As part of our attempts to stay connected as congregations and a circuit in these challenging times, I'm starting a series of daily Bible studies with colleagues today. Each day, we will examine a short text, discuss some context and suggest some points for reflection and discussion. I hope that folks may find them helpful. … Continue reading Home Bible Study: Matthew 4:1-11

For the first time in hundreds of years, the churches across England will be closed today for public worship. It's a poor substitute but the Richmond & Hounslow Circuit has decided to record a short act of worship each Sunday during the current crisis to help us stay connected. This is the text of our … Continue reading Coronavirus Sunday Worship (22 March)

First, may I wish anyone reading this a happy new year, and may I also apologise for the lack of material on this site for the last few months. It has been a challenging time in our circuit of churches and I found myself suddenly thrust into the role of superintendent minister in November, overseeing … Continue reading Stepping out into the unknown

This sermon is based on the one that I preached today at Richmond United Church, in the Richmond & Hounslow District. The sets texts for the day were: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 and Luke 15:1-10. [The sermon began with a clip from the BBC film version of ‘Cold Comfort Farm’, the comic novel by Stella Gibbons. It … Continue reading Miserable sinners!

This is the sermon I preached today at Putney Methodist Church. The text was Genesis 1:1-2:4, the first Creation story. Introduction In recent years, a new season has been added to the Christian calendar. At the initiative of the Orthodox Church, and others, we are being urged to consider the period from the beginning of … Continue reading In the beginning…

This is the sermon I delivered today at Holy Trinity Parish Church, part of the Ecumenical Parish of Roehampton. The set texts were Hebrews 11:29 – 12:2 and Luke 12:49-56. The lectionary is not always a gift to preachers! Today’s gospel reading seems particularly out of place and unhelpful at this time. All of us are only … Continue reading Do make a fuss!

This is the sermon I preached today at Barnes Methodist Church. I was not using the lectionary but preached on Paul's letter to Philemon. Introduction In June, we studied the book of Colossians together as part of the Bible Month initiative. I have had many positive responses from people about the benefits of looking at one … Continue reading Philemon: making a difference?

This month at the churches I serve we are observing Bible Month. This is an initiative launched by the Methodist Church to foster Biblical literacy by encouraging congregations to focus on a particular book of the Bible during June.  This year we are looking at the New Testament book of Colossians, dividing the whole book up over four … Continue reading Bible Month 4:”Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt”

This is the talk I gave on Sunday at Putney Methodist Church. I shall also be sharing it with my congregations at Barnes and Roehampton Methodist Churches next week. This is part of the Bible Month initiative, which this year focuses on the book of Colossians. We have been working through the entire book during the … Continue reading Bible Month 3: “seek the things that are above”

This month at the churches I serve we are observing Bible Month. This is an initiative launched by the Methodist Church to foster Biblical literacy by encouraging congregations to focus on a particular book of the Bible during June.  This year we are focusing on New Testament book of Colossians.  Last time I wrote about Colossians 1:1-23 and next … Continue reading Bible Month 2: “with you in spirit”