Alison and the whale

A Passion for Life

The church needs a diversity of people, united by a passion for life.
A short reflection bouncing off Exodus 1:8-2:10 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 27 August 2017 (AP16), on the occasion of the service of recommitment for the year.

Bread and Stories, and The Transforming Power of Love

Next week, we reconstitute the congregation for the coming year. So what does this look like here?
A reflection on Genesis 45:1-15 & Psalm 133, Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 20 August 2017 (AP15)

Imperial Economics and the Economy of God

God’s economy of abundance is not about limitless economic growth, but fullness of life.
A reflection on Genesis 37:1-28 and beyond, given to Sanctuary, 13 August 2017 (AP14).

Smash the Patriarchy! The Sin Revealed Through Jacob's Wives

Leah and Rachel's relationship reveals the toxic effects of the patriarchy. So is the patriarchy God's will?
A reflection on Genesis 29:14b-30:24, 35:16-20 given to Sanctuary, 30 July 2017 (AP12).

The God of Your Dreams

Many of us think blessing is a reward for good behaviour, but the story of Jacob paints a different picture of God.
A reflection on Genesis 28:10-22, given to Sanctuary, 23 July 2017 (AP11).

Blessed is the No-Good Trickster

Jacob was a trickster: a grabby liar who swindled his brother out of a blessing, and an inheritance. Yet God chose Jacob as the father of Israel; and through Jesus, you are invited into the family, too.
A retelling of Genesis 25:19-28:5 for Sanctuary, 16 July 2017 (AP10).

Alt*red State: A text of terror brings good news

The usual interpretation of the binding of Isaac is that God requires us to sacrifice everything, even, if asked, our own children. But could a contextual awareness provide a different and more life-giving reading?
A reflection on Genesis 22:1-14 given to Sanctuary, 2 July 2017 (AP08). 

Ishmael, Isaac, and the Shared Inheritance

In a world torn apart by 'us' and 'them' thinking, the story of Ishmael and Isaac offers healing.
A reflection on Genesis 21:8-21 for Sanctuary, 25 June 2017. 

Hope, love, and laughter: The gifts that strangers bring

The God of life is welcomed as a stranger, and brings blessing. This pattern is seen throughout the Scriptures; what are the implications for us?
A reflection on Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7 by Alison Sampson for Sanctuary, 18 June 2017 (AP06).

Wounded and Scarred - and Here!

Are you looking for Jesus? Then turn your gaze to the earth.
A reflection on Acts 1:1-11 given to Sanctuary, 28 May 2017.