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Equal in God’s sight
We are one in the Spirit…” – but who are “We”?
Context
Prime Minister Keir Starmer found himself deep in controversy last week following the publication of the White Paper entitled: Restoring control over the immigration system when, in his speech outlining the government’s underlying thinking, he said,
“Nations depend on rules – fair rules... Without them, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together.”
The word “strangers” was seized upon by commentators as echoing the famous – or infamous - speech on immigration made in 1968 by Enoch Powell, in which he said that the existing population “found themselves made strangers in their own country.”
Several Labour MPs rejected Sir Keir’s use of “strangers” for people they see as “friends, neighbours and family members” and Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey claimed that Sir Keir was “echoing” Mr Powell.
Sir Keir’s official spokesman, however, categorically denied the link.
Journalist Beth Rigby argued that he had actually wanted to echo former Labour Home Secretary Roy Jenkins who welcomed immigration as long as it was properly controlled – a position Sir Keir himself has previously taken.
The White Paper proposals have also greatly alarmed providers of care and nursing services, who are largely dependent on low-paid immigrant workers.
Clearly, what is required is a calm, rational and detailed debate, free of prejudice and sweeping generalisations.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
It’s simply a fact that some people feel most comfortable associating with others who share their background and interests, while others relish being in groups of people from different origins and cultures. There’s nothing wrong in this, and we could discuss and speculate endlessly about the reasons for this. We should perhaps try to think about it from time to time, to help us understand why diversity is so discomforting for some and so exciting for others.
The first members of the Christian Church were Jews who, simply by deciding to follow the risen Jesus, had already taken a significant step beyond what they would previously have considered acceptable, and had thereby laid themselves open to the very real risk of rejection and shunning by the remaining majority of their traditional community, including even their own families. As Jesus repeatedly made clear in his teaching, the decision to follow him was no small commitment.
Small wonder, then, that the message a very excited Peter brought back from Joppa, that the Holy Spirit had fallen on a Gentile household “just as it had upon us at the beginning” (Acts 11:15), caused something of a stir among the Apostles in Jerusalem. Initially inspired to praise God for his revelation that Gentiles were to share the salvation brought by Jesus, when the excitement died down they had to thrash out the details, and especially which parts of the Jewish Covenant they should ask Gentile Christians to accept. This led to the Council of Jerusalem described in Acts 15.
Similar questions arise whenever one community with a particular background and culture accepts new members from another community with a different identity. Following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 CE, Jews were dispersed across the known world, where they often sought to maintain their distinct identity by remaining separate from their host communities by continuing to practise their own religious and cultural traditions – making them an easily identifiable scapegoat when times were hard.
We know now how scapegoating minority communities can lead all too easily to unjustifiable persecution, violence and atrocity.
Much depends on whether we see those different from ourselves as “strangers”, or as “friends, neighbours and family members”, remembering always how Jesus defined “family”.
Questions for discussion
- Jesus says much in the gospels about family relationships. What is his definition of “family”?
- Why do some people feel most comfortable associating with others who share their background and interests, while others relish being in groups of people from different origins and cultures?
- What can our Church bring to a debate about immigration?
Robert Beard is an NHS worker and Church of England priest.
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In the news this week we have seen India and Pakistan exchanging military attacks on each other and Israel attacking Palestinians in Gaza. In both places, there are long-standing grudges and feelings of injustice. In both places, the other side are treated as different, not like us and not deserving compassion or mercy.
In today’s reading, Peter is given a vision by God of all the food that a good Jew would never eat and is invited to tuck in. He refuses and is told, “Don’t call anything unclean that God has made clean”. God is removing the barrier that would stop Peter, a Jew, from talking to, eating with and sharing Jesus with everyone who wasn’t Jewish.
For the early church, this was a huge issue. All non-Jews were to be kept away from, distrusted and avoided as far as possible - but Peter is being told that this isn’t God’s plan any more.
We often end up labelling people and giving ourselves reasons why it’s ok not to like them. They support a different team, they like different music, they are awkward in conversation. God has made us - and everyone we see - in his own image. He’s calling us to take down the barriers that separate us from other people and to reach out to them in the same way he reached out to us.
Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats, three chickens and numerous fish.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 11 May 2025
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What sort of life?
Summary
VE Day commemorations reminisce about war, but also about reconciliation, and life renewed (Acts 9:36-43).
Context
It’s arguably a difficult time to commemorate a Great Peace after a costly victory with patriotic rejoicing and national religious celebrations. Many continuing conflicts are raging - some factional and allegedly genocidal. How difficult is it to align an appeal to patriotic pride in our country with our calling to a new life in which all humanity are our brothers and sisters, when our country seems increasingly divided and national cohesion is threatened by action beyond domestic control?
Reflection
Recently a survey enthusiastically suggesting a revival in English church-going provoked controversy. We may feel nostalgic for the shared assumptions of 1945 but is institutional religion essential? Even helpful? Does it sometimes fire hostility to those of differing beliefs or none?
Some think religion causes wars:
Do shared beliefs, important aspects of national identity, offer equivalent positive impacts as well? Are we better citizens for being patriotic? Can we be patriotic and still seek to ‘love our enemies’? Nationalism, religion-backed or not, is far from the whole story. National emergency brought unity and conformity but also, as these reminiscences show, heroism, compassion, generosity and faith.
Can the secular world provide equivalent virtues – without the links to defending sacred turf - in peacetime? Humanity is ingenious, determined, and imaginative. To the religious we are made in God’s image. Do we need religion to find compassion? Do we need to be self-identifying church-goers to exemplify the release offered by giving up hatred?
The situation is complex. We may all be capable of the right feelings in particular situations but a little support from stable religious externals may induce a wider perspective, and some humility in the face of those wider horizons. And that’s a good place from which to start a move from home-grown bravery via broader compassion and a fuller sense of justice to hope fulfilled in effective real-world political action! Something to reflect on if we’re tempted to think this week’s Papal conclave matters little to non-Catholics.
Sermon ideas
Life at any price?
- Do you worry that, whether in religion or politics, opposition to another belief, or set of beliefs, is seen as the most effective recruitment strategy?
- How far should we as church communities go in pursuing expansion/survival?
Life individual, or life communal?
- How important and/or desirable are clearly defined and policed beliefs?
- How far should individual conscience be respected if it might threaten community cohesion?
Questions
- Are you patriotic? What do you mean by it?
- How important to your faith is your church commitment? Did you find faith, and then a church, or find faith through e.g. your church upbringing?
- What are the pros and cons of multiculturalism?
Brenda Vance is a URC Elder and a retired university teacher.
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Living in peace
What an amazing event Monday’s celebration of the eightieth anniversary of VE Day was and it was wonderful that the sun shone for it. The military procession through London was a great spectacle and the flypast culminating in the Red Arrows display filling the sky over Buckingham Palace with Red, White and Blue was a sight to behold. This week's events celebrate that we live in peace. They are not a show of strength.
It was great to see the awe and wonder on the faces of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis as they watched the flypast as it linked what was achieved 80 years ago with the present age. There was also a link across the generations in the tea party for veterans at Buckingham Palace which gave them a chance to share their stories.
Once again, the moat of the Tower of London has been filled with ceramic poppies. The combination of this memorial to the dead with the celebrations that are taking place all week is a clear and poignant reminder of the Easter message. The poppies are for us a traditional reminder of the fallen, those who gave their lives that their country might live in peace. The celebrations enable us to acknowledge that peace.
The story of Dorcas shows that in Christ we can go through death to life. The true joy of the Easter season recognises the pain of death which brought forth new life, a fuller life, a life of eternal peace.
Stuart Wild is a Methodist Minister serving in Lytham St Annes on the Lancashire Coast.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
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Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 4 May 2025
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New vision
Saul sees the world from a different perspective when his sight is restored. (Acts 9:17-19)
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
It is hard to imagine what it must have been like in Spain and Portugal during the power outage at the beginning of the week. Although there are times when we feel irritated by traffic lights we rely on them to give us a level of safety. What must it have been like to be driving home and to discover that all the lights (and so much more) were out?
Saul has two encounters:
- The first on the way to Damascus takes away his sight.
- In the second his sight is restored.
The effect of these encounters is that Saul sees the world in a different way. No longer is persecution appropriate. Now is the time for obedience.
There has been a change of government in Canada. It was not the overwhelming victory for the Liberals that had been predicted but it is clear that many people have changed the way in which they had previously voted. Something must have changed in their view of their nation (or possibly in their world view). Insight had caused a change and the change has caused action.
After a period of blindness Saul is given a new insight. His entire world view is changed and this encounter with the risen Christ demands action. Luke tells us that Saul is baptised. There is an immediacy to this action because in the next verse we are told that he has something to eat which gives him strength. The action demanded is urgent and requires immediate attention before even taking food.
The period following Easter is traditionally a time of joyful hope. Over Easter there was a 30 hour Russian ceasefire. Now a three day truce has been declared. If we are truly filled with resurrection joy and hope how will we look upon the truce?
Ananias was called by God to minister to a man who had been a great enemy to him and his brothers and sisters in Christ. In order to obey God he must have found in his heart the way to forgive Saul. If the truce leads to peace we will be challenged in the way we look upon President Putin and the Russian government.
Questions for discussion
- Have you seen anything in the news that has led you to look upon a situation in a different way?
- Thinking about how Ananias must have felt about Saul, are there people (groups or individuals) that you find it hard to offer love to?
- How should our encounters with Jesus change the way we view the world?
Revd Stuart Wild is a methodist minister serving on the Lancashire coast.
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Only a few days ago a world record amount of people took part in the London Marathon. With over 56,000 runners that’s more people than the Etihad Stadium can hold!
Competing his second London Marathon this year was comedian Romesh Ranganathan. Well known for his hilarious travel shows and the newest host of BBC One’s Weakest Link, Romesh is a huge advocate for running, telling people all over the world the benefits of this often shunned exercise. His mission is to show that running is something everyone can do. However he didn’t always believe this.
Only a few years ago Romesh fully believed running was for the elite - only a certain group of people could access it, and he was not one of them. He hated the experience of running until one single encounter with a stranger completely changed his perspective, and his life.
A solid belief in one way of thinking changed by a single encounter - that’s Saul’s story. The inaccessible becoming accessible - that’s Saul’s story. And that can be many people’s story, including ours. With God anything is possible, hearts can be transformed, and views changed. Let’s take a moment to pray for such transformations to continue happening today so more may know God and seek peace.
Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer from Lancashire (www.lwcreative.co.uk)
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 27 April 2025
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Crossing the threshold
Navigating times of significant change in our world and our lives. John 20:19-31
Context
Roman Catholics, people of all faiths and leaders around the world pay their respects to Pope Francis whose funeral takes place this weekend. Although his life and ministry was not without controversy and criticism from some church abuse survivors and supporters of women’s ministry, he will be mainly remembered as ‘the People’s Pope’ - a compassionate pope with a bias for the poor and marginalised. He is remembered with gratitude by Christians in Gaza, with whom he had regular contact.
Bombings continue in in that troubled land, with civilian casualties and thousands of children reported as close to starvation. Debate begins about who will be the next pope, as the Church of England still waits for a new archbishop of Canterbury.
The short ceasefire in Ukraine has ended, on day 1154 of the war, with slim hope in Putin raising the possibility of direct talks.
People on all sides of the debate are working out the implications of the Supreme Court ruling on the meaning of ‘woman’ in the Equality Act.
As the latest series of Pilgrimage ends, it draws praise for its heart-warming portrayal of a group from different faith backgrounds travelling the Jakobsweg trail together. Perhaps its popularity is reflected in the rising numbers of young Christians in the UK?
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Pope Francis is recognised as someone who brought change in the Catholic church, and inspiration to many. As thoughts turn to the election of a new pope, and the process continues for a new Archbishop of Canterbury, these two major Christian communities are both at the threshold of a new era. What are we looking for in our faith leaders? Where do we find wisdom when on the threshold of such significant decisions? John describes this as happening through dialogue and encounter with God. How do we make space for this in our lives?
The Supreme Court ruling and the events that prompted it have caused stress and heartache for many, whatever their views. It has become a topic that is hard to talk about, with vitriol and hurtful attacks towards people of opposite views. How do we navigate such difficult and divisive issues? John describes the disciples as hiding away in fear, and that is understandable when people’s safety is at stake. Mary stayed at the scene, searching for Jesus and perhaps for answers. Jesus came to them in both spaces, offering reassurance, and the gift of the Spirit. Wherever we sit on this topic, let’s welcome Jesus' guidance and support as we try to find a way forward that cares for everyone, especially the most vulnerable.
The Pilgrimage series demonstrated the appeal of spiritual conversations, and journeys, while the research into the growth of Christianity in Gen Z highlighted the importance of belonging and connection. Have a mini pilgrimage around your church building, stopping at key places to discuss their importance and relevance, e.g. the door, font, altar, pews/chairs, pulpit/lectern. Gather together at the end to share refreshments and reflect on the end of the ‘pilgrimage’ through Lent and Easter.
(Find more ideas on Pilgrimage in the Roots Discovering God series.)
Questions for discussion
- What do we look for in our faith leaders? How do we support them in their leadership? Do we expect too much?
- How do we find ways to navigate disagreement more safely? What guidelines can we adopt for safer dialogue and addressing difference and conflict?
- What does it mean to you to belong to your church community? How can you welcome others to join?
Jane Chevous is an activist, writer, sailor, and leader of Survivors Voices. She also researches and writes about abuse, survivor theology, mental health and the sea.
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Locking and unlocking
This week has seen the death of Pope Francis, passing on the morning of Easter Monday, after publicly celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For many, his death has brought into sharper focus the hope of the resurrection and the promise of eternal life with our saviour.
John 20:19-31 offers some further thoughts or comparisons we may choose to explore. My first observation was the connection between the locked and unlocked rooms. This week, the Vatican made the decision to keep the doors open, allowing more mourners to file past the coffin than would have otherwise been possible. In this passage, the doors are firmly shut, as Jesus' followers hid away in fear, but no door could hold Almighty God who bursts through in power and authority.
Many who file past will be doing so as a way of marking respect. For others, there will be an element of seeking to accept the truth of his passing. Thomas is so often judged for his doubt in the resurrection, but if we were all a bit more honest, we may acknowledge that when we first heard this story, we had our questions. Death itself brings a confusion and state of disbelief. How much more so resurrection?
The truth is, we follow a God who is so big, he truly is beyond human understanding. When we share our good news story with children and young people, do we create a space where these big questions and perfectly understandable doubts can be explored? We know that young people are exploring spirituality, now more so than ever. Our job is not to reduce the mystery of faith to bullet point facts, but rather to create spaces to discover and encounter the risen Jesus for themselves.
Becky May is Children and Family Tutor at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Founder of The Resources Cupboard.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 20 April 2025
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Supernatural Sight, Heavenly Hearing
God reveals Himself to us in specific ways and at pre-ordained times (John 20:1-18).
Context
Reflection and ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation
- In this passage, Mary Magdalene discovers that Christ’s body is no longer in the tomb. She calls Simon Peter and John to see. We are told that ‘as yet they [Peter and John] did not understand the scripture, that he must rise from the dead’ (v.8), but they ‘saw and believed’ (v.9). This tells us that God had given them spiritual vision: they were able to interpret the situation through a divine lens rather than with mere human understanding. Rather than believing that the body had been taken away, they discerned that Jesus had risen from the dead. God gave them His sight.
- Acts 10:40-41 teach us that the witnesses to Jesus’ resurrection had been pre-ordained by God. Mary Magdalene, a single woman, was chosen to be the first person to see the risen Saviour – what an honour! Yet we see from our main passage that at first, she does not recognise Him – neither by sight (v. 14), nor by voice (v.15).
- It is when Jesus calls her by her name in verse 16: ‘ “Mary!” ’ that she finally knows who He is. As was the case for Peter and John, Mary does not receive divine understanding until the time is right. It is when Jesus addresses her by name that she truly sees Him and hears Him.
- God calls and speaks to all of us. Yet, He has specific, personal ways in which He reveals Himself to each of us. The way that one receives direction from God may not be how He speaks and shows Himself to another. Isn’t it wonderful that He addresses each of us by name, with a call that is specific to us?
- We need our Father’s eyes and ears to recognise when He is speaking and moving in the world around us. We need divine insight and divine timing to recognise what He's doing.
Questions for discussion
- Do you sometimes doubt whether God is moving in the world around you?
- Do you know the ways in which God speaks specifically to you?
- What do you think of the fact that God chose a single woman to be the first person to see the resurrected Saviour?
Ruth Akinradewo loves to advocate for the voiceless. Currently, she does this mainly as Communications Manager for the Caribbean & African Health Network.
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Each of the Gospels includes a version of the resurrection and each is different, in both emphasis and the details included. Yet none of these accounts are untrue - we all see the world differently and the disciples are the same as the rest of us in this respect.
In this week’s news we heard about the attack on three prison guards by the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber. I see this as a horrific and unmerited attack, a perspective shared by many including those of the Muslim faith; but he might use that faith to justify his actions. We all view the world through very different lenses, leading to contrasting interpretations of the same events.
Young people live in a pluralistic world, in which they are constantly bombarded by information. How can we support them as they develop filters for this information, to make decisions about what is good and true?
Questions for discussion
- Which platforms do your young people use to get their news?
- Why did they choose these platforms?
- Do they know what assumptions underlie these platforms?
- How do these assumptions fit with their faith?
You may find this BBC Bitesize resource helpful for your discussion.
Victoria Etherington is children’s, youth and family’s ministry leader for the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 13 April 2025
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We choose Bedford!
Think about the significant choices (Luke 19:28-40)
Context
Arguably, it’s been a week of less than obvious choices. Global politics and the world’s economic systems have been left reeling after choices that did not seem obvious to most people bar a few who sit in Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington DC. The headline tariff news has been tumultuous, destabilising for many and the decisions being made by those in power are difficult to process. But there has been another, lighter choice made this week that also seems less than obvious. – that is the decision to build a Universal theme park in Bedford!
Adding to the sun-soaked parks in Orlando and Hollywood and the selection in the east – Japan and Singapore included, by 2031 Universal will have a new park in sunny(?) Bedford.
Whether you’re a fan of high-octane rides or not, the decision to build the park in Bedford is interesting. It will have a huge impact on the local area, potentially make Bedford a highly appealing destination, and forever connect Bedford to Hollywood and the tourist hotspot that is Orlando. Universal World Bedford is an excellent example of a less than obvious choice having huge ramifications that will change the area forever.
When Jesus chose the unridden donkey as his mode of transport into Jerusalem his disciples must have felt some surprise. The donkey may not have seemed the obvious choice for a triumphant arrival. But this less than obvious choice had huge ramifications and changed the world forever. The donkey fulfilled prophecy, the donkey symbolised peace. But the image of the Lord of all arriving in a city which will soon become the scene of his death also speaks to us of absolute humility and of a new way of understanding power and authority that is not found at the end of a sword but in full submission to God’s will and his universal purposes – life changing for all of us.
Jesus riding the donkey is one of the most enduring images of our faith. ‘Not the obvious choice’ speaks louder and with more authority than the more obvious choices we might have made.
Ideas for reflection
- Use the words from Psalm 118:22-24 (the stone the builders rejected) as the opening for a reflection on the choices God makes. Use the following questions:
- Can you see evidence of God’s choices rather than the obvious choices in your life?
- What would it look like to make choices inspired by today’s gospel and Psalm?
- What situations which require a choice do you need to pray for today?
- Invite people to think about choices they are struggling with, or have found difficult to make. Give everyone a cut-out palm leaf and a pen. Encourage people to draw or write on the leaf something which expresses their situation. On the other side of the cut-out ask people to write ‘Blessed is the Lord’ – the cry of Palm Sunday. Invite people to take their leaves home and pray for the choices on their mind while remembering to also praise God.
Fiona is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
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Not the obvious choice
“Decisions we take in the coming days and weeks, will be guided only by our national interest..” as quoted from Sir Kier Starmer the UK prime minister in early April, in relation to US tax import increases.
On hearing these words I could not help be taken straight into Holy Week and how the decisions made by many of the groups and cultures around Jesus, were also claiming that their actions during those days and week leading up to the death of Jesus, were in the best interest of the people and the nation. How do you feel you would have reacted if you had witnessed the Messiah arriving into Jerusalem in such a way? What is it you would have expected from such a leader?
In our passage today we encounter Jesus, our King of Kings, riding into Jerusalem on a humble colt, which is a great contrast against the backdrop of the US President’s ideas and plans to increase money and wealth, and therefore power and status. Jesus' ideas and plans are only for the increase in wealth and strength of the Kingdom of God, not for the things of this world.
During the run for the presidency in 2016, and again in 2024, President Trump was not the obvious choice for so many. And for many in the UK Sir Keir Starmer may not have been their obvious choice of leader either. I wonder how many people who voted for these leaders are not experiencing what they had expected? World leaders can often make decisions that aren’t obvious; and often the leaders themselves cannot be obvious choices, for good and bad reasons.
But what can we take away from this?
Our leader and King of Kings made decisions that weren’t the obvious ones because he is mightier than any other leader, or human to walk the Earth. Because of that, we too are called to be set apart from the culture and the world around us - not setting our hearts on money, or fame or status, which seems like an obvious route for success today, but instead to be humble, selfless, loving and full of grace.
CS Lewis famously said:
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”
This week reflect on the world leaders and influencers around us, the predictability of their actions, and the worthiness of those actions. Then lift your eyes to our leader Jesus, who does the impossible, not the obvious.
Natasia Bullock is Director of The B Tales
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 6 April 2025
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What really matters
Making sense of what matters and how to respond to a complex and sometimes dangerous world. John 12.1-8
Context
At the time of writing, we’re still waiting for what Trump calls his ‘liberation day’ – the announcement of tariffs that European leaders fear may lead to a global trade war.
Meanwhile welfare cuts, rising bills and the impact of the Chancellor’s Spring Statement risk pushing 250,000 more families in Britain into poverty, experts warn. The significant loss of income some will face as a result of the health-related benefit cuts has led to protest by disabled campaigners and allies. Added to concerns about the proposed Assisted Dying Bill, it’s a stressful time for the least powerful in our society.
Financial pressures are cited as one of the reasons behind the falling birth rate and rising average age of motherhood in England and Wales, with the lowest fertility rate ever. This overlaps with the concerns about the rise of incel culture, recently featured in the Netflix series, Adolescence. A government-backed plan to show it in secondary schools has led to calls for teachers and schools to get more support in tackling such devastating issues as youth violence and online safety.
While in Myanmar people struggle to recover from massive destruction from the earthquake with little help or support; in Gaza deaths continue to rise since Israel broke the ceasefire; and the discovery of a mass grave highlights the continuing high rate of enforced disappearances in Mexico.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
John’s account of the extravagant use of expensive oil to anoint Jesus challenges us to ask: What really matters to us? In countries devastated by conflict, violence or natural disaster, what matters is survival. Yet, as Jesus' response can lead us to consider, death and survival are not the binary opposites we might think. In this essay, where a Palestinian writer both mourns the death of her younger sister, and celebrates her life, even when fighting for survival, we can find hope, and create art, and celebrate love. Where do you find hope in difficult times?
It can be hard to understand or even trust the intentions of world leaders when significant decisions are made that impact the global economy and the lives of millions of people. When Jesus said ‘the poor will always be with you’, did he mean we shouldn’t care or try to tackle poverty or other causes of suffering? This doesn’t fit with him feeding the hungry and bringing good news to the poor (Luke 4:18-19). Rather, he shows that Mary’s act reveals who matters to her. How do we use the resources we have to reflect our core (gospel) values?
Like the poor, violence has always and likely will always be in the world. But the web and social media as well as the evolution of gangs mean it’s a daily stark reality for young people and children today to unprecedented levels. We cannot so easily talk about the innocence of childhood anymore, with the exponential rise of peer-to-peer abuse and online sexual abuse, and the most common age of victims being 13-14 years. The Adolescence series showed there are no simple explanations or solutions. How do we have the difficult discussion with children about what really matters to them?
Questions for discussion
Where can we see signs of hope in difficult times amongst our congregation? Our neighbourhood? Our world?
What really matters to us as a family, as a community, and how do our actions and use of resources reflect that?
How do we support children and young people to hold onto what really matters, in a world that exposes them to danger and harm? What protection, comfort and hope can we offer?
Jane Chevous is an activist, writer, sailor, and leader of Survivors Voices. She also researches and writes about abuse, survivor theology, mental health and the sea.
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For more thoughts on the Church's role in counter-acting the rise of misogyny read: The problem of masculinity and/or listen to/watch the associated podcast: Redeeming Masculinity, with Revd Will Van Der Hart.
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
This week the Minecraft movie opened across the UK. Given its success since its origins in 2011 it is amazing that it’s taken so long for a film to be made. Minecraft is one of the best-selling, most played video games of all time with about 150 million users per month. It’s so popular because it’s such a great game.
Like many other computer games, Minecraft is played intensively for hours upon end. Those that play it obviously have an absolute passion for it. And what people commit most of their time and money to is often what they are most passionate about. Right?
In John chapter 12, Mary (one of the unsung heroes of the New Testament) takes perfume and pours it on Jesus to honour him. Judas is scandalised, saying it was worth a year’s wages. However you calculate that, in today’s money it is a huge amount. You can imagine many of us saying the same thing today if such a thing were done.
Now if Jesus was just a really humble, insightful, socio-political activist then this indeed would have been a scandalous waste of money. But Jesus says something difficult for our contemporary ears: ‘You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.’ Mary, Jesus says, was recognising his own infinite worth but also unconsciously prefiguring his death and the value of that.
This passage calls us to follow Mary and develop and demonstrate a passion for Jesus’ honour that will look odd to contemporary culture and even possibly shock the church.
Dr Gareth Crispin is the BA Mission and Ministry programme lead at Cliff College.
See also:
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Minecraft Church: Revd Kevin Colyer's article on how churches can use gaming to explore faith and build community. |
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COMING SOON: A holiday club resource that uses blocks and games to explore ways to build God’s kingdom.
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Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 30 March 2025
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Parenting, prayers and parties
Luke 15 begins with Jesus being criticised for eating with ‘sinners’ and ends with a party for a prodigal. There are challenges throughout about welcoming, parenting, praying and partying.
Context
- Eating together is a holy habit and one Jesus practised frequently. As a good Jew he knew the value of table fellowship as a sign of welcome, reconciliation and koinonia. It is at the heart of the grumbles of the pharisees and the celebrations when the prodigal son is welcomed home.
- Like the prodigal son in Jesus’ parable Carl had hit rock bottom ‘my life was just social workers, probation officers and the police’ he says. When he came to the Christian Charity, Walk Ministries, he experienced the welcoming love of God and his life was transformed. When he was in a mess, he met Katie and invited her out for a drink. She declined but prayed for him (like the prodigal son’s mother perhaps – see below). Eight years on Katie married the transformed Carl.
- This week the UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves has delivered her Spring Statement. This has included significant cuts to welfare payments. Radio phone ins, websites and newspaper editorials will have been busy discussing these. At the heart of the debates there will have been much discussion about what people ‘deserve’ or are ‘entitled to’. The pharisees thought the ‘tax collectors and sinners’ were not deserving of Jesus’ company and generosity. He saw things differently.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- On Mothering Sunday how might we explore the Parable of the Loving Parent? Might today be a day when we explore and give thanks for fathering as well as mothering? And might we take a moment to wonder where the mother was in this story? Was she running the household? Was she praying for reconciliation between father and son? Had she died?
- Professor Paul Jackson is a Professor of Politics at Birmingham University and a member of Bromyard Methodist Church in Worcester. He has also worked in peacekeeping roles for the United Nations. At a Holy Habits event at which we were exploring eating together he explained to me that the first thing his team tried to do in the process of building peace was to get the previously warring parties to sit and eat together to recognise their common humanity. Often this proved foundational to the process of building peace. How, and with whom, might we practise the holy habit of eating together?
- Luke 15 begins with Jesus being criticised for welcoming sinners and eating with them. It ends with a party for a young man who has, by his own admission, messed up. The American sociologist, pastor and evangelist Dr Tony Campolo (who died in 2024) was a great story teller. One of his most impactful is the story of the birthday party he arranged for a sex worker and her friends. When asked why on earth he was doing this he said because "I belong to a church that throws birthday parties for [sex workers] at 3:30 in the morning [and] that's the kind of church that Jesus came to create!’’
Questions for discussion
- What does the parable of the prodigal son have to say to us about parenting, fathering and mothering? How could it be the centre piece of a Mothering Sunday service?
- Who might God want you to eat with? Who might be ‘the sinners’ or prodigals you could welcome or welcome back to the meal table either at home or collectively as a church?
- Katie prayed for Carl for years. The prodigal’s mother probably prayed every day for her son. For whom do we need to keep praying?
- If we were setting tax and spending polices how would the example of Jesus help to determine our priorities?
Andrew Roberts is a husband, father, Methodist Minister and the author of Holy Habits. He enjoys watching football and, despite that, supports Aston Villa.
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
It’s Mother's Day on Sunday - otherwise known as the the second busiest day of the year if you’re in the flower-selling business.
How do the words ‘Mother's Day’ make you feel?
Some of us might be feeling pretty smug because we have our gift sorted and it's great! Others might be panicking because, up until right now, we had completely forgotten Mother's Day was this Sunday.
This Sunday might be gearing up to be a fun celebration but, for some of us, it might be difficult for lots of reasons.
Jesus told a parable about a difficult family situation - a son that comes crawling back after wasting his father’s money. He has no idea what sort of welcome he'll receive - he doesn't expect it to be good! Yet, instead of a telling off, he gets new clothes and a party. He experiences unconditional love.
At its best, Mother’s Day is a celebration of the unconditional love that makes up family life.
If that sums up your experience of Mother’s day then I have good news for you. It's just a taste of God's love for you.
And if Mother’s Day is a trickier subject for you then I have good news for you too. God's love for you is uncomplicated and unreserved.
However we feel about Mother’s Day, let's all of us remember that we are welcomed in God’s family.
Chris Neilands is the co-founder of Play it by Ear drama company, based in Belfast.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 23 March 2025
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That missed penalty…
Think about the significance of second chances in this week’s gospel reading (Luke 13:1-9)
Context
The play ‘Dear England’ has had an update. It’s the story of ex-England manager Gareth Southgate and it first hit the stage in 2023.
The real-life Gareth and his leadership of the England team inspired the playwright James Graham to pen a work that looked at the way Southgate took the once despondent and fairly unsuccessful England team to a group of players working together, loyal to their leader and, crucially, winning games. The intrigue was that the mild-mannered Gareth didn’t behave like famous successful club managers of the past – for example Alex Ferguson or Jose Mourinho – but embodied a high empathy model. He took advice from different sports, talked about responsibility, kindness and unity and shifted the culture in the team that, whilst not quite lifting silverware, took them closer to the top than they had been since the infamous 1966 World Cup.
The new play out this week adds the update of the 2024 Euros to the story and the way Southgate led the team through the campaign. But perhaps more significantly, the play looks at the way Gareth is formed and how his ideals are shaped. And of course, the striking feature is that much of his learning, motivation and passion for the work rest on his moment of public failure - the missed penalty in 1996.
The miss was seismic. It could have been the end. But Gareth was given, and took, a second chance. He replanted his failure, allowed it to grow in new soil and it bore rich fruit.
Today Gareth Southgate is no longer the England manager, but he continues to grow and influence others. He has just delivered the Richard Dimbleby lecture looking at the toxic culture young boys can inhabit when they are free from good role models - a conversation that is important and necessary.
For the writer of Luke 13:8-9, Gareth Southgate is a living example of the power of a second chance.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- Have you ever been offered a second chance? - perhaps in a friendship/relationship, job or piece of work. Think about the consequences of the second chance and the feelings it prompted. Can you be the agent of a second chance for someone else? - for a friend, colleague or neighbour?
- Use the words from Isaiah 55:1-9 as a prayer. Invite people to thank God for giving us the chance to come to him and receive his forgiveness and love over and over again. Thank God for not just one second chance, but a lifetime of chances to turn to him and receive all he has for us.
- Hand out small (A6) pieces of paper and coloured pens. Invite people to draw a large number 2 on the paper and decorate it. On the back of the paper, ask everyone to write their name. We all have a second chance through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Play the Rend Collective song ‘Second Chance’ and Invite people to bring their decorated sheets to the front and form them into a large cross shape on the floor.
Questions for discussion
- Do you feel like God has given you a second chance?
- How does God’s second chance shape your day-to-day life?
Fiona is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
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On Sunday the British Tennis No.1 Jack Draper secured a stunning victory in the Indian Wells Masters Championship, demonstrating extraordinary skill and consistency for a player aged only 23. This triumph propels him into the world’s top ten, and is much cause for celebration after being plagued with injuries in recent years. Just 8 weeks ago Jack had to withdraw from the 4th round of the Australian Open due to severe hip pain. Clearly it’s a sport he loves, but the cost of competing at this level is high. In a recent interview he described times of isolation as a teenager, travelling away from home and family for long stretches, and he considered quitting.
Jesus told a parable about a fig tree which was failing to fruit, and how the gardener persuaded the land owner to give him more time to feed and nurture the plant to fruitfulness. God’s desire is for us to live fruitful, good lives; yet God is also patient with us. We can look at the role of the Gardener (Jesus) who shows perseverance, and tender care, nourishing the tree. Tennis players have to nourish themselves and persevere to achieve results - eating healthy food consistently, staying hydrated, undergoing gruelling physical training, and sometimes psychological help to cope with anxiety and stress.
As followers of Jesus, in order to live well, we too have to show grit and make tough choices. But our fruitfulness comes from a close connection to Christ, who nourishes us and brings about good works in us. We receive a gift of the Holy Spirit to bear fruit including joy, peace, goodness and self-control.
Jack has a 2-word tattoo ‘Somebody said’ from a poem by Edgar Albert Guest –
Somebody said that it couldn’t be done
But he with a chuckle replied
That “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be one
Who wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.
When we lean in to Christ and depend on his Holy Spirit, we can live remarkable lives. We can live beyond what we might imagine, with love, justice and forgiveness. Jesus said that he came that we may have life and have it abundantly.
Question
What are you dreaming of? Invite Jesus into your plans and preparations.
Dr Angela Mak is a Licensed Lay Minister in Holy Trinity Shaw Church in West Swindon. She is also a schools worker, and retired biology teacher.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 16 March 2025
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Wait for the Lord
Human promises aren’t always kept but God is faithful now and in the yet-to-be. (Genesis 15.1-12,17-18; Psalm 27)
Context
Reflection and ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Promises, promises!
- Promises, promises! If you hadn’t heard the phrase before, you might not realise it isn’t an expression of trust but quite the opposite. We’re so sceptical about the promises made by others that you just have to double the word and add a twist to your tone to perfectly express your cynicism. When politicians run for election we scrutinise their manifestos and, if they make it into office, it’s common journalistic practice to track how well they measure up in their first 100 days. Did they keep their promises?
- Sometimes there are successes but often the answer is no, not quite, or not yet. A promising performer may not live up to people’s high expectations as their career continues (though I hope the talented Myles Smith will!). An architect’s beautiful drawings for that new development aren’t always realised in full or on time. Your ambition to catch a glimpse of something special in the night sky might be frustrated by the weather. The hopeful early days of a new romance may lead to nothing. In ‘Solo’ Smith sings: “You promised a lifetime, but left in a moment”.
- Given our day-to-day experiences of human fallibility, it’s perhaps no wonder if, like Abram, we sometimes find it hard to trust in God. Promised many descendants (Genesis 13.15-16), Abram now pleads with God “I continue childless” (15.2), “You have given me no offspring” (15.3) and “how am I to know” (15.8). He can see the pain of the now more clearly than the hope of the not-yet. And yet, after much waiting, to the point of near-hopeless laughter, in Genesis 21 Sarah finally gives birth to their son, Isaac. Our God is a faithful God! Even so, God’s timing can take time to understand.
Wait for the Lord
- In today’s reading Abram is already at least 75 years old (Genesis 12.4) and by the time Isaac is born he is 100 (21.5). That’s a long time to wait! At the youth group I help with, this week we explored the song ‘Names’ by Elevation Worship together, looking at the promises held in God’s names, from Immanuel, God With Us, to Prince of Peace and Everlasting Father. Both I and a number of the young people in the group had also highlighted the phrase “I will trust your timing” in the lyrics, as much because it is something we want to do as something that we are doing. We want our not-yet-trusting in God’s love for us to become trusting-now.
- How can we get better at this? By taking every opportunity to draw close to God. Abram talks with God directly about his hopes and his doubts. The psalmist asks “to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life” (Psalm 27.4) and declares “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” (27.14). Jesus longs to gather his people close “as a hen gathers her brood under her wings” (Luke 13.34). Already now “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3.20), and so until the yet-to-come we can draw on that hope and “stand firm in the Lord” (Philippians 4.1), growing in faith and understanding.
Questions for discussion
- Looking up at the sky as an elderly, childless man, Abram must have felt that in human terms it was pretty unlikely he would become father to a great nation, with descendants as numerous as the stars. It was a moonshot, an impossible, or nearly impossible, dream. But with God all things are possible. Despite his doubts, Abram kept on in faith.
- Which of God’s promises to you feel like moonshots?
- Do you bring your struggles with waiting to God in prayer like Abram?
- Are you surprised to see that God is faithful despite Abram’s doubts along the way?
God already knows what’s on our minds and can take our honest questioning!
- Do you sometimes feel that there are no promises for you? Many of us never feel we’re given a promise as specific as those given to Abram but we can still stand firm in the promises made to all believers. Have a look through Jesus’ words in the gospels and you’ll soon find some. Which can you remember? If you’re struggling, start by reminding yourself of John 3.16 and Matthew 6.25-31. Which promise do you need to hold on to this week?
Rebecca Froley was the launch editor for the Roots website and has worked in digital publishing for 20+ years. She worships at a Baptist church in the London Borough of Sutton where she helps with the young people and mission group.
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
As I write these words, the USA are trying to get Russia and Ukraine to agree to a ceasefire. If this happens, it would be a huge moment for the world, after so much violence affecting so many lives. Perhaps you have some Ukrainian refugees at your school or church.
This news about Russia and Ukraine is an example of something which cuts to the heart of this week’s theme – now and not yet. Ukraine are in agreement, the USA are working hard, but Russia remains to be convinced. Peace is on the cards now but not yet. How do we deal with situations such as these? How do we deal with goodness and justice visible on the horizon but not yet here? I think that trust can help us.
In this week’s reading from Genesis we see that God promises Abram his reward in the form of descendants – but they are yet to appear. Abram must surely be struggling with this – “how am I to know?”. But God then gives him a sign – the stars in the sky. Abram still went to sleep with a “deep and terrifying darkness” over him. But he has been given a sign that peace will come – the reassurance is an example of now and not yet.
In both the news and the bible readings this week we see signs of now and not yet. Two radically different examples but united by the idea that, though goodness and peace are yet to reach us, we see signs in the distance, in which we must trust and place our hope.
Joe Allen is a PhD candidate in Theology at St Mary’s University Twickenham, having previously studied Theology to MA Level at the University of Exeter. He also coordinates the work of a fundraising charity at a major London Cathedral. He is a trustee of the charity Action for Stammering Children.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 9 March 2025
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Until an opportune time
Although Jesus withstands various temptations in Luke 4:1-13 it’s tempting for us to overlook v.13.
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Think of it! Turning stones into bread could solve world hunger! But it would require Jesus to give up personal agency and to hand over his will to the Tempter or “devil” (Greek diabolos). The biblical understanding of diabolos is as one who 'accuses', 'slanders', 'misleads', 'bends the truth'. A word of caution here, because it is too easy for us to assume that everything diabolic is the work of the devil whereas, according to Scripture, the devil (diabolos) is merely the one who entices, tempts, gets the ball rolling, as it were, while it is we human beings who do the dirty work.
The term diabolos itself is rooted in the verb diaballo 'to throw apart' or 'divide'. The devil merely throws apart, divides intent from outcome, spoken word from action. There is nothing of the truth in the diabolic. Its opposite is the symbolic, from the Greek symballo, a verb which can mean: 'to bring together, to unite, to contract friendly relations, to do one's part or be useful'. One could hardly find a greater contrast with 'diabolic’. This author can find no greater example of the symbolic versus the diabolic than in the words and deeds of Donald Trump: the NATO alliance is divided, allies and trading partners are discarded, countries are threatened with invasion or annexation.
The lust for unlimited power has vexed humanity forever. We find it in ancient near-eastern myths such as Anzu, Goethe’s poem Der Zauberlehring (popularised in the music of Paul Dukas as The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in Disney’s film Fantasia), The Lord of the Rings and more. And, of course, it is being played out in America and Russia at this very moment. What we learn from Luke 4:1-13 is that the Tempter never ceases and always waits “until an opportune time.” The moment in which we think we have the Tempter beaten is the very opportune moment for us to succumb to temptation.
Questions for discussion
Revd Dr Jack Lawson is a freelance writer and novelist: Doing Time, No Good Deed, Criminal Justice, The Woods and Dirty Business. His newest novel, Joab, (Wipf & Stock) is based on the life of King David. For more information visit: www.jacknlawson.com; https://jacknlawson.com/blog; https://wingsepress.com/pages/lawson-jack-n
.
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
This week began the season of Lent, a time when many people, Christian or not, challenge themselves by giving up something for 40 days. While many give up things like chocolate or meat, more young people are choosing to give up social media, a significant challenge in today’s world. Social media has become a constant distraction and a source of news. So, how does one survive without it?
The truth is, people have thrived without social media before. Taking a break can help us reconnect with ourselves, others and, most importantly, with God. By disconnecting, we create space for reflection and meaningful connections.
Temptation will come — whether it’s to check social media or indulge in old habits — but it’s essential to remember why we committed to this season. We are not alone.
Jesus, when tempted in the desert, showed us the strength of resisting temptation through scripture. He reminds us that we’re never truly alone; He is with us and has placed us in a supportive community. In this season of sacrifice, we don’t just survive — we thrive, growing stronger in faith and connection.
Questions
- What temptations do you face in your daily life, and how do they compare with the temptations Jesus faced in the desert?
- Jesus spent 40 days in the desert, disconnected from the world. How do you think disconnecting from things like social media or other distractions can help us grow spiritually?
- Why do you think Jesus chose to fast for 40 days in the desert? How does this relate to the idea of giving something up during Lent or a season of sacrifice?
- What makes it hard to stick to commitments, like giving up something for Lent? How can the example of Jesus resisting temptation help you persevere when things get tough?
- When Jesus was tempted, He responded with scripture. Why do you think it’s important for us to rely on God’s Word when we’re facing challenges or temptations?
- What does it mean to “thrive” through challenges like Lent? How can you use this time to grow closer to God and develop strength?
- How can remembering that Jesus overcame temptation in the desert help you feel empowered to face your own struggles?
- How can the lessons from Jesus’ time in the desert guide you in times of spiritual dryness or challenge?
- What areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to grow in during this Lenten season? How can the story of Jesus in the desert inspire you to thrive in these areas?
- Jesus faced His temptation alone in the desert, but He also built a community of followers. How can the support of a faith community help you resist temptation and grow stronger in your faith?
- When you're tempted or struggling, who in your life can you turn to for support, and how can they help you stay focused on God?
Emmanuel Chiweshe is an associate leader for Reach Nottingham, a multi-site church.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 2 March 2025
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The Lord is king
God’s kingship is terrifying but, like Moses, we can discover God’s endless love and forgiveness (Psalm 99:1; Exodus 34:29).
Context
Trump declares himself a king on his social media outlet and there is concern at the widespread use of executive orders which concentrate power into the hands of the president.
What can be done to contain this power grab?
Meanwhile, Zelensky offers to give up the presidency for peace.
Here in the UK, questions are being asked about the kind of leader we need for these unstable and dangerous times.
And as the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas comes to the end of its first phase with no second stage in sight, what sort of leadership is needed to make lasting peace?
The film about Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s response to the moral dilemma of being caught between two rulers is to be released in the UK on March 7.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
It has been quite a week for reflections on leadership:
- the cost of true leadership;
- the source of a leader’s power;
- the choosing of a new leader in Germany amidst the threat from the far-right AfD;
- the need for courageous, wise and compassionate leaders in a world full of conflict.
As we ponder the issues in the news, the passage from Exodus and the story of the transfiguration take us to a different place. In the story in Exodus, Moses intercedes for the people, meets God on the mountain and the covenant is renewed. When Moses comes down from the mountain, his face is shining because he had talked with God. How can other people tell that we have been with God? Do we expect to be changed? The Psalmist describes God’s nature as full of justice, equity and forgiveness. As we are transformed into God’s image, do these qualities show in our actions and in our life together in church?
Some people experience God’s gaze as that of a critical judge but I wonder exactly what it was that made the face of Moses shine? Perhaps it was being in the presence of wild, unbounded, forgiving love and of being transformed by the enormity and tenderness of it. Perhaps it was the intimacy of encountering not only the glory and holiness of God but also God’s desire for relationship - God’s vulnerability. Perhaps it was that Moses could in that moment see himself as God saw him. As we prepare for our journey into Lent, can we find some time and a quiet space where we can gaze on God and let him gaze on us? The transforming power of God’s love can also change the way we see others - we can begin to look on them with the eyes of love.
In The Velveteen Rabbit (a story of love’s power to change the ordinary), the Skin Horse answers the rabbit’s questions about becoming real: “Real isn’t how you are made …it’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long time, not just to play with but really loves you, then you become real… It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or who have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept.” (Margery Williams Bianco The Velveteen Rabbit). Being transformed by love can be challenging or even painful.
It's World Book Day on Thursday 6 March. What stories - secular and sacred - can we share that inspire us as we look to be transformed and as we go out to transform our world? What stories of God do we value that show us flawed human beings being changed and then used by God in amazing ways? In a world that seems to prize strongman leaders, what stories show us vulnerable leadership?
The work of being transformed and of transforming the world around us begins as we gaze on God. It is what we sing about in the hymn Love Divine, All Loves Excelling: “changed from glory into glory ‘til in heaven we take our place.” How can we let God transform us as a community so that we better reflect the love that flows freely in the heart of God who is relationship? And, as we become a transformed community, are we ready to be counter-cultural and to challenge the status quo?
The film about Bonhoeffer ends with Martin Niemöller’s Stuttgart Declaration of Guilt, acknowledging the complicity of the church in accommodating the evil perpetrated by Hitler. It says: “we accuse ourselves for not standing for our beliefs more courageously, for not praying more faithfully, for not believing more joyously, and for not loving more ardently.” During Lent, perhaps we can pray for God’s continuing transformation of us so that we can together shine in the world as a courageous, faithful, joyous and loving community.
Questions for discussion
- Up there and down here: how do the glimpses of God that we experience on the mountain top change how we live day-to-day down here?
- Several biblical encounters with God happen on mountain tops. Where else do we encounter God?
- When Moses spoke with God, his face shone. How are we changed by our meetings with God?
- Lent will test our view of kingship. How might today’s scriptures help us to see glory in the midst of suffering in the life of Jesus?
Diane Craven is a Reader in the Church of England and is currently an Education and Spirituality consultant.
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Face to face with God
This has been a week of significant face-to-face meetings, as some of the most powerful or influential world leaders have met in a series of meetings to make decisions, pledges, offers and challenges which will impact many around the world. Across the week, the world’s media have:
- anticipated what may be said;
- reported on all pre-announcements made;
- scrutinized every action, deciphering the motivations and likely impact.
Behind the scenes, activity will have been even more frenetic with aides and analysists advising their respective parties about everything from language used, context to decisions, appropriate details to share ahead of meetings and when to hold back.
In Exodus 34:29-35 we read of another face-to-face meeting; held without an entourage of advisors, away, far away, from the glaring crowds, where one man met with the Lord God Almighty and was given, once again, the keys to living life God’s way. The impact of this encounter was so great that Moses' face revealed the radiance of God.
This week, as we pray that God would be at work in the midst of current events, we pray that all those involved will seek the face of God, that they will encounter him for themselves, and that they too will remember the keys to living life God’s way.
Becky May is Children and Family Tutor at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Founder of The Resources Cupboard
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 23 February 2025
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Love your enemies
Jesus’ teaching here is hard but unequivocal - love your enemies (Luke 6.27 & 35)
Context
We live in troubling times. As I write (on Tuesday) the UK seems to be committing to sending troops to Ukraine should a peace settlement be reached. The US President and Netanyahu are still talking about forcible resettlement of more than 2 million Palestinians from Gaza. Churches and others are taking legal action against some of the policies of the Trump administration. And finally, we see the extraordinary news that the sick Pope has written to American bishops to condemn the theology expressed by the Roman Catholic US Vice President citing, in particular, the story we call the Good Samaritan which appears in Luke 10 just a few chapters beyond today’s lectionary gospel.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
This gospel passage follows Luke’s very distinct (and less spiritual than Matthew’s) version of the Beatitudes which was last Sunday’s lectionary gospel (although Roots focussed on the psalm). Love your enemies appears twice in the passage (vv27 and 35). But that is far from being the only extraordinary teaching here:
- Give your shirt to someone who takes your coat (v29).
- Bless those who curse you (v28).
- Expect no credit for loving those who love us or doing good to those who do good to us for ‘even sinners do the same’ (v33).
- Above all expect nothing in return for loving your enemies (v35).
Living up to such extraordinary teaching is an enormous challenge. Few of us do live up to that challenge but even if we often fail we surely should aspire to do so.
How would it be if we lived up to the challenge to love our enemies locally, let alone nationally and internationally? Often we are encouraged to think of the poor and the sick as ‘not like us’, as ‘other’. Those who flee their homes and take risky crossings in flimsy boats are seen as ‘problems’ or even as enemies to our way of life. In his letter to the US bishops the Pope calls on ‘all men and women of good will, not to give in to narratives that discriminate against and cause unnecessary suffering to our migrant and refugee brothers and sisters’.
This gospel passage does not mean that we will never disagree, but surely it does mean that we should take great care over how we disagree. It means that we should not use disagreement as a reason to diminish the value of another person. This is hard teaching to put into practice, especially with ideas and beliefs which are very close to our hearts. How can we build communities of forgiveness and peace - communities where we seek to resolve disputes and where we fight graciously without destroying each other?
Questions for discussion
In his letter to the US bishops the Pope writes of ‘the dignified treatment that all people deserve, especially the poorest and most marginalized’. What implications does that have for the policies followed by our own government?
We are called in today’s lectionary gospel to go the extra mile in forgiving, in not judging and in not asking people to ‘pay for’ what we may think they have done. Justice is important but sometimes, what we think of as a quest for justice, may actually be a search for revenge - something infinitely less life affirming, although less costly.
- If the gospel offers us a challenge to sacrificial love, what does this mean for us in an unequal world?
- Does love in its true sense offer us ways of policy making so that our welfare system better supports the poor, the sick and those with disabilities?
- Does love offer us a guide to advocating for the people forced to choose between heating and eating as the cost of living crisis bites?
- If love is not our guide at the moment, should it be?
Dudley Coates is a local preacher in the Salisbury Methodist Circuit and a former Vice President of the Methodist Conference.
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Monday (17 February) was Random Acts of Kindness Day, when people are encouraged to perform simple acts of kindness to spread love to those we know, and perhaps even to those we don’t. There are lots of stories of things people got up to, spreading love and kindness to friends, family, teachers and even strangers. What random acts of kindness have you been the recipient of? What random acts of kindness have you performed for others?
Showing love in these ways for people we care about isn’t too difficult and can be fun – even acts of kindness for those we don’t know can be rewarding. But what if we were asked to show such love and kindness for those we don’t like?
At this week’s BAFTA Film Awards, Wicked took the awards for Costume Design and Production Design. Wicked tells the story of the unlikely friendship and fallouts of Glinda and Elphaba. In one scene, Glinda gives Elphaba a black pointed hat to wear to the ball, which causes her to be made fun of by the others when she wears it. She is humiliated and totally isolated. It creates a moment of drama when each character must decide how to react to the one who has wronged them, and the one they have wronged. Have you ever felt hurt or let down by someone? How did you react?
Glinda reacts by coming alongside Elphaba and dancing with her, an act of love amidst a difficult relationship. In this week’s passage from Luke 6:27-38, Jesus speaks about showing love to those we consider our enemies. What might that look like?
Jesus points out that loving those we care about and who care about us is not too difficult (verse 32) but calls on us to go further and love those we do not like. This doesn’t mean letting people walk all over us, and relies on us being in a relationship of safety with that person. It is a challenge to us to overcome any bad feeling between ourselves and others and to show love, allowing that to transform our relationship with that person.
Random Acts of Kindness Day is part of ‘RAK Week’ – what action could you take this week to show love or kindness to someone you don’t usually get on with?
Darren Philip is National Stewardship Consultant with the Church of Scotland where he writes resources for intergenerational ministry.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 16 February 2025
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What’s wrong?
“… the wicked will not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;” (Psalm 1:5)
Context
- Pete Wilkinson, the co-founder and first director of Greenpeace UK, died on 21 January this year, aged 78. He was 24 when he was given a book that opened his eyes to the risks to the environment that were posed by human activity. He joined Friends of the Earth but, coming from a working-class background, he found FotE to be ‘too middle-class’. Greenpeace gave him the opportunity to use his creativity to bring important issues to the attention of the public. The stunts for which Greenpeace became famous often led to accusations of law-breaking. However, it has often been the case that Greenpeace have won in legal actions against companies and HM Government.
- A film about the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is to be released in the UK next month. The film has caused some controversy and been accused of promoting right-wing causes. Yet there are uncanny similarities between the now famous sermon delivered by the Right Rev Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service at Washington National Cathedral on 21 January 2025 and a scene in the film. In front of a congregation with senior Nazis in the front pews, Martin Niemöller preached that Jesus and not Adolf Hitler is Lord.
- Last weekend’s FA Cup games threw up a couple of refereeing controversies. Unusually these had nothing to do with VAR decisions as it is not used in the 4th round of this tournament. The games involved were Manchester United’s against Leicester City and Birmingham City versus Newcastle United. Having said VAR was not involved, it was there in the shadows as Manchester United’s winning goal was clearly offside, but was allowed to stand. Newcastle’s opening goal may or may not have crossed the line but, without Goal Line Technology (GLT), no one could be sure and the referee erred on the side of the Newcastle forward.
Reflection
Pete Wilkinson sailed close to the wind to achieve his aim of bringing climate justice to the widest possible audience. To make a comparison between Wilkinson and Dietrich Bonhoeffer may seem crass and, in one respect, they differ. Pete Wilkinson never seemed to be troubled by a sense that he was in any way wrong in what he did to achieve his ends. In contrast, it is suggested Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s conscience was wracked by the decisions he made that led to his eventual execution. Were either sinners or wicked?
The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC) offer a course about the 6Ms - a framework to help us see how God is already working through us. In addition, a series of banners on the home page asks questions relating to how Jesus would live our lives. One of these asked ”How would Jesus play football?” How indeed. Would Jesus have said, “Actually I think I was a little bit offside” or “I’m not really sure the ball crossed the line. Maybe we should give the opposition the benefit of the doubt.”
Questions
- What happens when those whose job it is to adjudicate the Law are wrong? What happens when those who rule us are tyrannical – like Adolf Hitler and others we might think of? Does Romans 13:1-3 apply in such cases?
- Did Dietrich Bonhoeffer go too far?
- How far would you go ‘for the sake of the planet’ or to resist a tyrannical ruler?
Simon Carver is the Free Church Ecumenical Chaplain at St Albans Cathedral and a recently retired Baptist Minister living in Watford. He takes a particular interest in film, sport and politics.
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Growing deep roots
We live in what often seems like such an instant, fast-paced society:
- We can order something on Amazon today and it can arrive tomorrow; potentially even later today if we pay an extra £1.99.
- Someone famous can announce something on social media and, all of a sudden, it’s headline news.
- Or, as we’ve seen in a school in Sheffield recently, someone can get into a fight which can very quickly get out of hand, and suddenly someone has lost their life.
How is it even possible to grow deep roots in such a fast-paced, online-driven world when it appears that everything is stopping us from growing deep roots?
I’d like to suggest that we can only grow roots by intentionally doing the right things over a long period of time such as 'meditating on his law day and night' as it says in Psalm 1. Or, as Eugene Peterson called it in the title of one of his best-loved books, A long obedience in the same direction.
It’s easy to forget that Jesus spent 30 – yes, thirty years – of growing deep roots before we start to read of his ministry in scripture. His disciples spent 3 years physically following him day in, day out – and even then, they didn’t fully get it. Do we ever fully get it?
All we’ve got is today. Yesterday has gone, tomorrow is yet to come. What can you intentionally do today to grow your roots a couple of millimeters deeper?
- Listen to a worship song on YouTube before checking your Insta feed when you wake up?
- Listen to a Christian radio station whilst you’re revising over half-term rather than a YouTube play list?
Whatever you do, know that God sees you and sees your intentions.
Jonathan Buckley, Youth Development Worker at YMCA Rotherham and Redevelopment Manager at St Paul’s Wordsworth Avenue, Sheffield
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 9 February 2025
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Fearless or a bully?
When can being fearless in interaction with others be recommended (Luke 5:10)?
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Is Christian mission outreach manipulative? Whatever is true of actual fish, people choose to engage and to come into the ‘net’, whether via a vast evangelical mission or a quiet church hall bible study. Mind you, there is no room for diplomatic tweaking of Jesus’ message. He later tells the disciples what to do about those unwilling to engage. Call them out! Shake the dust of their town off your feet! (Luke 9:5). Is a degree of fierce certainty therefore OK in Christian mission?
I’ve always thought of Christ’s disciples as ‘boldly going’ (showing my age by riffing on a phrase featured in certain long-running film/TV series), guided by that inner light ignited in Peter when he was called. But does this light justify a laser-focus on the target with never a nod to other people’s feelings or a hesitation over the content of the message? I have friends, even relatives, where I would tread very warily when trying to inch them toward my own very different views. Vehemence can damage a relationship rather than progressing it. Christ himself, and the disciples after him, were fearless of putting themselves in peril for a good cause. But they didn’t, so far as I recall, ever endanger or hurt others. Remember the case of Paul after the earthquake, refusing to escape as that would imperil his gaoler (Acts 16:25)! Perhaps being ‘other-focused’ is as important as being mission-focused?
Being able to be, ’shrewd as serpents’ among ‘wolves’ was another piece of advice for his disciples from Jesus (Matthew 10:16). If Trump the unpredictable might offer the way to a peace-deal in Gaza, or keep the UK or the EU out of recession, or hold back from cutting US aid then it would surely be wrong not to see what diplomatic niceties rather than confrontation might achieve. The safety and prosperity of an awful lot people in the months to come may depend on our politicians’ wiles. When then is being ‘wily’ compatible with Christian integrity?
Questions for discussion
- You’ve got an important cause, campaigning on climate change, for example. What approaches or tactics are acceptable?
- How well does your church or congregation handle internal differences of opinion over e.g. Holy Communion arrangements in a local ecumenical partnership (LEP) or attitudes to LGBTQ+ people?
Brenda Vance is a URC Elder and a retired university teacher
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Saturday nights during winter are special evenings in our household. As a family we gather together with a specially made meal, and snuggle down to watch our favourite shows. The season starts with Strictly Come Dancing and ends with The Gladiators. During that time other shows entertain us along the way including Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.
Those of you who watched the most recent show (Episode 3) will have seen a guy called Gary. His family wanted to throw him a surprise because of all his incredible fundraising efforts since his son died. Gary, thinking he was about to head to watch a darts tournament, suddenly found himself in the darts tournament playing against World Darts Champion Luke Littler! A true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
None of that could have happened if Gary hadn’t done one important thing…said yes! When asked to step in to help he had no idea what it would lead to. Our Bible passage today highlights the importance of saying yes and putting our trust in the right place. Let us open ourselves up for once-in-a-lifetime experiences by saying yes to God this week.
Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer based in Lancashire www.lwcreative.co.uk
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 2 February 2025
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Christian use of power
All power comes from God, so we must use our power in God’s way (Luke 4.25-27).
Context
“Have mercy.” It’s rare for two short words to hit home with the force that these have in the past week. Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon outraged President Donald Trump and infuriated his supporters, as reported not only in the international news media, but in publications as diverse as Bloomberg and Glamour. The news coverage is evenly spread across the political spectrum, but Left-leaning and Right-leaning media are diametrically opposed in their reactions: the former praising the Bishop of Washington for asking the President to reconsider his actions against vulnerable minorities, and the latter citing separation of Church and State and demanding that she apologise.
Context, of course, is all. It was not just the words “Have mercy” that enraged the political Right, but that Bishop Budde was asking this on behalf of LGBT children, immigrant workers, refugees and asylum seekers. Here, the repeated, emphatic Biblical demand that mercy be shown to the poor and the outcast, is in direct conflict with the modern notion that religion and politics should not mix.
In fact, religion and politics have always mixed: inevitably, since each concerns the way we treat each other and order our society. In Jesus’ community, the only law was religious law, and he repeatedly challenged the Pharisees responsible for its enforcement. Religion and politics have been intertwined throughout history, from Emperor Constantine, Hild(a) of Whitby, Margaret of Scotland and Thomas Becket, to Joan of Arc, John Knox, Mother Jones, Desmond Tutu and many, many others.
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As Christians, we often hear about our role as servants (the New Testament uses the Greek word douloi, ‘slaves’) of God. We learn about Christ’s ‘self-emptying’ (kenosis) in coming down from heaven to live among us. We hear of his washing the disciples’ feet, and praise the ‘Servant King’. Since the 6th century, most popes have followed Gregory the Great’s example in styling themselves ‘Servant of the Servants of God’ (Servus Servorum Dei).
By contrast, we rarely hear about the Christian use of power: the capacity to influence the thoughts, words and actions of others. From infancy onwards, we are taught obedience to the authority of parents, doctors, teachers, clergy, police officers, coaches, foremen, line managers – and there are many good reasons for this, often relating to our own and other people’s safety and wellbeing.
But the danger is that we find ourselves, as Christians, hesitant when people in authority use their power in ways that conflict with Christian teaching. Do we side with the bully or the victim? And what happens when we find ourselves in positions of power and authority? Sooner or later, some of us will become parents, doctors, teachers, police officers, coaches, foremen, managers – even (God help us!) clergy – or in other positions of greater or lesser authority. Do we become the bullies, or champion the victims? Or do we just look away?
For guidance, we must return to Jesus Christ, who exercised his own divine power and authority in very specific ways: to teach, heal and forgive, but also to confront those in authority who misused their power to exploit or exclude vulnerable people.
‘Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely,” wrote Lord Acton to Bishop Creighton in 1887. Following Christ, as Christians, we can and must find another way.
Questions for discussion
- What are the dangers of seeing ourselves only as servants?
- Who has power and authority over us? Do they use it properly?
- Whom do we have power and authority over? Do we use it properly?
- We know we should show mercy to those in distress, but how should we challenge those who cause the distress?
Robert Beard is an NHS worker and Church of England priest.
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What does love look like? Valentines Day is around the corner where love is shown by flowers, chocolates and cuddly toys. Is love always gentle and fluffy? What about when a friend is making some choices that you can see are going to bite them down the line? Is it loving to say “you’re great, I’m sure it will all be fine”? Or would real love need to say the difficult thing and help the person see where they might end up?
This week The Apprentice hits TV again. Alan Sugar is rarely known for being loving & fluffy but he argues that, by telling people when they have made a mistake, he is helping them to improve and get more out of their skills.
You might have had someone who says they love you giving you a tough time this weekend (cough, parents, cough).
The question today is, if God loves everyone, why is Jesus saying things that he knows will upset all the people in his home village (not just neighbours but aunts, uncles, cousins, friends)?
The Jewish people knew that God loved them and had chosen them centuries before and rescued them from slavery in Egypt. The truth that they were God’s chosen had caused them to miss (or ignore) the truth that God loves all his creation and intended them to be a blessing to the nations around them. They weren’t so interested in that truth and so get angry and violent when Jesus speaks it to them.
It’s worth noting that Jesus doesn’t get angry about them getting angry - but he also doesn’t change his message.
How does your love for someone affect the way that you speak truth to them? Does love ever stop you from telling them the truth?
Love can be tough sometimes.
Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats and numerous fish.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 26 January 2025
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Good laws for somebody?
Jesus’ inaugural public speech in Nazareth (Luke 4:14-21) stands in contrast to that of the incoming USA president.
Context
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Oh dear! I really wish there was a less obvious topic to write about this week, but in a week when our Bible passages encourage us to think about honouring the law of Moses and sharing Jesus’ good news, there is an elephant in the room which has stars and stripes tattooed all over it. All four of our given texts are full of such potential as examples of good governance and leadership:
- In Nehemiah 8:1-3,5-6,8-10 Ezra makes sure that the Law of Moses is presented to the broadest possible audience and in the most accessible space possible (even the ritually defiled can gather here in the square before the Water Gate, outside the Temple area). This is an act of remembering the Law, surrounded by respect and worship, celebration and sharing. Whilst they celebrate the Law that is returned to its central position in their society, they must ensure that no-one misses out. The traditions of the new moon festival state that they must also provide for both the foreigners and the poor (Deuteronomy 14:29; 26:12-13).
- In Psalm 19 we are told that God’s Law is good and to be celebrated. This is a celebration of God’s creation, the ushering in of a ‘golden age’. This would be a brilliant psalm to read at an inauguration ceremony, if it didn’t stick in your throat.
- In 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a, a passage so often used as an ideal model for balance and mutual support within our churches, we find words that could have been written to advise someone who is also in the process of forming a new government administration. As the supporting biblical notes elsewhere in Roots this week state, things which might have previously divided people – racial or ethnic identity, gender, ability, status – should no longer do so in this new age. God’s Spirit brings a respect and mutuality between all peoples.
- And then, in Luke 4:14-21, here is Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah (Isaiah 61:1-2; 58:6), his short inaugural speech in his home town and so often labelled as his Nazareth Manifesto. Whether you read this powerful statement of intent as literal or metaphor – aimed at reaching out to those who are poor, held captive, blind or oppressed – this week here are words enough to make one weep!
In the light of all the themes highlighted in this week’s bible passages we have also heard President Trump’s ‘golden age’ manifesto, which seems to speak out against: caring for the environment; gender diversity (did anyone else find it ironic to see Donald dancing to the song ‘YMCA’?); working with or alongside other nations; the previous administration’s overspending, whilst announcing planned trips to the moon! And that’s before you even get onto revoking legal decisions about the 6 January 2021 Capitol riots and the various cases working their way through the the law courts about senior members of his new government.
In this season of Epiphany we remember the journey of the wise magi from the east to the west, to Bethlehem. Epiphany is a season which celebrates inclusivity – from east to west, north to south and everywhere in between. Jesus’ opening statement in Luke 4:18-19 and his call for liberation for all people reminds us of the message of inclusivity, which will later be backed up by his teachings about God’s love as his ministry and mission grow throughout the gospel. With one eye on the past (Isaiah) Jesus sets out his stall for God’s future hopes for his people. Jesus might have upset the applecart of his day, especially in Nazareth, but sadly some of the fruits of his manifesto would seem to be the very ones thrown down and trampled on the floor of the Capitol building on Monday. How do we feel called to share Jesus' message with all those who will be struggling or hurt after this past week?
Questions for discussion
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Looking back over manifesto-like statements made on the world political stage this past week, in the light of the gospel passage from Luke 4:14-21, which statements make you wince and why?
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What stories of good news or liberation have you come across this week which make you want to proclaim that God is good?
Tim Lowe is a minister of the United Reformed Church, serving in the Leeds URC Partnership, and celebrates diversity and inclusivity within our churches.
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A list of promises
You’d need to have spent the week hiding under a rock to avoid bumping into news connected to Donald J Trump:
All in all, it’s been a week flooded with Trump.
But perhaps what is most striking about all of the noise around the presidency is the list of things Trump is going to do - all outlined in the executive orders he signed in front of thousands of his supporters in a massive sports stadium. His promise list if you like. With his sharpie signature scrawled onto documents in leather folders, Trump made some big changes for different people in the US. He immediately cancelled different programmes run by the previous president and promised some fairly serious action for people trying to get into America or those who don’t have the right paperwork. The orders also pushed back on climate change, people’s rights and even the World Health Organisation.
I guess whatever you think about all of this, Trump’s list at the start of his time in power is a very different list of promises to the one Jesus made as he started his ministry powered by the Holy Spirit. In fact, there couldn’t be much more of a contrast. The list in John 4:18-19 highlights good news for those at the margins – for the poor, the oppressed and those who have suffered through no fault of their own. The list draws on the ancient words of Isaiah and sets out a programme that will impact people who need to be drawn into society, are seen as having value and need to be cared for - not ejected or pushed away.
Two different lists of promises that impact people in very different ways.
Questions for discussion
- What does Jesus’ list mean to you?
- How can you be part of the plans Jesus has for society?
Activity
Encourage the young people to think about the way their faith impacts on how they think about other people. Invite them to write their own list of the practical things they could do to draw the marginalised in, show people they have value and care for others.
Fiona Dorman is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 19 January 2025
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The surprising generosity of God
God’s generosity surprises us but how will we respond? (John 2:1-11)
Context
Hopes are high that a ceasefire might finally be signed in the Holy Land.
Some positive news on the UK economy was released.
The Princess of Wales surprised patients at the hospital where she was treated for cancer.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Jesus turns water intended for religious purification into wine which is then used for celebration and joy. In the Holy land, religious difference has been often used as an excuse for violence and aggression. People around the world have been crying out to God for peace and this week a major step looks possible for the first time in months. Sustained peace, however, will rely on hard work and perseverance on both sides. God’s grace is freely given but he always leaves room for humanity’s free will. So much is needed to rebuild Gaza and enable the injured and bereaved to recover. God’s abundance is ready and at hand but will people receive it?
Inflation and interest rates have had a huge impact on the wellbeing of so many households in the UK in recent years and the economy is always being discussed by politicians. The recent announcement that the UK economy grew by 0.1% in November will be greeted differently depending on the party a particular politician represents. The clear difference between these fine margins being argued over in government (along with conversations about whether pensions or other benefits should keep pace with inflation) contrast sharply with our gospel reading. Jesus doesn’t create enough wine to prevent embarrassment for the hosts - he creates wheelie-bin loads of the stuff. Everyone has enough and to spare and they are amazed at its quality. God’s economics are always different to ours. He gives abundantly and generously so that we grasp something more of his amazing power and love.
The Princess of Wales' visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated for cancer was an unexpected surprise for current patients there. The princess was clearly grateful for her own treatment and care and that she is now in remission from the cancer. Having been blessed in this way, it is absolutely right that she looks to encourage and bless others who are experiencing the same disease.
We pray for ourselves and others daily, but we can be slow to thank God and slower to share the blessings with others. How has God blessed us this week? How could we be passing that on to those we will meet?
Questions for discussion
- Does the church model the same generosity we see from Jesus in the story?
- Can you think of any examples of someone who has?
- Has God ever surprised you with a better answer to a prayer than you were expecting?
- In what ways have you passed on the generosity you have received from God?
Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats and numerous fish.
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I guess it’s a case of love it or hate it but Series 3 of The Traitors is well under way and the familiar format with new quirks and twists for 2025 has certainly “grabbed” many people.
They certainly seem to go all out with the production values. The Traitors' mansion is the height of luxury and the participants seem to want for nothing (apart from insight and common sense perhaps). Every room in the castle is sumptuous and seems to be provided with food and drink. And, despite their sadness (real or feigned) at the “murder” of one of their colleagues, the contestants seem to be making the most of the groaning board which provides their breakfast.
Reading the story of the wedding at Cana, when Jesus turned water into wine and provided plenty of the finest vintage the guests had ever tasted, is a reminder of the generosity of God whose love is shown by overflowing and abundant provision. Is the abundant provision at The Traitors' mansion similar to this? Well - yes and no.
The provision is certainly generous and one can have fun speculating on the conversation at the meeting that decided on the menus etc. There is a difference though - the makers of The Traitors are generous with the licence fee payers' money. God’s generosity is his own and totally his own.
However, the sumptuous provision in The Traitors' mansion is for all the contestants - the traitors and the faithful. No distinction is made. All are fed and watered. God’s generosity is also for all. The guests at the wedding at Cana were not asked how much they had already drunk nor were they required to show they were of good character. God’s unexpected abundance was available to all.
It's still the case today. Maybe not in vintage wine, but the unexpected abundance of God’s generous love is available to all - faithful or less than faithful.
Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister from Lancashire where he strives to be a faithful.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 12 January 2025
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‘Water, water, everywhere.’
Think about the significance of the water in this week’s Gospel reading:
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
There’s been a lot of news about water this January. Firstly, the floods that followed a cold snap at the start of the year and threaten again with more cold weather on the way. Listening to and watching the coverage about why this is happening and what can be done it seems that despite flood defences, dredging and sand bags sometimes the water can’t be held back.
Then there are the incredible images of parts of Los Angeles on fire (BBC; Guardian). The LA fire department are heroically trying to battle the fire dropping tonnes of water on the blaze in an attempt to bring it under control, but the combination of dry ground and high winds is making this a very difficult task.
Finally, there’s an incredible story this week of a hiker who was lost for 13 days in New South Wales but managed to survive on a muesli bar, foraging for berries and, crucially, drinking water from creeks. It is a well-known fact that a human being can only survive around three days without liquid, so the water in the Australian mountain creeks gave the lost Hadi Nazari a chance of survival.
Water that can’t be held back, water fighting a dangerous fire and water for survival. In many ways the water in the story of Jesus’ baptism wraps all of this week’s water stories together:
As Jesus emerges from the River Jordan and his three years of ministry on the earth begin, a flood is released across humankind; an unstoppable wave of love and truth that will forever change all who come into contact with it.
We also know that Jesus’ message of love, grace and transformation is ultimately the only thing that defeats the fires that rage across this world. The fires of war, hate, misinformation, sadness, and all that afflicts us in this world – although overwhelming at times – can be put out by this life-giving water.
Lastly, in this Baptism story, the man who emerges from the water offers us more than just survival. He gives us fullness, completeness and everlasting joy.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Water prayers
You will need: star shapes cut out of paper (ordinary photocopying paper works fine), shallow trays or dishes of water placed around the worship area, spare pencils
- Give out the stars and invite people to write a prayer on each with a pencil.
- Once each prayer is written, fold over each point to the centre of the star. (If you are using a five-pointed star when folded it will look like a pentagon).
- Take the star to the trays of water and, in turn, place them upon the surface of the water. The stars will unfold to reveal the prayers.
- Pray for each other around the trays of water
Isaiah prayer
Use the words from Isaiah at the start of the passage in John. Invite people to use some of the images and turn them into a prayer for today. For example, you could pray for people who are currently living with crooked paths such as war-torn places, that they would see God’s salvation or for people caught in the dark valleys of poor mental health to feel lifted up.
‘…Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all people will see God’s salvation.’
Ignatian questions
Invite people to read v21-22 and imagine themselves at the scene. Use the following Ignatian questions to think about the story:
- What emotions arose as you read this story? Invite God into those emotions.
- What might those emotions be revealing?
- Were there any images that stood out to you? What did you notice about those images?
- Was something new revealed in this story that you hadn’t noticed before? What might God be wanting to show you in this revelation?
Questions for discussion
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How does the image of water resonate in our spiritual lives?
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Do you feel overwhelmed by the fires that rage in this world or full of hope that the flood of God’s love will bring transformation to humankind, or somewhere in-between?! Talk about how you feel with your neighbour.
Fiona Dorman is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
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Water is a vital part of this morning’s story. At the moment of his baptism Jesus is introduced by John and then acknowledged by God as the Messiah. In my imagination the water is calm and clean, and the day is warm and sunny. Meeting God in these waters is an appealing concept.
Water has featured in our weather over the first few days of the New Year. First, we had torrential rain, then heavy snow. Where I live we had five inches! As this has melted it has flowed into already over-full waterways and onto saturated ground, resulting in devastating flooding. There are multiple active flood warnings across England as I write. This water is dirty and cold; meeting God here does not sound as appealing.
Yet we cannot always choose where God meets us. Sometimes it is in the warm, clean water of life, when things are going well. At other times God meets us in the cold and dirty water of life, when we are struggling.
Questions for discussion
- What sustains us during the difficult times?
- Does it feel different when God meets us in the good times?
- How can we be present for others when they are struggling with dirty flood water, both literally and figuratively?
You may have young people in your group whose homes have been flooded. This event is likely to have been traumatic. It might be advisable to have an extra person present in case this discussion raises difficult memories.
Victoria Etherington is children’s, youth and family’s ministry leader for the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 5 January 2025
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Promise fulfilled, light shining
God’s promises are fulfilled when the light of the Kingdom shines (John 1:10-18)
Context
Death of former US President and Sunday School Teacher Jimmy Carter.
Post Office campaigners honoured for services to justice.
Parents of women killed by ex-boyfriends receive honours.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
The New Year is traditionally a time for honours in the United Kingdom. This year over 1200 people have been honoured. Some names are familiar because they are famous for being involved in sport and entertainment. Others are less well-known but are honoured for important service none the less. Many gifted people use their gifts for the benefit of others and that benefit brings light into the community. They are doing God’s work and playing a part in fulfilling God’s promises.
The Horizon IT scandal had an appalling effect on the lives of hundreds of sub-postmasters and their families. It could easily have remained hidden were it not for those brave women and men who fought for justice and shone a light on what had happened.
God’s promises are fulfilled when justice is seen to be done.
Carole Gould and Julie Devey co-founded the group Killed Women after their daughters - were killed in their homes by men they had ended relationships with.
Another campaigner, Nick Gazzard, whose daughter was murdered by her ex-boyfriend in 2014, was also recognised for his work around domestic violence and stalking. These campaigners are committed to continue to shine a light on domestic violence and ensure that there is more public awareness of the issue. God’s promises are fulfilled when people commit to continue ensuring the light of justice is shone.
The death of former US President Jimmy Carter has brought tributes from international statesmen past and present. Carter himself summed up his legacy as a commitment to peace. However historian Bill Leonard described Carter’s identity as inseparable from his vocation of over 70 years as a Sunday school teacher: “He has lived every week of his adult life in the study and teaching of the scriptures.” God’s promises were fulfilled through Carter in both a global and very personal way.
Questions for discussion
- Who would you give honours to and why?
- In what ways have you seen God’s promises fulfilled?
- In a world of darkness how is the light of Christ shining?
Revd Stuart Wild is a methodist minister serving on the Lancashire coast.
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“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it!” John 1:5
What a powerful verse for any time of year, but most certainly so uplifting to read on such a dark January. Usually at this time of year our Christmas decorations and lights are going back away, the once beautifully lit-up streets turn back to regular rows of houses and shops, and the cheer which fills the air in December shrinks away.
But this week it has felt even more dark and damp then ever with huge amounts of fog covering the UK, disrupting many festive travel plans, and now the threat of storms and high winds cancelling New Year’s eve’s celebrations.
Admittedly when we look out into the seemingly dark and gloomy world of January it can feel like the darkness has over come the light; cancelled plans, cancelled celebrations, cancelled light displays! But these things are not the true light which we have been promised. Does it highlight more greatly to you that the only promise we can then actually trust in is the promise of Jesus’ light? We may have promised to visit family over this week but the weather got in the way. Big bands such as Texas were promised to be performing on New Year’s ever, but the weather meant it has been cancelled. Ultimately we cannot fully trust the promises we make to others and them to us, as we’re not in control.
This week, please don’t feel disheartened if your promised plans have been broken - this isn’t the darkness winning. But it can show us how our trust should be put in the light and promise of the coming of Jesus Christ, the only promise that we know will stay real.
Throughout this week and indeed this new year, pray that you see how wondrous Jesus is, even when the world isn’t.
Natasia Bullock is Company Director of The B Tales Theatre Company
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 29 December 2024
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Our hope in children
Children must be empowered and given space to amaze us (Luke 2.47)
Context
Christmastide is nothing if not a rollercoaster. Within just four days, the Church’s calendar throws us from the joy of Jesus’ birth into the barbaric stoning of St Stephen, then through the light of St John the Evangelist into the atrocity inflicted on the Holy Innocents and their families. And then this Sunday, we are suddenly pitched 12 years on, into the remarkable events of a visit to the Temple by Jesus, whose birth and boyhood parallel so much of Samuel’s early life.
Our lectionary offers no better time than Christmastide to reflect on the three strands of celebration, suffering and childhood – our own and others’ – which are woven together into our common human experience.
Last Friday 27 December, on the eve of Holy Innocents Day, UNICEF published a report entitled Children Under Attack, which opens with these words: “By almost every measure, 2024 has been one of the worst years on record for children living in conflict zones in UNICEF’s history. More than one in six children globally now live in areas affected by conflict, forced to face unthinkable violations.”
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
It's an inescapable fact that while we celebrate, others suffer; and while we suffer, others celebrate. Reduced to its starkest elements, the theme is best expressed in the oft-quoted mediaeval Gregorian chant traditionally intoned on New Year’s Eve, Media vita in morte sumus, “In the midst of life we are in death.” There is no human celebration that is not tinged with wistfulness for what might have been, regret for past failures or sorrow for the absence of loved ones. How often, for instance, have we heard someone say, “Oh, Mum would have loved this!” or, “I wish Grandad could have been here!” or “Your sister would have been so proud of you!”?
When these sorts of thoughts come to mind, we are often recalled to the present moment by some antic on the part of a child. Whether the child does something unexpected – and often unintended – to make us laugh, or has a minor catastrophe, or simply utters a new word for the first time, we are immediately brought out of our wistfulness, regret or sorrow by a spontaneous laugh or gasp, or the need to rush to the rescue. The delight of a child can fill us with affection. The grief of a child can make us long to offer comfort. The achievement of a child can inspire us with admiration. The words of a child can make us see something in a new way.
In the Bible, it is the children, Jesus and Samuel, who teach the priests and scholars, and not the other way round. Jesus himself tells his followers, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). This is something we should always be open to, for it is they, and not we, who will face the challenge of building a better world than the one we pass on to them.
In his remarkable 1974 novel Shardik, author Richard Adams writes: “The teaching… is simply that there isn't to be a deserted or unhappy child in the world. In the end, that's the world's only security: children are the future, you see. If there were no unhappy children, then the future would be secure.”
Questions for discussion
- When did you last learn something from a child? What was it?
- What does the Church need to learn from children?
- What did Jesus mean when he said we must become like little children?
- How can we empower children and give them space to teach us?
Robert Beard is an NHS worker and Church of England priest.
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Reaching potential
Ben Whitehead is an actor. As a Wallace and Gromit fan, he grew up doing voices, accents and impressions and, when a friend in Bristol, who was working with the producers of the Wallace and Gromit, Curse of the Were-Rabbit film, needed some actors to voice the characters, Whitehead jumped at the chance. Then, following the death of Peter Sallis in 2017, Whitehead was offered the opportunity to voice Wallace in the full-length feature film which was shown on Christmas Day: Vengeance Most Fowl.
In the film Gromit is concerned that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions, especially when Wallace invents a "smart" gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. It becomes clear that a vengeful figure from the past is masterminding things and so it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master. Otherwise, Wallace may never be able to invent again!
In the temple Jesus engaged with the Jewish scholars and leaders. Through questions and answers he grew and began to reach his potential and to enable them to do the same. This was what God wanted. This was how he was enabled to fulfil his mission in adulthood. He took the opportunity when it presented itself. In the same way Ben Whitehead snatched the opportunity to be in the Were-Rabbit film.
Wallace was at risk of losing his potential. After all, what is the potential of an inventor if it is not to invent. In order to achieve this he needed the help and support of Gromit. In the same way Ben Whitehead needed the help of his friend, and Jesus and the Jewish teachers needed one another.
So, as we face the New Year, let us look for opportunities and, helped and supported by friends, let us seize them.
Of course prayer will help too.
Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister in Lancashire. He is also fond of Wensleydale cheese.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via Twitter/X, facebook and Instagram.
ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 22 December 2024
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Peace begins in me
God’s peace cannot be forced upon us; we must embrace it with our entire being. (Luke 1:47)
Context
Listen to the Center for Action and Contemplation podcasts to learn about transformative practices which make for peace.
Want to join a movement of peace-building?
It’s a sad commentary that an Internet search for “inner peace” leads almost anywhere except to Christian web sites!
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Micah speaks of peace being brought by the future Messiah, and Luke’s Gospel has Mary offering praise for what God has done—with an implied peace for Israel. Without careful reading, these passages can lead us towards a passivity/complacency that “peace” comes to us from without. However, closer examination of Mary’s and Micah’s words makes clear that, had they not been internally convinced and moved by God’s approach to them, we would never have received their words.
As the lectionary offers meagre substance regarding “peace, actually”, I want to suggest a look at Romans 12:2 wherein the Apostle Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God — what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The renewing of the mind of which Paul speaks is metanoia in Greek. Metanoia bespeaks a fundamental change in our point of view — of how we see the world and the people in it. In this world, peace is considered to be the absence of conflict; but this is not the discernment given by God. Until God’s peace reigns within each and every one of us, there will not be a peaceable kingdom anywhere on this earth. Peace really does begin in us.
Questions for discussion
When have you felt most at peace — with(in) yourself, with God, with others? What preceded that sense of peace? How can you cultivate a peaceful life?
My wife and I were recently wronged by someone who chose to tell lies about us to many of our friends. We decided to leave it with God and neither seek redress nor revenge …but in my mind there still proliferated myriad ways to seek revenge! Have you been in such a situation? How did you feel? How hard was it to follow the path of peace as opposed to self-justification or revenge? Why does turning the other cheek feel like lifting 500 kilos?
Revd Dr Jack Lawson is a free-lance writer and novelist. For more information visit: www.jacknlawson.com; https://jacknlawson.com/blog; https://wingsepress.com/pages/lawson-jack-n
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School is breaking up and shops are full of tinsel and ‘Santa stop here’ signs. The news is full of stories about inflation (going up) and winter fuel benefits (which have been stopped) making peace feel a long way away for many people. Christmas is a great time for families coming together but that also makes it a great time for arguments as the stress of getting things done hits the multiplier of people’s expectations.
Mary’s situation was full of potential stress - how would Joseph react? What would her parents do? What was everyone in the neighbourhood going to say? Her response was to find someone she trusted and to visit them - finding some space and peace to process what was happening.
Sometimes we are in Mary’s position, dealing with changes that weren’t of our choosing and looking for some time and space to think things through. Sometimes we can be an Elizabeth, seeing someone looking to us for encouragement and hope.
Whichever of these resonates for you, it’s worth thinking about how and when you can access God’s peace - and who you can look to for encouragement in the hectic days of Christmas. Look at what is under your control, what you can change, and then let as much of the rest go past without needing to react to it. As Mary did, recognise that God is in control and trust that he is with you in everything that you and your friends are facing.
Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats and numerous fish.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 15 December 2024
Sermon ideas on Zephaniah 3.14-20 for adults and young people - Intergenerational sermon and discussion ideas based on this week's news including: Syrian uprising; fall of Assad; Syrian prisoner release; World Cup Saudi 2034; Home-comings; What is home?; Being at home with God
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Coming home
Where is home? Think about what this means and how with God we are always at home.
Context
It feels like the theme ‘coming home’ unites a few disparate news stories this week. from the serious to the not so serious. The main, and most consequential story, is of course the dramatic change in power in Syria and fall of Bashir al Assad. The images of prisoners being released and allowed to return home to their families after years of incarceration were both shocking and moving.
We’ve also witnessed thousands of exiles crossing the Syrian border to return to their homeland, return to the families they left behind and return to lives interrupted by the regime.
It’s a fast-moving story full of complex homecomings.
In the world of UK politics issues around immigration rumble on, the subject this week dominating PMQs. Whichever side of the debate we find ourselves on, at the heart of the matter is the problematic issue of ‘home’. Where is it? Can you find a new one? Who and who cannot call this country home?
Finally, in the world of sport, the English anthem of ‘it’s coming home’ has been quietly playing in the background as the thorny issue of the World Cup being hosted by Saudi Arabia exercises the world of punditry. Will the English team be bringing it home from the middle east in 2034?
Despite the very different weight of the stories and issues in this week's news, the idea of home resonates. Going home; being at home; and bringing something back home are powerful ideas that speak to people across the globe.
Zephaniah’s words in chapter 3 speak passionately about home. It describes being brought home and the outpouring of rejoicing that takes place when this happens. Reading Zephaniah in today’s world, with today’s wars and violence is complex but the sentiments around a homecoming embedded into the text give us all pause for thought. Where is home for us? What does it mean?
A couple 2000 years ago had to change their home when they were instructed to return to their place of birth for a census. They had to temporarily set up home in a stable ready for the birth of their son. An unsatisfactory home in many ways. But despite the external issues this new home was filled with love and light, that extended well beyond their home to all of us. So, wherever we are, at home or not, we can rest in the home of God’s love and hope.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- Give everyone a piece of paper and pencil and invite them to draw a picture called ‘home’. Stress that the quality of the art is unimportant. More important is the image that comes to mind when someone says ‘home’. Once people have had some sketching time, ask people to show their drawing to someone sitting nearby and explain what it represents and why they chose this for their drawing.
- Put up an image of the stable in the Christmas story. Invite people to spend a minute reflecting on this ‘home’.
Pray
Thank you for the stable home that brought love and hope to all of us wherever we are.
May we find our way home this Christmas.
Not just to the house or flat we live in,
Not to our favourite holiday place,
Not even to our country of birth,
But to our home in Christ,
To live in love and hope wherever we are, at all times.
Amen
Questions for discussion
Fiona is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
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Joyful news
“Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her king!”
- How festive are you feeling?
- Is your tree finally up?
- Are you busy Christmas shopping and now over halfway through your advent calendar?
- How do the festive activities make us feel? Joyful? Excited? Overwhelmed? Sometimes the events leading up to Christmas Day can leave us more exhausted than joyous!
Our passage this week seeks to bring a deep joy in the Lord and the joy of a better future - of what is yet to come: I will restore you in those future days.’
How do we then, having already received Jesus and the joyful news which is prophesied about here, seek to find joy? How do we make the promise of a joyful future a joyful present?
I did some searching for joy and came across this uplifting newspaper – The Happy News - which celebrates moments of joy. Have a look for yourself and celebrate the joyful news of others by praising God for each article and story.
But of course real joy isn’t a good news story. It’s a deep-rooted joy, a joy that can only come from God. And this joy isn’t just for the good times and the festivities - it's for all year round and throughout all that life brings. I’m often struck by the lyric from Cody Carnes Firm Foundation: I’ve still got joy in chaos.
So this week as the Christmas planning and traditions perhaps are a struggle, or appear to be turning into chaos, let our hearts be filled with deep joy, true joy of the Lord, and all that is still yet to come.
Natasia Bullock, Company Director, The B Tales
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via Twitter/X, facebook and Instagram.
ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
The week in focus for week beginning Sunday 8 December 2024
Sermon ideas on Luke 1.68-79 (Benedictus) for adults and young people - Intergenerational sermon and discussion ideas based on this week's news including: Israel-Lebanon ceasefire; Strictly come dancing shock Dance-Off results; Conclave film release; God's unexpected workings; finding peace in Advent
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Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues
God in the silence
Seeing the outcome of God’s silent activity in Luke 1:76-79.
Context
The ceasefire in Lebanon continues.
Strictly Come Dancing’s Pete and Jowita avoid the dance off despite being bottom of the leaderboard.
Conclave, the film of Robert Harris’ book about the election of a new Pope is released.
Ideas for sermons and interactive talks
In the Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79) we hear the voice of Zechariah, a voice that had been silenced as a result of his reaction to the news of Elizabeth’s pregnancy. In his silence God has been at work and the initial outcome is the birth of John. Zechariah here prophesies of the nature and work that John will accomplish. We are not told how John will be prepared for this vocation but Zechariah’s words are clear and are fulfilled. The ceasefire in Lebanon appeared to come out of the blue but it is similarly evidence of God working silently through diplomats to achieve a peace - however temporary.
Pete and Jowita came bottom of the leaderboard in last week’s Strictly Come Dancing. The judges gave them low marks but they were saved by the public. The general reaction to the announcement that they were not in the Dance Off was a surprise. Pete and Jowita responded with amazement and joy. Zechariah’s reaction to the birth of John and his vision of John’s mission was to praise God. There are times when the silent unexpected workings of God take us by surprise. The wise will see God at work here and respond accordingly.
Conclave is a mystery thriller where, following the death of the Pope, the College of Cardinals gathers for a papal conclave to choose the new pope. It is a story filled with twists and turns and attempts at power-politics in which the leading character, Cardinal Lawrence played by Ralph Fiennes, seeks to see the action of God and rediscover his own faith.
The way God works is not always obvious as it is happening. Sometimes it is only by looking back that we see the real purposes of God’s activity. At the time Zechariah’s statements in Luke 1 were brave and audacious and we are not told how they were received. However, with the benefit of our knowledge of both John’s and Jesus’ missions, we see the inherent truth in what Zechariah said.
Questions for discussion
- Have you ever been surprised by God’s answer to prayer?
- What has happened recently that you think God should be praised for?
- Can you suggest ways to help someone whose faith is wavering?
- What does it mean today to say that 'the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.’ ?
Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist Minister serving God on the Lancashire coast.
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What does the word ‘Peace’ mean to you? I invite you to close your eyes for a moment and think about how peace makes you feel. What does it look like? When have you experienced peace? Is there anything that gets in the way of feeling that peace?
It can be hard to believe that God has a loving plan when the world around us seems to be filled with such little peace. Finding love amongst it all is difficult to say the least. Life has thrown me a few curve balls this year, so I can only speak from experience here when I say that practising trust during these times helps to find that peace. Isaac Newton is quoted as viewing himself as a boy playing on the seashore occasionally finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than usual, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before him. This brings one of Corrie Ten Boom’s quotes to me. She once said "We should never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.".
"The great ocean of truth and life lies undiscovered before us." How wonderful is that? I would encourage you to find peace in the pebbles you find as you journey through Advent. Let us use them as a reminder of God’s loving plan that lies unknown before us.
Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer from Lancashire www.lwcreative.co.uk
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
ROOTS publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.