Latest Sermons

The Chinese artist Ai Weiwei has spent four years making a film called Human Flow. In order to make it he visited 23 nations and 40 refugee camps.

To be street homeless – to be a person who sleeps outside – is to face many challenges every day. The day probably begins early: the patch on which you’re sleeping is likely to be needed as an access door, or your presence is challenged by a park attendant or security guard.

Out of the blue a couple that were married here at St Martin’s 7 years ago, got in touch this week. Amy shared news that they now have two young children and described where work had led her and her partner. She also wanted to ask if her parents, who were also married here over 40 years ago, could renew their wedding vows in a simple service.

I have always loved this opening scene in John’s Gospel part of which we heard read today. Chapter one of John begins as we know, with the Prologue, that epic poem establishing the pre-existent Word at the very beginning of all things.

In the beginning, we are told in Book of Genesis, when God created the heavens and the earth, the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the face of the deep, and the spirit of God hovered over the waters.

I want to think with you this morning about how we come to be part of God’s family.  And in thinking about being part of God’s family, I want to explore how being adopted is at the very heart of the process.

I wonder how you have arrived at this Christmas Day, grateful for peace because all your visitors have come and everything is ready and you can enjoy one another.

There are two kinds of things: those that abide forever; and those that last for a limited period. The things that abide forever we call essence; the things that last for a limited period we call existence.

My grandson Joshua is two today. It is fascinating being part of the growth and development of a young child, particularly as a grandparent when you can remember what happened with your own children and also see the way in which, in this case, my daughter and son-in-law approach their role as parents.