Trinity High Wycombe and Cores End United Reformed Churches - Sermons 1 year ago. #AllAreWelcome

By Trinity URC1YReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Trinity High Wycombe and Cores End United Reformed Churches - Sermons 1 year ago. #AllAreWelcome episodes

March 25, 2024Sunday, 26th March 2023 - Part 1 - What makes us human?
What makes us human?
What helps bring people down to earth?
What makes people human is their ability to connect with others and to show compassion.
We are all connected, even if we don't always feel it.
We should never underestimate the power of a simple act of kindness.
The Queen, Tony Blair, and the Bishop of Birmingham are all examples of how humanity can be seen in everyday life.
The story of Lazarus shows how Jesus' humanity intrudes in the most interesting way.
Jesus is not just a divine being, but also a human being who can understand and empathize with our suffering.
We should always strive to connect with others and to show compassion.
Even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone's life.
We should never forget that we are all human and that we should treat each other with respect and dignity.
The world would be a better place if we all made an effort to be more human.
Reading - John 11: 1-45
6 min
March 18, 2024Sunday, 19th March 2023 - Part 1 - Instinct to protect
Reading Luke 13.34 read by Kitty Bird

Jesus said, ‘Jerusalem…How often have I desired to gather your
children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and
you were not willing!’

Short talk: ‘Mothering – instinct to protect’
Linking to the reading where Jesus pictures himself as a mother hen.
The instinct of protecting their young is shared among animals, including elephants, lions, cows, and birds.
It's important to respect animals' protective instincts when we come close to them.
Jesus longs to protect the human family and lead them into a better way of security, safety, peace, and dignity.
Imagine ourselves and other people as little chicks or goslings under the wing of Jesus.
Mothering Sunday is not just about celebrating biological mothers but also all kinds of people who care and protect others.
The importance of empathy and understanding in mothering.
The speaker encourages the audience to think about how they can protect and care for others.
11 min
March 14, 2024Sunday, 12th March 2023 - Part 2 - Well, well, well
Reading: John 4.6 - 15

Reading: John 4.16 – 30
Short Address
Wells are significant places in the Bible, and many important meetings
took place at wells.
Jacob's Well, located in modern-day Palestine, is the most famous well
in the Bible.
Maria, who lives in a small island in El Salvador, has to travel to the
mainland every day to fetch water because there is no mains water on her
island.
Many women in low-income countries have to do this kind of work every
day.
In the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, both were
thirsty and had to act to quench their thirst.
The physical and spiritual aspects of our lives are intertwined and
essential to our well-being.
The American theologian Sally McFague believed that the interconnection
of our souls and bodies brings us life in all its fullness.
We should value both physical and spiritual water as essential to our
life and well-being.
We should recognize and accept everyone as brother and sister, as well
as being accepted as a child of God.
We should be thirsty for the Water of Life.

Followed by 2 or 3 minutes of quiet reflection on these questions:
- Do we welcome and value both the physical water and the
spiritual water as essential to our life and well-being?
- What do they teach us about recognising and accepting
everyone as brother and sister?
- What do we learn for ourselves about being accepted as
brother or sister, and a child of God?
- Are we thirsty for the water of life?
19 min
March 11, 2024Sunday, 12th March 2023 - Part 1 - ‘Wells, water and well-being’
Reading: Psalm 95. 1 – 7

Talk for all ages: ‘Wells, water and well-being’
The story of Jesus meeting a Samaritan at a well and the importance of
water in our lives.
Water has been treated with great respect throughout history and is
often seen as a holy place linked to particular local saints with
healing miracles.
A church in Bierton, North of Aylesbury, linked to a Christian woman
from medieval times called Asif.
Rivers, especially chalk streams, are important for wildlife and need to
be looked after for the benefit of both wildlife and ourselves.
Sewage is sometimes dumped into our rivers, which is surely a disgrace
to our nation.
The psalm used in the service reminds us that the planet belongs to God
and the oceans belong to God, their maker.
A new high seas treaty by the United Nations to create large protected
areas of the oceans to safeguard marine biodiversity.
Water is a key theme in Lent this year with support for Water Aid, which
provides clean water and sanitation to many poor communities around the
world.
The effects of climate change on water supplies in many poorer nations
and the need to create water and sanitation services that last and can
come back quickly online after a climate hazard.
Women's voices and experiences are essential in adapting to climate
change, and they must be heard and acted upon.
12 min
March 07, 2024Sunday, 5th March 2023 - Part 2 - The Repair Shop, Nicodemus (and pliers ;-) )
Short Address: The Repair Shop and the team of experts who restore old and broken items.

In August 2021, the team met with Prince Charles and learned about his foundation's work in training young craftspeople.

Charles gave the team a piece of pottery made for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and an 18th-century clock to repair.

Jay Blades, one of the show's hosts, grew up in Hackney, and he and Charles bonded over their shared interests in apprenticeships and heritage crafts.

The encounter between Nicodemus and Jesus in the Bible is similar to the meeting of Blades and Charles in that it brings together people from different backgrounds who share common interests.

Nicodemus is a Pharisee and a member of the ruling council in Jerusalem who comes to meet Jesus at night.

Nicodemus recognizes that God is at work in Jesus's ministry and life.

Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again to see the kingdom of God.

This spiritual rebirth is about a fundamental change that enables us to see the kingdom of love, justice, and peace where God is at the center.

Jesus teaches that his followers must become like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven.

The kingdom of heaven is a place where God is at the center and all are of equal worth in the eyes of God.

Prayers for the world with the response "So, God of compassion: open our hearts, to welcome all."
20 min
March 04, 2024Sunday, 5th March 2023 - Part 1 - Help! I Need Somebody
All age talk: ‘Help! I need somebody!’

The Beatles and their song "Help" as an example of asking for help.

What helps you get through the day - things like daily devotions, friends, family, and nature.

The importance of turning to God for help, as well as offering help to others.

The Jars of Change appeal, which involves setting aside money over Lent to donate to the charity.

The charity's focus this year is on providing clean water and sanitation to communities in need.

Stories of two young women who have benefited from the charity's work.

The idea of giving and helping others, even in small ways.

A reminder that help can come from God and from our willingness to offer help to others.

Reading: Psalm 121 NIVUK

Reading: John 3.1-17 NIVUK
18 min
February 29, 2024Sunday, 26th February 2023 - Part 2 - Promises, grace, temptations, and ditches
Drawing inspiration from the hymn "Father Lead Me Day by Day" and Jesus' identity affirmation from God during his baptism.

The assurance of being saved by grace is necessary in our lives.

The promises of God should be hidden in our hearts to remain steadfast during temptations.

The full armor of God should be worn to stand firm against the devil's schemes.

Jesus defeated Satan on the cross, and we must use his name to resist temptations.

Jesus' response to temptations was quoting the word of God.

The spirit drives us into unusual and unexplored places.

The spirit is at work whenever people speak the language of love, dream of a new community, and reach out to one another.

God is gracious and picks us up when we stumble and fall into ditches along the way.

Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, and goodness is stronger than evil, love is stronger than hate.

As children of God, we need to have the promises of God hidden in our hearts and be sure of our identity in Him.

Temptations will come, but we can stand firm by putting on the full armor of God and using the Word of God to resist the devil's schemes.

The Spirit may also drive us into unusual and unexplored places, and we need to be open to following His leading.

Ultimately, we can take comfort in the fact that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, and victory is ours through Him who loves us.
12 min
February 26, 2024Sunday, 26th February 2023 - Part 1 - A daily Lent program to follow
The meaning and history of Lent, a season of penitence and self-denial observed to prepare for the Easter celebration.

The importance of prayer, self-examination, and repentance during this period, as well as reading and meditating on God's word.

A creative Lent daily program, which includes different activities for each day of the week

Sunday: Social media fast

Monday: Keep silence for at least 10 minutes

Tuesday: Do a prayer walk around your neighborhood

Wednesday: Fast your way (in a manner that is appropriate for your personal circumstances and needs)

Thursday: Connect with a friend by calling, texting, or sending an email

Friday: Read and reflect on God's holy word

Saturday: Rest and refresh.

Lent is our opportunity to grow in faith and devotion to Christ.

Introduction to Bible readings

Readings: Psalm 32 NIVUK and Matthew 4:1-11
8 min
February 22, 2024Sunday, 19th February 2023 - Part 2 - Wonderers, worshippers and witnesses’
Reading: Matthew 17. 1 – 9 (The Message)

Short talk: ‘wonderers, worshippers and witnesses’

The topic of reflection is the story of the three disciples who went up the mountain with Jesus and witnessed the splendor of God.

A reflection on four words related to the story of Jesus and his disciples on the mountain: wonder, worship, witness, and work.

Wonder: Take a step back and wonder at the mysteries of God's presence, creation, and scripture during the season of Lent.

Worship: The disciples' worship involved listening to Jesus, listen deeply to Jesus in scripture as the heart of worship.

Witness: Witness to the reality of Jesus with humility and through both words and actions.

Work: The disciples were invited to be part of the work of Jesus, we should pray for and participate in God's work in the world today.

The disciples' experience on the mountain was a revelation of divine light that they could not put into words.

The disciples' response was to worship, but they had a lot to learn about true worship, which involves following and listening to Jesus.

Listening to Jesus is at the heart of worship and is an essential aspect of our tradition.

After wandering, worshiping, and listening, we are called to be witnesses of Jesus, but our witness can be mistaken if we fail to witness to the reality of Jesus.

Witnessing requires humility and a deep understanding of the love of God.

We are encouraged to pray for God's work in the world and for our part in it.
11 min
February 19, 2024Sunday, 19th February 2023 - Part 1 - Mountains, the number 40, and Lent
Readings: Exodus 24.12-18 NIVUK

Short Talk: ‘A mountain top experience’

The story of Moses and the giving of the Ten Commandments is a significant moment in the faith story.

The invitation from God for Moses to come up the mountain was initially frightening but is seen as gracious.

Mountains have been sacred places in many different cultures and faiths, and they speak of powers beyond our own.

The Holy God is described as a mystery, appearing as cloud, blazing light, and fire.

The law that Moses was given on the mountain would make the Israelites a holy people as they live by the Commandments of honoring God and loving their neighbor.

Moses stayed on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights, which is significant in both the Old and New Testaments.

Lent is a period of 40 days, leading up to the eve of Easter, and represents a journey towards the Mountaintop of Easter day.

The signs of spring, such as snowdrops, are a symbol of God's renewing love and a reminder of the presence of Jesus.

The prayer at the end of the passage is a reminder to seek hope and peace during the darker days and to be enlightened on our journey through Lent and beyond.
11 min

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Trinity High Wycombe and Cores End United Reformed Churches - Sermons 1 year ago. #AllAreWelcome

Trinity High Wycombe and Cores End United Reformed Churches - Sermons 1 year ago. #AllAreWelcome episodes

About Trinity High Wycombe and Cores End United Reformed Churches - Sermons 1 year ago. #AllAreWelcome