Alison and the whale

The Beautiful Backside of God

We seek the holy as if it is something we can achieve by our own efforts, as if it is to be had on demand: and God loves us so much that God interrupts.
A reflection on Exodus 33:12-23 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 22 October 2017 (AP24)

Bread in a Time of Hunger

Even if we feel like we’re wandering aimlessly; even if we’re grumbling; even if we’re longing for the old ways, we must remember: these feelings have precedent. The people of God have been here before...
A reflection on Exodus 16:2-15 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 24 September 2017 (AP20)

Dry Paths through Seas of Chaos

In God’s new creation, dry paths show the way to freedom: so, where are we being led?
A reflection on Exodus 14:19-31 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 17 September 2017 (AP19).

Walk like an Egyptian ... into the Promised Land!

As privileged people, we can’t simply claim the story of the Exodus without reflection, repentance, and concrete response. But if we are willing to hear God’s grief and anger at the suffering of the poor; if we are willing to acknowledge the horrors of our past; if we are willing to engage with the violence of our present, then we can move towards a different future.
A reflection on Exodus 12:1-14 by Alison Sampson, Sanctuary, 10 September 2017 (AP18)

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).