Who Would Play You in the Film of Your Life?A couple of weeks ago, Tracey, Daisy, and Tom headed off to the cinema, full of excitement—not just for the new Downton Abbey film, but because they had a personal connection to the cast. A young woman from our parish, living just off Newsham Hall Lane, had a part in the movie. Throughout the film, they strained their eyes, hoping to catch a glimpse of her—and they did!It got me thinking: if my life were turned into a film, who would play me?Of course, I’d need someone handsome, articulate, intelligent, and blessed with athletic prowess. (Naturally!) But truth be told, I struggle to remember the names of famous actors, and I certainly wouldn’t claim any resemblance to them. Still, it’s a charming idea—that our lives might be considered remarkable enough for the big screen. After all, don’t we all imagine ourselves as the hero in our own story?A Hero EmergesWhen Jesus stood in the synagogue in Nazareth and read from Isaiah, the congregation was captivated. The words spoke of a great story—God’s calling for His people and the promise of an anointed one who would bring blessing not just to Israel, but to the whole world.In announcing that this prophecy was being fulfilled in their midst, Jesus laid out a manifesto for his ministry. Here was the hero, the one who would bring good news, break chains of oppression, and proclaim freedom. No wonder the people were thrilled—this wasn’t just a story from long ago. It was happening now, in their town.But Jesus didn’t let their excitement run unchecked. He warned them: joy would be followed by challenge. The people who were amazed by him would soon try to manage him, use him, and demand signs and miracles that served their own interests. They wanted healing to begin at home.Claimed for a CauseIt’s tempting, isn’t it, to claim Jesus for our own agendas? We see it across the spectrum of Christianity—groups holding up Jesus as the champion of their cause. It’s easy to spot when others do it, but harder to admit when we do it ourselves.Whether our politics lean left or right, whether our goals are noble or self-serving, we all risk turning Jesus into a sidekick in our story, rather than recognising him as the central figure in God’s story.But Jesus isn’t a supporting character. He’s the one through whom all things were made, the one who sustains all that exists. Scripture tells the story of creation, of humanity’s journey, of God’s calling—and it all points to Jesus.It’s a story of love, of alienation and reconciliation, of brokenness and healing. From the first light over the formless earth to the eternal light of the Holy City, the Bible reveals Jesus as the true light of the world.Today’s Casting CallOn this Bible Sunday, we might feel a bit like those in the synagogue—excited to hear ancient words come alive in our own time. My hope is that we, too, feel the joy of seeing Scripture unfold in our lives.But let’s remember: we’re not the heroes of this story. Jesus hasn’t been cast as our wise mentor or love interest. He’s not here to promote our personal causes or put our town on the map.Jesus is the beginning and the end of God’s great story.And yet, what a privilege it is to be part of that story. You beautiful people of St Anne’s are not nameless extras in the background. You are known, called, and invited into the adventure.Here, in our village, in our lifetime, we can follow Jesus in bringing good news, breaking chains of injustice, and proclaiming freedom. As Scripture is fulfilled in Jesus, may it come to life again in us.Amen.
Three Little Words: Increase Our FaithSermon blog by Fr Martin (Associate Priest)"Increase our faith." Three little words spoken by the apostles to Jesus. Simple, yet profound. A short sentence that carries the weight of longing, struggle, and hope.I wonder how many of us feel like we have enough faith. Or are you like me—sometimes wishing for just a little more? A little more trust that God really is in control of this fragile and broken world. A little more belief that it’s all going to be okay. We just have to have faith, right? Simple.But if you’ve ever wished for a little more faith, I promise you—you’re not alone.Even the Apostles AskedIn today’s Gospel reading (Luke 17:5–10), it’s Jesus’ apostles who ask for more faith. These are the people who walked with Jesus daily, who witnessed miracles, healings, and divine authority. And yet, even they struggled to believe and trust fully.They had been listening to Jesus’ recent teachings—challenging, even troubling ones. Just before this passage, Jesus says:“Occasions for stumbling are bound to come, but woe to anyone by whom they come! It would be better for you if a millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea than for you to cause one of these little ones to stumble.” (Luke 17:1–2)No wonder the apostles respond with urgency and desperation: “Increase our faith!”There’s no polite request, no preamble. Just a raw, honest plea. And that should bring comfort to anyone who’s ever whispered the same prayer.How Much Faith Is Enough?When the apostles ask for more faith, Jesus responds with a famous image:“If you have faith the size of a mustard seed…”The mustard seed is tiny—perhaps the smallest seed the disciples knew. And Jesus says that even faith that small is enough. Why? Because it’s not about how much faith we have, but who we place our faith in.Faith isn’t the absence of doubt. As Anne Lamott writes:“The opposite of faith is not doubt, but certainty. If we have certainty then we are missing the point entirely. Faith includes noticing the mess, the emptiness and discomfort, and letting it be there until some light returns.”Faith means trusting Jesus—even when things seem dark. Holding onto that mustard seed-sized belief and trusting that it’s enough.Trust HimJesus follows his mustard seed metaphor with a story about a servant doing what is commanded. It’s a reminder: we’re not in charge. We don’t need to have it all figured out. God is in control. Our job is to trust Him and keep going.If you have enough faith to ask for more, then you already have enough.Can Faith Grow?But let’s return to the apostles’ question: “Increase our faith!”Jesus says a mustard seed is enough—but mustard seeds grow. In fact, earlier in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed that grows into a tree, offering shelter to birds.So yes—faith can grow. And here are three ways we can nurture it:1. Ask for More FaithJust like the apostles did. Turn their words into a prayer:Lord, I’m struggling to believe. Help me trust you more. Increase my faith.God already knows our hearts. So talk to Him. Ask Him. That’s the first step.2. Come to ChurchThe apostles said, “Increase our faith.” Faith grows in community. Church is where we’re reminded of God’s goodness, where we hear His Word, and where we share in the sacraments. Don’t wait until you feel strong in faith—come, and be nurtured.3. Share Your StrugglesTalk to a Christian friend. Or to someone in ministry. Don’t keep your doubts to yourself. Faith grows when we’re honest, when we’re supported, and when we walk together.Closing ThoughtsSo let me leave you with this:Your faith—however small it may seem—is enough. Because it’s never been about the size of your faith. It’s always been about who you place your faith in.No matter how little our faith, when we place it in Jesus, there is no end to what He can accomplish.So let us pray together: Lord Jesus, Increase Our Faith. Amen.
Discipleship at the Expense of Everything Else Reflections on Luke 14:25–33 By Fr Martin [Associate Priest] A Personal Introduction Today is my wedding anniversary—a day filled with love and gratitude. So, you can imagine my surprise when I opened our Gospel reading and found Jesus saying: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children…” Just a couple of weeks ago, I was preaching on Jesus wanting to set fire to the world. And now this? Hate my family? What is going on? Facing the Hard Words of Jesus Let’s be honest—this is a difficult passage. It’s tempting to skip over it and focus on the “nicer” parts of Scripture. But as Christians, we believe the Bible is God’s authoritative word, meant to shape us—even when it challenges us. So what is Jesus really saying here? What Does It Mean to Be a Disciple? The word hate in verse 26 is shocking. Isn’t Jesus the Prince of Peace? The one who tells us to love our enemies? Yes—and Scripture also commands us to love our spouses, children, and parents. But in the Jewish context, “hate” often meant “to love less.” Jesus is using strong language to make a point: He must come first. This isn’t about literal hatred. It’s about radical prioritisation. Jesus is saying: “If you want to follow me, I must have all of you.” Discipleship means shaping our lives—our decisions, relationships, finances—around Jesus. It’s not just about conversion; it’s about walking together in faith. Journeying Together In verse 25, we read: “Large crowds were travelling with Jesus.” They weren’t just listening—they were journeying. And that’s key: we don’t follow Jesus alone. Faith is personal, yes. But it’s also communal. Some of the most meaningful Sundays are when people ask questions, wrestle with the sermon, and seek deeper understanding. That’s discipleship in action. Jesus challenges the crowd to count the cost of following Him. He uses examples—a builder estimating costs, a king assessing his army—to warn against impulsive decisions. Following Him requires thought, commitment, and sacrifice. What Does This Look Like at St Anne’s? At St Anne’s, discipleship begins with baptism. It’s the moment we’re welcomed into God’s family. Whether we speak the promises ourselves or through parents and godparents, it’s the start of a lifelong journey. We grow together—through weekly worship, prayer, fellowship, communion, and studying God’s word. And we carry that rhythm into our week: Daily prayer Bible reading Living out our faith in everyday life Keep your Bible with you. Keep it in your bag, your car—wherever you’ll read it. Let it guide you. From Sparks to Fire Baptism is the spark. But we’re not just after sparks—we’re after fire. A fire that grows through habits, not hype. Through rhythms of grace, not quick fixes. Discipleship is slow, often unseen, and rarely flashy. But it’s how the Spirit shapes us. It’s how we grow into Christ. So, let’s commit to the long game. Let’s build resilience. Let’s read the whole Bible, even the hard parts. Let’s journey together. Final Thought Jesus wants you—not just for a moment, but for a lifetime. It has to be Jesus all the way. This is discipleship at the expense of everything else—so that we can experience the joy of a lifelong journey with Him. Amen.
EASY & SECURE GIVING One of the really important ways that each of us lives our faith and participates in the mission of the Church, is through the act of giving. Regular giving can be a prayerful expression of faith in action, and it is vital to sustain our church, helping us to plan for the future. We are members of the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) which provides the simplest and most secure way for everyone to give to our church. By making a gift through PGS, they manage all the admin on our behalf, which makes a big difference to the church staff and volunteers. In fact, if you already give regularly through a Standing Order, please consider moving across to PGS. It’s quite straight forward to make the change (you just cancel the standing order with your bank and set up a new gift with PGS) and you’ll be lightening the load of our church team! When you set up a regular gift by Direct Debit with PGS, you can choose the frequency and amount of your gift and opt in to Gift Aid, if you are eligible. Through Gift Aid, we receive an extra 25p for every pound you give which makes a significant impact across the year. There’s also an option for you to increase your gift annually, with the peace of mind that you can adjust your gift at any time. One of the most important aspects of our choice to partner PGS to process gifts on behalf of this church, is that the giver always remains in control. The quickest and easiest way to set up and manage your regular gift is online, through the PGS website.It is also possible to make a one-off gift online, using a debit or credit card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. To set up a regular or one-off gift online, scan the QR code Or visit parishgiving.org.uk, find your church using the easy search tool, and follow a few simple steps to set up your gift securely. If you’re not connected to the internet, don’t worry. You can set up your regular gift by phoning the PGS team on 0333 002 1271, Monday to Friday, 9-5, or completing a paper gift form. If you’d like to know more, please get in touch with Debra Barnes (Church treasurer)
