This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 26 April 2026. The readings were Acts 9:20–31 and Galatians 1:11–24.

From Damascus to Jerusalem, Saul’s dramatic turnaround sparks astonishment, opposition and a helping hand from Barnabas. We trace how Jesus—not Paul—is the true creator of Christianity, while Paul becomes his tireless ambassador, preaching, planting and suffering for the gospel he received by revelation. The talk invites us to engage afresh with Paul’s letters: sometimes demanding, often luminous, always rich in Christ-centred wisdom and encouragement. Expect challenge, reassurance and a call to read, rejoice and trust the God whose love in Christ will not let us go.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday 18th May 2025. The reading was Acts 9:1–19.

Kathy explores the dramatic conversion of Saul — the man who was breathing out murderous threats against the church — and draws out three ways God works unexpectedly. First, God brings unexpected people to follow Jesus, even those we'd consider most unlikely. Second, God forms an unexpected family, bringing together people who would never naturally be close. Third, God gives unexpected callings, surprising us with new purposes we never imagined. Kathy shares her own experience of becoming a youth worker at fifty, and encourages us to stay open to God's surprising plans, to pray for those who seem furthest from faith, and to embrace one another as family.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday 18th May 2025. The reading was Acts 8:1–8 and 26–40.

In the first of a series on the book of Acts, Jos explores how the early church grew through persecution and the surprising ways God used ordinary people. Focusing on Philip — a man originally chosen to wait on tables — he shows how the Holy Spirit equipped him to proclaim Jesus in Samaria and to an Ethiopian official on a desert road. With stories of persecuted Christians today and a challenge not to put God in a box, Joss asks: are we ready to be used wherever God puts us?

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday 20th April 2025. The reading was Luke 24:1–12.

On Easter Sunday, Jack reminded us that the resurrection isn't just something we celebrate — it's something we're invited to live in. Using the angels' words to the women at the tomb, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?", he challenged us to stop carrying the guilt and shame that Jesus has already dealt with. He shared a three-step blueprint for freedom: bring our sin to the cross, leave it in the grave, and walk out of the tomb into the new life Christ offers. A powerful encouragement for first-time visitors and long-time churchgoers alike to step into the freedom of Easter.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday 29 March 2926. The reading was Luke 19:28–40.

Palm Sunday is celebration—Hosanna!—but also submission to Jesus our King. We heard why he is King to us today: Creator, healer, loving, in control and present even when unseen. The talk explored how the crowd moved from Hosanna to crucify when their good plan for political rescue clashed with God’s perfect plan: victory over the real enemy and freedom that lasts. A personal story of leaving a dream abroad to follow God’s call in Portsmouth showed the joy of surrender. We responded by laying “palms” and our plans at the cross, choosing his way.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday 30th March 2025. The reading was from Ruth 4:18–22 and Matthew 1:1–6.

The genealogy of Jesus might seem like a dry list of names, but it reveals something extraordinary about God's character. Tracing the line from Abraham through to King David and on to Jesus, the talk explores how God wove together the stories of flawed, faithful and surprising people — including foreigners like Ruth and Rahab — to fulfil His promise of a Saviour. Through themes of faith, forgiveness, mercy, holiness and love, we are reminded that our true heritage is not found in our ancestry but in being born again into God's family through Jesus.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday 30th March 2025. The reading was Ruth 4:13–17.

On Mothering Sunday, Andrew Hargreaves, Director of Ministry and Discipleship for the Diocese, shared an encouraging update on the diocesan Rejuvenate strategy before diving into the conclusion of Ruth's story. He explored what this remarkable tale of restoration reveals about God's character — a God who redeems, includes, and provides abundantly. Matt also reflected on the importance of the wider family of God, and gently addressed the things that can keep us stuck — shame, grief, and bitterness — and the hope that God offers renewal to all.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 8 March 2026. The reading was Ruth 2.

Our mission partner shares an update from Japan, then takes us through Ruth’s harvest-day encounter with Boaz. In a lawless age, Boaz’s obedience to God’s commands breeds kindness and protection, while Ruth’s humble graft and faith bring her under the Lord’s wings. We’re urged to build “Bethlehem in Portsmouth”—homes and workplaces shaped by God’s Word—while remembering Boaz points to Jesus, our true kinsman-redeemer. A call to persevering holiness, daily repentance, generous hospitality and prayerful dependence on God.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 1 March 2026. The reading was Ruth 1.

We begin our series in Ruth, set in the days of the judges and famine, tracing Naomi’s grief and Ruth’s costly loyalty: “Where you go, I will go.” Jack invites us to see how God welcomes the outsider and provides through the faithful love of his people. Drawing on Jesus’ words in John 13:35, he challenges St Jude’s to be known by our love so that others glimpse Jesus among us, and he offers an invitation to respond to Christ and seek prayer.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 22 February 2026. The reading was Luke 10:25–37 (The Good Samaritan).

We revisit a well-known story to face our responses to need: indifference, self-preservation, or costly mercy. Drawing on Jesus’ call to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength—and to love our neighbour as ourselves—we’re urged to move from knowledge to embodied discipleship: seeing the person before us, answering the cry, refusing to give up, and going above and beyond. With honest reflection on poverty near and far, the talk calls us to be known not just for what we believe but for how we love. “Go and do likewise.”