St John’s

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 →

Reading  Mark 10.35-45 Preacher  Revd Alan Sykes   Once upon a time there were two scientists. They were both working – separately – on an important potential breakthrough in the treatment of a serious disease. Both were on the brink … Continue reading →

Readings  Amos 5.6-7, 10-15; Hebrews 4.12-end; Mark 10.17-31 Preacher  Revd Neil Summers   Two weeks ago, the Gospel reading was about cutting off those body parts that cause us to stumble.  Today, there are more tricky words to contend with: sell … Continue reading →

Interview Sermon with Revd Neil Summers and Sylvia Browning   Introduction – Neil   In our Mission Action Plan, one of the things we said we would do, from time to time, is a different sort of sermon slot, which … Continue reading →

Readings  Isaiah 35.4-7a; James 2.1-10, 14-17; Mark 7.24-end Preacher  Revd Neil Summers   For me, that story of the healing of a Gentile woman’s daughter is one of the most fascinating in all the gospels.  It sees Jesus mainly in … Continue reading →

Readings   Deuteronomy 4.1-2, 6-9; James 1.17-end; Mark 7.1-8, 14-15, 21-23 Preacher  Revd Neil Summers   If you look at the front of today’s pew sheet, you will see that the compilers of our lectionary – the CofE’s reading scheme – … Continue reading →