Author: stjohnstmarkchurchbury

In the October 2025 Bible readings, we’re still journeying to Jerusalem with Jesus (are we nearly there yet?) Jesus tells stories of mustard seeds and mulberry trees and of widows wearing out judges. In the Old Testament, we have a prophet on look-out duty and Jacob holding-on till day-break for a blessing.

In the year 2000, adverts had to grab a persons’ attention within 12 seconds. By 2013 that had dropped to 8 seconds. The attention span of a goldfish is said to be 9 seconds. So, longer than humans now. And if you’re Gen Z, then your attention needs grabbing in 1.3 seconds.

The Blues is more than music. It’s a theology of brokenness and hope, pain and survival. Written on dusty roads and freight trains, on back porches and in bars. It tells the truth about suffering and injustice, sin and redemption. A theology which embraces Good Friday as well as Easter Sunday.

The September 2025 magazine includes thoughts on Psalm 100, a reflection on the Nicene Creed plus news and updates from our groups and organisations.

In the September 2025 Bible readings we have guidance from Jesus on resource planning; looking for things which are lost; debt management – and taking notice of good advice whilst you can.

On top of everything else, the Sabbath had been commercialised, used for individual interest and gain. Here the prophet really goes to town, as well he might in our society today. Remember the Sabbath was to be holy. People were to do no work.

There’s a very close relationship between the words ‘faith’ and ‘hope’. As we’ve seen they are often used interchangeably. But there is a difference.

The Eden Singers will be bringing us the Magic of the Musicals on Saturday 13th September at 7.30pm. As well as a great evening of song, the event is a fundraiser for The Christie Charity.

The August 2025 Bible readings include barns, treasure, division, healing, seating plans, vanity, star counting – and the perils of pride.

Thanks to underground fungal networks, trees share water, nutrients even signs of danger. There are parallels with our lives too – and there’s something to be said about prayer and the wood-wide web.

Between Sarah and Abraham the practice of hospitality with their guests is extra-ordinary. We don’t tend to consider the spread of food that they put on together but it’s of truly heroic, epic proportions.

July 14th has become the day when the French celebrate their national identity – and identity is what’s important in our readings today.

I was raised in a small village near Bridport in Dorset and, when we were small, 3 times a year,…

The July and August 2025 magazine contains lots of updates plus articles on the Nicene Creed and the Lord’s Prayer.

The July 2025 Bible readings include Abraham and Sarah putting on a spread and Jesus giving his disciples a template of how to pray.