Our gospel reading today is an encouragement to give all that we have for God, what that looks like will be different for each person. It will though, for each and every one of us, require active decision making. We need to take time to think about how we are using what we have and who we are; to pray about it and not just to operate on automatic-pilot, most of all to trust God.

Today COP26 starts...a time when world leaders will be meeting to make commitments that might save the planet from its erratic weather patterns. To love God, His creation and our neighbours is to get involved, make your voice heard and pray for COP26.

This passage gives us a certain perspective on our link to possessions. Calls us to be ready to leap at the opportunity to respond to God’s call. Invites us to abandon whatever holds us back from following in the way. Challenges us to seek to ‘see’ God’s mercy and grace

Over generations when we have thought a situation impossible God has shown us – impossible is nothing

Let us love one another in such a way that there’s ‘no night out’, for those who are dreading the prospect of rough sleeping.

True riches come from the acts of faith that recognise the truth about the Lord’s identity—that He has given us all good things, both earthly and eternal, physical and spiritual. Those acts of faith include the offerings that we present to help meet other’s needs, as well as those monetary gifts that we bring. This Harvest Festival I pray that we will remember and recognise the Lord’s provision to us.

Revd Gordon Newton; 'Slow Learners?’ James 3:13a - 4:3 and 4:7-8a Mark 9:30-37 by Methodist Central Hall, Westminster

Professor Anthony Reddie 'Woven 25th July 2021 - 11am Service Sermon' by Methodist Central Hall, Westminster

The good news is that as challenging as it sounds to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow him. we can successfully follow these guidelines when we stay connected in Christ like the carriages on a train. In the words of St Paul, we can do all things, through Christ who strengthens us.

For the first of our Evening Services in the new Methodist year, Barbara Easton, Vice President of the Methodist Conference is our guest preacher.