Author Archives: Revd Neil Summers

When my own mum was still alive, I used to scour the shops for a card which celebrated Mothering Sunday rather than its relatively new incarnation, Mother’s Day.  Today was never meant to be solely about mothers; its original meaning was more … Continue reading →

In a predominantly rationalist and scientific age, some Christians of a more liberal and progressive stance find stories involving the inexplicable, like Jesus’s Transfiguration, which we’ve just read – or, indeed, the miracles – rather awkward.   The temptation often is … Continue reading →

Readings Genesis 2.4b-9, 15-25; Revelation 4; Luke 8.22-25 Preacher Revd Neil Summers Within a long strand of Hebrew tradition, the sea was associated with evil powers.  According to an ancient creation myth, when God made the world and separated out … Continue reading →

Readings Isaiah 6.1-8; 1 Corinthians 15.1-11; Luke 5.1-11Preacher Revd Neil Summers In the Bible, it is often the case that when God’s servants hear his call, it is accompanied by a profound awareness of their own unworthiness, even sinfulness. In … Continue reading →

The Feast of the Epiphany comes at that time of the year when, for most people, the magic of Christmas has worn off.  Last night was Twelfth Night, so the decorations are down and you are left with pine needles … Continue reading →

This year’s Christmas cards have brought the usual mix of images: snow scenes, stars, Bethlehem, robins, Santas, reindeer, Christmas trees, and Nativity scenes – that enchanting combination of the sacred and secular which makes up the modern Christmas.  As usual, … Continue reading →

Some years ago, the clock up in the spire of St. John’s was out of order – and therefore silent – for many months, until it was eventually repaired and we were able once more to hear the familiar sound … Continue reading →

Readings  Jeremiah 33.14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3.9-end; Luke 21.25-36 Preacher  Revd Neil Summers   If you like fairy tales, romance and magic, the chances are you would enjoy a musical by my favourite modern-day composer, Stephen Sondheim.  ‘Into the Woods’ is … Continue reading →

Readings  Isaiah 25.6-9; Revelation 21.1-6a; John 11.32-44 Preacher  Revd Neil Summers   November is the month for remembering.   Last Thursday was All Saints’ Day, commemorating those often nameless saints throughout the ages who do not have an individual day of … Continue reading →