Sermon Archive: 2012

Christmas Day

Christmas will be different for the families of the children of Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown Connecticut – whether their children died in the massacre or escaped.  Christmas will be different for the families of the teachers and school staff who were killed: Dawn Hochsprung; Ma… Read more

Sermon by Christopher Hill on Tuesday 25th December 2012

Mattins 23 Dec 2012

According to the BBC, one in ten people reportedly felt anxious about the approach of 21 December.  In China there was panic-buying of candles; in Russia sales of tinned foods surged. The inhabitants of a village in the French Pyrenees were overwhelmed by reporters and spectators hoping to ca… Read more

Sermon by on Sunday 23rd December 2012

Third Sunday of Advent

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: for he hath visited his people and redeemed them. A couple of weeks ago the list of the most popular boys and girls names was announced, with Harry and Amelia topping their respective sexes. And Old Testament names are up in the rankings, which is curiously… Read more

Sermon by on Sunday 16th December 2012

The Christian Journey - Advent 3 2012

‘A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way … the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.’ (Isaiah 35: 8, 10)… Read more

Sermon by Nicholas Thistlethwaite on Sunday 16th December 2012

Guildford School of Acting Carol Service

It is so good to be here tonight; and thank you Fr Andrew for welcoming us to your church. I am here in my capacity as Anglican chaplain to the University of Surrey and GSA. I had the privilege of being with you last year in this beautiful church, a church that over the years has been so woven int… Read more

Sermon by on Thursday 13th December 2012

Advent Sunday

My alarm clock goes off at 6.30 am every weekday, later than many people (those travelling to work, up early with children, or those being cared for), and earlier than some (not to disparage the students I spend time with!) but it means I am ready to be in the Cathedral for Morning Prayer at 7.30.… Read more

Sermon by on Sunday 2nd December 2012

Listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches

Recently, this imperative has echoed in my mind not so much as a command, but a question. What is the Spirit saying to the churches? In Revelation, the words addressed to the seven named churches are particular – rooted in the challenges, opportunities, delights and failings of their own co… Read more

Sermon by on Sunday 25th November 2012

Christ the King 2012

From the Book of Daniel: His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not pass away, and his kingship is one that shall never be destroyed.  (7:14) Then Jesus’ words from today’s Gospel: ‘My kingdom is not from this world.’  (John 18:35) Two weeks ago,… Read more

Sermon by Nicholas Thistlethwaite on Sunday 25th November 2012

Remembrance Sunday Evensong

Look, the Sovereign, the LORD of hosts, will lop the boughs with terrifying power; the tallest trees will be cut down, and the lofty will be brought low’ (Isaiah 11.33) So is there a connection between dead and dying trees and the US Presidential election? Well, the opening verse of our… Read more

Sermon by on Sunday 11th November 2012

Remembrance Sunday Eucharist

In November 1979, the U.S. embassy in Tehran was stormed by militants in retaliation for sheltering the recently deposed Shah.  Fifty American diplomats were held hostage. Six escaped.  Ben Affleck's film Argo is based on what happens next. Tony Mendez, a CIA “exfiltration”… Read more

Sermon by on Sunday 11th November 2012