Shows
Sermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Matthew 10:24-31[Matthew]: Matthew 10:24-31 by All Souls Church in St Margarets near Twickenham2025-03-0218 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Matthew 10:32-42[Matthew]: Matthew 10:32-42 by All Souls Church in St Margarets near Twickenham2025-03-0226 min
Sermons from All Souls ChurchRacial Justice SundayRacial Justice Sunday by All Souls Church in St Margarets near Twickenham2025-03-0210 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Rest for your Soul[Matthew]: Rest for your Soul by All Souls Church in St Margarets near Twickenham2025-03-0221 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: The Rhythm of Rest[Matthew]: The Rhythm of Rest by All Souls Church in St Margarets near Twickenham2025-03-0220 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Called and sentIn this sermon Joe reflects on Matthew 10:1-15, where Jesus empowers his disciples to heal and preach. As we start a new year, Joe highlights the timeless mission of spreading the Gospel despite cultural challenges. Emphasizing fellowship, reliance on God, and resisting cultural pressures, Jesus calls believers to adopt two postures in 2025. To grow in faith "together, not alone" and to serve as ambassadors of God’s kingdom - "presence, not distance".2025-01-3125 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Innocence and shrewdnessJoe encourages us to adopt 2 more postures this year - "trust, not worry" and "faithfulness, not compromise". He highlights Jesus' call for both innocence and shrewdness, balancing peace with wisdom. Followers face spiritual warfare, opposition, and suffering, yet Jesus assures them of God's presence. We must trust the Holy Spirit for guidance, remain steadfast, and seek community through discipline, prayer, and fellowship in faith.2025-01-3122 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Christmas]: JoyTina gives us a Christmas message on what it means to have Joy in our lives...2025-01-171h 11
Sermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Jesus heals the blindJoe preaches from Matthew 9:27-382025-01-171h 33Sermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Wines & WineskinsJoe preaches on Matthew 9:14-172025-01-1721 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Who is this man?The disciples in the boat ask, "What kind of man is this?" when Jesus calms the storm, a question rooted in the significance of the sea in Jewish culture. In the Old Testament, the sea symbolizes chaos and death, but God alone has the power to control it. Jesus' act of rebuking the winds reveals his divine authority, claiming power over the chaos of creation. This story shifts Jesus from being seen as a teacher to being acknowledged as lord. His authority extends beyond his teachings, pointing to his true nature. Do you think he is lord, liar or lunatic?2024-11-2318 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Mercy over sacrificeMike takes a look at how Matthew responds to Jesus, and how Jesus responds to the Pharisees' criticism of him eating with tax collectors and sinners. After introducing Matthew, Mike considers how Jesus explains that just like a doctor is needed for the sick, he has come for those in need, not the self-righteous. Mike invites reflection on whether we identify with the Pharisees, especially when we feel disconnected from God due to failures in prayer or Bible reading, and reminds us that God's love remains constant and unchanging, regardless.2024-11-2321 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Yield then wieldIn this talk Joe explores Jesus's authority in Matthew 8:28. His authority is unique—self-sacrificial and loving, unlike the "authority that's hurt you." It’s accepted by consent, not force; those who reject it can remain in their "comfortable brokenness." Yielding to Jesus means seeing others as precious beloved children, not objects of resentment or desire. Struggling to submit is part of faith—it’s a “constant battle” to live as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12). If we are to wield Jesus's authority we first need to yield him. Through prayer and trust, we align with God's will, calling into being a world “that isn’t yet.”2024-11-2326 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: VindicationJoe explores discipleship and suffering through Job’s story and Jesus’ resurrection. Discipleship mirrors apprenticeship: being with, becoming like, and doing what Jesus did. Job’s suffering shows the importance of honesty with God and rejecting the idea that suffering reflects failure. Like Job, we can trust our Redeemer—God himself—to vindicate us. Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that we, like him, will be raised bodily, scars and all. Suffering, though painful, can bear fruit, reframed in eternity as part of God’s redemptive plan. Our hope lies in a risen Christ who transforms pain into glory and promises ultimate restoration.2024-11-2330 minSermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: Dealing with sufferingIn this talk Joe examines how discipleship—being with Jesus, becoming like him, and doing what he did—shapes our response to suffering. Using Job’s story, he explores three types of comfort: the “bad comfort” from Eliphaz, who moralized Job’s suffering; the “better comfort” from Job himself, who openly lamented to God; and the ultimate comfort found in the gospel. Suffering, like Jacob’s limp after wrestling with God, isn’t always holy or meaningful, but it can transform us. Disciples are called to comfort others with food, rest, and presence, not explanations, trusting God amidst life’s unanswered questions.2024-11-2329 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: Being with Jesus when we sufferJoe looks at how we all suffer and ask "Why?". We revisit part 1 of our vision - to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to do what Jesus did - and ask "how does this apply to us when we're suffering?" Joe highlight that God didn't strike Job; but he was there and in charge. Job suffered - stripped of wealth, family and health - but he didn't blame God. Our proof that God loves us is Jesus; though perfect he suffered to give us hope. Joe encourages us in suffering to draw near to God, be honest...2024-09-2232 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: Making sense of sufferingWelcoming us back after Summer Joe sets up the next sermon series. "What do I believe?" and "How should I live?" are two fundamental questions humans ask themselves. In our modern, fractured society life can be particularly unsettling but the truths of Christianity continue to provide hope. We return to our vision - being with Jesus, becoming like him and doing what he did. We will look through a fresh lens - discipleship through suffering. Why do we experience it and how should we deal with it? We are going to work through at the ancient and insightful book of...2024-09-1524 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: The Wolf PackJoe brings us another from our series in Matthew's gospel, today looking at the disguises of the 'Wolf Pack'...2024-08-1226 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Two WaysJoe continus our series in the gospel of Matthew, looking at 2 verses that offer 2 ways...2024-08-1224 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Ask, Seek, KnockJoe looks at Jesus' teaching from Matthew 7:7-12 regarding asking, seeking and knocking...2024-08-1223 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Judging othersJoe continues our series in the gospel of Matthew looking at judging others...2024-08-1225 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Don't worryRitesh looks at Matthew 6:25-36 to explore what Jesus had to say about not worrying...2024-08-1220 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: GenerosityJoe talks about eyes as the receivers and transmitters of light. We are constantly looked upon by God even if - like Garfield (according to the movie) - you aren't aware of your father's presence. Knowing you are cared for you see the world - counter-culturally - as a place of abundance rather than one of scarcity and share accordingly. Learn to look with care and see the world as God sees you.2024-06-2325 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Lasting treasureJoe confronts us with Jesus's teaching on money - what does how we invest tell about who we are and what we believe? Heaven is here and now and everytime we spend we vote for the kind of world we want to live in. So what does our spend profile say about who we are? Take a look at your bank statement to sense how anchored to the future (or rooted in the past) you now/still are. Jesus lived a life of simplicity, generosity and concern for the poor; do we? Challenging teaching today as it was way back...2024-06-2321 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: FastingRitesh takes a look at fasting - starting with his own journey. Being a food lover, he was initially reluctant but, with some family nudging, he joined in too. Ritesh reflects on the sincerity and humility Jesus is looking for through this discipline. The health benefits of fasting have received considerable interest but it is primarily about creating a space for spiritual nourishment; making a space for us to receive.2024-06-1623 min
Sermons from All Souls ChurchPentecostActs 2:1-132024-05-3122 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: PrayerMatthew 6:9-15. Mike takes a look at what Jesus had to say about our prayer lives.2024-05-3120 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: The approval of othersMatthew 6:1-42024-05-3124 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Enemy LoveJoe looks at Matthew 5:43-48 and tries to uncover what it truly means to us today to love our enemies.2024-05-3126 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: FaithMaf starts with a parallel - 007 expected to protect the British way of life (but acting contrary to it) and the Jewish Messiah - expected to arrive as an all-conquering military hero but manifested in a carpenter's son who preached peace and forgiveness. Maf looks at 3 familiar examples of how Jesus encouraged us to be freed from bitterness and resentment. Overcome evil with good - by turning the cheek, handing over your coat, going the extra mile; confront evil with grace, humility and humour.2024-05-0523 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: IntegrityJoe encouragingly points us to the most sense-making decades of our lives - our 70s, our 80s and our 60s - which most of us have to look forward to :-). He then goes on to talk about truth - a timely topic in our swirl of post-truth, deep fakes, filters and curated content. Do as you would be done by; do what you say you will; be truthful (no spin) - Jesus puts us straight - it is either "yes" or "no".2024-05-0526 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: LustJoe teases apart a thorny topic; Jesus's teaching on human failures ranging from lust and adultery to divorce. How are we to deal with our impulses? "You can not stop the birds from flying overhead but you can stop them from nesting in your hair", Joe reflects, recalling the wisdom of Martin Luther. Grace, repentence and a God-given change of heart are what is needed.2024-05-0531 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Beyond behaviour - dealing with angerJoe joins up recent sermons to show how Jesus' stretching expectations - e.g. righteousness beyond that of the pharisees - can (only) be fulfilled through a change of heart. Personal affront (holding a grudge) may result in expressions of anger which reflects the state of one's heart. What starts with a thwarted will can lead to personal insult, self-righteousness, contempt, a lack of appreciation for others, resentment and violence - what starts small can kill us. Jesus gives practical instructions for how to deal with anger early and at depth.2024-03-1730 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Live like the kingdom is nearBishop Emma reflects on her favourite passage. She takes apart the word Jesus used for "blessed" (separating it from the conditional "you will be blessed if...") and goes through each of the "Good on you when..." statements that comprise "the beatitudes". Full dependence is what we need; to recognise our reliance on God, generate genuine gratitude and be in right relationship with our peers.2024-03-1719 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Fulfilling the lawRitesh continues our series showing how Jesus fulfilled the law. Jesus showed how to live a righteous life from the heart. Ritesh takes us back to God's choice of David - a man after his own heart. We then go back to Jeremiah and Ezekiel and God's promise to transform us from inside to out. Don't pretend - confess - yield and be changed. This is what matters.2024-02-2421 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Salt and lightHaving looked at the four different perspectives of the four gospel writers Jon zooms in on salt to start today's session. Salt's role then was primarily as a preservative - to slow deterioration and decay. We are called to preserve what is good and wholesome. With a vivid recollection from the darkness of the nightime desert Jon goes on to show how light similarly needs to be exposed to keep darkness away and help people see the way to God.2024-02-2427 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is nearJoe picks up the story in Matthew where Jesus leaves the wilderness and starts teaching. What does Jesus call us to do in 2024? Are we to talk about his ethics, his love for the lost, his exhortation to love your neighbour? Well, repentance is the foundation, in recognition of the king and his kingdom. Having allowed humans the freedom to choose God is reclaiming his world; so repent (respond!) for the kingdom of heaven is near...2024-02-1824 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Soft-hearted in a hard-hearted worldMike takes us through a familiar passage (when Jesus was led to a solitary place) and asks "What is the wilderness?", "What is temptation?" and "So what?". He compares Jesus's experience to that of the people of Israel being led from the abundance of fertile Egypt and out into the desert. Mike bounces us through parallels - from the Post Office to Potiphar to his own hospital bed experience - to illustrate how God works through empty times; giving us strength to endure as we hear our hearts beating.2024-02-1821 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: Recognising JesusJoe starts us off with context - recognising the bible was built by many authors and whose architect is God. He then invites us to consider Matthew through 3 focal lenses - our visionary cornerstones - being with Jesus, learning to be like him and doing as he did. With that backdrop he then takes us through how John prepared the way for the coming king... who then humbles himself and asks to be baptised by John. God with us.2024-01-2923 minSermons from All Souls Church[Matthew]: What does success look like?Joe takes on a challenging passage to push through January. Not a common Nativity story but it is there in the book - child murder, sudden departure, being refugees. Becoming like Jesus - a whole and integrated life - this may not play out as we expect... Joe draws upon the teachings of wise Christian leaders as well as a personal encounter with a shooter in the shadows to highlight how we should expect to fight through life - take heart!2024-01-2924 minSermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: All things come from GodAll Souls welcomes Richard back to finish off our vision series. Remembering camping excursions and the "collecting the kit" stage he reflects on stuff - for a church that is people buildings and money - and encourages us each to ask not "What do we do with what we've got?" but "Why has God given this to us?". Using a passage from 1 Chronicles he highlights how a sense of scarcity (for some) and a sense of pride (for others) are both anxiety inducing. Realising that it is all God's anyway helps us see that he has plenty and sees further...2024-01-2722 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Mission]: guarding safetyOn safeguarding Sunday Joe, Katherine and Eva take us through why as well as how we are to honour all members of the church body. We all go through times when we are particularly vulnerable due to our own unique circumstances. As a church we need to continually be watchful; looking out for one another and looking after one another. We need to be mindful of past failings and the positive role of safeguarding, an outworking of God's heart - we all have roles to play.2023-11-2624 minSermons from All Souls Church[Mission]: growing youngerJoe starts this week by asking how we'd advise our younger selves - what would you tell younger you? Asaph, in Psalm 78, talks about the responsibility to share testimony from generation to generation - "teach them to know God and follow his ways". God searches you, knows you and loves you; we need to instill this sense of connection and appreciation in the next generation. Joe encourages and commits us to inter-generational church - it's challenging as well as fun.2023-11-1222 minSermons from All Souls Church[Mission]: creative growthMaf talks about home improvements. It can seem like the work never stops - as soon as one job is done another begins... In the church, given that Jesus is the builder and we need to keep growing, individually and collectively, this is a good thing(!). Maf reflects on how we respond to change - resisting it, tolerating it or embracing it. He parallels church growth with lego construction - it may not be clear exactly how we'll look but we are all pieces to build with.2023-11-1217 minSermons from All Souls Church[Mission]: compassionate communitiesJoe talks about what it is to be hands and feet. He asks us to think about a familiar story - the tale of the good samaritan - differently. Identify first with the one cared for rather than those who encountered him. We love because Jesus first loved us. Joe then familiarises us with opportunities in our own neighbourhood - including Ivybridge - to contribute once we have seen ourselves as cared for and want to share.2023-11-1222 minSermons from All Souls Church[Mission]: confident disciplesOn this baptism day Maf eases us into the sermon with 3 short readings and Joe acquaints us with the wider church's London 2030 vision - confident disciples forming compassionate communities leading to creative growth. Being baptised into God's expansive family we learn to be confident of God's rescue and confident sharing the good news.2023-10-2219 minSermons from All Souls Church[Mission]: sending, joy and purposeParallel bible passages from the old and new testaments launch us into this sermon on being sent. Joe shares family stories of superhero appeal - being part of something bigger - and his own honest response to the prospect of leading mission. We live in a society that seeks self satisfaction but risk missing out on the joy of mission. We are called out for a higher purpose - will you respond as Isaiah (and Joe) did?2023-10-2124 minSermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: Become my disciplesConcluding this short September series Joe starts with the tale of a dampened Bible - open on Isaiah 35. What does it mean to do what Jesus did (then and now)? Lots of topics - preach the gospel, teach the way, heal the sick, cast out demons, eat and drink with those far from God, pray, prophesy, stand against corruption, etc. - and there are lots of options to connect and explore these together - find out more on our website:https://www.allsoulschurch.org.uk/diary/ and be in contact: https://www.allsoulschurch.org.uk/contact/ :-).2023-09-2426 minSermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: Be like meJoe dips again into Isaiah 35 to refocus us on Jesus. Our formation depends on our focus and we are constantly subject to temptation and distraction. If we are to be like Jesus we need to practice long obedience. There is a highway. It is for the redeemed (not to redemption). Find it. Focus. Follow. Be like Jesus to find freedom, community and meaning. Whose disciple are you?2023-09-2329 minSermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: Remain in meJoe delves into Isaiah 35: 1-4 to talk about flourishing in hard places. He takes apart a poem that foreshadows Jesus's arrival. It's real setting was of a land that was essentially fruitful, if only water were available. Are you feeling parched? Do you see only desert? Jesus is our living water - jump in, stay in and see life differently!2023-09-2329 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Encounters with Jesus]: NicodemusThis week, Joe looks at John 3:1-13 to see what we can learn from the encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus.2023-08-3119 minSermons from All Souls Church[Encounters with Jesus]: MaryJoe continues our summer series by examining Mary's encounter with Jesus from John 12:1-82023-08-3114 minSermons from All Souls Church[Encounters with Jesus]: ZaccheusThis week, Maf looks at what we can learn from Jesus' encounter with a diminutive tree-climbing chap...2023-08-3115 minSermons from All Souls Church[Encounters with Jesus]: The CenturionJon continues our series entitled 'Encounters with Jesus', this week looking at the centurion from Luke 7:1-10, and discovering what we can learn from this encounter about faith.2023-08-3125 minSermons from All Souls Church[Encounters with Jesus]: PeterJoe begins a new series for the summer, entitled 'Encounters with Jesus', starting with one of Peter's famous encounters.2023-08-3121 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Living like Jesus]: Patience and TrustRitesh Patelia concludes our series from the book of James by looking at what it truly means to have Patience & Trust.2023-08-3118 minSermons from All Souls Church[Living like Jesus]: Jesus on the ThroneMike English continues our series on 'Living like Jesus', by looking at what James 4:11-17 has to say about having Jesus on the throne of our lives.2023-08-3119 minSermons from All Souls Church[Living like Jesus]: True WisdomJoe continues our series from the book of James, looking at what it means to have true wisdom.2023-08-3121 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Giving like Jesus]: tight-fisted or open-handedMaf looks at the spirit with which we give. He takes us back to his first wage and the choices he had. He goes further back to the widow with her two coins and the choices she made. He also looks's at the practice of tithing (giving 10%) and concludes it is not how much we give but how we giive that matters. God loves a cheerful giver - let him make you one - first we need to receive.2023-06-2518 minSermons from All Souls Church[Giving like Jesus]: giving to gainJoe takes us forward in our mini-series looking at giving - how to adopt a mindset of abundance amidst a society beset with anxiety and fearful of scarcity (e.g. toilet rolls). He reflects on recent realities of snapped flower heads (his locally) and drowned animals (in Ukraine) and what Jesus meant by linking together the "build bigger barns" and "consider the lilies" stories. He goes on to encourage us to: see your wealth, set your limits, test the theory, tune into grace, see what others do, commit to give, budget for hospitality, give more than money, reflect at connect...2023-06-1130 minSermons from All Souls Church[Giving like Jesus]: godliness with contentmentJoe intros a mini-series on generosity. Creation abounds with God's generosity but, lacking trust, we have a tendency to see scarcity and selfishly accumulate. Joe invites us to reframe our thinking and shows how Jesus put the poor at the centre of his ministry. Happiness and generosity are interlinked so think afresh on opportunities you have to give of yourself, your time and your attention as well as your money.2023-06-0420 minSermons from All Souls Church[Living like Jesus]: taming your tongueJon uses Winston Churchill's and Spiderman's phrase "with great power comes great responsibility" to ease us into today's passage. Words can uplift or wound. He takes apart several of James's parallels recognising how "spreading like wildfire" is yet more relevant in today's society given the proliferation of social media - "be quick to listen and slow to type". Reflect on what you say but don't be silent - words heal as well as harm.2023-06-0425 minSermons from All Souls Church[Living like Jesus]: mercy triumphs over judgementJoe begins today's session by asking those physically present to ask their neighbours for opinions - their favourite food, music, day of the week and... church members(!). James focused on favouritism so Joe does too - all lives matter and are to be framed not by status but by love. Whilst discrimintation may have been more evident in James's time it is still a challenge to us, now - look to see each person as Jesus does.2023-05-1423 minSermons from All Souls Church[Living like Jesus]: listening well"Quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"; Joe invites us to reflect on our abilities to live out this phrase. "How long is your nose?" He also asks; the hot-nosed are short-tempered per the idiom of the time. James's teachings are as relevant to today's audience as to his listeners then. Tune in and work out how they apply to you.2023-05-1423 minSermons from All Souls Church[Living like Jesus]: seeing through sufferingJoe starts a new sermon series for becoming like Jesus. He uses the launch of SpaceX's biggest rocket to date - ts rapid, unscheduled disassembly and the whoops and hollers this triggered - as a way to see success in apparent failure; pure joy from difficult circumstances. Maturity, completeness, wholeness - this is what suffering builds and we can find sustenance going through it - look for community, persevere and keep your eyes on the prize.2023-05-1427 minSermons from All Souls Church[On the road to the cross]: 4 trialsJoe takes us through Jesus's 4 trials: chief priests, Pilate, Herod, the crowd. The chief priests question his identify... and pass Jesus on - the saviour not fitting their expectations. Pilate is pressured by others and their expectations - seeing opportunity to involve another, he passes Jesus on. Herod's curiosity is piqued and he probes Jesus looking for fulfilment - not finding it he loses interest and passes Jesus back. The crowd want a revolutionary leader but Jesus doesn't fit their expectations either - so Jesus is passed on, to take Barabbas's place and ours.2023-03-2624 minSermons from All Souls Church[On the road to the cross]: when darkness reignsHannah zooms in on Jesus's vulnerability and fragility in the garden of Gethsemane - being honest about his fear and resolute in his commitment to honour God's will. She contrasts Jesus attitude with the shortcomings of the disciples - falling asleep when called to pray, fighting when that's not needed and denying Jesus when challenged. Hannah cites modern experiences of hope shared and encourages us to take comfort in the bounceback of the disciples. God accepts us as we are - rest in him and hold on tight(!).2023-03-2618 minSermons from All Souls Church[On the road to the cross]: blessed is the kingJoe starts our stretched-out look at holy week - from palm sunday to easter sunday. Though greeted with joy on palm sunday Jesus wept over Jerusalem knowing what was to come. From tears and cheers he turned to taking out his anger, not on the Romans, but upon those in the temple. Joe looks at how our modern connections with the wider world - e.g. doom scrolling on phones - means we may not have the same opportunity to respond to injustice and risk, if we do not look-up, missing opportunities to intervene locally. Jumping in to help our...2023-03-0522 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Spiritual practices]: scriptureJoe looks at Genesis 3 and Matthew 4 - two parallel stories of temptation; to choose to redefine good and evil/right and wrong or to trust God and his boundaries. Eve and Adam go one way, Jesus the other. Rather than listening to one's own thoughts Jesus resists temptation with words from scripture - God's revealed truth - respecting its authority. Jesus didn't come with an army and he didn't issue parking tickets - he let people exercise their free wills whilst appealing to them to listen to scripture. Joe encourages us to do likewise.2023-02-2617 minSermons from All Souls Church[Spiritual practices]: sabbathDebs encourages us to practice the holy habit of sabbath keeping - recognising that God us in charge and we are to orientate our lives around him and rest, reflect and delight in him on the seventh day. She chats through practical examples of how to make this happen - including restraining our phone use - finding time to be thankful for we are, who God is and for all we have been given.2023-02-2524 minSermons from All Souls Church[Spiritual practices]: hospitalityDan dips into a tale of hospitality and inclusivity. Feet washing was an everyday and intimate service to welcome guests. Jesus welcomed the service of a woman who others thought it improper to associate with. He recognised her dignity and value and used Simon Peter's "gotcha" challenge to open his eyes to the need to treat outsiders as equals. Dan similarly encourages us to look out for opportunities to welcome others we may not normally associate with into the flow of our daily lives - it may be as simple as sharing a smile.2023-02-2517 minSermons from All Souls Church[Spiritual Practices]: living in communityJoe highlights that loneliness is called out right at the start of the bible, Genesis 2, as "not good". He goes on to look at how Jesus sowed community into the fabric of his day; a necessary and messy business. "Come follow me, along with these others" - an invitation to share. Community is not just connectedness nor chemistry but rather vulnerability and accountability enable us to meld and grow together.2023-01-1527 minSermons from All Souls Church[Spiritual Practices]: silence and solitudeJoe highlights that "pausing" machines stop them, "pausing" humans starts reflection. As 2023 gets going Joe invites us to reflect on our intent to be "with Jesus, like Jesus, for everyone".
Silence and solitude supported Jesus' ministry - so it should feature in our lives. In our age of distraction Joe talks about how to decompress and listen to God's quiet voice cutting through 24/7 noise. Good resolutions for the new year.2023-01-0832 min
Sermons from All Souls ChurchNo going backRichard imagines restarting 2+ years ago pre-crises and points out that problems are inevitable - but who do we look to for help? Well, that depends on what we think the problem is. At the end of the church year Richard explains 3 things: we need an inside out solution - dealing with the heart of the human problem... us; we need to recognise our need to be rescued; and, the full stop at the end of life is just a comma before the life of the world to come - let's live out our remaining years here accordingly.2022-11-3018 min
Sermons from All Souls ChurchAdvent: the great invitation - welcomeJoe starts our advent countdown with Abraham's story and the hinge point of Genesis 12. Genesis 1-11 tells of a good world gone bad. Genesis 12 (to Revelation) tells the story of redemption and blessing. Blessing starts with noticing someone, then speaking well of them (affirmation) and finally giving - off yourself - for them (sacrifice). Joe uses this year's John Lewis Christmas ad to illustrate this deep truth - we are invited to bless.2022-11-2721 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: RemembranceJoe remembers the first Christian martyr, Stephen, as a source of inspiration. He takes us back to Jesus' circles of intended growth "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, ends of the Earth" and zips through a recap of the story of the gathered - empowered by the Spirit - and their astonishing progress. Stephen echoes Jesus in his death and appeal for mercy on those throwing hatred and rocks; the early church mourned, faced up to the suffering and - though scattered - pushed on together.2022-11-1421 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Wisdom and togethernessRachel Bedford from St Stephens Church, talks about the wisdom of Saint Stephen - he was full of grace and power and also experienced the ridicule, insult and martyrdom of Jesus. She shares stories from her own recent experiences to help us recognise the importance of togetherness, curiosity and commitment to enable us to be with Jesus, like Jesus and for everyone.2022-11-0631 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Dealing with discriminationJoe takes us back to the killing of George Floyd to illustrate our societal recognition of the need to change. He then considers what we can learn from how the early church dealt with issues of discrimination using this passage from Acts 6. An issue was raised, the disciples noticed, they acted like allies and took action. We should similarly look to unlock growth in our own context.2022-10-3016 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: ChangeDan looks at how people in the bible (the apostles, Moses, Elijah, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, Esther, Nehemiah, John the baptist, the magii, Zacchaeus, the disciples, Saul) were called to be changed and to be change. He looks forward to more recent heroes of the faith and encourages us to similarly embrace kindness, forgiveness, humility as easy on ramps for us to do likewise. He asks us too not to be fearful of failure because being changed is an ongoing process for us all and opportunities to be change will keep coming - worthy of reflection this week.2022-10-2314 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Get real and get seriousJoe intros a "dropping down dead" episode in Acts with paintings of Churchill and Cromwell and the subjects' respective responses of "where's the respect?" and "where are the warts?". The gospel is either all or nothing - so Luke shares an unvarnished retelling of what actually happened with Ananias and Sapphira; Joe invites us to be similarly honest with how we treat God and one another as we journey together - take this seriously.2022-10-1625 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: doing what he didJoe completes the vision series fed from John 15 (for now) with a call to steadfastness. Our pattern to follow is a person - Jesus - what would he do if he were living my life now? We should expect to be pruned and cleaned and to be better for it - in time bearing much fruit. All Souls is doing discipleship together - join in - we're for everyone.2022-09-2529 minSermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: learning from Jesus"Anchor and role model" was how the Queen described Jesus.
Joe looks back on his own life to ask: if I'm not like Jesus now is transformation possible? His realisation is that "yes" but it is also inevitable that we will constantly be formed by what is around us. What we believe matters. Our habits shape who we become - even something us innocent as drinking tea(!). Parents know well that those who surround us - so it's relationship too and then it's also our environment; home shapes us. Look at your own life and what is shaping you today.2022-09-1830 minSermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: being with JesusJoe starts by reflecting on the life of the Queen and her living with Jesus, like Jesus and for Jesus.
The only guidance Jesus gives in today's passage is "remain" with me. Proximity is key. Don't go your own way - like Adam and Eve - but be "in his dust". This is where the Holy Spirit comes in - making God accessible everywhere. "Habit eats will power for breakfast" so we need to practice his presence through disciplines (silence, solitude, prayer, fasting, meditation, rest, simplicity, walking, community, etc.)... do less to be more - make room for God and...2022-09-1127 minSermons from All Souls Church[Vision]: becoming apprentices (John 15)Introducing this 4-week series Joe asks us to consider the moon's relationship to the earth, our relationship to God (here and now), a Jewish rabbi's relationship to his disciples (there and then) and Jesus's relationship to his apprentices (always and everywhere). Are we becoming apprentices - being with him, learning from him and doing what he does - or remaining observers?2022-09-1024 minSermons from All Souls Church[Reset]: Do you love me?Joe starts this Summer series with a reminder of our imperfections and the opportunities we have to press the reset button and try again. Today's passage is a reset for Simon Peter, after his thrice denial, with the simple and deep encouragement to "follow me". Joe encourages us to similarly reflect and restart.2022-07-2418 min
Sermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Now but not yetJoe recaps the series so far, lays out post Summer intentions and revisits what it means to be Jesus in our today. What's the point of a one-off act if it doesn't change the big picture? Joe looks at gun crime in the US - including this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9-IYiQjWD4 - to see one radical response to a familiar challenge. He then recalls a "Bridge of Spies" type swap of grandparents with grandchildren during early Covid times as another "foretaste of the future" example. "Now but not yet" is a hard but necessary...2022-07-1822 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Peter points to JesusJoe shares two tales from his week (involving a toffee latte and a hit-and-run incident) to relate to Peter's encounter with a lame man and a consequent crowd. After a quick recap of the "Gathered" series so far Joe highlights how Peter - once fearful of a mob - seized an opportunity to point people, given cause to pause by an unexpected happening, to Jesus. Would we do likewise?2022-07-1019 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Look out for each otherRachel goes back to questions in Genesis to consider our relationships with God and each other and mentions how in Exodus answers were encapsulated in the 10 commandments. She then zips us forward to Acts 2 and the power at Pentecost - when Jesus's vine of relationships accelerated outwards into a new community of believers - reflecting God's heart for humanity. That was then, this is now - what does it mean to be with one another, gathered and sent out today?2022-07-0321 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Acts 2 - part 3Joe continues the series with part 3 of 'Gathered' - looking at what lessons we can learn from the early church in thebook of Acts.2022-06-2321 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Acts ch 1 - part 2Joe continues the series with part 2 of 'Gathered' - looking at what lessons we can learn from the early church in thebook of Acts.2022-06-2326 minSermons from All Souls Church[Gathered]: Getting the pointJoe highlights how a multinational crowd was given a second chance 2000 years ago just as we all are today. Back then, Peter was speaking and Jesus's reality was not in question ("as you yourselves know") and his healing reputation was well established but his identity had been largely misunderstood. Peter pointed out the error and the crowd was "cut to the heart". Christians today are reportedly seen as "hypocritical" and "narrow-minded" but it is not about us - it is all about him(!).2022-06-1923 min
Sermons from All Souls ChurchGreat commissionRichard challenges us to live out being under authority. He takes us back to the reality at the end of Matthew's gospel when some worshipped, some doubted and Jesus expected them to go and make disciples. To live our best lives we need to obey.2022-05-1524 minSermons from All Souls ChurchActs 2:25-26 Pitching your tent in the land of hopeLockdown week 2 (in the UK) and a soundtrack intro from Donna as she reflects on the tunes we each might turn to as we contemplate the long and winding road ahead. Unprecedented for this generation isn't any surprise to God so she encourages us all to reflect on God's goodness and reset our daily routines so we keep connected with him, and to get on (rather than off) social media to stay connected with others.
(If you want to watch this session please visit All Souls Church, St Margarets on Facebook.)2020-04-0111 minSermons from All Souls ChurchMatthew 28:16 - 20 With us alwaysOn his last Sunday as vicar Richard reached out to 150 "locked rooms" of those listening and watching to All Souls' first livestream in a Coronavirus context.
Reflecting on 3 mountain occasions, he considers Jesus as king on the mountain and in the valley and how we each need to remember this truth in these strange times... with the opportunity to do something new with the God who comes to us wherever we are.
If you want to watch this session please visit All Souls Church, St Margarets on Facebook :-).2020-03-2212 min
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