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Every Wo/man
Summary
Zacchaeus stands as all of us: Insignificant sinners in need of God’s grace (Luke 19:7).
Context
Saint Francis is the patron saint of insignificant creatures.
The most recent canonized saints could be you or me, but they aren’t celebrities.
Like little Zacchaeus, this man could have been easily overlooked.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
I live in France and I can imagine that Zacchaeus would have been thought of and treated in a similar way to the French citizens who collaborated with the puppet Vichy (Nazi) government in 1940-44. Zacchaeus collected taxes for the dreaded Roman occupiers. When I first started visiting France decades ago, I was warned never to ask anyone who had lived through The Occupation what he or she did during the war. There remained, and remains to this day, great bitterness towards those who served the Vichy government. Such would have been Zacchaeus’s predicament.
Notice that the very first words Luke’s Gospel has Zacchaeus say are a statement of his righteousness according to Jewish law (see Ex. 22:1 and Lev. 6:5). Despite the fact that Zacchaeus received Jesus “joyfully”, did he think that Jesus was as liable to condemn him as his fellow Jews? “He has gone to be the guest of one who is a sinner.” (19:7). Well frankly, who isn’t a sinner — particularly with respect to the 613 laws found in the Hebrew Bible!? That is one of the ways in which Zacchaeus represents all of us. One infraction renders one a “sinner”. The story of Zacchaeus is not unlike the medieval morality play “Everyman”, as we are all in the same boat. However, for Jews, it is also the case that the number of laws reflects the magnitude of God’s grace. If there were only two or three laws and we broke them, then what hope for us? But no-one can break all 613 laws!
Questions for discussion
- If Mr Jesus pitched up at your house, what might be your first statement? Would you be aware of guilt and seek to justify yourself or might you have questions for Jesus? In either case, what would you say?
- “Today salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham.” These are Jesus’ first words to Zacchaeus. Jesus doesn’t take Zacchaeus through the entire 613 laws to see how his behaviour matches up. What is Jesus’s mission as regards Zacchaeus?
Revd Dr Jack Lawson is a freelance writer and novelist: Doing Time, No Good Deed, Criminal Justice, The Woods and Dirty Business. His most recent novel, Joab, (Wipf & Stock) is based on the life of King David. For more information visit: www.jacknlawson.com; https://jacknlawson.com/blog; https://wingsepress.com/pages/lawson-jack-n
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Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people
The World Health Organisation estimates that 4.1% of 10– to 14-year-olds and 5.3% of 15– to 19-year-olds experience an anxiety disorder. An anxiety disorder causes excessive fear or worry which may be about something specific, or a broad range of everyday situations. Whilst the causes of anxiety disorders are complex, research indicates that using social media to get their news can lead to so-called ‘headline stress’ in young people.
As an adult watching the news, with its menu of racial injustice, climate change, political divisiveness, domestic terrorism, war and cost of living headlines, is anxiety inducing, even without experiencing any of the situations described. I can only imagine how it might feel as a young person.
This week Paul writes to the Thessalonian church to encouraging them to celebrate all that God is doing in their lives. It is a reminder of how easy it is to get caught up in the negatives of life, rather than watching for and celebrating where God is at work in our lives and the world.
Questions for discussion
- Where do the group get their news from?
- What news stories have they heard this week that are on their hearts and minds?
- Where do they see God at work in these situations?
- Where have they seen God at work in their lives this week?
You could encourage the group to keep a record of where they see God at work in their lives and the lives of others.
Victoria Etherington is University and Young Adult Chaplain in the York Methodist Circuit.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 26 October 2025
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Trust and its reward
Paul reflects on what has been and what is to come (2 Timothy 4.6-8,16-18)
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
The AWS outage on Monday caused severe disruptions affecting services and apps used by millions. Whilst it was amusing to see social media users who were locked out of Snapchat being forced to take to TikTok to explain their plight, for many other users the outage was much more serious. People depend on the internet; they trust the servers; they rely on it being readily available. They are in dire straits when they are let down. Paul was not online; he had no social media; yet he knew he could trust, depend and rely upon God to sustain and support him.
Watching the news about the Great Parisian Jewel Heist, one began to wonder if the channel had mysteriously slipped and instead of watching the news, a crime thriller feature film was being shown instead. In less than 8 minutes the thieves had got away with some of France’s most valued treasures. They were quick and deliberate -they knew what they were there for. Paul did not steal jewels but he earned a crown, a crown of righteousness. He earned it in part through the same level of single-minded determination that the thieves showed. He too followed a plan but the plan he followed was God’s plan and he followed it despite all sorts of threats, difficulties and challenges.
Groundbreaking research at Moorfields Eye Hospital has restored reading vision to formerly blind eyes. In order to achieve this success the researchers needed volunteers to be brave enough to be part of the programme. One volunteer was quoted as saying that she wanted to take part in research to help future generations. Here we see courage, perseverance, trust and blessing. What do we notice in Paul’s reflections on his discipleship as he writes to Timothy reflecting that his life may soon be at an end.
Questions for discussion
- What do you think Paul meant by a crown of righteousness?
- Who or what do you absolutely depend upon?
- What sort of things distract you from being a single-minded disciple?
Stuart Wild is the Superintendent Minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit in Lancashire.
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Strictly Come and Evangelise?
Its Strictly season once again. Even if you are not a fan it is difficult to avoid the programme which exemplifies glamour and glitz. Every time I turn my computer on, the newsfeed bombards me with items about the programme, the judges, this year’s celebrities, celebrities of previous years, this year’s professionals and professionals who have retired or been sacked.
However I should confess I am a bit of a fan. I don’t so much like the early stages where those with two left feet and no sense of rhythm are rightly voted off by the public and the judges. I also get irritated by those who are too good too early as well. Week 3 is too early to be awarded a 10 out of 10. The only way is down!
I like the middle range - especially those in whom the judges identify potential. I enjoy watching those who make mistakes but listen carefully to the judges and learn from their mistakes and come back the following week - not perfect but much better. I support the dancers who are most improved.
A television dance programme may seem very different from the life story of one of the greatest evangelists and theologians of the early church but ask yourself what was it like for Paul? He struggled; he made mistakes; he had set-backs but he persevered. He kept on trying, knowing that victory was in sight.
That is the similarity but there are also two differences. Firstly, Paul was working with and for God and secondly, he knew that in the power of God he would win not a glitterball trophy but something much more valuable - a crown of righteousness.
Let's learn from Paul and keeeeep trying!
Revd Stuart Wild is a Methodist minister in Lancashire who achieved a bronze medal for Latin American dancing many, many years ago.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 19 October 2025
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Wrestling and Tools
The importance of the tools of prayer and God’s word in wrestling with big issues and discerning truth.
Context
- The story of Jacob wrestling has long been used as a metaphor for times when people of faith have felt as if they have been wrestling with God as they have prayed earnestly and persistently over deep issues. When finally those prayers have been answered, the senses of exhaustion, relief and gratitude have been powerfully visceral. For two years Jewish, Palestinian and many other people have been wrestling in prayer for the release of loved ones and for lasting peace and justice. On Monday the moment longed for by many came and the wrestling could stop, even if only temporarily.
- The issue of fake news is becoming ever more problematic. The BBC recently offered a little quiz to see how good we are at knowing the difference between real and fake news stories. As the problem becomes greater so does the need for the tools to discern what is true and in accord with God’s will, rather than following ‘teachers to suit our own desires' (2 Timothy 4:3).
- A highlight for many in the autumn TV schedules is Celebrity Traitors. In a picturesque Scottish castle nineteen well-known people are metaphorically wrestling with each other to discern who is telling the truth, who is being deceitful, who is a faithful and who is a traitor - all in the pursuit of £100,000 for their chosen charity. But who has the tools in their box to expose the ‘hypocrisy of liars’ as 1 Timothy 4:2 puts it? 1 Timothy 3:14 – 4:5 is remarkably similar to 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 - truth was a big issue!
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
You might like to reflect on the fragile but hopeful peace story in Israel and Gaza. Threads to weave together could include:
- What it feels like to wrestle in prayer and what it feels like when those prayers are eventually answered.
- The importance of persisting in prayer. When the Good Friday Agreement was signed two friends were going to their church - a church in which they had been praying for years for peace in Northern Ireland. One said "I can’t believe what has just happened. Peace in Northern Ireland at last.". To which their friend gently replied "Yes but should we be surprised? How long have we been praying about this?".
- Note the ending of the wrestling match in Genesis, when ‘the man’ blesses Jacob. From conflict to blessing - the need for prayers for Israel/Gaza continues.
- If you want to focus on the 2 Timothy reading and the Roots theme of A toolbox of faith, you might like to explore the BBC fake news quiz. Then explore how God’s Word and the faithful teaching of, and listening to, God’s Word are key tools in helping us to know what is true and what is false and so be ‘equipped for every good work’ (2 Timothy 3:17).
- As Paul makes consistently clear in his letters, God’s truth is embodied truth in the person of Jesus Christ. The Body of Christ (the Church) is called to live a godly life in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:12). We learn how to do this best in community. It is significant that, in Luke’s idyllic portrait of the early Church in Acts 2, three of the first four practices, or Holy Habits, of the Church that he mentions are the apostles' teaching (which expounded God’s word), fellowship and prayer. The first believers were not left to their own devices to discern God’s truth and learn how to serve God in the world. They discovered these things in fellowship, in community, and in communion (the fourth practice is breaking bread). We are wise if we do the same.
Questions for discussion
- How have the past two years felt as you have prayed for Israel and Gaza? How did you feel on Monday when you saw news of hostages being released? How did you feel when you saw Gaza families returning to the ruins of their homes? How do we need to continue to pray for the blessings of true justice and peace for all? What other people or situations do we need to continue to wrestle in prayer for?
- What are the risks of fake news? For:
- The world?
- Younger people?
- Older people?
- Matters of faith?
- What tools has God give us to discern who is truthful and what is true?
- As a Christian community what opportunities do we offer for exploring God’s Word, praying together and a depth of fellowship that enables truth to be embodied amongst us? Might we need to refresh them or create some new opportunities?
Andrew Roberts is a husband, father, Methodist Minister and the author of Holy Habits. He enjoys watching football and cricket and once appeared on national TV dressed as a giant sunflower (BBC Get Your Own Back).
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Who do you listen to?
2 Tim 4:3-5
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations.
There was a great article this week about tiny premature babies’ brains developing much better if they listen to their mum’s voice.
The researchers recorded the mothers of the babies reading stories about Paddington Bear. They then played the recordings to the babies twice an hour every hour until the date they were supposed to be born and then checked the babies’ brains with an MRI scan.
The result??
The babies who had spent time listening to their mum reading Paddington Bear had more connected brains, particularly the bits of the brain that will help them understand language later in life.
The power of Paddington! Or more accurately the power of a parent. Perhaps the babies listening to their mothers tells us that what you hear is profoundly important. Tuning in and listening carefully to a trusted source can impact you in all sorts of positive ways. But of course, the exact opposite is also true. We can tune into words that actually do us damage, tell us things that are not true, put thoughts into our heads that are unhelpful, unpleasant and will ultimately make us very unhappy.
Paul talks about the power of tuning into words in 2 Timothy. He describes people who stop listening to the truth and instead start listening to untruth. He’s warning us that what we hear affects what we think about, what we hear affects how we see the world and what we hear ultimately affects how we behave. But the interesting thing about Paul’s warning is he explains that sometimes we only hear what we want to hear, even if it’s unhelpful or bad for us. We do the exact thing he talks about in the Bible reading – we tune our ears into all sorts of negative things even when it hurts other people and is filled with things that are not true. Paul describes it as only listening to what our itchy ears want to hear! It’s like Paul knew about the power of an algorithm on TikTok or Instagram, pushing us all sorts of unfiltered and often untrue words… It’s like he knew we have to work hard to fill our ears with the truth, with good things and listen carefully for words that will build us and others up.
Questions
- What do we listen to?
- Are we ‘itching our ears’ with words that damage us or hurt others?
- Do we try to hear words of truth and light?
- Who should we listen to?
Activity
Make a Paddington Bear style tag and write on the words of 2 Timothy 3:16-17:
'All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.'
Fiona Dorman is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 12 October 2025
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Think! But set truth free!
Summary
Confrontational ‘wrangling’ (2 Tim 2:14) hurts but don’t hide behind bland words!
Context
A Manchester synagogue was murderously attacked last Thursday. In Peacehaven in Sussex, a mosque was set on fire two days later. Rallies have taken place in London and elsewhere:
The prime minister urged university students not to take part in pro-Palestine protests on 7 October.
Reflection
The message now seems to be, ’Don’t engage, by word or gesture!’ But by engagement we learn and move forward. I am grateful for a conversation I had as a teenager at the end of the controversial Six Days War. Cautiously, I asked my good Jewish friend how she felt. "My family are horrified. We are not Zionists." she replied. I understood. The trouble is this degree of two-way communication doesn’t transfer easily to wider exchanges.
Whilst typing the ‘Context’ paragraph above, I found myself picking my words extremely carefully. Was this ‘terrorism’ or just ‘violence’? Was that an ‘atrocity’ or merely an ‘attack’? I opted for blander terms than I might have chosen if talking to my friend. But on a local chat group was a message of sympathy and support for all affected by the Peacehaven mosque fire. It was scorned by some as ‘woke virtue-signalling’. What followed was hurtful:
- comments dismissive of honest concern;
- hostility towards Jewish and Muslim neighbours indifferently - none of it designed to build up.
Should we then, because of the risk of ruffling feathers, approach potentially controversial topics only with close friends, or within circles where concurrence is a given?
But 2 Tim 2:15 talks of ‘rightly explaining the word of truth’. To do this we need not only to think about what we are saying, where and to whom but also, sometimes, find the courage to reveal an opinion. I remember the picture shared by the local Imam in other troubled times for use in our agreed RE syllabus. Chosen to address the distrust between Islam and Judaism, it showed a group of Muslim clerics praying before the Auschwitz memorial captioned, ‘Such suffering must be lifted into the divine presence.’ Not controversial words, but well-chosen, and brave. Sometimes we need to address the ‘elephant in the room’.
Many accounts of the ‘rallies’ or ‘hate-marches’, the ‘attacks’ or ‘atrocities’, whilst recounting peaceable words dismissed as ‘virtue signalling’, also record demands for words to be replaced by actions. As negotiations begin on Trump’s latest peace proposals for Gaza many commentators point to their vagueness. Thus Trump avoids the opprobrium heaped on devoutly Christian David Lammy for just proposing the early recognition of a Palestinian state. If people are to be released into the freedom only justice and peace can offer, people of goodwill, whether they be national leaders or Joe on the neighbourhood chat, will have to find the right forums where entrenched and hostile views can be admitted and exchanged respectfully. Marches, despite the free speech question, are perhaps not the answer.
Sermon ideas
- Different denominations have different ideas as to how much conformity among members or communicants is desirable or necessary. But, to ‘unchain truth’, achieving some sort of consensus is usually desirable. What is the right approach from church leaders to dissentient voices? At what point does appropriate exploration and discussion descend into deplorable, ‘wrangling’?
- Given that social media plays such a large part in deepening divisions and whipping up vociferous dissent, should Christians be urged to keep clear of it? Can social media channels do good if properly used e.g. by setting people free to express themselves?
Questions for discussion groups etc
- Discuss ideas for events or activities to promote community cohesion/improve inter-faith understanding in your neighbourhood.
- Are you a marcher? A rally-goer? What sort of causes do you feel deserve support? Or not? Do you feel marches and rallies achieve good outcomes?
Brenda Vance is a URC Elder and retired university teacher living in Sussex.
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Let’s set the scene: the crowds are roaring, the stadium is full and all eyes are on you. Your team may be winning, but this is football - anything can happen. One more goal would ease the pressure of an opposition comeback. Then, in extra time, you find an opening, you pass to your team mate, they pass back, an opening happens and boom, the ball goes into the back of the net! It’s thrilling and even louder than before - yet you take this moment in front of thousands of people to drop to your knee and give that goal to God.
On the same day, in another country, another footballer scores a meaningful goal, creating a much needed equaliser for his team. Yes, he praises God on the pitch, but this time he takes it a step further by posting about it on social media.
This is what happened with Bukayo Saka for Arsenal and Senny Mayulu for PSG. These simple yet powerful actions, unshackle God’s words and place them in people’s minds. In a moment of glory observers can see how the real glory lies with God.
Although simple, these actions can be hard to do. So what can we do to help strengthen us and inspire us to take simple steps? If you like football, maybe follow Christian footballers, or channels such as Footballers for Christ to stop yourself from becoming shackled by fear.
Lindsay Wright is a freelance writer and designer from Lancashire www.startswithabrew.co.uk
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 5 October 2025
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A rich inheritance
Remembering others’ faith can help us hold on to its treasure ourselves (2 Timothy 1:1-14).
Context
Reflection and ideas for sermons or interactive talks
Relying on the power of God
Rather like the current Labour party leadership, Timothy had a challenging job as he ministered to a divided church in Ephesus (see Scripture in context). Paul’s imprisonment must have made him even more conscious of the opposition facing those living for Christ. It would be natural to feel anxious in this context. So Paul writes to prevent his younger colleague from falling prey to “a spirit of cowardice”
(2 Timothy 1:7).
Like Rachel Reeves reminding the Labour party faithful of past political achievements, Paul reminds Timothy of his rich history and inheritance of faith. He can draw on:
- the faith of his mother and grandmother before him, Eunice and Lois;
- the example of his father-figure Paul, who sees him as a “beloved child” (1:2);
- and of course on the “spirit of power and love” given by God through the Holy Spirit (1:7).
In this way, he can “Hold” (1:13) firm in the days to come.
This encouragement to focus not on reacting to troubles and wrongdoing, but instead on remembering God’s past faithfulness, and trusting in his ongoing purpose and grace, is also echoed in the readings from Psalm 37:1-9 (“Do not fret because of the wicked…” (v.1) instead “Be still before the LORD, and wait patiently for him…” (v.7)) and Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 (“…wait for it…” 2:3).
Guard the good treasure
We are all influenced by others around us to some extent, whether family, friends, school- or work-mates, celebrities, online influencers, or communities to which we belong. And when we love and treasure something, we tend to tell others around us about it. Combine these two things and sometimes a craze really takes off and spreads widely and rapidly, going “viral”, like the Labubus. At that point, others often decide they want some of that action but at lower cost and effort; or they decide to squeeze out some personal profit for themselves at others’ expense. That’s when the fakes and knock-offs proliferate.
It’s what happened with the fake Labubu toys and it’s perhaps part of what drove the troubles in the church in Ephesus. The call to “join with me in suffering for the gospel” (2 Timothy 1:8) is not an easy one to follow, after all. Against the false whispers, Paul urges Timothy, and by extension, us today, to “Hold to the standard of sound teaching” (1:13) and to “Guard the good treasure entrusted to you” (1:14). And how do we know the good treasure? Through remembering the rich history of our faith and relying on the “help of the Holy Spirit living in us” (1:14).
Questions for discussion
- A mother’s touch. Timothy benefitted from the example of his mother’s and grandmother’s faith. How many TV programmes can you name that are driven in part by exploring the influence of mothers, both good and bad? My own recently viewed list includes the varying mother-daughter pairs in Gilmore Girls and North of North, and the wide-reaching family drama surrounding Rebecca Pearson in This is Us. Younger audiences might know Bluey or The Simpsons. Why is it such a popular theme? What scenes might you hope to see in a TV drama following Lois, Eunice, and Timothy?
- Pass it on. Timothy is young (1 Timothy 4:12), at least for a leader, but it seems he valued the mentorship and guidance of his elders, whether his biological family like his mother and grandmother, or his church family, like Paul. In The I Paper print edition on Tuesday (subscription-only online), 23-year-old Kia-Elise Green wrote about the group of older friends she gained while dog-walking, in “What I learnt when I asked boomers for their life advice”. She talks about how she helps them with their smartphones while they in return offer her something “much more valuable… an abundance of life experience”, with tips on work-life balance, relationships, or the importance of working on communication skills and learning to cook from scratch. She concludes by saying that she hopes when she’s older: “Not only can I share my own advice, I can pass on what my new friends have taught me, too.” What are some of the tips about living in faith that you have learnt from older generations? What tips and “good treasure” would you like to pass on to those who come after you?
Rebecca Froley was the launch editor for the Roots website and has worked in digital publishing for 20+ years. She is currently volunteering while awaiting a start date for her new job. She worships at a Baptist church in the London Borough of Sutton where she helps with the young people and mission group.
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The headline news in recent days has been an attack on a Jewish synagogue in Manchester. A horrible and violent attack – it might leave us, whatever our religion, feeling nervous or worried. But we should not fear.
This might not be easy, but this week’s reading from Paul can help us. Paul reminds Timothy that he is part of a long line of faithful people – which in our day equals over 2000 years of Christian people, and even longer when we think of the Jewish people – our ‘older siblings’ in the faith of the Bible. Ours is a strong community – alongside our brothers and sisters of other faiths we should not be ashamed in the face of lone individuals. Moreover, we should remember the gift and treasure which is our faith in Jesus Christ. He walks alongside us to protect and comfort us no matter what happens in life.
In our lives we will experience all sorts of twists and turns – bad things among the good things. Jesus makes all things good in the end – and we should be confident and hopeful in this. Stand tall, stand firm – be confident and always pray to God through the good and the less good days – this is how we should pass on the faith to those around us.
Joe Allen is a PhD Theology Candidate at St Mary’s University Twickenham. Holding BA and MA Theology Degrees from Exeter, he combines study with ecclesiastical finance work for the (CofE) London Diocesan Fund alongside various freelance projects. He has worked across several Anglican dioceses and for a Roman Catholic Cathedral. He reads voraciously and lives in central London.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.
Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 28 September 2025
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Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues.
What really matters?
Pursuing the riches of a good and godly life - the success that really matters.
1 Timothy 6:6-19
Context
Trump unplugged or Trump unhinged? The USA President’s speech to the UN makes claims about his achievements, and criticises the UN and Europe.
Meanwhile Sir Ed Davey in his LibDem conference speech warns against Britain adopting the values of Trump, Farage and the Reform Party; and Mark Robinson, a self-styled ‘patriotic millionaire’ sought support for a wealth tax.
Rising living costs don’t just affect pensioners and families. Recent research discovered that the majority of young people could not afford to move out and live independently due to high household costs. And, while the accumulation of wealth may not be an ethical goal in itself, financial independence can be a life saver, as a domestic abuse victim turned sculptor testifies.
The recognition of Palestinian statehood by more than 150 countries is a source of both joy and concern to Palestinians, who fear Israeli reprisals, as fatal attacks on Gaza continue. Arab and Muslim leaders also met with Trump, seen by some as the leader who is best placed to bring about a ceasefire.
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
1 Timothy 6.6-19 exhorts us not to pursue worldly success and riches but, instead, the qualities of godliness: righteousness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. This appears counter-cultural in today’s political climate. Do we see any of these qualities in Trump, the British royal family, our government leaders, or other world leaders? What qualities do we value in leadership? What are the qualities that might help to achieve peace in Gaza and other war-torn parts of the world?
Timothy is warned that ‘money is the root of all evil’ and the reading provides some reasons why. What do we think? What if money can be used for good – such as through fair trade, helping abuse victims, or citizen activism. This theme was explored in the ‘Money’ track from the 2002 concept band and media project 1 GiaNT LeAp by electronic music duo Catto and Bridgeman. The song Ta Moko starts with the quote “some people went around interviewing dying patients, but not one person said they regretted not making more money or working harder. They all seemed to say their their regrets were not spending more time with the people they loved and not travelling more and relating more to to the world and the planet.”
The reading helps us to question what really matters to us. Where do we invest our time? What riches are we building – for worldly success or for everlasting life? Timothy is encouraged to ‘do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share.’ How well do we live up to this in our personal life? As a church?
Questions for discussion
- What do we look for in our world leaders? How do we judge their success? Is godliness something we should expect and look for?
- How do we use our money and resources? What riches are we building? Are we using money ethically or seeking success in the wrong places?
- Where do we look for success? Are we living a Godly life? What does that look like in our local community?
Jane Chevous is an activist, writer, sailor, and leader of Survivors Voices. She also researches and writes about abuse, survivor theology, mental health and the sea.
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Up and down the country, at this time, schools and churches will be preparing to celebrate harvest festivals. Harvest sambas and traditional hymns will be sung, towers of tinned foods will be constructed, and flower arrangers will create original displays incorporating an ever-increasingly exotic selection of fruit and vegetables. We will speak of our gratitude that we have enough and bring along our contribution for those who do not and, if we are not careful, we will consider our very small offering enough, pat ourselves on the back and carry on with the rest of our lives.
There is a deep challenge in 1 Timothy 6.6-19, not simply to do one small act of measured generosity, but to live generous lives which call us to give of ourselves in every way. This is not a passage for the select few, ultra-holy types - this is a challenge for us all and for all ages. When we engage in our annual act of harvest celebrations, in spite of the fact that very few of us will ever plough the fields or scatter, we are passing on more than a tradition. We are passing on a way of life - to live generous and thankful lives, sharing all that we have with all those around us.
When we live as generous people, we also move away from our ‘have and have-not’ mentality to a recognition of our shared humanity, vulnerability, and appreciation of all that God has given us.
Becky May is Tutor in Children’s and Families Ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge and Children, Youth and Families Mission Lead for Rural Missions.
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Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 21 September 2025
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Praying for kings
What does it really mean to pray for “all who are in high positions”? (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
Context
It’s no secret that many people feel disenchanted with political leaders, and with the whole political process. Sleaze and corruption, finger-pointing by politicians at vulnerable people, hypocrisy and outright lies will not increase anyone’s faith in the way political decisions are reached and implemented. Moreover, the publication through social, and too often mainstream media of distorted “news” stories and images is calculated to lead the susceptible up one political or social blind alley after another, despite the work of fact-checkers who are fully aware that “a lie can be halfway round the world before the truth has got its boots on”.
In July this year, the UK Government itself acknowledged that declining trust in our institutions and democracy itself has become critical… and set out its strategy for “futureproofing our democracy”. None of its proposals, however, address the abandonment of basic fairness by many politicians, as pointed out by Emeritus Professor Richard Murphy a few months earlier:
"For forty years, people have been abandonned by a form of politics that treats 90% of people with contempt, keeps 8% happy and massively favours 2%. Why should people be happy?"
If we dig deeper, we encounter a yet more fundamental problem, about the kinds of people we elect to lead us and why we choose them. Therapist, lawyer and mediator Bill Eddy observes that:
"Whether in dating, hiring, or electing people, narcissists and sociopaths are the two most seductive personalities on the planet... Yet most people miss the simple early warning signs of these high-conflict politicians (HCPs) i.e.
- Pre-occupation with blaming others;
- Lots of all-or-nothing thinking;
- Unmanaged or intense emotions;
- Extreme behavior or threats."
Looking around, we see billionaires playing with their spaceships, while conflict, poverty and global warming drive increasing death tolls, tides of refugees and rising oceans. Politicians wring their hands about unemployment, homelessness and their inability to “grow the economy”, and clamp down on our rights to freedom of speech and peaceful protest.
How can anyone still doubt that we are in deep trouble: locally, nationally and globally?
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
In today’s reading from 1 Timothy, St Paul urges us that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.”
If Jesus had presented his teachings in words only, rather than also in his behaviour and self-sacrifice, few people would have been impressed. He specifically challenges those who heap up pious words but do nothing towards the fulfilment of their prayers. "Be the change you want to see in the world" is a well-known saying, sometimes attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. Similarly, Christian writers have pointed out that praying “in Jesus’ name” means praying as he prayed. This means not only speaking words, singing hymns or meditating silently, but also offering ourselves – as he did – to be part of the answer to our own prayers.
When it comes to praying for those in high positions, Christians are called both to say our prayers, and also to offer ourselves, as individuals and communities, to persuade our leaders towards a Christ-like expression of unconditional love towards all people and the whole of creation. This may be done at the ballot-box, through participation in consultations, inquiries and campaigns, and every day by the way we live our lives.
Questions for discussion
- When we pray for our leaders, what should we pray for?
- How may we better unite our prayers with our lives?
- What issues should we prioritise today?
Robert Beard is an NHS worker and Church of England priest.
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Whatever your views on politics and on those in positions of authority and leadership across the world, Timothy’s urging in this week's passage to pray for everyone, especially for those in authority and leadership, seems to be more urgent now than ever.
When we think of people in positions of authority and leadership, our mind often goes to those who are famous and well known; whether that be well-known political leaders, social influencers or those whose names are in the news in any given week. And whilst it’s clearly important to be praying for those people, I wonder if we need to be praying for ourselves and those around us as we react and respond to those in positions of authority.
I’ve been struck this past week by how people on my social media feed have responded to the shooting of Charlie Kirk in America. Christians from across the theological spectrum – and people from across the political spectrum - responding to the shooting in so many different ways. They were often sharing their thoughts and reflections from very different theological or political viewpoints; sometimes falling out over those differences, whilst other times coming to a place of mutual respect and learning despite those very clear, deep different viewpoints and perspectives.
Chatting with a friend today, I reflected how easy it can be to disengage from fellow Christians who we disagree with on certain issues; and how we as a Church should be modelling a way to work out how to work in unity with each other, even when we appear to disagree over significant life issues. I don’t have any easy answers about how we get there – but I know that Paul’s urging to pray for each other, especially for those in a position of authority, is a good place to start.
Jonathan Buckley, Youth Development Worker at YMCA White Rose and Redevelopment Manager at St Paul’s, Parson Cross, Sheffield.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
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Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 14 September 2025
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Worth looking for
Paul’s testimony gives us the ultimate narrative of hope. (1 Tim 1:12-17)
Context
There has been a lot of dark news this week. From bombs dropped in Qatar, drones shot down over Poland, to more murky details emerging around the Epstein files, and that’s before we get to UK politics.
The global and local landscapes appear to be relentlessly gloomy. Perhaps that’s why the occasional points of joy or light are so powerful. You don’t need to be a non-stop 5Live listener to have noticed that the England football team finally had a stunning win over Serbia on Tuesday night. Even the usual armchair pundits who generally feel they could be doing a much better job than all eleven players on the pitch and the manager were able to enjoy the 5-0 victory and bask in a warm moment of England having won the match, and won it convincingly. It may be only a game, but it is a narrative that offers a bit of hopefulness in a sea of worrying global stories.
This weekend we have the Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter finals which will be another high spot for at least four teams! But perhaps, whoever you support, or even if you don’t love sport, the matches will still be a moment to engage with something uplifting - a narrative of hope and courage which is always worth looking for.
In telling his story in 1 Timothy, Paul creates for the readers of his letter a moment of light. The story of his encounter with the Lord is a narrative of hope and joy. Paul was shown mercy and love in a world which, like ours, might have felt lacking in both from time-to-time. The gospel message and its impact on human lives is always worth looking for. Paul’s message of hope is better than the fleeting moment of glory on a sports field, even when it’s a 5-0 win, because the light it casts is permanent, it shines even in the worst moments and it's open to all of us, all the time. It’s the ultimate narrative of hope for our world.
Ideas for reflection
Either Invite members of the congregation to talk to each other in small groups about their own stories and testimonies of hope in God or ask a couple of people to speak from the front about their encounters with Jesus.
After the stories play the song ‘Waymaker’.
Encourage people to engage with the words of the song and the words they have heard during the service.
Fiona is a freelance leadership consultant and mediator.
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Browsing the BBC news website, I came across a headline in the culture section which really appealed to me.
“Panto pinch-me moment for CBeebies Presenter.”
“It's only September. Surely that is rather early for panto news.” I thought. But as a lover of traditional Christmas entertainment I could not resist clicking the link and reading the story.
The presenter George Webster who has Down’s syndrome is looking forward to sword fighting and the Tinkerbell stuff whilst appearing as Pirate Starkey in Peter Pan in Northampton. It is highly unlikely that when he was filmed by Sky TV in 2019 volunteering at his local Park Run, anyone thought he would develop such a successful and varied career. It would have been easy to write him off. However somebody saw a spark of potential in him and so have others at various times over the years.
Paul’s character and experience were completely different. He had never heard of television, CBeebies or pantomime. He wrote in his letter to Timothy (1:13) that he was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because he had acted in ignorance and unbelief, he was shown mercy. God saw a spark of potential in him as a Christian evangelist. He chose him, called him and equipped him. In fact in many ways Paul was a surprising choice. Yet what a wonderful choice he proved.
When God looks upon each one of us, our potential is seen. We may be surprising choices but the grace of God can bring forgiveness and power to enable us to fulfill our potential and glorify God. That is more than a pinch-me moment. It is a cause for celebration.
Panto lover Stuart Wild is the Superintendent minister of the Blackpool and South Fylde Methodist Circuit.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
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Sermon and discussion ideas for week beginning Sunday 7 September 2025
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The cost of following Jesus
Matching words with action. (Philemon 1-21)
Context
Ideas for sermons or interactive talks
- The last government was brought down to a large extent because of a widespread dissatisfaction with both how the country was working but also because of a feeling that those in power were working for their own benefit and not for the good of the whole population. The Labour government came into power promising change and that government would make a difference to the lives of working people. In that context, Angela Rayner’s admission that she misrepresented the use of a flat she bought in order to pay a lower rate of stamp duty is really damaging. The accusation of hypocrisy is all the sharper when levelled against a group that has said it will do things differently. In a similar way, as Christians, we are often accused of hypocrisy when we are seen to be falling short of our own high standards. It is right that people expect more of those of us who are following Jesus and we should all be prepared to own up and make amends when we fall short. There is no condemnation from Jesus but he calls us to ‘Shine like stars’ in a society hungry for people to live with integrity.
- The high street chain, Lush has closed its doors for a single day costing it over half a million pounds in lost sales and staff wages. They say they are doing this to try to send a message to government that the loss of life and destruction of Gaza must be halted. Whether you agree with them or not, it is clearly not just an empty gesture. Those who run the business have followed through their heart-felt belief with concrete action which costs them in a material way. Whether it has an impact or not is immaterial for our purposes which is to reflect on what we are willing to sacrifice as we serve Jesus. Paul was asking Philemon to forego his desire to punish Onesimus and to take him back into service - or to go even further and to release Onesimus to serve alongside Paul preaching and teaching the gospel. It’s great to be able to talk about our beliefs but the world around us will be looking to see what we do with our time and with our money when they judge our faith.
Questions for discussion
- Have you ever been accused of hypocrisy? Have you ever owned up to it?
- What do you expect from other Christians in terms of behaviour?
- What have you had to give up or sacrifice because of your beliefs?
- Have you been isolated from others because of a choice you made because of your faith?
Steve Taylor shares the job of joint-vicar of St Paul’s CofE Church, Harrow with his wife, Ali. They share their home with their youngest child, two cats, three chickens and numerous fish.
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When we think of the word ‘cost,’ we often associate this with money. We are surrounded by a world where everything has a cost and value which we must pay to enjoy: food, bus fare, TV and music subscriptions, our phone contracts. For many of these things we may be in a position not to have to think about whether we can pay for them. If it's something we want, we get it!
In the news this week there has been a spotlight on our deputy prime minister Angela Rayner, who has admitted avoiding paying the cost of tax on her second home. This means she has not paid the cost for the luxury of owning a second home, yet she has benefited from the perks of living in it.
Where in our lives have we felt like we haven’t paid the full cost? Or we've cut corners? Would we blame someone else as Rayner appeared to be doing at first, or would we own up and make it right?? Would you only be willing to pay a cost if you were caught out?
In Paul’s letter the cost he speaks about concerns the treatment of his brother in Christ, and former slave, Onesimus. He hopes that Philemon would welcome Onesimus as a brother, thus paying the cost of losing his slave. Paul is calling Philemon out on how he can make things right - at a cost to his household. Although not stated in the passage, biblical scholars believe that Philemon does in fact do so after receiving Paul’s letter. Redemption for both stories we hope, once the cost is called out.
How might the cost of following Jesus look for you as you enter your first few weeks of a new term, perhaps in a new school or college? How much of a cost does it feel to not follow the crowds many of whom may not be living in Christ? How much of a cost is it to sacrifice your time and your talents to serve the Lord over other activities which those around you might be doing?
Although working with Christ may sometimes feel like it’s coming at a cost, please take heart that it is not a cost at our expense, but at his. It was Christ who paid the cost for our salvation in full and, in following him, we don’t lose anything. In fact, we gain eternal life and no-one can ever put a cost on that.
Natasia Bullock is director of Christian theatre company The B Tales.
Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by Roots for Churches Ltd.
The week in focus is also available via facebook and Instagram.
Roots publishes weekly lectionary-based worship and learning resources online and in two magazines. FIND OUT MORE.