Homily for 27th August 2023 Texts: Romans 12: 1-8, Matthew 16: 13-20 Quite recently I did a baptism and afterwards needed to take down the details for the Baptism Register which include the occupations of the parents. The father told me to write down ‘retired’ which I knew was only true in part. Yes, he …
Author archives: Philip Rawlings
New notice board (Postponed)
Postponed as the notice board was delivered incomplete! This Sunday 6th August at 2pm outside St James we will have an unveiling of our new joint Abinger Parish Council and Church Notice Board! All Welcome!
Bishop of Dorking
It is with great joy that I share with you the news that Paul Davies is to be our new Bishop of Dorking. I have worked with Paul when he was the Archdeacon of Surrey and I have every confidence that he will be a fantastic Bishop.
Photos by drone
On 18th July 2023 some pictures were taken by drone of St James’ church. A few shown here. St James’ Jul23 St James’ Jul23 St James’ Jul23 St James’ Jul23 Christ Church Jul23
Music 2023-08-27
27th August 2023 12th Sunday after Trinity Benefice Communion 10:30am. Celebrant: Rev’d Virginia Smith, organist: David Hansell Organ: Prelude and Fugue in C (BWV 547) – J S BachHymns NEH436 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven; Brother, sister, let me serve you; NEH439 Praise to the holiest in the height; To God be the …
Sermon 2023-07-23
Homily for the Celebration of the Feast of St James Collect for St James’ Day: Merciful God, whose holy apostle Saint James, leaving his father and all that he had, was obedient to the calling of your Son Jesus Christ and followed him even to death: help us, forsaking the false attractions of the world …
Sermon 2023-07-9
Sermon 9th July 2023 Psalm 146, Romans 7:15 – 25a A common misconception that a lot of us have, or had, is that when we became Christians the Good News was all about the future: eternal life after I die. But for me, as I have studied the bible over the years, and in particular the …
SJs at the Nursery
On Wednesday 5th July 2023, at SJ’s café, we were invited to Abinger Nursery for the most delicious tea – sandwiches and scones served to us by the children with musical accompaniment! We also participated in a craft activity! The porch of St. James’ is now festooned with colourful bunting with hand prints from us …
Messy Church
On Saturday Messy Church is back after our June break! This month we are celebrating Creation and will be potting oak saplings in decorated pots, starting our prayer quilt project, eating yummy food and generally having crafty fun! If you have children between 0-11 do come along and join in the chaos from 3-5pm!
Sermon 2023-07-02
Homily 2nd July 2023 Psalm 89: 1-4, 15-18, Matthew 10: 40-endWhoever welcomes you welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me.’ Matthew 10:40. Coincidentally, right now we are commemorating both the seventy- five years since the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush and the foundation of our National Health Service. Both …