All Souls Sunday 6th November 2011

This week in the Christian calendar we have remembered All Souls Day:  A special day when we remembered those whom we love that have died. Perhaps over the years this may have been:

• A husband or wife or partner
• A parent or grandparent
• A friend or neighbour
• A son or daughter

In some cases this bereavement may have happened a long time ago but for some of you it will have been within the past year.

Maintenance, Ministry and Money. St Paul's 04/09/11

When I was considering my calling to church ministry in the mid ‘90s one of the most terrifying aspects was the idea of public speaking. Years ago I could probably have been described as a typical computer nerd – happier when trying to solve a problem with a computer program or a piece of equipment than dealing with people. I suppose that I struggled with the idea of why God would call someone like me to be a minister although I had no doubt that the call was genuine. So I set about learning to do public speaking by joining an organisation called Toastmasters. Toastmasters is a worldwide organisation that helps develop confidence in speaking through participation in a local club. Every member is on a journey in developing their speaking skills as well as encouraging others to do the same.

A Ruby Wedding 14/08/11 St Paul's

Text : Colossians 3: 12-17, John 2:1-11

It’s always good to go to a wedding. A special event with everyone dressed up and the flowers and the food. The traditionally indelicate best man speech.

Of course the wedding is just the start of a marriage. Today we will celebrate with David and Judy Lanaway their 40^th wedding anniversary as they renew their vows (in the 10am service).

Marriage is a journey in which two peoples lives converge. Two people whose ideas and experiences may have similarities as well as differences. Marriage is a step of faith because it involves a life commitment - as you said all those years ago ‘till death do us part’. You promised to love one another in and through both the good times and the bad.

Wheat and weeds - St Mary's, 17/07/2011

Today’s parable is about weeds among the wheat. Another one of Jesus’ farming stories. Last week we had the story of the sower. When we read the story of the sower we could be excused for thinking he was a bit of an idiot. After all, what kind of farmer doesn’t prepare his soil before sowing - removing the rocks and thorns, breaking up the hard ground? Today’s’ farmer was the subject of a deliberate attack – while he was sleeping someone sowed weeds amongst his wheat.