quiet about …
Let us thank God
Let us thank God
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: Let us thank God Let us thank God for those who led us to our own faith by their words, prayers and example. Let us thank God for the faith of those people who have supported and encouraged us when life has not been easy. Let us thank God for those who were ready to help …
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 4 Year B
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…
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 16 Year B
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 16 Year B
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Proper 16 John 6: 56-69 Gaze on Simon Peter. He is standing near to Jesus, and is spokesman yet again for the disciples. He is the first to speak, yet again perhaps too readily. Hear his exclamation: ‘To whom shall we go?’ Listen to his tone of voice. Is he dogmatic or pleading, …
Advent
Advent
by Digistry
Four short movies for Advent Clip 1 - God is coming A call to Worship Based on Mark 13:24-37 Lectionary: Advent 1 B Clip 2 - Prepare the way A call to Worship Based on Isaiah 40:1-11 And Mark 1:1-8 Lectionary: Advent 2 B Clip 3 - Testify to the Light A call to Worship Based on Jo…
Sometimes convictions deep within
Sometimes convictions deep within
by Andrew Pratt
Sometimes convictions deep within can energise our action, to move us in another way, to find a new direction. God's spirit speaks within each mind, but like the sense of conscience is easy for us to avoid, a trick of our sub-conscious. Verses 3-5 follow Tune: BARBARA ALLEN; DOMI…
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 23 Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - Proper 23 Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
Proper 23 Job 23.1-9, 16-17 Hebrews 4.12-16 Mark 10.17-31 Two moments jump out at us from this intense little drama. Jesus looks at the man and loves him; not, perhaps, our natural reaction to someone claiming to keep six out of ten commandments perfectly. (A pity Job 23.11–12 is…
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Christianity Declared Legal in Achaea
Acts for Everyone Part 2 - Christianity Declared Legal in Achaea
by SPCK - N T Wright
Christianity Declared Legal in Achaea Acts 18.12-17 Though I have walked with great pleasure in the hills of the north of England, both the Lake District in the west and the Cheviot hills in the east, I have only once walked in the almost equally famous Peak District of Derbyshir…
Intangible strands bind your people together
Intangible strands bind your people together
by Andrew Pratt
Intangible strands bind your people together, as one in your Body, so wonderf'lly made, close joined by humanity, sisters and brothers, yet fractured and broken, you find us dismayed; For we have not trusted the person of Jesus, the risks that he took, the example You gave. When …
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - The Second Sunday of Easter Year B
Twelve Months of Sundays Year B - The Second Sunday of Easter Year B
by SPCK - N T Wright
The Second Sunday of Easter Acts 4.32-35 1 John 1.1-2.2 John 20.19-31 ‘Peace be with you’, said Jesus. And again, two verses later, ‘Peace be with you.’ Like a great bell, a single note with multiple overtones, the promise of peace tolls out across the world. Not just an inner pe…
Secondary Schools Assemblies Resource Book - Rise to the Challenge
Secondary Schools Assemblies Resource Book - Rise to the Challenge
by
Secondary Schools Assemblies Resource Book HOW TO LIVE RISE TO THE CHALLENGE By Stuart Kerner Suitable for Key Stage Three Aim To encourage spiritual discipline and effort, through the analogy of an athlete. Preparation and materials • You might like to dress in a tracksuit and t…
glimpses of glory - Proper 3 - Year C
glimpses of glory - Proper 3 - Year C
by SPCK - David Adam
Proper 3 God of grace and glory, give us the gift of generosity, that we may reveal your love and forgiveness, and live in fellowship and peace with each other as we work for the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy …
Remote and immense, far beyond comprehension
Remote and immense, far beyond comprehension
by Andrew Pratt
Remote and immense, far beyond comprehension, the heaven's a canvas, below it the earth spread out like a carpet of massive dimension, assurance of homing and place of our birth. And yet in our wonder we're blind to existence, we're deaf to the Word that brings wisdom and light, …
glimpses of glory - Proper 4 - Year C
glimpses of glory - Proper 4 - Year C
by SPCK - David Adam
Proper 4 Lord of majesty and splendor, the King of all creation, from you comes all wholeness, peace and well-being. We come with our needs and in our brokenness, seeking your help and knowing that you alone can make us whole. Come, Lord, and renew us; through Jesus Christ our Lo…
A moment of wonder, amazement and grandeur
A moment of wonder, amazement and grandeur
by Andrew Pratt
A moment of wonder, amazement and grandeur, a time when God's glory shines clear through our lives, God's grace is beyond us, yet lives in each heartbeat, the source of creation from which peace derives. The eyes of our hearts are enlightened with splendour, inherited glory, the …
John the Baptist Laying Down His Burden
John the Baptist Laying Down His Burden
by Roger Price
This is one of a number of monologues that I have written for use in worship or some other reflective purpose. This one deals with the events of the end of John the Baptist's ministry as he directs his disciples to follow Jesus instead of him from the point of view of John. Shoul…
God, who breathed life
God, who breathed life
by Marjorie Dobson
Prayer: God, who breathed life God, who breathed life into creation, we come to thank you for its beauty. God, who breathed life into Jesus, we come to thank you for his life and ministry. God, who breathed new life into grieving followers, we come to thank you that you did not l…
Hymn: He speaks of peace while all inside
Hymn: He speaks of peace while all inside
by Andrew Pratt
He speaks of peace while all inside disciples’ minds are churned about; their memories haunt their waking time, while day and night are fused by doubt. He speaks of peace while all the world will clamour at our open door, while shards of music sing and break with light in discord…
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The First Sunday of Christmas Year B
Lectionary Reflections - Year B - The First Sunday of Christmas Year B
by SPCK - Jane Williams
The First Sunday of Christmas Isaiah 61.10—62.3 Galatians 4.4 –7 Luke 2.15–21 Galatians is one of the most moving of all Paul’s epistles. Paul is fighting for his calling in this epistle. The fight is partly for himself, because if he is wrong, and God has not called him to be an…
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 7 Year B
Gazing on the Gospels Year B - Proper 7 Year B
by SPCK - Judith Dimond
Proper 7 Mark 4: 35-41 Gaze on the sea in stormy weather. Hear the roar of the gale crashing against the sails at full stretch and the creak of the feeble wooden hull. Watch the disciples, bailing out in vain. The rain is lashing their faces, soaking their clothes. Hear the fear …
Called to the Kingdom for a time like this
Called to the Kingdom for a time like this
by Gareth Hill Publishing/Song Solutions CopyCare
Hymn – Called to the kingdom for a time like this Called to the kingdom for a time like this Chosen and precious to you, Lord. Here in this moment, Here in this place, We stand in answer to your call For a time like this Before you formed us in the womb you knew Your chosen purpo…
Dear Lord, where are the signs of hope
Dear Lord, where are the signs of hope
by Gareth Hill Publishing/Song Solutions CopyCare
Hymn – Dear Lord, where are the signs of hope Dear Lord, where are the signs of hope, the echoes of new birth? Where will we find the shafts of light; God’s grace notes for the earth? Could we be what our neighbours need to bring the great Good News? Could we reveal the love of G…
Poem: Armour