Dear Reader, We continue with the amazing adventures of the first Christians told in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles. Jesus has left earth, but His power working through these Christians is stronger than ever. A slave girl and a gaoler are saved. I pray listening builds you in your faith. May I invite you to get in touch if you’d like to find out more about how to follow Christ or if you’re interested in Baptism? Blessings, Andrew+ Acts 16:16–34 ESV As we were going to the place of prayer, ...
Jun 04, 2025•16 min
Hello, I’ve caught up, so we’re up to date - phew! The podcast title is slightly tongue-in-cheek - as AI is all the rage these days… May I also take this opportunity to invite you to come and celebrate the Ascension of Jesus with Holy Communion on Thursday 7.30pm kindly led by Revd. Gill. Blessings, Andrew+ time… Listen and enjoy! Andrew+ John 14:23–29 NIV Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. An...
May 27, 2025•18 min
Hello, here’s my Report - the audio if you’d like to listen to it has a little bit extra impromptu, while the written text is below (you can always read the transcript if you prefer). You will have received the PCC and Activities Reports last week already. Blessings, Andrew+ Thank You A couple of weeks ago I visited the Moravian Church by the Kings Road Chelsea. In 1969 two Australian students, John Rendall 23 years old at the time, and Anthony "Ace" Bourke, bought a lion cub from Harrods depart...
May 27, 2025•8 min
Sorry this one’s late dear Reader - but I’m catching up! Listen and enjoy. Thank you. Andrew+ John 13:31–35 NIV When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once. “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come. “A new command I give you: Love one anoth...
May 26, 2025•17 min
Dear Reader, apologies for the audio quality on this one - failed experiment with new settings - hope you can still enjoy. Blessings, Revd. Andrew+ Acts 9:36–43 ESV Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, translated, means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him...
May 16, 2025•15 min
Saints Peter and Paul from a catacomb etching, with a Chi-Ro Dear Reader, I wish you continuing joy in this Easter season of resurrection and celebrating the victory of Jesus over death, sickness, sin and the powers of evil. May I invite you to our APCM Annual Church Meeting -to be held on Thursday 22 May - at 7.30pm? These meetings, the Meeting of the Parishioners for the election of Church Wardens and the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (always run one after the other), celebrate all we have d...
May 06, 2025•16 min
Image of St Thomas in Kerala Dear Reader, So sorry for delay in getting this sermon by Revd. Judy Harris to you - I’m finally catching up after the Easter break - thank you! Blessings, Rev. Andrew+ John 20.19–31 When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you.’ After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciple...
May 04, 2025•14 min
Dear Reader-Listener, Happy Easter! He is risen, Alleluia! Here’s Saturday’s Vigil sermon for you, “ Are you there yet? ” and Easter Sunday’s is above in this email. A big THANK YOU to everyone who made Holy Week and Easter happen, and who came, and made it so special. This week, may you experience the resurrection power of the One who calls your name, like He called Mary. Andrew+ John 20.1–18 ESV Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, an...
Apr 22, 2025•15 min
Gospel Luke 24.1–12 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, taking the spices that they had prepared. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in, they did not find the body.While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men in dazzling clothes stood beside them. The women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.Remember...
Apr 20, 2025•10 min
Image credit: www.LumoProject.com Dear Reader, I invite you to take part in the Holy Week spiritual journey. This is the sixth and last week of Lent , beginning with Palm Sunday and concluding on Holy Saturday with the Vigil and fire. Families included. Info below. If you’d like to get baptised or renew your baptism, get in touch . God bless you. Andrew+ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit stmarysmarstonmoretey...
Apr 12, 2025•13 min
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
Apr 12, 2025•11 min
Dear Reader, Three things before you listen to the sermon podcast above ;-) * We’re starting from scratch with our church membership Electoral Roll. If you’d like to stay on, or join to express your commitment to St Mary’s, please send in this form - you only have so long to respond. * I’m so sad to see Marston Beans Coffee Shop go. Even more sad for Rob and Rachel who poured time and money into making it not just a coffee shop, but a community. It can’t be sustained, and they’re heartbroken. P ...
Mar 25, 2025•16 min
Luke 13.31–35 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to...
Mar 18, 2025•16 min
Dear Reader, May I warmly invite you to our Lent Course ‘Discover Jesus in 321’ starting on Thursday 7.30pm? It runs from 13 March , for just four weeks, so it’s very ‘doable’. If you’re wanting to refresh your faith and look at it from different angles, then 321 is for you. If you’d like to go further, then we’re going to run 321 again for the community after Easter beginning 1st May - having experienced it for ourselves. You can preview the 321 course and sign up or just download the App to yo...
Mar 10, 2025•15 min
Dear Reader, I’m pleased to be back in touch with you again, after a break while I was away on mission in South Sudan. Enjoy listening to the sermon above… May I invite you to begin a spiritual journey this Lent? Traditionally 40 days of prayer, fasting and almsgiving to prepare for Easter. Ash Wednesday. Come to the 7.30pm Service with the ancient practice of the Imposition of Ashes. I hope you’ll enjoy feasting on pancakes today, Shrove Tuesday! Now is the healing time decreed for sins of hear...
Mar 04, 2025•13 min
Dear Reader, A little notice. I’m experimenting with broadcasting Compline Night Prayer on our Facebook Page and YouTube 9.30pm Sundays. May I invite you to join together to prepare for sleep in this beautiful and ancient way? In the meantime, enjoy listening to the sermon podcast. God bless, Andrew+ Acts 8:14–17 NRSV Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive ...
Jan 14, 2025•13 min
I can’t believe it’s been so long! Last post was 11 December! I hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas… The next few posts will be backdated as we’re catching up from holiday time. I hope they bless you as preaching them has blessed me. Thank you for listening. Oh, and there’s a Workparty around the church on Saturday at 9.30am. Come along and lend a hand #loveourchurch Oh, and I’m experimenting with Compline Night Prayer on Sunday nights 9.30pm on facebook and youtube. I invite you to join me and R...
Jan 07, 2025•14 min
Dear Reader, Couple of reminders: 9.30am Family Christingle on Sunday, and Carols by Candlelight 7pm. Carols by Candlelight is always what puts me in the mood for Christmas and brings me joy - come and bring a friend! Andrew+ Luke 3:1–6 NRSV In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthoo...
Dec 11, 2024•13 min
Dear Reader, The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word adventus , which means "coming" or "arrival". It is a translation of the Greek word parousia , which originally referred to the Second Coming . So Advent, although about getting ready to celebrate Christmas - the First Coming of Jesus Christ - is actually meant to get us ready for His Second Coming - the Parousia. Enjoy listening to the Sermon - I hope it gives you spiritual sustenance for this very special season of the Church Year. May I...
Dec 06, 2024•15 min
Dear Reader, With the Assisted Dying Bill coming before Parliament on Friday, may I invite you to take part in our Seven Day Novena of Daily Prayer? I hope you will find comfort and inspiration from the prayers and scriptures as the Bill is debated this week. There are two ways you can participate: either daily prayer or the online Prayer Vigil or both. Either use the Daily Prayer booklet - click: bit.ly/49e19MD . (Pick up a paper Booklet in church). Or gather together online for the Prayer Vigi...
Nov 26, 2024•16 min
Dear Reader, With the Assisted Dying Bill coming up on 29 November, may I invite you to Assisted Suicide: what does the Bible say? It’s a Talk and Q&A with guest speaker Rob Rawlins 7.15pm in church on Tuesday 19 November. This is an opportunity to learn more about this complex issue, along with the ancient teachings of the Christian faith and Holy Scripture. It should be a good discussion. Please reach out and invite friends and neighbours. Refreshments provided. Why not watch Liz Carr’s fi...
Nov 12, 2024•13 min
Dear Reader, A reminder that next Sunday 10 November we don’t have our 10.30am Service - instead it’s 9.30am Joint Family Holy Communion (unlike last year, a Service of Remembrance will be held at the War Memorial 10.45 am). Enjoy praying the Lord’s Prayer Method this week! Here’s the Sermon Notes for you. God bless, Andrew Luke 11:1–13 ESV Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And...
Nov 04, 2024•13 min
Hello, sorry these last two Podcasts came out a little late - hopefully I’ll do better next week! Enjoy this, the second of our mini sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer. It was preached on our Patronal Festival, when we remember and honour Mary the mother of Jesus, our Patron, and seek to follow her example as a disciple of her own son Jesus! Reminder for you - at 7pm Saturday 2 November you’re invited to our All Souls Service - an opportunity to light a candle and remember those you have loved a...
Oct 31, 2024•13 min
Sermon Handout Dear Reader, listener, We are entering our ‘Season of Prayer’ to help us prepare for mission in the New Year. I hope learning to pray the Lord’s Prayer in a deeper way together will help us during this season of prayer, and to fulfil our vision - the prayer bit: “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.” So enjoy last Sunday’s sermon - the first in our mini Se...
Oct 24, 2024•11 min
Hebrews 4:12–16 NRSV Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do...
Oct 15, 2024•12 min
Dear Reader, A reminder that this coming Sunday 13 October are the Village Pet Blessing Services 9.30 and 10.30am. Bring your pet, or a photo on phone or print! This is Baby Loss Awareness Week, and our Baby Loss Service is coming up 7pm on Thursday 17 October - please invite friends and family. The Service is for anyone who’s lost a baby before or after birth, however it has happened, whether by miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth or sudden infant death. Wondering what’s on? Please check the onli...
Oct 09, 2024•13 min
Dear Reader, I hope you’re coping with this rainy weather! I’ve bravely driven twice through long stretches of water above my car door sills this week already! You’ll be pleased to know that our new dishwasher arrived safely this morning, welcomed by Chris, Assistant Churchwarden. This may be the first email with our Towerpod sermon podcast on Substack that I’ve sent you. I hope you find it helpful to have Towerpod sent to your email by default. You don’t need to do anything, however if you’d pr...
Oct 01, 2024•16 min
Dear Reader, This is a vital topic in Christian discipleship - and I can only touch on it briefly in the sermon. I encourage you to study further yourself in order to equip you to protect yourself and those you love from the lies which are ravaging our way of life. Our reading today is taken from St Paul’s letter to the Christian community in Ephesus - by modern-day Selçuk in Turkey. God bless you and keep running the race! Andrew+ Ephesians 6:10–20 ESV Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the ...
Aug 27, 2024•18 min
Dear Reader, Welcome to this weeks TowerPod! I pray listening gives you spiritual strength, understanding and encouragement. Keep running the race! Andrew John 6:51–58 NRSV Jesus said: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” So Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, unles...
Aug 20, 2024•14 min
Dear Reader, This sermon is based on the gospel reading for the day and St Paul’s letter to the Christians in Ephesus. I’m experimenting - you might be able to find a transcript somewhere on here too if you like to read. I hope the sermon gives you spiritual blessing and encouragement wherever you’re at. Enjoy! with love and prayer, Andrew Ephesians 4:1–16 NRSV I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and...
Aug 06, 2024•15 min
