Readings were:

John 1:1- 5, 9-12

Matthew 2:1-12

There are always glimmers of light, even in the darkest times, including the beauty of creation and acts of care and kindness, which are gifts we give to each other. Listen to find out my new and improved advert slogan for new year and why I may end up being known as the singing preacher.

This binaural recording shows the build-up to New Year with increasing amounts of fireworks, then lots of very loud fireworks close by after midnight and people cheering and wishing each other "happy new year" in the distance, then the number of fireworks decreasing at the end. It was recorded with my iPhone in conjunction with the Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset, which gives a brilliant stereo effect.

Recorded with the stereo microphones on my Samsung Galaxy phone.

Recorded for use during an online Christmas service for a period of reflective prayer.

I prayed these prayers during a morning service and have removed the prayers for members of the Church community to protect their privacy.

My unaccompanied rendition of Gabriel's Message recorded for online services in 2020, now with reverb added to give it that Church atmosphere.

Choosing hymns is an important part of preacher training. In a service about Methodism I chose various Wesley hymns, but this, by Marty Haugen, is the hymn that represents Methodism to me the most and I explained why in my introduction, which I shared during the service, followed here by my recording of the song, made earlier this year for online services during the lockdowns.