Sermon Pentecost 23rd May 2021 Acts 2:1-21. Psalm 104:26-36. Romans 8:22-27. John 15:26-27, 16:4b-15 Last week I spoke on Ascension as the moment Jesus left the disciples to be with the God in order that the Holy Spirit, the Advocate could be sent to empower the disciples and the Church. Pentecost marks for us the moment the disciples receive the promise…
We welcome with joy all those who come to be baptised. Baptism marks a new beginning in a person’s journey in faith. Baptism takes place within community It is celebrated by the people of God who delight in welcoming a new member to the body of Christ. For this reason, the service of baptism takes place within the regular Sunday services when…
This year on the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany is a celebration of the moment when Jesus was presented in the Temple. Simeon’s prophecy over the baby is a profound and disturbing word about the way Jesus exposes the truth of our hearts. It calls us to reflection, repentance and a commitment to a whole new way of being. May we be courageous…
Following Christ – especially in the work of justice and living out the values of God’s reign – can sometimes get in the way of true relationship with Christ, but without a lived experience of intimacy with God, we lack the empowerment and resources to be a positive influence on the world. This week, the Lectionary calls us, no matter what struggles…
It is a joy and a blessing to be called by Christ – as we all are. Answering the call is not easy, however, and asks of us, as it did of Jesus, a commitment to giving of ourselves, to making the sacrifices – small and large – that allow the reign of God to be manifest in our lives and in…
What struck me in the readings for Christ’s Baptism this week was the quietness of it all. There is no fanfare, no glitz and no loud, forceful declarations. God’s affirmation of Christ, and the ministry of Jesus, are all rather quiet and subdued. This does not mean that proclamation does not happen, but that the proclamation of the Gospel happens less through…