Scroll down to find previously published Week in focus resources.
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Are you ready?
God calls us in surprising and challenging ways. Are we ready to respond with a yes to the future God is asking us to share in building? (Genesis 24:58)
Context
At the People’s History Museum in Manchester, Andy Burnham began to outline his hopes for the future: Imagine…imagine…imagine a future filled with hope.
Hope is powerful as inspiration to participate in the new and some people would argue is key to making change happen. Can we find it in politics again?
Some voices are urging investment in future generations - in itself an act of faith.
Building the future requires us to think big and act small: sweating the small stuff and accepting we may not know the outcome but knowing that our part in it can make a difference. Anyone who plants, farms or gardens knows the lived experience of having faith in a future that cannot yet be seen.
Reflection
Shortly after the end of Andy Burnham’s vision statement, members of opposition parties were quick to say ‘it won’t work’ or ‘we have tried it already’. How often are we guilty of a failure of collective imagination in our church communities that limits God’s possibilities?
Rebekah had a day’s notice to leave home to go and marry Isaac. She saw immediately that God was active in the situation. What could have prepared her to say yes in that moment and to believe the future to which she was being called by God?
The Genesis passage tells us a very human story in which God’s promises work through human lives and very human choices. We often overlook Rebekah and yet the future of a whole people rests on her and her actions. God’s new future depends on us. Are we ready to embrace it? What might we need to let go of and what do we need in order to be ready?
We might think that the task is onerous or too big for us or that our resources are too small. That is a story that is told all too frequently in scripture. But today Rebekah shows us a free and generous response and an in-the-moment recognition that God is present and active in the circumstances of the everyday and reliant on her ‘yes’.
Jesus knows how afraid we may be of the challenges ahead and tells us ‘my yoke is easy and my burden is light.’ It is not about exhausting ourselves with a legalistic approach to living but the freedom of responding from the heart, knowing we are called in love and supported by love. Jesus shares the burden of the task with us - present with us in the small and big stuff of building God’s future.
Questions
- What spiritual practices might help us to discern the part we are each called to play in building God’s future?
- What spiritual practices might help us to ensure that we can serve others from the centre of our being and vocation remains a joy and not a burden?
- Rebekah receives a blessing from her father and her mother (Genesis 24:60). It turns out to be prophetic. Are we taking time to discern vocation in others, calling and commissioning each other in new adventures of faith and encouraging each other along the way?
- Imagining a future filled with hope should be in our church DNA. If we reframed our discussions around ‘what if’ rather than ‘yes but’ and planned with faith that people will come up with the goods when needed, how might this transform our leadership meetings?
- Are we practising steps of faith in small things so that we can be ready for the bigger things God may ask of us?
For a reminder of spiritual practices see this leaflet from a Moravian Church in the US.
Diane Craven is currently a trainer and education and spirituality consultant based in the Diocese of York.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
Whoever becomes the next Prime Minister will be our seventh in the last ten years.
Frequent changes in leadership do not offer the markets stability or send a positive message to our overseas partners and investors. Whatever gifts the next Prime Minister brings into the role, or the flaws of previous incumbents, I am left asking how these frequent changes benefit people, especially those struggling in our current economic climate.
I wonder, did any of the people involved with these changes invite God into the process. Or were these decisions based on their own desires? How often do we take decisions based on what we want to do, rather than following God’s way?
In the story today, the sign from God reflects the servant’s search for a kind and generous wife for Isaac. In our own lives how might we know that a sign is from God?
For discussion with the group
- Share a personal experience of praying about a decision in your life. How did you know the sign was from God? Invite the group to share their experiences.
- How would you know a sign is not from God?
- Compare this with Gideon and the fleece, Judges 6:25-40. Gideon asks God for a sign on his own terms. Have the group done this? Does this change the outcome? How?
- Why is it good to ask God for help in our choices?
Victoria Etherington is University and Young Adult Chaplain in the York Methodist Circuit.
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 28 June 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Recognised and welcomed
Jesus, ‘the Word made flesh’ (John 1:1), offers God’s welcome and love to all, and delights in all who welcome prophets, the righteous, and anyone who is moved to do any good action (Matthew 10:40-end).
Context and a sermon/interactive talk idea
For anyone who follows football, the welcome received by teams and their supporters at the World Cup matches has filled the news and been a delight. The Iranian football team, barred from practice in the USA, received a warm welcome in Mexico, and were most appreciative of the way they were received.
The fact that some individuals and teams were not welcomed has provoked outrage, and support for those who were not welcomed properly. Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States to officiate at the World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee. FIFA officials clearly thought welcoming everyone who loved football was far more important than Trump’s political posturing.
We might almost add an additional verse to Jesus’ welcomes: Whoever welcomes a lover of football in the name of football will receive the reward of unity within The Beautiful Game's communities and beyond.
Questions for discussion
- In what ways has the men's football World Cup shown a true welcome to all kinds of people, and in what ways do you think it has fallen short?
- How do we ensure that this tournament is remembered for the good it brought not the tensions and division?
- How has welcoming Jesus into your life led you into a deeper relationship with God the Father?
- Are you confident that your worship community offers a true welcome to everyone? Are there ways you could improve or be more pro-active?
- How do you welcome newcomers into your place of work, school or neighbourhood?
Tom Ambrose is a priest in the parish of the Ascension, Cambridge
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
This week, much of the UK has been dealing with a heatwave – high temperatures, both day and night that has made daily life challenging in lots of ways! Whether we’ve been at home, school, work or college, it has been a pleasure to find a cool fan, stand in an air-conditioned room or jump into a nice chilly swimming pool. We’ve all had to find our own ways to cool off!
Some of us might relate to Jesus talking in the gospel about the difference it makes to give a cup of cold water ‘to one of these little ones’. Maybe someone bought you an ice lolly this week, or let you borrow their hand-held fan? A little act of generosity we were really grateful for!
Hot weather (along with a poor night’s sleep!) can often make us impatient, irritable and less aware of what others need. So it’s good to be reminded that when we welcome someone, show kindness, do something thoughtful or look out for what someone else's needs, it makes the world of difference. Recognise and be reassured that Jesus is in the midst of us, even when we might feel like we’re melting…
Questions
- How has the hot weather made you feel this week?
- When has someone else shown you a welcome this week or been kind to you?
- In the hot weather, what are some of the gestures or acts of kindness we can do for others that reflect who Jesus is?
Gail shares her time between being associate vicar with two churches in North Hertfordshire and a consultant for all things family and intergenerational church related.
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 21 June 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
No family values here
One’s foes will be members of one’s own household. (Matthew 10:36)
Context
For many people the men's football World Cup will be dominating the news they absorb. And some will be enjoying the tennis at Queen's and looking forward to Wimbledon. But my reading has been dominated by the tenth anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox MP and her sister’s comments that the world is, if anything, worse now than it was ten years ago. We also hear that a deal between the USA and Iran has been agreed and may be signed in person later in the week. The UK government has announced a widespread ban on social media use by under 16s - Australia Plus we are told. The story of Henry Nowak’s horrifying death in Southampton develops as his killer’s sentence is referred for review. And the Russian state was responsible for attempts on the life of the Prime Minister, which brought up memories for me (since I live near Salisbury) of poisonings by actual Russian agents.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
In our world, riven by tensions and conflict, our lectionary invites us to explore some unexpected sayings of Jesus. Jesus brings a sword, not peace, and we are told families are to be in internal conflict. Of course there are some nicer sayings about the value of sparrows and the hairs on our heads. Perhaps you might prefer to light on the sayings about truth being uncovered. But for me, the stark contrast of the sayings about families, set against the widespread expectation that Christians approve of so-called family values, sticks out like a sore thumb.
Should we actively preach against family values? If children and parents are not in conflict are we failing to live out the gospel? We tend to airbrush out of the gospel story the fact that Jesus called his disciples away from their families. Peter, for certain, was a married man because he had a mother-in-law but the probability is that most, perhaps all, of the twelve were family men. So, although these sayings are brutal, the twelve who heard them first had already put Jesus before their family relationships. They had chosen to follow him whatever it cost. So the passage contains important messages, especially the demand that we take up the cross and follow Jesus.
There are still places (including Iran) where faith can divides families. Those from Islamic backgrounds who become Christians often have little choice but to leave their families behind quite literally. It is worth reminding ourselves that Jesus lived in a totalitarian state - the Roman Empire demanded absolute obedience from its subjects. At one level Jesus was doing no more than making an equally absolute demand on those who would follow him.
We have it much easier. For most of us the issue of giving up families or friends to follow Jesus does not arise. Yet the gospel challenge remains. Jesus still asks whether we really put following him first, above all else, even if the chips are down, before our family relationships.
For the harsh fact is that there are many people for whom the world in which we live poses hard choices. Most of us in the UK have it much easier most of the time and we should thank God for that. But we should also remember that from time to time we too may face real challenges. We may find that the gospel requires us to act in ways which may break friendship or even family ties. Should those days come, will we remember the words of Jesus in today's gospel?:
"Those who find their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 10:39)
If you read the Hebrew Bible passage about Hagar (Genesis 21:8-21) you will find some shocking behaviour within an extended (we might now call it blended) family. Sarah, despite laughing at God’s promise, has borne a longed-for son but then persuades Abraham to treat the slave Hagar and Isaac’s half brother incredibly badly. Of course the cultural context is complex but, even allowing for that very different context, is this an acceptable moral tale?
Questions for discussion
- What are the hardest choices you have faced?
- If the chips were down, would you put your faith before your friends and family?
- In our world of conflict and strife, what do you make of Jesus’ saying about bringing a sword rather than peace?
Dudley Coates is a local preacher in the Salisbury Methodist Circuit and a former Vice President of the Methodist Conference.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
You may have noticed that there is a football competition happening at the moment. The 2026 World Cup has started and, whether you like or loathe it, it’s been difficult to miss. Lots of people are showing their support by putting up flags and banners, wearing their team's kit, and sharing their passion through other creative means. Amidst it all, there have also been a number of high-profile footballers, such as the Belgian winger Jeremy Doku, declaring their faith and expressing what it means to them.
Football has the ability to simultaneously unite much of the world in the enjoyment of a competition, while also dividing people into tribal-like support of “their” team. Today’s passage highlights a similar dichotomy: Christianity, a faith that seeks to unite people, can sometimes find itself dividing them. Jesus came not to bring peace but a sword, yet elsewhere He is referred to as the Prince of Peace. As we consider from this passage what it means to live out our faith with “no compromise,” perhaps we can take some inspiration from the football fever and show our Christian faith - not necessarily by using flags and banners but, like Jeremy Doku, using our words, our actions, and our platforms to bring God glory.
How can you share your faith with others this week? Could you share an encouraging word with a friend, stand up for another person or a cause, or simply talk about the difference that your faith has made to you?
Simon Bailey is an Engagement & Participation Youth Worker for the local authority in Central Bedfordshire.
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 14 June 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Beyond our comfort zone
Jesus' mission takes us to places we might not want to go (Matthew 9:35-10:23).
Context
Reflection
Most people of any faith or none found it very uncomfortable looking back at the news footage of the murder of Henry Nowak last December. In a statement issued on Monday on behalf of the United Reformed Church, Catriona Wheeler, Moderator of the URC General Assembly, offered condolences to Henry’s family after their tragic loss and assurance of solidarity with our neighbouring Sikh communities in the face of the unjust reactions and unrest that followed. Catriona urged in her statement:
“As Christians, we hear Christ’s command to love our neighbours as ourselves. That love is not a vague sentiment. It requires us to speak when others are silenced, to stand alongside those who are made to feel fearful, and to confront injustice whenever and wherever it appears.”
The injustice of Henry’s murder, alongside the disturbing nature of how the incident was dealt with in the moment, and the disturbingly aggressive reactions towards our Sikh brothers and sisters, are all reminders that Christ’s commandment to love our neighbour will take us way beyond our comfort zones. We are called to stand alongside all those who are unfairly persecuted, ‘like sheep in the midst of wolves’ (Matthew 10:16). Matthew 9:36 reminds us that Jesus had compassion for the crowds of people when they were ‘harassed or helpless’. He recognised their need for responsible leadership – for good ‘shepherding’.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- When US Vice-President, JD Vance, blamed the death of Michael Nowak on the ‘mass invasion of migrants’ and believed that the ‘only response’ was to react with ‘righteous anger’, it was reassuring to hear David Lammy trying to set the record straight in standing up to Vance’s ‘caricature’ of the recent history of Western civilisation. We were reminded that Nowak’s own family had called for calm following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa. Michael’s father, Mark, also urged in his statement:
"We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension.”
It would be good to explore how today’s gospel passage encourages us to go beyond our comfort zones in order to ensure that ‘further division, hatred or tension’ do not happen. At the very least, our Christian communities should consider how we react to those who scare-monger and stir-up hatred in times of such emotional turmoil. At such times it might well feel that in taking a stand for justice we are being sent ‘out like sheep among wolves’ (Matthew 10:16), but we are to be reminded that the same verse continues with Jesus' call for his disciples to be ‘wise as serpents and innocent as doves’. What does this phrase mean for us in the context of the current situation? How are we called to react, especially to the Sikh community and the police? In the words of Catriona Wheeler, which contains echoes of Jesus' charge to his disciples as he sent them out into the world: “Christ’s command to love our neighbours… requires us to speak when others are silenced, to stand alongside those who are made to feel fearful, and to confront injustice whenever and wherever it appears.”
- Storywriter and film maker Steven Spielberg says that he is much more inclined now, than he was when he made his groundbreaking Close Encounters of the Third Kind movie, to believe that we are not the only intelligent beings in the universe. Aside from the debatable question as to how ‘intelligent’ humanity is right now in the light of some of its recent behaviour seen in the world news headlines, the film asks the eternal question as to whether this life is all there is, or is there something more? Disclosure Day asks: Is there a truth we don’t know? Are we not alone in the universe? Spielberg says that Disclosure Day reminds us of our capacity for empathy, which humanity could certainly do with embracing right now. It also reminds us that there is something bigger out there than just ourselves. And maybe humanity in general does need a large dose of humility right now too!
Whilst the film might take an imaginary story about aliens from outer space to encourage us to take a good hard look at our own reality, like Jesus' teaching to his followers, it is about facing up to the questions that frighten us out of our wits. How much of the struggles we see in our lives and the world today are about the human race not being able to face up to the truth? In those times when humanity behaves like sheep without a shepherd, does the truth frighten us? The truth about those who are different from us has always scared the narrow minded. But what about the big ‘God’ question? Is the comfort zone of not asking about God a place that many people do not want to leave, because they fear the answer might change them?
Questions for discussion
- How has your local community reacted to the murder of Michael Nowak? In what ways is your church and its members called to have compassion for those who are the ‘harassed and helpless’ (Matthew 9:36) this week?
- Ask people how they might feel if they were confronted by, or in the midst of, an angry crowd reacting to the murder of Michael Nowak, or a similar situation? Ask this sensitively, as there may well be some of your membership who have either first hand experience of such a situation, or may know of family or friends who have. In what ways do Jesus' words and actions in Matthew 9:35-10:23 give us courage to go beyond our comfort zones?
- Disclosure Day tells a story about facing the questions that take us beyond our comfort zones. Is there a truth we don’t know? When humanity behaves like sheep without a shepherd, does the truth frighten us? In Matthew 10:19-20 Jesus says, "Don’t worry about how you will answer others when asked to give account for your faith. Trust in God’s Spirit to speak through you." In what ways are you prepared to go beyond your comfort zones and to trust God?
Tim Lowe is a minister of the United Reformed Church, serving in the Leeds URC Partnership.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. One of the ways in which it does this is through evangelism. However many people find the very idea of evangelism terrifying and yet here it is in Matthew’s gospel. Here are disciples sent out to share their faith.
So where does that leave us today? Firstly there is a need for evangelism. So many people are unaware of the good news that knowing Jesus brings. They have no-one to turn to for strength, companionship and support in a world filled with traumas and troubles.
Secondly there is a call to evangelism. In Matthew 9:35-10:8 Jesus sends his disciples out. It's not easy but he sends them beyond their comfort zone. We live in an umcomfortable world. In our own country there is political uncertainty and confusion. In the wider world there is conflict and warfare. In that context shyness and embarrassment about describing our faith can appear a minor discomfort.
Thirdly we are equipped for evangelism. We know that Jesus loved us so much that he died and rose again. We know that he has promised always to be with us. We know his companionship will enable us to step out well beyond our comfort zone.
Evangelism is a privilege for all Jesus’ disciples and we are called and equipped to respond to the need that people have for God in their lives.
Stuart Wild is the Superintendent of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit.
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 7 June 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Offering hope and blessing
In a world where many are battered, bruised or ignored, how can we bear Christ-like mercy and hope? (Matthew 9:13)
Context
- Tax collectors were not popular at the time of Jesus’ early ministry, although Jesus – to the annoyance of the pompously pious – was quite happy to make friends of tax collectors like Matthew and Zacchaeus. To this day tax collectors remain unlikely to top any popularity poll of people’s favourite public servants. In recent days there has been a debate about the possible introduction of tourist taxes in the UK. One BBC headline declared ‘Resorts worry tourist tax will put families off’. But where would we be without those who (honestly) collect taxes? There would be no NHS physicians (Matthew 9:12) for example.
- The month of June is ordination season in the Church of England and the Methodist Church in Britain at least. Like Abram and Sarai (Genesis 12:1-9) men and women will be publicly responding to God’s call to go – often into the unknown and, what may be for them, strange lands - and be a blessing with the only assurance that of God’s blessing for them. It is a time of both trepidation and hope. A lovely example of this can be seen in the story of Revd Jane Barlow who had to be ordained early (on Pentecost Sunday) as she and her husband are expecting their third child at the beginning of July.
- In contrast to Jane, many young people in the UK are growing up with little hope. More than one million young people in the UK between the ages of 16 and 24 are not earning or learning. A major review by former government minister Alan Milburn has called for urgent action. The number can be overwhelming but hope begins - as it did for the woman who had been haemorrhaging (Matthew 9:20) - one person at a time. Sixteen-year-old Chloe found when her careers adviser helped her find a place on a vocational childcare course.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- You might like to reflect on who you pray for regularly in your Church. Physicians and other health care workers may feature regularly but what about those who work for HMRC processing the taxes that pay for the health service? Did you know there is an organisation called Christians in Government that supports those who work in the Civil Service including HM Treasury?
- If you have anyone in your church who works for HMRC or any other finance-related occupation, why not interview them about their work and how they see it being an outworking of their faith.
- In this month of ordinations ask your vicar/minister/pastor what it was like for them (and their family if appropriate) to take the step of faith and respond to the call of God and to go from their kindred and friends to a place not of their choosing. If they will be elsewhere at the time of your service ask them to record a short video.
- With the amount of need we see at this time – both at home and oversees – we can feel overwhelmed. What can we possibly do in the face of so much? It is helpful to see how Jesus, in the face of crowds and commotion, responded to need one person at a time: the woman who was unwell (Matthew 9:20-22) and the synagogue leader’s daughter (Matthew 9:26). Invite people to think of one person they could bring the hope of God to this week and one person they could bless as Abram was sent to bless (Genesis 12:1-9).
Questions for discussion
- Is it time to review who you and your Church pray for?
- Tax: good or bad?
- What is it like for those called to a ministry that makes them leave their homes?
- Who else may have to do this? e.g. those in the armed forces or young people seeking a first job in the present job market. How can we support them?
- When there are so many people in need, where do we start to offer hope and blessing?
Andrew Roberts is a husband, father, Methodist Minister and the author of Holy Habits. He enjoys watching football and cricket and once appeared on national TV dressed as a giant sunflower (BBC Get Your Own Back).
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
Football’s ‘Spygate’ scandal has been in the news again this week as Dragan Solak, owner of Southampton, denied any knowledge of spying and supported manager Tonda Eckert. Eckert has claimed he was unaware of the rules, with such practices being widespread in Germany and Italy where he previously worked. In the meantime, the young intern caught spying says he knew it was unethical but felt pressured.
The Bible passage this week describes Jesus being criticised for associating with tax collectors and sinners, to which he responds that he has not come to call the righteous but sinners. Jesus suggests that the pharisees go and learn what this means, the implication being that they are also sinners.
Like the Bible passage, spygate seems clear: Southampton are the ‘sinners’ and Middlesborough the ‘righteous.’ But is it really that simple?
For discussion
Use the following statements and questions to start a discussion about how easy it is to judge others as sinners. We are all sinners and all forgiven by God.
- The stakes for Southampton were high. Did the manager feel under pressure from the owner or even the fans?
- The intern knew what they were doing was wrong, but felt pressured to do it. Are they righteous or a sinner?
- If Southampton spied, how many other clubs have done so, but have not been caught?
- The FA have punished Southampton but, with £200 million at stake, does the financial structure drive clubs to desperate measures?
Victoria Etherington is University and Young Adult Chaplain in the York Methodist Circuit.
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 31 May 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Go therefore and make disciples
Context
In the recent council elections, Reform and the Green Party made many gains and won a considerable number of seats on councils. But since that happened, many news stories have come to light about some newly elected councillors immediately resigning. Some have said they have personal matters to attend to whilst others have been suspended, disqualified or expelled by their party for offensive social media posts or bad behaviour. One new councillor in Kirklees said that she did not understand what an amendment was, or what standing orders are, or indeed any of the business of running a council at all.
It turns out that not all people are fit, or indeed really willing, to serve their communities. When push comes to shove, responsibility and service, and even basic understanding of the role, can be lacking.
Reflection
Jesus has some important things to say about responsibility and service. When he calls people to follow him, he means with complete dedication. For example:
To another he said, ‘Follow me.’ But he said, ‘Lord, first let me go and bury my father.’ But Jesus said to him, ‘Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.’ Another said, ‘I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.’ Jesus said to him, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.’’ (Luke 9:59-62)
In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), the risen Jesus entrusts his chosen with the task of spreading the Good News to all nations. It is a task filled with both joy and danger. It is not for the uncommitted, or those, who say ‘yes, but..’ or ‘later’.
And today, Jesus votes for us? Will we serve faithfully?
Ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation
What does it mean to accept a commission or an invitation to serve? What does it take to step up and serve on a local council, or in any other representative and serving role?
Jesus calls each of us to spread the Gospel. He stresses the cost of discipleship and the need not to be distracted or less than wholeheartedly committed to bringing the Good News to others. But, with Jesus, we never need to resign because we feel unsupported, unequipped or lost. He is with us to the end.
Questions for discussion
- How can we, as Christians, support and help those elected to serve in local government?
- What do you think people today understand by ‘service’?
- How does our faith inspire us and equip us for the Great Commission laid upon us?
Dr Anne Richards is part of the National Public Policy Team at the Church of England, focusing on modern society, popular culture, contemporary spirituality and apologetics (see Deeper into God and Spiritual Journeys).
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
In 2 weeks’ time the 2026 Men's World Cup kicks off in Mexico, and huge numbers will tune in to watch their country’s matches. This week a new series started on BBC: Dear England is a dramatization of Gary Southgate and his transformative management of England men’s football team through two world cups and more. Southgate is considered as a top England manager, and credited with turning around a squad in defeat. He recognised that talented players were struggling with fear and doubts, especially with the huge backlash of hatred unleashed at players who made mistakes. Together with a psychologist they encouraged players to recognize fears, but to accept that they can make mistakes and always be a valued part of the team. Southgate would send out his players empowered with freedom to use their unique giftings, trusting in him and each other.
Matthew’s passage describes Jesus sending out his disciples to make disciples in all nations. We can imagine that the disciples would also have struggled with fears over speaking about Jesus to strangers, and with the anticipated mistakes and rejections. But the pivotal difference here is that Jesus promises his constant presence for all time. It is mind-blowing that they, and we, are never alone. The Holy Spirit equips us with the words, courage, and love we need. With that assurance, we are free to build God’s kingdom in ways that are personal, creative, and full of possibility.
In the football drama, the psychologist quotes “you are not alone, an invisible thread links you all - connecting”. As Christians, we can also trust that even when we don’t get it right, we are connected to a loving God, who desires everyone to know that love and relationship.
Questions for discussion
- Jesus asks his followers to baptize in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Why do you think Jesus emphasised the Trinity in this commission?
- Discuss a scenario where you are with someone who does not know Jesus, and how you might share what your faith means to you.
Dr Angela Mak is a Licensed Lay Minister in the Holy Trinity Shaw Church in West Swindon. She is also a Tutor on the Licensed Lay Ministry Formation course in the Bristol Diocese, a school’s 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.
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 24 May 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
United by the Spirit
As we celebrate the outpouring of the Spirit we rejoice in the unity it brings. (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
Context
The Eurovision Song Contest was held in Vienna.
The battle for the leadership of the Labour Party and the country continues as candidates emerge and set their stalls out.
BBC confirms new Strictly Come Dancing hosts.
Reflection and ideas for a sermon, talk or conversation
On Pentecost Sunday we celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. In his letter to the church in Corinth St Paul reflects on the impact of the Spirit upon the church. Reflections which have parallels even today in both church and society. This provides an opportunity to consider what we are seeking when we invite the Holy Spirit into our lives.
The Spirit provides a unifying force even though the gifts which the Spirit offers can be very different. Their significance depends upon them coming from the same Spirit. Together the different gifts unite and have a powerful impact. The Eurovision Song Contest is an extraordinary event. It brings together different nations, different cultures, different languages but its overall effect is an occasion of great joy (even when the United Kingdom entry comes last). The impact is more than the sum of the parts. This is how it feels when the various gifts of the Spirit are brought together. There may be one body but it is strengthened and enhanced by the variety of gifts.
By contrast the political climate is at the present time very divided. The Labour leadership is being challenged and it does not appear as if different candidates are putting forward contrasting policies. This is not unique to the Labour Party by any means. The impact of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was that the apostles presented a unified message. This unity is evidenced in other ways within the church when the gifts of the Spirit are present and when each gift is valued equally.
After what may seem like an interminable wait, finally the new presenters of Strictly Come Dancing have been announced. Emma Willis is a skilful presenter; Josh Widdecombe is an acclaimed comedian; Johannes Radebe is an award-winning dancer. They are three very different people with very different gifts and graces. The hope is that there will be a chemistry between them that will enhance the quality of the programme. Diversity can be challenging but it can also be rewarding. The gifts which St Paul’s lists as coming from the Spirit are diverse but God’s provision is wise and the diversity has a powerful, positive and unifying impact.
Questions for discussion
- Where do you see the gifts of the Spirit evident in your church and community?
- Do you rejoice in diversity or do you seek some form of uniformity?
- In what ways can we encourage one another to exercise the gifts with which we have been blessed?
Stuart Wild is the Superintendent of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit, exploring mission and ministry in the hospitality industry and among holidaymakers.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
Over the last few weeks, news headlines have been filled with stories of division and difference, leadership and position:
In the story of Pentecost, we meet these two themes again: division and difference, leadership and power. But the promised arrival of the Holy Spirit (Joel 2:28; John 15:26) brings unity (All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability. (Acts 2:4)) and equality (But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. (Acts 1:8)).
When the Kingdom of God breaks in, under his power and reign, there is unity and good news for all people.
Becky May is Tutor in Children’s and Families Ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Children, Youth and Families Mission Lead for Rural Missions.
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 17 May 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Salvation is for all
I was asked by a junior school pupil, ‘Why did Jesus have to start a new religion?’ One obvious answer is that salvation is for the whole world, not just a few people or one group. The risen Christ says, ‘you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ Acts 1:8. The commission at the Ascension, is ‘repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations’ Luke 24:47, and Peter declares at Pentecost, ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Acts 2:21. Jesus’ message in today’s gospel is for all; ‘glorify your Son so that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all people, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him.’ John 17:1-2.
Earthly message – support for a few?
There has been a rise in antisemitism and anti-muslim hatred which now requires a concerted response.
The Reform party campaigns against immigration, and Trump’s ‘make America great again' (MAGA) policy involves attacks on other nations, withdrawing troops from Germany, tariffs on most other nations, and persecution/murder of immigrants to the US by immigration agents.
Gospel message – support for all
Christianity set out from the very beginning to welcome all. Paul strove to unite gentile and Jewish Christians in his letter to the Romans ‘God shows no partiality’ (Rom 1:10-11). Peter proclaimed the miracle on the Day of Pentecost saying ‘God declares, "I will pour out my spirit on all flesh’’ Acts 2:17.
We see, with even greater clarity than St Peter did, the suffering of people across the world: in Sudan, in the war against Ukraine, and in economic hardship across the world in the wake of Trump and Netanyahu’s war on Iraq and Lebanon.
The attacks on the Pope by Trump have highlighted the difference between the conduct of warmongers and the Christian gospel. In contrast, the communications between Pope Leo and the Archbishop of Canterbury are about seeking unity in the church and peace in the world.
When we see events both at home and around the world we might well regard them as a ‘fiery ordeal’ (1 Peter 4:12). We may indeed find that our faith is mocked – ‘reviled for the name of Christ’ (1 Peter 4:14). We are to find strength from the ‘Spirit of God’ and might also find Pope Leo’s Easter Sunday address a strong encouragement.
Questions for discussion
- This week we don’t know what the future of the prime minister will be, but there are still three more years of this parliament. Imagine you are prime minister trying to make a difference in the next three years.
- What would your priorities be for the nation?
- How might you express concern for all and include everyone in your vision?
- What should your attitude be towards other nations?
- How do you show you are interested in children, the elderly, people on low wages, the unemployed etc….
- Who are your suffering ‘brothers and sisters throughout the world’? Who should be our particular concern?
- Is there a ‘roaring lion… looking for someone to devour’ in our society today? How do we ‘resist ,.. steadfast in faith’?
- If we are ‘reviled for the name of Christ’, what form does this take, and how should we respond?
- Who in particular faces a ‘fiery ordeal’ today, and what should our response be?
- And if a child asks, ‘Why did Jesus have to start a new religion?’ what would you say?
Tom Ambrose, priest in the parish of the Ascension, Cambridge.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
What do you do when you’re under pressure? Do you lash out? Blame someone else? Hide under the covers and doom scroll? This week, the papers are full of criticism for the prime minister, Keir Starmer. Everything he has done and plans to do is being scrutinised and picked apart. For a job that lots of people want to do, it doesn’t look like it’s much fun.
We’re into exam season. There’s pressure from teachers, from parents, and maybe from competitive friends. Pressure can help us to perform with shots of adrenaline to help us work at our best - it can also overwhelm us. Peter is writing to a church that was under pressure. It felt like everyone was against them and they were suffering in all kinds of ways.
Peter is clear in telling them that they need to be active in how they deal with this - not just to react as things happen to them. They need to actively give their worries and stresses to God and they need to be alert to anything that might cause them to hurt other people and resist it. They need to remember that they aren’t alone and that other people are experiencing some of the same things.
Keir Starmer looks pretty alone at the moment but I’m hoping he has people around him who are lifting him up and spurring him on. I pray that he can give God the stress and burden that he feels so that he can continue to do his best in his work.
Who is supporting you? Who are you supporting? God knows when we’re struggling and wants to carry those burdens for us and for us to support and encourage each other.
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, some fish and a rabbit.
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 10 May 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Hope and doing good
Better to suffer for doing good . . than for doing evil. (1 Peter 3:17)
The news as I write is filled with talk about antisemitism. I found it really helpful to hear Thought for the Day on Tuesday in which Rabbi Charley Baginsky reflected on this topic as a Jew. That brought home to me the impact for many of our Jewish neighbours of what the Prime Minister calls a crisis for all of us. What would it be like if our children had to be accustomed to security measures and training for emergencies at school?
Other issues in the news to which you might refer include modern slavery and the celebration of David Attenborough’s 100th birthday (much covered this week on the BBC). But above all do not forget Christian Aid Week.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
When I write for In Touch I often focus on international news - and the war in the Middle East is still with us - but may well have moved on by the time you use this material.
Antisemitism has deep roots in our society. Jews were expelled from England by royal decree in 1290 and Jewish property was seized by the crown. At that time similar action was being taken in other parts of Europe. How much has the church over the centuries helped to fuel antisemitism? It is no accident that the copyright holders of the Revised Common Lectionary have initiated a consultation, one of whose purposes is to reduce the antisemitism which can be read into the lectionary we use.
What would it be like to live as an attacked minority? Or to be blamed for the actions of the government of a State of which one is not a citizen? Yet these are real issues for British Jews today.
Some years ago I visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, a profoundly moving experience, albeit amongst crowds of international visitors. That journey (including a visit to the Galicia Jewish Museum in Kraków) brought home to me the levels of antisemitism in British (and American) society in the years before the Second World War and indeed the levels of scepticism in political circles as evidence of the holocaust began to reach Allied governments. Too many people failed to recognise the evil, partly at least because the same evil was present in our own society. We now know that it was 6 million people, mostly Jews, who died in the Holocaust.
If, along with the writer of 1 Peter, we speak of suffering for doing good, how do we seek to ensure that we find the good in the welter of stories about what often seems to be a largely evil world? It is one thing to recognise the evil in war and injustice and modern slavery across the world; but what might we need to suffer for peace and justice and compassionate humanity closer to home?
Across the world democratic governments have been cutting foreign aid - the work of Christian Aid (and organisations like it) is surely even more important against that background. Are we prepared to stand up publicly for a larger aid budget even if it means higher taxes?
Questions for discussion
- Is Sir Keir Starmer right to argue that antisemitism is a crisis for all of us? And what should Christians be doing about it in Britain today?
- How, in this complex world, do we distinguish between what is evil and what is good? And are we prepared to suffer for the good?
- What can we do in our local contexts to stand up for good and counter evil?
Dudley Coates is a local preacher in the Salisbury Methodist Circuit and a former Vice President of the Methodist Conference.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
This week joy broke out at a football stadium when Arsenal won their game against Atlético Madrid. With the cheers, the celebrations and fans still singing about it many days later, you’d be forgiven for thinking they’d won the Champions League already. Yet this was just them making it to the final, leading to the criticism: “They haven’t won yet.”
Yet the reason for this celebration comes down to the swell of hope. This wasn’t the final but it was a big moment and one that signified what could be possible after years of struggle. Our passage this week is a pep talk for a big moment. It shows how we too can let joy explode by sharing hope simply by talking about our faith.
Just as Arsenal fans are receiving criticisms for their hopeful cheers and celebrations, Christians can also face harsh words, setbacks, trials and tricky situations. As we explore our verse today we can misquote Ian Wright’s response to the criticism: “Enjoy yourselves, [Christianity's] about moments, and this is a big moment. Enjoy it and let’s hope...”
Don’t miss your moment - don’t miss sharing the hope of Jesus with others.
Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer from Lancashire www.startswithabrew.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 3 May 2026
In touch
Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
Belonging and depending
Living stones with Christ the cornerstone (1 Peter 2:4-6)
Context
Glenrothan is a tense drama about family and forgiveness. After thirty-five years in the USA, Donal returns to his family-owned whisky distillery in the Scottish Highlands. He left straight after his mother’s funeral and had not been back since. He did not even attend his father’s funeral. His brother Sandy invited him home and to everyone’s amazement he returned. Although Donal had built a life for himself in America, the wounds from that terrible time have never fully healed. Now, with the survival of their treasured family business on the line, Donal hopes to make amends with Sandy – and to find some desperately needed inner peace – before it’s too late.
One of the themes that the film explores is belonging and how belonging is important for a relationship to flourish in a deep and fulfilled way.
This week the long-awaited state visit of the King and Queen to USA is taking place at a time when relations between the two nations have been described as strained. In his historic speech to US Congress, King Charles has called for reconciliation, renewal and prayer that the alliance will continue to defend shared values.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Similarly, one of the themes explored by the writer of 1 Peter in chapter 2 is what it means to be living stones. This is a theme of mutual dependence and interrelationship and how this is enabled by God through Christ the cornerstone.
Members of a family and members of Christian communities do not always agree and it can be challenging to co-exist peaceably but the presence of Christ the cornerstone holds the individuals together. God is worthy of praise for enabling this but we are also challenged to offer this model more widely in our world.
Living stones share a common purpose. Together they bring greater strength. The King calls for reconciliation and renewal between the UK and the USA so that both nations may be stronger together. Here is a challenge to look for opportunities for reconciliation within and between Christian communities.
Questions for discussion
- What does it mean to you belong to a church?
- Who do you depend upon?
- If the church model is so good how can we share it more convincingly with others?
Rev Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister and regular cinema goer when time permits.
Check-in
Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
This time of year is arguably my favourite time of year - in part due to the warmer weather, but mainly due to the plethora of sport:
And yet sport was never really my thing when we were growing up. Yes, we played football on the playground at school and we kicked a ball about in our back garden at home. But I was often one of the last to be picked, never got anywhere near any of the school sports teams and wasn’t involved in sport outside of school.
I struggled to find my place.
And yet, when it came to church life, I somehow kept finding a place. It started out with being asked to operate the ‘OHP’. (If you’re under 30, ask someone aged 40+ what an OHP is!) As I moved into double figures, we were often asked to do a reading or play a part in a drama. As I started to pass my piano exams – I was more a pianist than a sports star as a child – I got invited to play the odd song in church which grew into playing multiple songs as I grew in confidence.
Because I’m human, and the Church is made up of imperfect people like you and me, I still often struggle to find – or know – what my place in the Church is. And yet this final verse from today’s passage in 1 Peter spells it out loud and clear:
‘Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people.’ (1 Peter 2:10a NRSVA).
We – me, you, the person sat next to you – we are the people of God. Not someone who's got it all together. Let’s face it, no-one's got it all together. No – we are the people of God together. Therefore, there’s a place for each of us in the Kingdom of God.
Jonathan Buckley is the Redevelopment Manager at St Paul’s Wordsworth Avenue in Sheffield and the Youth Development Worker at YMCA White Rose in Rotherham.
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.