John 2:13-22 We find ourselves now in what I’m referring to as our temporary church – the furniture screwed to the floor has gone, in order to facilitate a variety of uses, so that a wide range of activities can happen in this space than previously. This is not the finished product – far from […]

Genesis 3:1-19 Matthew 4:1-11 Though Life will rob me of my childhood days, And hedge a way for free, unbidden feet, It cannot steal my childhood thoughts and lays, Nor break the spell that lets me hear the beat Of Nature’s heart, and catch her whisper sweet. Solace, by Ruby Archer The process of growing […]

Matthew 7:1-5 Romans 14:4, 9-10 Psalm 145 Dr. Ian Paisley, the fiery Ulster cleric and politician was reported to have been preaching one Sunday on the End Times – and in particular on the Day of Judgement. As he reached the climax of his address he said that on the Day of Judgement “there would […]

Luke 2:22-40 There was a chap living in some flats who got upset every night because the man living above him dropped his shoes on the floor when he got ready for bed. Every night, the same thing happened. First, the noise from one shoe, then the noise from the other. Finally, the man downstairs […]

Genesis 12:1-9 Hebrews 11:1-3 & 8-12 Psalm 91 Mark 1:16-20 This year is a leap year. 29 February is a special day which comes round only once every four years. 29 February is considered by some as a day to do something out of the usual, such as women proposing marriage to men. Radio 4’s […]

Isaiah 35:1-10 Do you have a minute, Lord? I’m sorry to trouble you, but I’m a bit confused and bothered by what Isaiah had to say. I’m not quite sure what he was getting at. You see, deserts don’t blossom, and the crocuses aren’t out yet, even with the mess we’re making of your climate. […]

Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm 122 Romans 13:8-14 John 1:6-8 & 19-23 The Advent wind begins to stir With sea-like sounds in our Scotch fir, It’s dark at breakfast, dark at tea, And in between we only see Clouds hurrying across the sky And rain-wet roads the wind blows dry And branches bending to the gale Against […]

On Sunday 3 September 1939, the Elders at what was then St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Walton-on-Thames had a arranged for a wireless to be brought into the church, and at around 11.15 am the whole congregation was able to listen to that famous speech by Neville Chamberlain announcing the start of World War Two. […]

Ephesians 1:15-23 When you read a job description, it tells you the qualifications that you need for the job. For instance, if you want to teach French, you need to be able to speak French. If you want to be a solicitor, you need a legal qualification. If you want to be a driver, you […]

Luke 18:9-14 People often assume that the purpose of religion is to make people good.  You may remember the Good Friday hymn There is a green hill far away with its line He died to make us good.  And sometimes it is said of the dead, Even though he did not attend church, he was […]