Christ Church,
Selly Park
Selly Park
Christ Church sermon downloads
Sunday services
at Christ Church are informal in style. Regular service times are 10.30 am and (most weeks) 6.30 pm
Sermons from morning services are available for download
Christian living
Small groups and other events to help us live and grow as Christians
Resources to help read the Bible in a year and a report on our Weekend Away in September 2011
Young people
Our two youth groups covering the age range 11-18 are led by youth worker Ellen Eagling
Our building
is used for a wide range of church, community and private events each week
Find out more about its facilities,
take a
photo tour or visit the
Building Project
archive
Worldwide connections
Our partners rescue street children in Tanzania, engage in Christian media work, combat poverty and much more
Beccy and Dan travelled to Bolivia to help with church projects there
Sunday 5 February 2012
Helen Franklin
Helen Franklin
Responsive to God
1 Samuel 3:1-21: “The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, Samuel! Samuel! Then Samuel said, Speak, for your servant is listening.”
In this All Age service, Stephanie tells the story of Samuel - how as a boy he heard the voice of God, even though Samuel did not yet know God. Helen then discusses the different ways in which God can speak to us, no matter how young or old we might be. Samuel went on to anoint the kings of Israel: will we, like him, respond when God speaks?
1 Samuel 3:1-21: “The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, Samuel! Samuel! Then Samuel said, Speak, for your servant is listening.”
In this All Age service, Stephanie tells the story of Samuel - how as a boy he heard the voice of God, even though Samuel did not yet know God. Helen then discusses the different ways in which God can speak to us, no matter how young or old we might be. Samuel went on to anoint the kings of Israel: will we, like him, respond when God speaks?
Sunday 29 January 2012
Phil Grasham
Phil Grasham
Mission Service: God's passion for the nations
Isaiah 51:4-6: “My salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope”
Ephesians 1:3-10: “And he made known to us the mystery of his will... to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ”
Sometimes it seems that the Christian Church in the West doesn't care much about what goes on in the rest of the world. But God does, and he calls us to part of what he is doing in meeting physical and spiritual needs worldwide. Phil challenges us to share God's passion for the nations.
Isaiah 51:4-6: “My salvation is on the way, and my arm will bring justice to the nations. The islands will look to me and wait in hope”
Ephesians 1:3-10: “And he made known to us the mystery of his will... to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ”
Sometimes it seems that the Christian Church in the West doesn't care much about what goes on in the rest of the world. But God does, and he calls us to part of what he is doing in meeting physical and spiritual needs worldwide. Phil challenges us to share God's passion for the nations.
Sunday 22 January 2012
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Passionate about living out God's word: Prayerful and dependent on the Holy Spirit
Matthew 7:21-29: “[Jesus said] Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”
Acts 2:42-47: “[The first believers] devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”
What would the Christian church - and our lives - look like if we really believed that we can't achieve anything lasting without God at the centre of it? Or if we allowed Jesus' teaching to change us in every area of our lives? All too often we get it wrong, but Geoff encourages us to get praying and get living.
This the first in a series on our values which will continue over the next few weeks.
Matthew 7:21-29: “[Jesus said] Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven”
Acts 2:42-47: “[The first believers] devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”
What would the Christian church - and our lives - look like if we really believed that we can't achieve anything lasting without God at the centre of it? Or if we allowed Jesus' teaching to change us in every area of our lives? All too often we get it wrong, but Geoff encourages us to get praying and get living.
This the first in a series on our values which will continue over the next few weeks.
Sunday 15 January 2012
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Launching the Christ Church Vision Statement
Exodus 13:17-22: “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night”
Exodus 33:12-17: “The LORD replied, My Presence will go with you”
Where is Christ Church heading? What do we believe God wants us to become? The Vision Statement is the result of many months of discussion, thought and prayer and in this talk Geoff presents it to the whole church. Coming up over the next few weeks is a sermon series on our values which will help us to think about the implications in more detail.
Exodus 13:17-22: “By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night”
Exodus 33:12-17: “The LORD replied, My Presence will go with you”
Where is Christ Church heading? What do we believe God wants us to become? The Vision Statement is the result of many months of discussion, thought and prayer and in this talk Geoff presents it to the whole church. Coming up over the next few weeks is a sermon series on our values which will help us to think about the implications in more detail.
Sunday 8 January 2012
Allan Bartlam
Allan Bartlam
Investing in God's future
1 Chronicles 29:6-16: “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord”
2 Corinthians 8:1-15: “We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity”
How often do we hear the words "joy" and "giving" in the same sentence? As Allan explains, giving should not arise from guilt or pressure, but be a free response to God's generosity towards us. He offers some practical suggestions about how to go about Christian giving.
1 Chronicles 29:6-16: “The people rejoiced at the willing response of their leaders, for they had given freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord”
2 Corinthians 8:1-15: “We want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity”
How often do we hear the words "joy" and "giving" in the same sentence? As Allan explains, giving should not arise from guilt or pressure, but be a free response to God's generosity towards us. He offers some practical suggestions about how to go about Christian giving.
Sunday 1 January 2012
Mark Hewerdine
Mark Hewerdine
"Trust me, I'm an expert"
Matthew 2.1-12: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
The Magi - often called "Wise men" - knew a lot about the stars, but not much about the kind of King they were looking for. Assisted by some very young helpers in this All Age service, Mark challenges us to put aside our previous assumptions and recognise when God is doing something new and unexpected.
In the first part of the talk Mark presented a quiz about experts getting things spectacularly wrong.
Matthew 2.1-12: “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”
The Magi - often called "Wise men" - knew a lot about the stars, but not much about the kind of King they were looking for. Assisted by some very young helpers in this All Age service, Mark challenges us to put aside our previous assumptions and recognise when God is doing something new and unexpected.
In the first part of the talk Mark presented a quiz about experts getting things spectacularly wrong.
Sunday 25 December 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
The present you really needed
Zephaniah 3.14-20: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing”
Luke 2.1-14: “The angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”
When the long-awaited Messiah appeared, he looked nothing like the warrior Israel was expecting. Instead God sent the gift they - and we - really needed. Where does this gift fit into our lives?
Zephaniah 3.14-20: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing”
Luke 2.1-14: “The angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord”
When the long-awaited Messiah appeared, he looked nothing like the warrior Israel was expecting. Instead God sent the gift they - and we - really needed. Where does this gift fit into our lives?
Saturday 24 December 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Good news for the powerless
Luke 2.1-20: “There were shepherds living out in the fields near by... The angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”
Jesus was born into a world where the people at the top were all-powerful, and those at the bottom were despised. Speaking at the Christmas Midnight Communion service at the end of a year which saw dictatorships overthrown and established institutions shaken, Geoff reminds us that God chose to reveal his message to the powerless and to change the world through weakness rather than might.
Luke 2.1-20: “There were shepherds living out in the fields near by... The angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people”
Jesus was born into a world where the people at the top were all-powerful, and those at the bottom were despised. Speaking at the Christmas Midnight Communion service at the end of a year which saw dictatorships overthrown and established institutions shaken, Geoff reminds us that God chose to reveal his message to the powerless and to change the world through weakness rather than might.
Sunday 18 December 2011
Chris Turner
Chris Turner
Hope for the world
Isaiah 9.6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
It took several centuries for those words to come true in the birth of Jesus. Speaking in the Christmas Carol service, Chris explains how the prophecy continues to be fulfilled as Jesus makes a difference in our lives today.
Before Chris spoke, Geoff Lanham interviewed a member of the church, Rachel, about how her experience of God as she grew up affects her life and work today.
Isaiah 9.6: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
It took several centuries for those words to come true in the birth of Jesus. Speaking in the Christmas Carol service, Chris explains how the prophecy continues to be fulfilled as Jesus makes a difference in our lives today.
Before Chris spoke, Geoff Lanham interviewed a member of the church, Rachel, about how her experience of God as she grew up affects her life and work today.
Sunday 18 December 2011
Helen Franklin
Helen Franklin
Joseph gets a shock
Matthew 1:18-25: “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins”
As if the news of his fiancée's pregnancy was not enough, Joseph learns of the part he is to play in the "miracle on every street" as God comes to live on earth. In this All Age Christmas celebration, Helen reminds us that Joseph had to decide whether to believe what he was told - and we have to make the same decision today.
Matthew 1:18-25: “An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins”
As if the news of his fiancée's pregnancy was not enough, Joseph learns of the part he is to play in the "miracle on every street" as God comes to live on earth. In this All Age Christmas celebration, Helen reminds us that Joseph had to decide whether to believe what he was told - and we have to make the same decision today.
Sunday 11 December 2011
David Mole
David Mole
You'd better believe it!
Luke 1:5-25 “Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this?’ ... The angel answered, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words’”
It should have been the high point of Zechariah's spiritual experience: the promise of a long-awaited child, who would begin the process of setting his people free. David describes Zechariah's journey to a place of trust and obedience, where he was able to truly believe in and proclaim the coming salvation.
Luke 1:5-25 “Zechariah asked the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this?’ ... The angel answered, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you this good news. And now you will be silent and not able to speak until the day this happens, because you did not believe my words’”
It should have been the high point of Zechariah's spiritual experience: the promise of a long-awaited child, who would begin the process of setting his people free. David describes Zechariah's journey to a place of trust and obedience, where he was able to truly believe in and proclaim the coming salvation.
Sunday 4 December 2011
John Mason
John Mason
Keep awake
Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus tells a parable: Five bridesmaids are ready for the wedding, and go into the banquet - but another five who are not ready are locked out
Romans 13:11-12 “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed”
All ten bridesmaids were invited to the wedding, just as Jesus invited all kinds of people to accept his love. So why would anyone be locked out when the time came? John reminds us that we need to make a genuine response to that love.
The instruction to 'keep awake' was not really aimed at baby Sophie, who had been baptised earlier in the service. Could John get through his talk without waking her up?
Matthew 25:1-13 Jesus tells a parable: Five bridesmaids are ready for the wedding, and go into the banquet - but another five who are not ready are locked out
Romans 13:11-12 “The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed”
All ten bridesmaids were invited to the wedding, just as Jesus invited all kinds of people to accept his love. So why would anyone be locked out when the time came? John reminds us that we need to make a genuine response to that love.
The instruction to 'keep awake' was not really aimed at baby Sophie, who had been baptised earlier in the service. Could John get through his talk without waking her up?
Sunday 27 November 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Being filled with the Spirit
Ephesians 5:17–19: “Do not get drunk on wine... instead, be filled with the Spirit”
Acts 8:9-23: “When [Peter and John] arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus... Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit”
It's not about an "experience", or making us feel good, or physical signs. In the last talk in this series, Geoff argues that what counts is what the Holy Spirit enables us to do - God working through us to reach others.
Ephesians 5:17–19: “Do not get drunk on wine... instead, be filled with the Spirit”
Acts 8:9-23: “When [Peter and John] arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus... Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit”
It's not about an "experience", or making us feel good, or physical signs. In the last talk in this series, Geoff argues that what counts is what the Holy Spirit enables us to do - God working through us to reach others.
Sunday 20 November 2011
Stephanie Hayton
Stephanie Hayton
The Holy Spirit in mission
Acts 10:1-35, 44-48: “I was in my house praying... A man in shining clothes stood before me... I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us”
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, believed in God and tried to do what was right, but did not want to be part of organised religion. Not that different to many people today, perhaps. Stephanie describes how God can work to break down the barriers and use us to bring people to a living faith.
Acts 10:1-35, 44-48: “I was in my house praying... A man in shining clothes stood before me... I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us”
Cornelius, a Roman centurion, believed in God and tried to do what was right, but did not want to be part of organised religion. Not that different to many people today, perhaps. Stephanie describes how God can work to break down the barriers and use us to bring people to a living faith.
Sunday 13 November 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
The Holy Spirit and prayer
Nehemiah 1: “They said to me, Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Romans 8.26-27: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
When we pray, we may feel we have to do all the talking, as if the things we ask for are our idea. But we don't have to know what to say, because the whole thing is from God, drawing us in to be part of what he wants to do.
Nehemiah 1: “They said to me, Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.”
Romans 8.26-27: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”
When we pray, we may feel we have to do all the talking, as if the things we ask for are our idea. But we don't have to know what to say, because the whole thing is from God, drawing us in to be part of what he wants to do.
Sunday 6 November 2011
Bobbie Frere and Ellen Eagling
Bobbie Frere and Ellen Eagling
Walking in step with the Spirit
Galatians 5:16-26: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit”
The recording contains extracts from this All Age service describing eight "holy habits" which can help us to grow. For copyright reasons we can't include the songs led by the Youth Band in the middle of the service, and the "looking outward" section featured a video of the recent Stop the Traffik event featured on this page.
Galatians 5:16-26: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit”
The recording contains extracts from this All Age service describing eight "holy habits" which can help us to grow. For copyright reasons we can't include the songs led by the Youth Band in the middle of the service, and the "looking outward" section featured a video of the recent Stop the Traffik event featured on this page.
If you're intrigued by the paper dolls referred to by Bobbie 5 minutes into the recording,
you can see - and even buy - them
here... and on the right you can see what the tree looked like at the
end of the service.
Sunday 30 October 2011
Allan Bartlam
Allan Bartlam
What do you believe about the Trinity?
1 Peter 1:1-3: “To God's elect... who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ”
Ephesians 2:14-18: “For he himself [Jesus] is our peace... through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit”
Controversial and mysterious, the belief that God is both three and one is a fundamental point of difference between Christianity and Judaism or Islam. Allan explains why this belief is so important and how it affects our relationship with God.
As an illustration, before the talk Cathie interviewed a member of the congregation to show how one person may be known in different ways to different people.
1 Peter 1:1-3: “To God's elect... who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ”
Ephesians 2:14-18: “For he himself [Jesus] is our peace... through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit”
Controversial and mysterious, the belief that God is both three and one is a fundamental point of difference between Christianity and Judaism or Islam. Allan explains why this belief is so important and how it affects our relationship with God.
As an illustration, before the talk Cathie interviewed a member of the congregation to show how one person may be known in different ways to different people.
Sunday 16 October 2011
Graham Romp
Graham Romp
The Holy Spirit as Liberator
Luke 4.14-21: “[Jesus] found the place where it is written: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.”
Matthew 11.2-6: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”
Is the freedom promised by Jesus something we can only experience in heaven, or is it also meant for the present? Is it just a spiritual matter - forgiveness of sin - or does it extend to every area of our lives? Graham discusses what freedom means for us.
Luke 4.14-21: “[Jesus] found the place where it is written: The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour.”
Matthew 11.2-6: “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.”
Is the freedom promised by Jesus something we can only experience in heaven, or is it also meant for the present? Is it just a spiritual matter - forgiveness of sin - or does it extend to every area of our lives? Graham discusses what freedom means for us.
Sunday 9 October 2011
Bobbie Frere
Bobbie Frere
The work of the Holy Spirit in us
Romans 8:9-17: “If Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness... The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.”
John 16:13-15: “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”
How is a Christian different from anyone else - such as the atheist actress whose picture Bobbie showed at the start of her talk? How can we be sure that we belong to God, and how does he go about making us more like himself? Bobbie explains how God works within us.
Romans 8:9-17: “If Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness... The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.”
John 16:13-15: “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.”
How is a Christian different from anyone else - such as the atheist actress whose picture Bobbie showed at the start of her talk? How can we be sure that we belong to God, and how does he go about making us more like himself? Bobbie explains how God works within us.
Sunday 25 September 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
The Holy Spirit and Jesus
John 14:15-26: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever - the Spirit of truth... I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
How can Christians say they know Jesus today? The answer, Geoff tells us, is in this passage from John's Gospel, and he explores some of the amazing consequences of the things Jesus promised.
John 14:15-26: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever - the Spirit of truth... I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
How can Christians say they know Jesus today? The answer, Geoff tells us, is in this passage from John's Gospel, and he explores some of the amazing consequences of the things Jesus promised.
Sunday 11 September 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
Genesis 1.1-2: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters”
1 Samuel 19:18–23: “When they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul's men and they also prophesied”
Ezekiel 36:25-27: “I will give you a new heart... I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws”
Starting a new series on the Holy Spirit, Geoff uses the above quotes and more to confirm that the Spirit of God has been at work in many different ways from the beginning of creation, and is still changing people's hearts and lives today.
Genesis 1.1-2: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters”
1 Samuel 19:18–23: “When they saw a group of prophets prophesying, with Samuel standing there as their leader, the Spirit of God came upon Saul's men and they also prophesied”
Ezekiel 36:25-27: “I will give you a new heart... I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws”
Starting a new series on the Holy Spirit, Geoff uses the above quotes and more to confirm that the Spirit of God has been at work in many different ways from the beginning of creation, and is still changing people's hearts and lives today.
Sunday 4 September 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Harvest: God loves cheerful givers
Malachi 3.6-12: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house... See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
2 Corinthians 9.6-15: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
The good things we receive in our lives, for which we give thanks at Harvest time, spring from the love and generosity of God. Geoff challenges us to use our material possessions to make our relationship with God grow. He also demonstrates how hard it is to live on £1.30 or less a day - as 90% of the world's population have to do.
Malachi 3.6-12: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house... See if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
2 Corinthians 9.6-15: “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”
The good things we receive in our lives, for which we give thanks at Harvest time, spring from the love and generosity of God. Geoff challenges us to use our material possessions to make our relationship with God grow. He also demonstrates how hard it is to live on £1.30 or less a day - as 90% of the world's population have to do.
Sunday 28 August 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
What are we expecting?
Matthew 17.14-23: “‘O unbelieving and perverse generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?’”
Ephesians 3:14-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Wherever he went, Jesus looked for and responded to faith. Where he found it - often in unexpected places - he was able to work in great power. How can we grow in our faith and expectation that God will work in power today?
Matthew 17.14-23: “‘O unbelieving and perverse generation,’ Jesus replied, ‘how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you?’”
Ephesians 3:14-21: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”
Wherever he went, Jesus looked for and responded to faith. Where he found it - often in unexpected places - he was able to work in great power. How can we grow in our faith and expectation that God will work in power today?
Sunday 21 August 2011
Helen Franklin
Helen Franklin
Seeing things the God way
Jonah 4: “But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry... ‘Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.’”
Jonah's preaching led an entire city to turn to God, yet it seems he really wanted God to destroy Nineveh rather than have compassion on it. Surely we could never hold such attitudes? Hear what Helen has to say, and think again.
If you want to take the astronomical challenge set by Helen early in her talk, the mystery picture can be viewed here.
Jonah 4: “But Jonah was greatly displeased and became angry... ‘Now, O LORD, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.’”
Jonah's preaching led an entire city to turn to God, yet it seems he really wanted God to destroy Nineveh rather than have compassion on it. Surely we could never hold such attitudes? Hear what Helen has to say, and think again.
If you want to take the astronomical challenge set by Helen early in her talk, the mystery picture can be viewed here.
Sunday 14 August 2011
Stephanie Hayton
Stephanie Hayton
Desperate times
Jonah 2: "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
Jonah 3: "Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh"
In his attempt to run away from God, Jonah had hit rock bottom. In the days before Stephanie spoke, it felt as though the nation was in a similar state as rioting led to death and destruction in Birmingham and other major cities. Stephanie describes some situations where a crisis has proved to be a turning point leading to a better future, just as it was for Jonah.
Jonah 2: "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry."
Jonah 3: "Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh"
In his attempt to run away from God, Jonah had hit rock bottom. In the days before Stephanie spoke, it felt as though the nation was in a similar state as rioting led to death and destruction in Birmingham and other major cities. Stephanie describes some situations where a crisis has proved to be a turning point leading to a better future, just as it was for Jonah.
Sunday 7 August 2011
John Mason
John Mason
Jonah: Doing a runner from God
Jonah 1: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it... But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish"
The recording consists of excerpts from an All Age service, as John reflects on each section of the Bible passage as it is read. We can run from God like Jonah did, but we can't hide, since there is no place that his power and love can't reach us. The beginning of the recording will especially appeal to Biblical film enthusiasts.
Jonah 1: "The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it... But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish"
The recording consists of excerpts from an All Age service, as John reflects on each section of the Bible passage as it is read. We can run from God like Jonah did, but we can't hide, since there is no place that his power and love can't reach us. The beginning of the recording will especially appeal to Biblical film enthusiasts.
Sunday 31 July 2011
Allan Bartlam
Allan Bartlam
Marriage: a symbol of what?
Ephesians 5:22-33: "'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church."
Addressing a congregation made up of people of just about every marital status, Allan gets back to basics: what God intended marriage to be, and the relationship it symbolises. If you think marriage is just about two people and has no wider meaning, you need to listen to this.
Ephesians 5:22-33: "'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.' This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church."
Addressing a congregation made up of people of just about every marital status, Allan gets back to basics: what God intended marriage to be, and the relationship it symbolises. If you think marriage is just about two people and has no wider meaning, you need to listen to this.
Sunday 24 July 2011
Bobbie Frere
Bobbie Frere
Confession: the neglected sacrament
1 Samuel 7:2-6: "When they had assembled at Mizpah... they fasted and there they confessed, We have sinned against the Lord"
James 5:13-16: "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed"
Confession is an essential, if difficult, part of the Christian life, allowing us to face up to our mistakes and receive the amazing benefits that forgiveness brings. Do we really need to involve other people in the process? Bobbie explains how this can help.
Sorry that some sections of the recording were affected by a problem with the PA system. We've done our best to improve the audibility.
1 Samuel 7:2-6: "When they had assembled at Mizpah... they fasted and there they confessed, We have sinned against the Lord"
James 5:13-16: "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed"
Confession is an essential, if difficult, part of the Christian life, allowing us to face up to our mistakes and receive the amazing benefits that forgiveness brings. Do we really need to involve other people in the process? Bobbie explains how this can help.
Sorry that some sections of the recording were affected by a problem with the PA system. We've done our best to improve the audibility.
Sunday 17 July 2011
Bishop Maurice Sinclair
Bishop Maurice Sinclair
Baptism and Confirmation service
Acts 2.1-17: "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven... they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them"
John 14.15-27: "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever — the Spirit of truth"
Wind, fire and water represent the various ways in which the Holy Spirit works in all Christians. Bishop Maurice urges us to make full use of these resources throughout our lives.
Acts 2.1-17: "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven... they saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them"
John 14.15-27: "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you for ever — the Spirit of truth"
Wind, fire and water represent the various ways in which the Holy Spirit works in all Christians. Bishop Maurice urges us to make full use of these resources throughout our lives.
Sunday 17 July 2011
David Mole
David Mole
What's going on in Communion?
John 6:25-39: "Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty"
Luke 22:14–23: "[Jesus] took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me"
1 Corinthians 11:23-26: "Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes"
"If you ask a group of people what happens in Communion, you will get as many answers as there are people." How can events which happened 2000 years ago become real in our lives today? David explores the link between the Last Supper and the Jewish celebration of Passover to find answers.
John 6:25-39: "Jesus declared, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty"
Luke 22:14–23: "[Jesus] took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me"
1 Corinthians 11:23-26: "Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes"
"If you ask a group of people what happens in Communion, you will get as many answers as there are people." How can events which happened 2000 years ago become real in our lives today? David explores the link between the Last Supper and the Jewish celebration of Passover to find answers.
Sunday 10 July 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Baptism unpacked
Matthew 3.1-17: "As soon as Jesus was baptised... a voice from heaven said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased"
Romans 6:1-7: "All of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death"
Baptism is universally recognised as an act of Christian initiation. There is not quite so much agreement about exactly how it "works", still less about whether only adults should receive it. Geoff explores some of the meaning attached to baptism in the New Testament and presents some arguments for baptising children as well as adults.
Matthew 3.1-17: "As soon as Jesus was baptised... a voice from heaven said, This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased"
Romans 6:1-7: "All of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death"
Baptism is universally recognised as an act of Christian initiation. There is not quite so much agreement about exactly how it "works", still less about whether only adults should receive it. Geoff explores some of the meaning attached to baptism in the New Testament and presents some arguments for baptising children as well as adults.
Sunday 26 June 2011
Graham Romp
Graham Romp
Support for leaders
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15: "Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord"
Hebrews 13:17-21: "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority... so that their work will be a joy, not a burden"
A healthy church needs to have effective leaders, but a survey of UK church leaders suggested that many do find their work to be a burden. Graham lists some ways in which we can all help leaders fulfil their vision.
The picture of leadership that Graham referred to early on in his talk can be viewed here. Also see the three survey results slides: 1 2 3
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15: "Respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord"
Hebrews 13:17-21: "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority... so that their work will be a joy, not a burden"
A healthy church needs to have effective leaders, but a survey of UK church leaders suggested that many do find their work to be a burden. Graham lists some ways in which we can all help leaders fulfil their vision.
The picture of leadership that Graham referred to early on in his talk can be viewed here. Also see the three survey results slides: 1 2 3
Sunday 19 June 2011
Walter Barrientos
Walter Barrientos
Does God always arrive on time?
John 11:1-44: "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
When Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick, his response is astonishing: he just stays where he is. Why? Where is God when we need his help? But his absence leads to something more powerful and faith-building than if he had been there. This is a message of real hope to anyone going through tough times.
Walter Barrientos is a church planter from Bolivia, here on a visit to strengthen our growing links with that country.
John 11:1-44: "Lord," Martha said to Jesus, "if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask."
When Jesus hears that Lazarus is sick, his response is astonishing: he just stays where he is. Why? Where is God when we need his help? But his absence leads to something more powerful and faith-building than if he had been there. This is a message of real hope to anyone going through tough times.
Walter Barrientos is a church planter from Bolivia, here on a visit to strengthen our growing links with that country.
Sunday 12 June 2011
Stephanie Hayton
Stephanie Hayton
Saints on fire
Acts 2:1-21: "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.... All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues"
Lots of extraordinary things happen in our world. How can we recognise when the Holy Spirit is at work? Stephanie explains why he was sent to us and how we can allow him to work more freely.
Early on in her talk Stephanie used a viral YouTube video to illustrate what the crowd's reactions might have been like on the day of Pentecost.
At the end of the talk are some additional thoughts from Cathie. She spoke on a day of non-stop rain after parts of the country were made subject to drought restrictions.
Acts 2:1-21: "Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.... All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues"
Lots of extraordinary things happen in our world. How can we recognise when the Holy Spirit is at work? Stephanie explains why he was sent to us and how we can allow him to work more freely.
Early on in her talk Stephanie used a viral YouTube video to illustrate what the crowd's reactions might have been like on the day of Pentecost.
At the end of the talk are some additional thoughts from Cathie. She spoke on a day of non-stop rain after parts of the country were made subject to drought restrictions.
Sunday 5 June 2011
Helen Franklin
Helen Franklin
Unity: the main thing
John 10:11-16: "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen... there shall be one flock and one shepherd"
Ephesians 4:1-6: "There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all"
The recording includes two extracts from this week's All Age service. The first is an acted version of the first reading - told from a sheep's point of view. Helen then discusses which issues are necessary for unity, and which are not: "one baptism", but not "one baptism policy". If Helen's game of "Toffee or fluff" is ever turned into a TV game show format, remember you heard it here first.
John 10:11-16: "I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen... there shall be one flock and one shepherd"
Ephesians 4:1-6: "There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all"
The recording includes two extracts from this week's All Age service. The first is an acted version of the first reading - told from a sheep's point of view. Helen then discusses which issues are necessary for unity, and which are not: "one baptism", but not "one baptism policy". If Helen's game of "Toffee or fluff" is ever turned into a TV game show format, remember you heard it here first.
Sunday 29 May 2011
Allan Bartlam
Allan Bartlam
Slow to find fault
Luke 6:37-42: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
James 4:11-12: "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbour?"
Continuing our "Healthy church" series, Allan outlines some of the subtle ways in which we can undermine the character of others, and explains why this is so damaging - and how we can avoid it.
Luke 6:37-42: "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."
James 4:11-12: "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you - who are you to judge your neighbour?"
Continuing our "Healthy church" series, Allan outlines some of the subtle ways in which we can undermine the character of others, and explains why this is so damaging - and how we can avoid it.
Sunday 22 May 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Loved for who we are
1 John 4.9-18: "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins"
Galatians 3.26-4.7: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"
"If other people knew what I was really like, they would never accept me." The good news is that God's love does not depend on our merit or achievements. Geoff explains how this unconditional love can change us.
1 John 4.9-18: "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins"
Galatians 3.26-4.7: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus"
"If other people knew what I was really like, they would never accept me." The good news is that God's love does not depend on our merit or achievements. Geoff explains how this unconditional love can change us.
Sunday 15 May 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Exercising our gifts
1 Corinthians 12:1-11: "To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good"
Romans 12:3-8: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith"
Geoff encourages us to value and use the so-called charismatic gifts, such as prophecy and healing, and he describes and gives examples of each. These go together with gifts such as teaching and administration - which the church has valued and used throughout its history - to build up the whole church and for the benefit of the wider world.
1 Corinthians 12:1-11: "To each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good"
Romans 12:3-8: "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith"
Geoff encourages us to value and use the so-called charismatic gifts, such as prophecy and healing, and he describes and gives examples of each. These go together with gifts such as teaching and administration - which the church has valued and used throughout its history - to build up the whole church and for the benefit of the wider world.
Sunday 8 May 2011
Bobbie Frere
Bobbie Frere
In it together
1 Corinthians 12:12-26: "We were all baptised by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink"
There are plenty of modern equivalents of the divisions that existed in the church to which Paul wrote. Bobbie uses Paul's image of a body to counter some of the wrong ideas that we can get about the church and our place in it.
1 Corinthians 12:12-26: "We were all baptised by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink"
There are plenty of modern equivalents of the divisions that existed in the church to which Paul wrote. Bobbie uses Paul's image of a body to counter some of the wrong ideas that we can get about the church and our place in it.
Sunday 1 May 2011
Stephanie Hayton
Stephanie Hayton
Deep love
John 13:31-35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
1 Peter 1:22-25: "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart"
Speaking in an All Age service, Stephanie concentrates on the practical issues. How can Christians show love for one another, taking account of different people's preferences and needs? Is it appropriate, for instance, to thank a boy for his generous help by giving him a bunch of flowers? We find out 2 minutes and 5 seconds into the talk.
John 13:31-35: "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
1 Peter 1:22-25: "Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from the heart"
Speaking in an All Age service, Stephanie concentrates on the practical issues. How can Christians show love for one another, taking account of different people's preferences and needs? Is it appropriate, for instance, to thank a boy for his generous help by giving him a bunch of flowers? We find out 2 minutes and 5 seconds into the talk.
Sunday 24 April 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Easter Sunday: A good ending?
Mark 16.1-8: "Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."
The earliest manuscripts of Mark's Gospel end at this point, on a cliffhanger. Just like the first disciples, we have to respond to the shocking discovery of the empty tomb. Will we let Jesus' resurrection power work in us? How will the story end in our lives?
Near the end of Geoff's talk we listened to the track Come Alive by the Foo Fighters (not included in the recording), which features the line "You saved me the day you came alive".
Mark 16.1-8: "Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid."
The earliest manuscripts of Mark's Gospel end at this point, on a cliffhanger. Just like the first disciples, we have to respond to the shocking discovery of the empty tomb. Will we let Jesus' resurrection power work in us? How will the story end in our lives?
Near the end of Geoff's talk we listened to the track Come Alive by the Foo Fighters (not included in the recording), which features the line "You saved me the day you came alive".
Friday 22 April 2011
Bobbie Frere
Bobbie Frere
Good Friday All Age service: Sacrifice
The recording starts with a sketch in which one of our resident puppets, Lucy, finds out what real sacrifice is. Bobbie goes on to discuss the sacrifice that Jesus made when he died on the cross, so that something of even greater value could be achieved.
The recording starts with a sketch in which one of our resident puppets, Lucy, finds out what real sacrifice is. Bobbie goes on to discuss the sacrifice that Jesus made when he died on the cross, so that something of even greater value could be achieved.
Sunday 17 April 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Palm Sunday: What kind of King is this?
Psalm 118.19-29: "O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
Mark 11.1-11: "Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields... Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, he consciously identified himself as the long-awaited King and Messiah, and all the people knew it. Geoff explains that Jesus' style of kingship was completely different to the crowd's expectations, and he discusses the implications of accepting Jesus' right to rule over us.
Geoff refers to a picture of Christ's entry into Jerusalem at the monastery of St Benedict, Subiaco. It can be viewed here.
Psalm 118.19-29: "O Lord, save us; O Lord, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."
Mark 11.1-11: "Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields... Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"
When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, he consciously identified himself as the long-awaited King and Messiah, and all the people knew it. Geoff explains that Jesus' style of kingship was completely different to the crowd's expectations, and he discusses the implications of accepting Jesus' right to rule over us.
Geoff refers to a picture of Christ's entry into Jerusalem at the monastery of St Benedict, Subiaco. It can be viewed here.
Sunday 10 April 2011
Allan Bartlam
Allan Bartlam
Jesus predicts his death
John 12.20-36: "Jesus replied, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified"
We would not expect a human king to point to his own impending death as a sign of his glory. But Jesus did exactly that, because his death was the main reason that he came. Allan explains what this death achieved and the implications for us.
Allan also referred to the song See His love nailed to a cross (not included in the recording).
John 12.20-36: "Jesus replied, The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified"
We would not expect a human king to point to his own impending death as a sign of his glory. But Jesus did exactly that, because his death was the main reason that he came. Allan explains what this death achieved and the implications for us.
Allan also referred to the song See His love nailed to a cross (not included in the recording).
Sunday 3 April 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Mothering Sunday: I will not forget you
Isaiah 49:13-18: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands"
Christians may suffer one of the worst feelings we can experience - that of being abandoned - but it is never the reality. God always has his attention focused on us.
The recording ends with a version of Psalm 23, rewritten by Jenny Baker and read by Katherine and Annie.
Isaiah 49:13-18: "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands"
Christians may suffer one of the worst feelings we can experience - that of being abandoned - but it is never the reality. God always has his attention focused on us.
The recording ends with a version of Psalm 23, rewritten by Jenny Baker and read by Katherine and Annie.
Sunday 27 March 2011
Duncan Hill-Brown
Duncan Hill-Brown
Who do you think you are?
Romans 8.12-17: "You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father"
Luke 3.21-23: "Jesus was baptised... and a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased"
Our identity as humans is often a muddled affair, a mixture of things we want the world to know and some we would rather hide. Duncan explains how God offers a new identity, bound up with that of Jesus. It's based on different values and relationships, and lets us discover who we truly can be.
Romans 8.12-17: "You did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, Abba, Father"
Luke 3.21-23: "Jesus was baptised... and a voice came from heaven: You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased"
Our identity as humans is often a muddled affair, a mixture of things we want the world to know and some we would rather hide. Duncan explains how God offers a new identity, bound up with that of Jesus. It's based on different values and relationships, and lets us discover who we truly can be.
Sunday 20 March 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Elder brother syndrome
Luke 15:20-32: The ending of the story of the Prodigal Son... the older son refuses to accept his younger brother's homecoming
While the Pharisees wanted outsiders to stay on the outside and not pollute their little world, Jesus went out of his way to bring in those who had made a mess of their lives. Geoff encourages us to accept the changes that newcomers may bring - to be confident of God's love for us as well as for those who are still far away.
Luke 15:20-32: The ending of the story of the Prodigal Son... the older son refuses to accept his younger brother's homecoming
While the Pharisees wanted outsiders to stay on the outside and not pollute their little world, Jesus went out of his way to bring in those who had made a mess of their lives. Geoff encourages us to accept the changes that newcomers may bring - to be confident of God's love for us as well as for those who are still far away.
Sunday 13 March 2011
Graham Romp
Graham Romp
The power of community
John 13:32-38: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
The gospel is not just about saving individuals, but about building a community of God's people. It's a community that meets a deep human need, and a demonstration of God at work to all who do not yet belong. Graham encourages us to invite outsiders to experience this community for themselves so that they will be drawn to the God who built it.
John 13:32-38: "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
The gospel is not just about saving individuals, but about building a community of God's people. It's a community that meets a deep human need, and a demonstration of God at work to all who do not yet belong. Graham encourages us to invite outsiders to experience this community for themselves so that they will be drawn to the God who built it.
Sunday 6 March 2011
Revive and Reloaded youth groups
Revive and Reloaded youth groups
Love to the loveless: Mission possible
Matthew 25:31-46: "The righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?' ... The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"
This week's recording consists of excerpts from this All Age service which explored the theme of helping those in need. First we hear part of the reading, which was acted out by members of the younger Revive group. Then we hear some thoughts on the reasons why we should help others, followed by some ways in which young people have put this into practice. The service ended with a version of the Lord's Prayer, specially adapted to bring home its meaning.
Matthew 25:31-46: "The righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?' ... The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"
This week's recording consists of excerpts from this All Age service which explored the theme of helping those in need. First we hear part of the reading, which was acted out by members of the younger Revive group. Then we hear some thoughts on the reasons why we should help others, followed by some ways in which young people have put this into practice. The service ended with a version of the Lord's Prayer, specially adapted to bring home its meaning.
Sunday 27 February 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Sharing faith appropriately
Acts 17:16-28: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you."
John 4:1-16: Jesus offers a Samaritan woman 'living water'
Athens was a place where many different faiths and philosophies were discussed, believed and practised - just as in Birmingham today. Paul did not belittle these faiths but rather used them as a starting point to connect with his hearers. Geoff discusses some aspects of today's culture that affect the way we present Jesus to others. We also hear how a brief stay at a Christian youth hostel over 30 years ago started an impoverished young artist on the road to a powerful Christian ministry in Macedonia.
Acts 17:16-28: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you."
John 4:1-16: Jesus offers a Samaritan woman 'living water'
Athens was a place where many different faiths and philosophies were discussed, believed and practised - just as in Birmingham today. Paul did not belittle these faiths but rather used them as a starting point to connect with his hearers. Geoff discusses some aspects of today's culture that affect the way we present Jesus to others. We also hear how a brief stay at a Christian youth hostel over 30 years ago started an impoverished young artist on the road to a powerful Christian ministry in Macedonia.
Sunday 20 February 2011
Bobbie Frere
Bobbie Frere
Hospitable ambassadors
Mark 2:13-17: "While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him"
When Levi (also called Matthew) decided to follow Jesus, he threw a party for all his friends. The guests were the sort that the religious people would not touch, but that Jesus loved to meet. Bobbie encourages us to follow Matthew's example and give people without faith the opportunity to encounter God's love.
Mark 2:13-17: "While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him"
When Levi (also called Matthew) decided to follow Jesus, he threw a party for all his friends. The guests were the sort that the religious people would not touch, but that Jesus loved to meet. Bobbie encourages us to follow Matthew's example and give people without faith the opportunity to encounter God's love.
Sunday 13 February 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Vulnerable evangelism
Luke 9.51-56: "James and John... asked, 'Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?' But Jesus turned and rebuked them"
Is sharing our faith about imposing our views on others, whether or not they are willing to listen? It wasn't for Jesus. Geoff encourages us to follow his example of listening first and seeking to respond to the real need.
Luke 9.51-56: "James and John... asked, 'Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?' But Jesus turned and rebuked them"
Is sharing our faith about imposing our views on others, whether or not they are willing to listen? It wasn't for Jesus. Geoff encourages us to follow his example of listening first and seeking to respond to the real need.
Sunday 6 February 2011
Cathie Bartlam and friends
Cathie Bartlam and friends
Every little helps
Genesis 1.26: "Then God said, Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground"
The recording consists of excerpts from this All Age service on the theme of caring for creation. Cathie introduces the idea of stewardship, then our resident puppets Bert and Lucy debate how this works out in an everyday situation. Cathie then interviews a member of the church's recently-formed Social Action and Environment Group.
Genesis 1.26: "Then God said, Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along the ground"
The recording consists of excerpts from this All Age service on the theme of caring for creation. Cathie introduces the idea of stewardship, then our resident puppets Bert and Lucy debate how this works out in an everyday situation. Cathie then interviews a member of the church's recently-formed Social Action and Environment Group.
Sunday 30 January 2011
Allan Bartlam
Allan Bartlam
Secrets of Kingdom growth
Mark 4:26-34: "The kingdom of God... is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants"
The seed grows all by itself, so what part do we play? Allan explores some practical ways in which we can be "farmers" in helping the kingdom of God to grow.
In his talk Allan refers to a picture of a mustard tree, of which there is an excellent example here.
Mark 4:26-34: "The kingdom of God... is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants"
The seed grows all by itself, so what part do we play? Allan explores some practical ways in which we can be "farmers" in helping the kingdom of God to grow.
In his talk Allan refers to a picture of a mustard tree, of which there is an excellent example here.
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Sunday 23 January 2011
Bobbie Frere
Bobbie Frere
God's not sleeping
Acts 10:1-48: "I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right"
At a time when most people believed that the gospel was only meant for the Jews, God intervened in a direct way to bring a Roman soldier to faith. Bobbie uses this and some personal stories to show how God takes the initiative in building his kingdom - but we have an important part to play.
Acts 10:1-48: "I now realise how true it is that God does not show favouritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right"
At a time when most people believed that the gospel was only meant for the Jews, God intervened in a direct way to bring a Roman soldier to faith. Bobbie uses this and some personal stories to show how God takes the initiative in building his kingdom - but we have an important part to play.
Sunday 16 January 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Confidence in the gospel
Romans 1:11-21: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes"
John 17:13-23: "[Jesus said] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world"
Today's media and culture are dismissive of or even hostile to Christian faith, and it's tempting to keep our heads down. The apostle Paul had seen God working in power, changing lives and bringing outsiders into God's kingdom. Geoff reminds us that this is happening today too and that the gospel has the power to change the world.
Romans 1:11-21: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes"
John 17:13-23: "[Jesus said] As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world"
Today's media and culture are dismissive of or even hostile to Christian faith, and it's tempting to keep our heads down. The apostle Paul had seen God working in power, changing lives and bringing outsiders into God's kingdom. Geoff reminds us that this is happening today too and that the gospel has the power to change the world.
Sunday 9 January 2011
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Alright as you are?
Matthew 9:27-38: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd"
It is hard to see people's real needs, but Jesus not only saw them but had a real desire to meet them. Geoff explores what "compassion" means and challenges us to ask God to grow in it.
Matthew 9:27-38: "When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd"
It is hard to see people's real needs, but Jesus not only saw them but had a real desire to meet them. Geoff explores what "compassion" means and challenges us to ask God to grow in it.
Sunday 2 January 2011
Stephanie Hayton
Stephanie Hayton
Journey of the Magi
Matthew 2.1-12: "Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'"
The Magi were willing to make a long journey to find Jesus, even though they did not really know what to expect. What will keep us going on our journey through the coming year? Speaking in an All Age service, Stephanie used some interactive activities to help us think about this.
Sorry we didn't get an audio recording, but the notes on the talk can be downloaded instead.
Matthew 2.1-12: "Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.'"
The Magi were willing to make a long journey to find Jesus, even though they did not really know what to expect. What will keep us going on our journey through the coming year? Speaking in an All Age service, Stephanie used some interactive activities to help us think about this.
Sorry we didn't get an audio recording, but the notes on the talk can be downloaded instead.
Sunday 12 April 2009
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Easter Sunday: Reasons to be hopeful
John 20:1-18
A seed has the potential to be all that a real plant should be, but this will never happen until it is planted in the ground. Jesus' resurrection proves that he is who he says he is, and challenges us to take a step of faith in him and come alive like a planted seed.
The recording begins with the reading. The sermon was followed by a video sequence with background music (not included in the recording).
John 20:1-18
A seed has the potential to be all that a real plant should be, but this will never happen until it is planted in the ground. Jesus' resurrection proves that he is who he says he is, and challenges us to take a step of faith in him and come alive like a planted seed.
The recording begins with the reading. The sermon was followed by a video sequence with background music (not included in the recording).
Sunday 29 March 2009
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Confidence in transformation
2 Corinthians 3.12-18, Colossians 1.3-8
Only God can bring about true transformation - and he is at work within us, even if we don't recognise it. Our part is to live a life that is open to God and so create the conditions that allow this to happen.
2 Corinthians 3.12-18, Colossians 1.3-8
Only God can bring about true transformation - and he is at work within us, even if we don't recognise it. Our part is to live a life that is open to God and so create the conditions that allow this to happen.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Geoff Lanham
Geoff Lanham
Life you've always wanted
John 10.1-18, Isaiah 61.1-7
God knows and values us as individuals, and we have an intuitive ability to hear God's voice. Jesus the Good Shepherd opens the door to a different way of living.
John 10.1-18, Isaiah 61.1-7
God knows and values us as individuals, and we have an intuitive ability to hear God's voice. Jesus the Good Shepherd opens the door to a different way of living.
Wednesday 18 March 2009
Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston
Andrew Watson, Bishop of Aston
Geoff Lanham's induction service
Mark 3.13-19
The reading (at the start of the recording) tells how Jesus appointed twelve apostles so that they might spend time with him and be sent out into the world. Bishop Andrew reminds us that we are Christians because Jesus chose us - not because of our achievements, but by his appointment. Churches and individuals have to find the right balance between being (spending time with Jesus) and doing (going out into the world).
Mark 3.13-19
The reading (at the start of the recording) tells how Jesus appointed twelve apostles so that they might spend time with him and be sent out into the world. Bishop Andrew reminds us that we are Christians because Jesus chose us - not because of our achievements, but by his appointment. Churches and individuals have to find the right balance between being (spending time with Jesus) and doing (going out into the world).