Worship Reflections on John
12 April Easter 2
Thomas the doubter Thomas wasn’t present the first time Jesus appeared to the disciples. He wants evidence. He’s not going to accept these fantastic stories as factual without seeing the evidence for himself. When Jesus comes a week later and appears to the disciples, he talks directly to Thomas. The beginning is first his greeting …Peace be with you His tone in addressing Thomas has no note of judgement or condemnation, but is rather a tone of understanding and compassion. …Put your finger…
5 April Easter Sunday
Easter 2026: God’s Antidote to Stupidity Rev Dr Con Apokis Let me introduce our Easter Service theme: God’s Antitode to Stupidity with a sample of well-intentioned Christian stupidity from last year – none of us are immune to stupidity! Psalm 118:1-2 + 14-23 1 O give thanks to the Lord, for God is good; God’s steadfast love endures forever! 2 Let Israel say, “God’s steadfast love endures forever. 23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvellous in our eyes.24 This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be…
15 March Lent 4
Transformation: The heart of our faith Fellowship@10, 15 March 2026 Alison Sampson, reflecting on John 9:1-41 The crowd was in uproar. ‘It’s him,’ some said. ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ said others. ‘It’s just someone like him.’ ‘I’m still me,’ she said, ‘and this is what happened.’ But nobody was listening. Instead, the religiously righteous weighed in. ‘He changed at church, but it’s totally against God’s law,’ said some. But others wondered; and so they were divided. Some in the crowd were…
8 March
Boy meets girl at well: Two readings Fellowship@10, 8 March 2026 Alison Sampson, reflecting on John 4:1-42 No doubt you’ve heard a sermon on this broad before. Short skirt, red lipstick, and way too many boyfriends: how gracious of Jesus to speak with her! What a mensch! And what a miracle that the townsfolk turned to him despite her vague and wishy-washy testimony. Isn’t God amazing?! At least, I’ve read those commentaries and I’ve heard those sermons. And if this…
1 March
Living in eternity Fellowship@10, 1 March 2026 Alison Sampson, reflecting on John 3:1-17 ‘How can anyone be born after growing old?’ asks Nicodemus. ‘Can someone enter a second time into the mother’s womb and be born?’ I’m someone who has given birth three times, and my children are now all bigger than me. The idea of shoving one of them back in is so grotesque, I suspect Nicodemus is playing for a laugh. Either that, or he’s a fool. Because…