St Jude's Southsea

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 23 November 20245 The reading was Acts 11:1-18.

Peter shares his personal journey of cross-cultural mission, from meeting his Singaporean wife's family to 25 years of ministry with international students. He explores how the gospel's spread from Jews to Gentiles wasn't primarily geographical but cultural, requiring believers to overcome their preconceptions. The talk challenges us to see cultural differences not as barriers but as adventures, encouraging practical steps like learning names, showing patience with language barriers, and trusting that the Holy Spirit goes ahead of us in reaching people different from ourselves.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 16 November 2025. The reading was Hebrews 11:32 to 12:3.

Join us as we explore what it means to run the race of faith with perseverance. Using the Great South Run as a powerful illustration, we discover three essential aspects of our spiritual journey: fixing our eyes on Jesus as the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, throwing off everything that hinders us, and running with endurance. On this Vision Sunday, we're reminded that making Jesus the heart of Southsea isn't just our church vision—it's our daily calling. Whether you're feeling weary or ready to run, this encouraging message offers practical ways to grow in faith through gathering, prayer, giving, and serving together.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 10 November 2024. The reading was Micah 4:1-5.

In this thoughtful Remembrance Sunday reflection, Richard explores what remembrance truly means for Christians - not just honouring the past, but actively working for peace in the present and future. Drawing on Micah's powerful prophecy of swords being beaten into ploughshares, the talk examines the tension between commemorating those who died in war whilst rejecting war itself. Richard challenges us to see remembrance as more than sentiment, calling us to be peacemakers who work for God's justice and righteousness in our families, workplaces and communities. A timely reminder that true peace requires more than simply stopping conflict.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 2 November. The reading was Colossians 1:15-20 and Matthew 6:25-34.

Our visiting speaker, Mike Perry, from A Rocha explored why creation care is central to Christian faith, not merely an optional extra. Drawing on biblical texts, he explained how caring for God's earth connects to our first commandment in Genesis, Christ's role in holding creation together, and our call to love our neighbours. The talk highlighted how the natural world teaches us about God and worships Him, whilst emphasising the urgent need for environmental action. The speaker outlined A Rocha UK's work, including their EcoChurch programme, nature reserves, and resources for individuals and churches seeking to engage with creation care as part of their discipleship and mission.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 19 October 2025. The reading was Philippians 4:4-14.

Adam delivers his farewell sermon, focusing on four transformative words: "The Lord is near." Drawing from Paul's letter to the Philippians, he encourages the congregation to embrace three qualities: courtesy—being excellent to one another; courage—sharing honestly in our struggles; and confidence—knowing we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Adam reflects on his five years at St Jude's, sharing personal challenges and celebrating the church's reputation for caring. He reminds us that God's nearness changes everything about how we treat others, face difficulties, and find strength for the future.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on today's date. The reading was Philippians 3:12 to 4:1.

In this talk, our Nigel explores Paul's powerful metaphor of the Christian life as a race, urging us to "press on" with purpose and determination. Drawing from Paul's honest admission that he hasn't yet reached perfection, we're reminded that none of us have "arrived" spiritually. Through vivid illustrations from athletics—including Usain Bolt and pole vaulter Armand Duplantis—we're challenged to forget past failures and successes alike, straining forward towards our heavenly goal. The message encourages us to embrace the purpose for which Christ "took hold" of us, pursuing Him with the dedication of an athlete pressing through the pain barrier towards the finishing line.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 5 October 2025. The reading was Philippians 2:12-18.

In this engaging talk, Andy, Director of Ministry at St Barnabas Church in North Finchley, explores Paul's call to unity through action. Drawing from the passage where Paul urges believers to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling", Andy presents five practical ways we can live out our faith: work with reverence, posture yourself with peace, shine like stars, hold firmly to the word of life, and be glad and rejoice. Using memorable actions and personal anecdotes, including a humorous tale about Portsmouth's Gunwharf Quays car park, Andy reminds us that our inner transformation in Christ should overflow into visible unity and joy, even amid life's challenges.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 28 September 2025.

The reading was Philippians 2:1-11, where Paul calls the church to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who humbled himself by becoming human and dying on the cross for us. Rachel explores what it means to be like Jesus in our daily lives, particularly focusing on valuing others above ourselves. She challenges us to love sacrificially as Christ loved us, acknowledging that whilst this is countercultural and difficult, it's how the world will know we are Jesus' disciples. Using examples from her children's love of Spider Man to birds learning to fly, she reminds us that learning to love well takes practice, and we can only do it with God's help.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 21st September 2025. The reading was Philippians 1:27-30.

In this encouraging talk, we're reminded to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, stand firm in one spirit, and strive together as one for the faith. Using vivid illustrations from military life and cross-stitch, Ruth emphasises how we must work as a team, supporting one another through challenges like the upcoming interregnum. We're assured that despite life's trials and the spiritual battles we face, God ultimately wins. The talk beautifully weaves together themes of unity, courage, and the certainty of salvation through Jesus Christ alone.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 14 September 2025. The reading was Philippians 1:1-11.

In this talk, the Colin reflects on St Jude's rich heritage of clergy leadership whilst facing an upcoming interregnum. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Philippians, we explore what makes a church community worthy of thanksgiving — being saints together, partnering in the gospel, and pressing on towards spiritual maturity. He challenges us to consider not just what we remember about our former clergy, but what they might remember about us. Through Paul's prayer for the Philippians, we're encouraged to pursue love, knowledge, discernment, and righteousness — not in our own strength, but through Jesus Christ, all for God's glory and praise.