Worship Reflections from October 2026

Worship Reflections from October 2026

Pentecost 21 18 October

Matthew | Death & taxes Fellowship@10, 18 October 2026  Alison Sampson ~ Matthew 22:15-22 and other texts Nothing in this world is certain except, they say, death and taxes. And, of the two, some of us seem to hate taxes more. This was certainly as true for first century occupied Palestine as it is for us now. To everyone’s horror, Jesus calls a taxman to discipleship (Matthew 4); and he’s later condemned for eating with tax collectors (Matthew 7). Then…

Pentecost 20 11 October

Philippians | In the midst of suffering, joy Fellowship@10, 11 October 2026  Alison Sampson ~ Philippians 4:1-9 Someone called me the other day, a bit bothered because I don’t always look happy. Indeed.  I’m deeply saddened by the deaths, the debilitation and the other losses which are happening at the church. I’m sickened by the current political climate, in which a billionaire’s pet party offering nothing but fake news and hate looks to dominate the state election. I’m appalled by…

Pentecost 19 4 October

Exodus | Ten commandments? No, ten signs of life Fellowship@10, 4 October 2026  Alison Sampson ~ Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 Sadly, it’s true: I’m one of those perverse people who can’t stand being told what to do. If you tell me to do something, then because I’ve learned a modicum of politeness I’ll grit my teeth and nod, and because for decades now I’ve been training myself to slow down and actually listen, I might even do it. But underneath…