One of the main themes of Advent is preparing for the coming of Christ. As we reflect on the message of John the Baptist we consider how best we can prepare our own hearts for Christmas.

John the Baptist brought a challenging message from the Judean wilderness to the people of his day, however John's words are still inviting us to reflect on our faith, our commitment and our love for God.

Amongst the business and excitement in the build up to Christmas, we have a chance to pause to recenter ourselves in the story of Jesus. What are we expectant of God to do in our world and our lives, and how can we prepare our hearts?

In the final sermon of our series looking at Stories Jesus Asked, we consider how - despite his denials - Peter still loved Jesus, and is invited back into relationship with Christ.

Though His suffering, Jesus brings transformation. His call through our sorrows is to remain awake and watching for Him.

This week we reflect on the evil and waste of war. Against the backdrop of the invasions of Ukraine and Gaza this issue seems more pertinent than ever.

The sad reality is that the suffering of poverty is all around us. Jesus, and His Church, offers hope to all though the difficulty and sadness. The desperations of homelessness and isolation shame our society, we, as a Church, are called to love and help where we can.

A lot has happened over the last year. This week, the vicar pauses to take stock of what has happened, and forward to what God might be doing amongst us.

It's easy to see structures and challenges of the secular world as separate from the concerns of the Church; but of course, everything belongs to God, and sometimes it's the role of His people to speak truth to power.

Salt changes everything it is mixed with; it flavours, heals and preserves. Jesus plays on all these levels of meaning when comparing his followers to salt.

This week Jesus poses one of his most challenging questions - who do you say I am? This question cuts to the heart of our faith, our values and our trust in Him.

As twelve members of the Church - both children and adults - affirm and confirm their faith in Jesus Christ, Bishop Emma reflects on the meaning of the service. In confirmation we enter more fully into the family of Christ as well as having the opportunity to publicly declare our faith in Him.