Sackcloth & Coffee

A two part podcast with Father Neil Hook of Haverfordwest. In this moving and deeply personal podcast, Rev Sophie and Father Neil Hook talk about Divorce and the effect it has, about the tragic death of a loved one and about mental health. 

Author of 'Sitting with God: a journey to your true self through Centering Prayer', Rich Lewis joins me, Rev Sophie this week on Sackcloth & Coffee to talk about his book, his journey to finding himself, his family, and how a chance conversation with Amos Smith lead him to writing this book. Life is busy, and can pull us in many directions, Rich encourages us to use centering prayer to "counter the trend toward diffuse attention, multitasking and discontent". Find out more from Rich's website www.silenceteaches.com

Mike Chant talks openly and honestly about his journey of faith, and how that hasn't always been straightforward, but at the heart he has always recognised that Love and Jesus have been at the heart of his faith. He talks about his music, life in St Davids, and how he became Mayor of Britains smallest City. 

Nicola Davies talks openly and honestly about her experiences including the divorce of her parents, her hedonistic lifestyle, and how Jesus has always been and remains a constant in her life. Nicola talks about her lifelong calling to conservation particularly of old and church buildings, and the new call God has on her life. Please be aware that this episode does touch on issues of domestic violence and divorce. 

Luke Aylen is the author of three books, has won awards, been creative coordinator for Spring Harvest and is an Ordinand in the Church of England. He has a passion for creativity and trying out new things, including buying and modifying his campervan, and cooking popcorn on Kelly Kettles.

Pioneer Minister Rev John White, talks about his journey with Jesus and being a pioneer minister in the Church of England. He talks about how comedy helps with his ministry, and how community has been and continues to be an important part of his calling. Rev John talks about Hazelnut Farm, a new venture that will blend both Community Farm and church, for those with all faiths and none. 

Dr Helen Paynter joins me in conversation to talk about her strong faith which has been so important to her. Helen talks about heartache and disappointment alongside joy and success, as God has guided and moulded her. We talk also about Helens book (the link for which is at the bottom of this description), and how she has begun to wrestle honestly with the sometimes difficult and controversial parts of the bible, that others might ignore.  https://www.brfonline.org.uk/products/god-of-violence-yesterday-god-of-love-today-wrestling-honestly-with-the-old-testament

In this episode the Reverend Delyth Wilson speaks of God's unfailing love and faithfulness in her life. She tells us of the adversity she's faced and the constant strength found in Jesus. Reverend Delyth talks of her passion for all God's people, the love that she experiences being a child of Christ and how that is reflected in the love she has for others. 

A great time with Bishop Joanna, talking about family, faith, being one of the first women to be ordained in the Church in Wales, and going on to be the first female Bishop in the Church in Wales. Some interesting hobbies, including Lichen and Physics. 

In this episode, Rev'd Sophie speaks to Archdeacon Mones Farah about his journey with Jesus. About growing up as a Christian Arab in Israel, about being called from a life of anger to a life of peace, about evangelism and loving Gods people, and how knowing Jesus can change everything.