Alison and the whale

Church without Boundaries

Churches and religious organisations regularly exclude people from full participation, but following Jesus means demolishing all boundaries and seeking Christ beyond the walls of the church.
A message for a congregation preparing to commit to the next twelve months, drawing from Mark 7:24-30. Sanctuary, 9 September 2018 (Year B Proper 18, BP18).

You are not defiled

What if Jesus's disciples were attacked, not for failing to observe ritual food laws, but for failing to demonstrate "Biblical family values"? A re-telling of Mark 7:1-23 for a region hard-hit by clergy abuse.
Given to Sanctuary, 9 September 2018 (Year B Proper 17, BP17). Image shows a detail from Emmaus (2000) by Emmanuel Garibay, found here.

Senator Anning vs Christo-Cannibalism and the New Community of Love

Our world eats people alive: it's how we try to build community. Jesus offers a different way.
A reflection on John 6:51-58, given to Sanctuary, 19 August 2018 (Year B Proper 15, BP15).

One Spirit, One Body, One Church Review

Paul's letter to the Ephesians has much wisdom for a young church approaching its annual review.
A reflection on Ephesians 4:1-16 given to Sanctuary, 5 August 2018 (Year B Proper 13, BP13).

Healed to Serve

The disciples have returned from preaching and healing around the villages; in the face of people’s need, they have barely had time to eat. So Jesus invites them to come away to a deserted place and rest awhile. Yet the crowd guesses where they’re going, and meets them there. When Jesus sees the mob, his guts wrench with compassion, and he begins to teach and heal once more …
A reflection on Mark 6:30-34, 53-56 given to Sanctuary, 22 July 2018 (Year B Proper 11, BP11).

Nothing to be embarrassed about!

Tonight we reflect on a story from the second scroll of Samuel, when King David dances ecstatically in the street in a holy apron. He is heading up a procession of priests and  soldiers and musicians, bringing the Ark of the Covenant into the city. It’s like Mardi Gras; but when his wife sees him, she is filled with scorn … 
A reflection on 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 14-22 given to Sanctuary, 15 July 2018 (Year B Proper 10).

Bloody hell

Jesus is asked to heal a twelve-year-old girl, the daughter of a big shot in town. But his journey to the house is interrupted when a woman who has been haemorrhaging for twelve years sneaks into the crowd, and touches him.
A re-telling of Mark 5:21-43 given to Sanctuary, 1 July 2018 (Year B Proper 8).

One Rule to Ring Them All

Tonight we reflect on a story in the gospel of Mark, when a man with a withered hand reaches out to Jesus and is healed. Yet it’s the Sabbath, and so the Pharisees go ballistic. But first, we'll hear a different story: a story about neighbours ...
A reflection on Mark 2:23-3:6 given to Sanctuary, 3 June 2018 (BP04)

Becoming Heaven on Earth

For many, Mothers Day is a day of absence. How might the ancient story of the Ascension speak to those who are grieving now?
A reflection on Acts 1:1-10 given to Sanctuary for Mothers Day/Ascension, 13 May 2018.

Eating Out-of-Bounds: The Culture of God

Jewish Peter found himself eating with Gentiles; who are we called to eat with now?
A reflection on Acts 10 given to Sanctuary, 6 May 2018.