TowerPod: St Mary's Marston Moreteyne and Lidlington

“Saint Joseph and the Infant Christ” by Giovanni Battista GaulliMatthew 2:13–18 NIVWhen they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.”So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.”When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:“A voice is heard in Ramah,weeping and great mourning,Rachel weeping for her childrenand refusing to be comforted,because they are no more.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,I hope the sermon inspires you… And may I invite you to come and celebrate the #realmeaningofchristmas at St Mary’s - Jesus’ birthday?* Christmas Eve 4pm Crib Service. All Shepherds and Angels in their outfits welcome!* Midnight Mass 11.15pm* Jesus’ Birthday Party Service 9.30am - adults and children bring a present to show and tellWishing you a happy and blessed Christmas!Andrew+Christmas CardsIf you wish to give a Christmas Card to the church family, then pin one on the Children’s Noticeboard at the back of church. You also have the opportunity to donate to Sonia’s Hurricane Melissa Appeal in aid of Lucea Parish in Jamaice.Roni and I have donated £50 for St Mary’s to Amigos WorldwideAmigos Worldwide works alongside people and communities in rural Uganda, through vocational training of 50 young people at Kira Farm, conservation farming, and supporting the most vulnerable…. Their aim: Supporting disadvantaged people to work their way out of poverty and thrive.To find out more or join us in donating, please go to amigos.org.ukNote from Christine GreenwayI wonder if you could make sure that members of the congregation at Marston and Lidlington (if that’s possible) know that there is a link on the undertaker’s website for messages, donations and funeral service details for Dad, Revd John Greenway (Vicar 1976):revjohngreenway.muchloved.comMatthew 1:18–25 NIVThis is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

The George Orwell Statue outside BBC Broadcasting House: the text reads; “If Liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear”Dear Reader,I enjoyed writing this sermon - I hope you enjoy listening/reading. Did you know - you can read a transcript of the audio by clicking the transcript button above?Here’s an our Christmas poster for you below. I’m delighted to invite you to our Christmas services - enjoy the #realmeaningofchristmas - I hope to see you soon.Blessing of Advent to you.Andrew+Matthew 11:2–11 NIVWhen John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written:“ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you,who will prepare your way before you.’Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Listen and enjoy! Andrew+Matthew 3:1–12 NIVIn those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord,make straight paths for him.’ ”John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. People went out to him from Jerusalem and all Judea and the whole region of the Jordan. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The axe is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor, gathering his wheat into the barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”Thanks for reading St Marys Marston Moreteyne & Lidlington! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,Our Mission should we accept it:To be a Tower of living stones; chosen, mended and built by Jesus our Cornerstone - to make followers for Him, to be a sanctuary of prayer and a community of love.I was therefore very struck when Sonia shared on our Community Bible Study Whatsapp a sermon by Captain Rev. Astor Carlyle to the Garrison church family Jamaica. His words resonated strongly. And resonated too with the poignant line drawing by artist Jenny Cooper of a Tower above. After all, we do have our own dramatic Tower!Enjoy! Andrew+1 Peter 2:1–10 NIVTherefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:“See, I lay a stone in Zion,a chosen and precious cornerstone,and the one who trusts in himwill never be put to shame.”Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,“The stone the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone,”and,“A stone that causes people to stumbleand a rock that makes them fall.”They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.Thanks for reading St Marys Marston Moreteyne & Lidlington! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,Be still, and know that I am God.From Psalm 46:10 - our psalm for Sunday last. May I invite you to our Taizé Prayer, with optional Anointing and Prayer for Healing? Next Sunday at 7pm, 30 November, the fifth Sunday of the month.In the beauty of candlelight we will chant contemplative Taizé songs, listen to a Gospel Reading and enjoy the presence of Jesus Christ, the High King…I look forward to seeing you.Andrew+Luke 23:33–43 NIVWhen they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Luke 21:5–19 NIVSome of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.”“Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.“But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Photo: waymark on the John Bunyan Trail. John Bunyan author of the Pilgrims Progress is commemorated on the Church of England Calendar on 30 August.Dear Reader,A little note from Marti to go along with the All Saints Sermon Podcast (see the readings for that below):If you run a Marston or Lidlington based business or organisation, we invite you to decorate a Christmas Tree for our very first ever Christmas Tree Festival! Email: christmas.tree@stmarysmarston.org and Marti would be delighted to hear from you.Thank you.Andrew+Thanks for reading St Marys Marston Moreteyne & Lidlington! This post is public so feel free to share it.Ephesians 1:11–23 NIV In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.Luke 6:20–31 NIV Looking at his disciples, he said:“Blessed are you who are poor,for yours is the kingdom of God.Blessed are you who hunger now,for you will be satisfied.Blessed are you who weep now,for you will laugh.Blessed are you when people hate you,when they exclude you and insult youand reject your name as evil,because of the Son of Man.“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich,for you have already received your comfort.Woe to you who are well fed now,for you will go hungry.Woe to you who laugh now,for you will mourn and weep.Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you,for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.“But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Book of Common Prayer of a 94 year old: well-used, Bible Readings and prayers - photo taken last week.Dear Reader, I hope you like the photo above of a well-used Book of Common Prayer!From our Bible Sunday sermon, may I leave you with this thought:Thomas Cranmer in his Homily on Scripture ended it with an exhortation to read scriptures in this way:“Let us ruminate, and, as it were, chew the cud, that we may have the sweet juice, spiritual effect, marrow, honey, kernel, taste, comfort and consolation of them.”Sometimes less is more. Why not take a verse that touches you in some way and ‘chew the cud’ with it for a while…Be encouraged!Blessings, Andrew+Romans 15:4–6 NIV For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,This is an intriguing story Jesus tells and he wants us to ‘bump up’ against the idea that God is an unjust judge and to pray persistently. I mentioned a couple of ideas to help you with the spiritual discipline of regular daily prayer in the Notices: set up a ‘prayer corner’ in your room with a candle, Bible and Cross etc. Make time in the morning first thing (an orchestra doesn’t tune their instruments after the concert) but I forgot to mention keeping a Prayer Journal. Writing down your requests to God and then the answers to them is a great way of persisting in prayer as Jesus recommends. Over time you can look back and thank Him as you see answers unfold in beautiful ways…Coming up, may I invite you and your family to our All Souls Service? It’s a beautiful way of remembering those who’ve gone before us, with candlelight, naming and prayers. Why not invite a neighbour or a friend?Date: Sunday 2 NovemberTime: 7pmIf you’d like to have your loved one remembered by name, enter their name on the Sheet on the table by the church door, or email me: vicar@stmarysmarston.org God bless,Andrew+Luke 18:1–8 NIVThen Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’“For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ”And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Christ and the Lepers, Painting by Gebhard Fugel (1863-1939)Luke 17:11–19 NIVNow on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,I’m delighted to share a Guest Preacher with you: Revd Nina-Rae Barrett of St Lucea Cure, Hanover Jamaica. Enjoy!I’m on Retreat this week. In the words of St Thomas More:Pray for me, as I will for thee, (until we may merrily meet in heaven)…Andrew+Thanks for reading St Marys Marston Moreteyne & Lidlington! This post is public so feel free to share it.Numbers 21:4–9 NIV They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,On Sunday we celebrated the Feast of St Michael and All Angels. Here’s the Collect prayer for the day:Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted the ministries of angels and mortals in a wonderful order: grant that as your holy angels always serve you in heaven, so, at your command, they may help and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.I pray you are blessed by their keeping watch over you this week. Andrew+Please read the notices below about Harvest Festival next Sunday 5 October. There will be one joint Service at 10.30am for everyone, followed by Baked Potato Harvest Lunch now fully booked.Our Harvest Appeal is twofold: 1. the Bishop’s Appeal and 2. locally to Heart of Marston and NEED projectBishops Harvest Appeal: Rewrite Their FutureThis year’s appeal is called Rewrite Their Future, and we are once again partnering with Mission Direct. Their work in Uganda and Zambia is focused on building schools and improving access to education in some of the world’s most under-resourced communities. After one year, these schools supported by Mission Direct will serve over 2,945 children, of which 1,170 will be benefitting from new classrooms —and over the next 20 years, 23,400 children will gain access to education that would otherwise be out of reach. Cash donations or Card ReaderList of items to bring for Harvest:any fresh produce for Heart of Marston and canned & dry goods for NEED Project pleaseTea bags, Coffee, Drinking ChocolateSugarPasta, Long Grain RiceCerealsPasta Sauces or BakesSoups – packet or tinnedTinned Veg – e.g. Tomatoes, sweetcorn, peas, carrotsPotatoesBiscuitsTinned Fruit, CustardTinned spaghetti, raviolisTinned fish – e.g. Tuna, SalmonSquash, Fruit JuicePreserves – e.g. Jam, Honey, Chocolate SpreadTomato KetchupLong Life Milk – cartonsTinned Meat – e.g. Ham, corned beef, beef & onionsChicken in SauceCurriesChilliRice Pudding – tinnedBaked BeansToiletries such as toothpaste and soapJohn 1:47–51 NIV When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,Coming up:Our Community Bible Study begins a new Series - the Letter to the Philippians. Your Autumn Bible study sorted! Join on Wednesdays 12pm BYO packed Lunch for 12.30-1.30pm5 October: Harvest Festival we’ll be having a joint Family and Adults Service at 10.30am followed by Baked Potato Harvest Lunch £7 sign up in church or book online: stmarysmarston.org/events Yum!For items to bring in support of the NEED Project see list below.Tea bagsCoffeeDrinking ChocolateSugarPastaLong Grain RiceCerealsPasta Sauces or BakesSoups – packet or tinnedTinned Veg – e.g. Tomatoes, sweetcorn, peas, carrotsPotatoesBiscuitsTinned FruitCustardTinned spaghetti, raviolisTinned fish – e.g. Tuna, SalmonSquashFruit JuicePreserves – e.g. Jam, HoneyChocolate SpreadTomato KetchupLong Life Milk – cartonsTinned Meat – e.g. Ham, corned beef, beef & onionsChicken in SauceCurriesChilliRice Pudding – tinnedBaked BeansToiletries such as toothpaste and soapLuke 16:1–13 NIVJesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’“The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg—I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’“So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’“ ‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied.“The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’“Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’“ ‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied.“He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’“The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings.“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

On Mount Nebo, in front of the church of Saint Moses, looking over the valley below is a monument of the bronze serpent which Moses erected in the Neghev desert.Numbers 21:4–9 NIV They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!”Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.John 19:25–27 NIVNear the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, “Woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,I was struck by Jesus’ talk about building a Tower in this Gospel reading, because we have such a prominent Tower separate from our main church!Our Vision is of a Tower of living stones:To be a Tower of living stones; chosen, mended and built by Jesus our Cornerstone - to make followers for Him, to be a sanctuary of prayer and a community of love.It could be said that we can’t properly embrace this vision and put it into action unless we work out the cost - both personally and to us as a church.Is there anything in your life right now that Jesus is asking you to count for the cost of building and living this vision? Something to give up or consider soberly as you take on another step of discipleship? Pause to ponder, and pray…Let me share with you a prayer and you might like to pray it. (adapted from the Patrick Compline in Celtic Daily Prayer by the Northumbria Community):I love you, O Lord my strengthThe Lord is my Rock,My strong Tower of refugeMy fortress and my deliverer.My God is my rockin whom I take refuge.Blessings,Andrew+PS I’m curious. What do you think of the podcast cutting straight to the reading without the usual ‘Welcome to Towerpod’ messsage from me?Luke 14:25–33 NIVLarge crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’“Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader, I was excited to preach this sermon because Jesus was making one thing stand for another in his storytelling. Mysterious depths… and I thought he showed such courage facing the hostile opposition of the Pharisees and Lawyers. He broke right through them with compassion to heal the sick man. If you’d like to pray the Valley of Vision prayer for yourself, here it is:Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly,Bring me to the valley of vision,where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights;hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory.Let me learn by paradoxthat the way down is the way up,that to be low is to be high,that the broken heart is the healed heart,that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,that to have nothing is to possess all,that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision.Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells,and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine;Let me find Thy light in my darkness,Thy life in my death,Thy joy in my sorrow,Thy grace in my sin,Thy riches in my povertyThy glory in my valley.And here’s another prayer for you from the Book of Common Prayer to pray for our church as we prepare to celebrate our Patronal Festival of Mary the mother of Jesus.Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church and our church of St Mary. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Saviour. Amen.Blessings for you this week. Andrew+Luke 14:1 NIVOne Sabbath, when Jesus went to eat in the house of a prominent Pharisee, he was being carefully watched. There in front of him was a man suffering from abnormal swelling of his body. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?” But they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him on his way. Then he asked them, “If one of you has a child or an ox that falls into a well on the Sabbath day, will you not immediately pull it out?” And they had nothing to say.When he noticed how the guests picked the places of honour at the table, he told them this parable: “When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not take the place of honour, for a person more distinguished than you may have been invited. If so, the host who invited both of you will come and say to you, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then, humiliated, you will have to take the least important place. But when you are invited, take the lowest place, so that when your host comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honoured in the presence of all the other guests. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Section of a painting by James TissotDear Reader, I hope you are blessed through listening to this talk, which I found quite challenging. In other news, we have our Family Fun Morning and BYO Picnic on Friday at 10am. Buy your ticket online or just come for the picnic after it finishes (11.30am).I hope you have a happy week! Andrew+Luke 13:10–17 NIVOn a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. When Jesus saw her, he called her forward and said to her, “Woman, you are set free from your infirmity.” Then he put his hands on her, and immediately she straightened up and praised God.Indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, the synagogue leader said to the people, “There are six days for work. So come and be healed on those days, not on the Sabbath.”The Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Doesn’t each of you on the Sabbath untie your ox or donkey from the stall and lead it out to give it water? Then should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for eighteen long years, be set free on the Sabbath day from what bound her?”When he said this, all his opponents were humiliated, but the people were delighted with all the wonderful things he was doing. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Dear Reader,As I write this, I’m listening to the Biddenham Handbell Ringers in church. I’m startled how familiar tunes are transformed into the most beautiful ethereal sounds by the very act of being rung on handbells. At the risk of over-playing the analogy ;-) maybe this is something like how our ordinary, clumsy and let’s be honest - mostly failing efforts to follow God and His ways can be transformed by the grace of Jesus working through them? In our Daily Bread meditation at Morning Prayer we pondered on the discovery of a photographer who found that the wings of a humming bird create a prism-like rainbow of colours when birds fly between the bright sun and his camera lens.Our attempts to love God and others through Christ ‘our Prism’ may likewise be transformed into a rainbow of colours reflecting God’s love.As the great theologian Thomas Aquinas said:Gratia non tollit naturam, sed perficit - grace perfects natureBe encouraged dear Reader, for our humble efforts, may be made into something beautiful for God, and revealed to us one day.For our spiritual practice this week, may I invite you to pray this prayer below?Warm wishes, Andrew+Personal Response:Pray for our church, that we might fix our eyes on Jesus and persevere. You might like to use this ancient prayer from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer:Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church and our church of St Mary. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Saviour. Amen.”Luke 12:49–56 NIV“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”He said to the crowd: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, immediately you say, ‘It’s going to rain,’ and it does. And when the south wind blows, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. Hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky. How is it that you don’t know how to interpret this present time? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com

Hebrews 11:1-3, Hebrews 11:8-16 New International Version - UK11 Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for.3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.8 By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. 9 By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 11 And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she[a] considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12 And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. 15 If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 Instead, they were longing for a better country – a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoreteyne.substack.com