Advent, like Lent, is a time to prepare. And for things as auspicious as the birth and the death of the Son of God, these penitential purple Christian Seasons gives us time to consider our sin and repent. (We shouldn’t
Stir Up Sunday
This Sunday is the last one in the Church Calendar before the new liturgical year begins with Advent. Historically, it’s been known as ‘stir up Sunday’ because the collect for this week was said to remind people to bake their
What’s New
Has the world changed? I watched Prime Minister’s Questions Time this week – the sides have swapped, some faces have moved, but how different was it from a year ago? But there is a difference, a change – even if
Saints saved by Grace
What do you think of when you hear the word ‘saint’? My guess is that most people think of the saints as some sort of super Christian, whose spiritual life is above and beyond what we mere mortals are capable
Together we do
At a funeral this week, two people wore Manchester United football shirts, and the order of service featured a photograph of the deceased alongside the 1991 European Cup Winners Cup. He was a big fan, often taking the coach from
Sure and Steadfast
This week we are welcoming the 1st Newbury Boys’ Brigade Company, to give thanks for the opportunity to partner with them, to pray for them and to dedicate the Company as they make St Mary’s their new home. The motto
Holy Communion
On the night he was betrayed, Jesus and his disciples spoke about many things. John’s Gospel in particular tells us a lot about what Jesus taught them that night. But the thing which has really stuck in the Church’s memory
Harvest
Do you think I could be a farmer? I could buy a farm, and a tractor. I’m not sure about animals, but I could plough (with my tractor), sow (with my tractor), let things grow and then harvest. Jesus warned
A Question that Reveals our Hearts
‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Can you imagine the possibilities if Jesus asked you that question? How would you answer? It’s a question Jesus actually poses twice in Mark 10 (verses 36 and 51), but he
Choose This Day
Someone told me a couple of weeks ago that I can’t have tuna on my pizza. But I like tuna on my pizza – tuna and pineapple. Am I wrong? Have I missed something? It’s not as if you physically