As we begin a new term we go back to the beginning of Jesus’ teaching ministry, the Sermon on the mount. Rev. Abi Todd, our vicar, starts us off looking at the beatitudes, what does it truly mean to be blessed, as it’s not what we might imagine.

Jesus starts with His disciples, not with the crowds who had begun to follow Him, because through this sermon He teaches some hard truths because only those who have committed to follow Him have a chance of understanding, only to those in the Kingdom does this make any sense.

The eight beatitudes, or blessings split into two groups of four, first four postures of the heart, ways in which we must approach God. Poor in spirit, mourning our rebellion, humble and meek before our creator and hungry for His righteousness. Then four actions or behaviours, merciful, compassionate like Jesus, pure in heart, holy in our following, peacemakers, willing to diffuse conflict and resolve disputes and expect persecution for defying the world’s norms.

Listen to God’s word and lean into true blessing.

The reading is from Matthew 5:1-12

This message was first preached on 07/09/2025

Over summer we have been looking at ‘FRIENDS OF GOD’ as we find them in the gospel of Mark. This week reaches a climax with Jesus and His friends sharing the Last Supper together. Rev. Abi Todd, our vicar, looks at this important event and what Jesus accomplishes through it.

The disciples were a foundation for the church, they were each different but, in many ways the same, younger, Jewish men. The Passover meal which they celebrate with Jesus marks a change of season for them. As we enter September does this mark a change in season for us too? When Jesus changes the season, He takes existing aspects of our lives and family and expands those concepts.

Jesus changes ordinary into extraordinary, changes holidays into ‘holy’ days and changes our routine into something special. This is exemplified by His betrayal and all that follows from it. The gospels do not shy away from the horror and awfulness of His passion and that which leads up to it, but Jesus expands this concept to give it purpose and perspective and He wants to do the same in our lives.

The reading is from Mark 14:12-26

This message was first preached on 31/08/2025

Over summer we are looking at ‘FRIENDS OF GOD’ as we find them in the gospel of Mark. The story this week picks up from the feeding of the 5000, as Jesus sends His disciples ahead in the boat and then later in the night comes to them walking on the water. David Binns shares three truths that God would teach us through this passage.

The disciples back in the boat, crowd dismissed with full hearts and full bellies, Jesus retreats to the mountain to get alone with Dad. Jesus seemed to treasure these alone times with Dad because everything He was and did stemmed from relationship. And this was not just pouring out His heart, rather it was two-way communication as He listens to the Father. Also, it was not a one-off, we read in Matthew that this was ‘His custom’, a regular habit.

Then the centrepiece, Jesus walks out across the lake to catch up with the disciples. His appearance shakes them; it disrupts their routines and their self-confidence. Jesus wants them not to place their confidence in their skill, or training or experience but to realise that they can do ‘all things through Christ’. Then the storm ceases and they arrive at their destination. Jesus takes His disciples and moves through the surrounding towns and villages showing the extent of His power and the extent of His love by healing all who even touch the hem of His cloak.

The reading is from Mark 6:45-56

This message was first preached on 24/08/2025