Alison and the whale

A Story of Courage and Freedom

The urgency and adventure in Acts can be daunting to a small young church - so, where are we up to in our story?
A reflection on Acts 16:11-34 given to Sanctuary, 2 June 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Not me, Lord!

Healing means both responsibility and conflict.
A guided meditation through John 5:1-9 given to Sanctuary, 26 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Love, Forgive, Repeat

Loving like Jesus means loving through betrayal and beyond.
A reflection on John 13:31-35 given to Sanctuary, 19 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Radiating Resurrection

Peter raises Tabitha: for Christ lives on in his disciples.
A reflection on John 10:22-30 and Acts 9:36-43 given to Sanctuary, 12 May 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

What would you give?

What would you spend a year’s wages on? A house deposit? A fancy car? A university education? How about some fabulously expensive perfume for a man about to die? 
A reflection on John 12:1-8 and Philippians 3:4b-14 given to Sanctuary, 7 April 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Satisfying the Hunger Within

What are you hungry for? What are you craving? Food? Friendship? The dulling of the pain? An end to loneliness? The lighting up of the darkness? The warm embrace of love? To be hungry is to be human. To feed ourselves is to be human. And we live in a ravenous age ...
A reflection on Isaiah 55:1-9 given to Sanctuary, 24 March 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Predatory foxes and powerless hens

Where was God? A friend's question answered.
Please be aware: This reflection contains a brief description of domestic / family violence.
A reflection on Luke 13:29-35 given to Sanctuary, 17 March 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Journey to Jerusalem: A roadmap

The transfiguration provides a roadmap for the Lenten journey to Jerusalem. 
A reflection on Luke 9:28b-36 (37-45) given to Sanctuary, 3 March 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Context, culture and corporate identity: Understanding the sermon on the plain

The Zen Master Shichiri Kojun sat reciting sutras when all of a sudden a thief burst in, brandishing a sharp sword. He demanded his money or his life. “Do not disturb me,” said Shichiri. “You will find the money in that drawer over there.” Then he continued with his sutras ...
A reflection on Luke 6:27-38 given to Sanctuary, 24 February 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.

Comfortably distant from God

When do we encounter God's healing presence? 
A reflection on Luke 6:17-26 given to Sanctuary, 17 February 2019 © Alison Sampson, 2019.