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In touch

Up-to-the-minute jumping-off points for sermons, linking the reading to the latest news and global issues

Water: Life or death?

Across our readings water is a recurring motif: a foundational element of creation (Genesis 1), a powerful force of nature (Psalm 29) and the symbol synonymous with repentance and renewal in the baptisms of John in the Jordan (Mark 1:4-11).

 

Context

• As 2024 begins water is seemingly all around us with floods in the UK and an earthquake in Japan causing fears of a tsunami (thankfully so far not realised).
• Torrential rain and flooding call into question once again our stewardship of creation. The town of Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire finds itself once again under water. Images of its abbey just above the water line bring to mind Psalm 29:10.
• While those of us in Britain are suffering from a surfeit of water, .
• Water is a symbol of life and renewal. In many churches at this time of year people will be invited to share in Covenant or other services of renewal such as the renewal of baptismal vows.

 

Ideas for sermons or interactive talks

• The contrasting scenarios of too much and too little water both cry out for repentance, the confession of human sin that lies behind them and the changing of hearts and minds so that God’s creation is properly stewarded and no one dies due to a lack of clean water. There is an opportunity here to explore the need for collective as well as personal repentance and the need for forgiveness for societal and systemic as well as personal sin.
• These notes have focussed on the need for repentance with regard to our stewardship of creation and the sharing of the earth’s resources. What else might we need to repent of at this time? You may wish to invite people to think about this in a time of silence.
• At the beginning of a new year, you may wish to explore and offer an act of renewal with a focus on a renewed commitment to being Christ-like in the care of creation and the pursuit of peace. A simple liturgical act such as the washing of hands to symbolise repentance and new beginning would work well in an all-age context.

 

Questions for discussion

• The writer of Psalm 29 depicts the Lord as sitting ‘enthroned over the flood’ (Psalm 29:10 NRSV). Is this a helpful image? How might this sound if your home has been flooded? Where is God when the rain pours down relentlessly – literally or metaphorically? The Bible notes for this week say ‘The word for wind also means breath and spirit, a reminder that God is personally involved and invested in everything that happens around us and within us.’ You might like to put up an image of Tewkesbury Abbey surrounded by water while these questions are discussed.
• John the Baptist was courageous in speaking truth to power, in calling for repentance, in shaking things up. Who is doing these things today? How might we encourage them or join with them?
• In 2024 how might we partner with God in shaking up systems that contribute to climate catastrophe and children dying for lack of clean water?
• In the UK we will have a general election in 2024. How might we use our questions and our votes to shake up those seeking election?

Andrew Roberts is a husband, father, Methodist Minister and the author of Holy Habits. He enjoys watching football and, despite that, supports Aston Villa.

 

Check-in

Connecting faith with everyday, real-life issues for young people

After the whirlwind days of the Christmas Holidays and our great celebrations of the birth of Jesus Christ, here we are, back at the beginning of a new school term. I wonder how you are feeling about this? I hope you are excited to see your friends and teachers. But I suppose you may be a bit nervous too of what will lie ahead – it is natural to fear the unknown of a new term. But if this is you, then do not worry.

Because in this week’s readings, we learn about how God is at the heart of everything. We are taken right to the very first words of the Bible. In the beginning there was nothing. No earth, no places, no things, and so God had to create everything, even the most basic things in creation like light and dark – day and night.

What has this got to do with school?! Well, these first words of the whole Bible show that God is in complete control. Jumping forward to the Gospel, we meet John the Baptist – strangely dressed, touring widely, and loudly spreading his message. He stands out and grabs the attention of the community. Can you think of the loudest and most popular trend or person in your life at the moment? No doubt they are attracting lots of interest.

But, the second half of the Gospel introduces us to Jesus Christ who, when he is baptised, receives a message of approval directly from God.

Unlike John the Baptist and unlike the most popular people and things around us, God is the one who commands true power and rule over the universe. It is He who made the world, and His Son Jesus Christ who is the true King and leader of us all.

So, as a new school term begins, keep this in mind. Go forward confidently knowing that, regardless of all the pressures, trends, and situations in your life, God is in control. It is His voice which is the most important, and the one which will keep you safe. Try and be like Jesus in the coming days – be loving, be kind, pray – and you will hear the voice of God in your life – the best guide you can ask for.

Joe Allen is a recent graduate of the University of Exeter, holding a BA and MA in Theology at the University of Exeter. He works as a Pastoral Assistant in the Anglican Diocese of Southwark, alongside coordinating the work of a fundraising charity for a major church in central London.

Views expressed are the authors' own. Hypertext links to other websites are for the convenience of users only and do not constitute any endorsement or authorisation by ROOTS for Churches Ltd.

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