Redeemer Central

In part 2 Stephanie Wilson teaches how we meditate on scripture. The digital age teaches us to read quickly and move on, but the library of Scripture was created for slow, prayerful reflection so that God's thoughts inhabit our minds completely.

Scripture 01: ReadScripture is far more than an ancient text—it's a sacred story and a portal into God's reality, with the power to shape and transform our lives. In this sermon David Armstrong explores why reading the Bible is essential for those who follow Jesus, the Rabbi who modelled a life deeply immersed in Scripture. The Scriptures are not just for information but for spiritual formation. As we slow down, pray, and approach the text with hearts open to God's presence, the Spirit invites us into a living encounter with Christ—an encounter that shapes who we are and roots us firmly in the Story of God.

Scripture 00: A Jesus-Centred Approach The library we call “the Bible” can connect us to God and change who we are, but distraction, hurry, and confusion can hinder our experience with these ancient texts. This is the first of a six-week series helping us rediscover how to engage Scripture as an apprentice to Jesus.In this first part David Armstrong explores the complexities of interpreting the Bible in a modern world where it often seems to conflict with science, morality, and lived experience. Rather than abandoning Scripture or reading it literally without nuance, we are invited to rediscover the Bible through the lens of Jesus. Rooted in the Anabaptist tradition, this Jesus-centred approach helps us reconcile difficult passages, prevents us from misusing Scripture as a weapon and instead embrace the Bible as a divinely inspired narrative that points us to Jesus.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

The Book of Job is a strange and compelling story nestled within the Hebrew Scriptures — a poetic exploration of human suffering, divine mystery, and the search for meaning in the midst of loss. In this opening message of a new mini-series, John Herron finishes our journey through Job by looking at the dramatic epilogue in Chapters 38-42.

The Book of Job is a strange and compelling story nestled within the Hebrew Scriptures — a poetic exploration of human suffering, divine mystery, and the search for meaning in the midst of loss. In this second part Stephanie Wilson looks at the conversations between Job and his friends (ch.3-42) and how we can learn to sit with doubt, lament honestly, and find God's presence even in the midst of pain and suffering that we don't understand.

The Book of Job is a strange and compelling story nestled within the Hebrew Scriptures — a poetic exploration of human suffering, divine mystery, and the search for meaning in the midst of loss. In this opening message of a new mini-series, John Herron begins our journey through Job by looking at the dramatic prologue in Chapters 1 & 2.

The resurrection is not a happy ending.“Resurrection is not an invitation to escape the world; it is an invitation to change it.” — Desmond Tutu

David Armstrong explores the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem for the Passover Festival, marking the moment when Jesus' project went public. Jesus' entry into the city on a donkey, fulfilling a 500-year-old prophecy, was a form of guerrilla theatre, a deliberate subversion of power and an act that mocked the dominant displays of the Roman Empire. Jesus' humble procession was antithetical to Pontius Pilate's imperial display, challenging us to reflect on our own expectations of Jesus and inviting us to choose allegiance to a kingdom of love, not force.“Two processions entered Jerusalem on a spring day in the year 30. . . One was a peasant procession, the other an imperial procession. From the east, Jesus rode a donkey down the Mouth of Olives, cheered by his followers. . . On the opposite side of the city, from the west, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Idumea, Judea, and Samaria, entered Jerusalem at the head of a column of imperial calvary and soldiers. Jesus's procession proclaimed the kingdom of God; Pilate's proclaimed the power of empire.” — John Dominic Crossan & Marcus Borg

In Part 4 of our series The Big Questions, Stephanie Wilson brings a hopeful theological reflection on the difficult question' What about Hell?', exploring various views of the church before looking most significantly at what Jesus said and how we might think, not only about what happens once this life is over, but how we live today as his followers.

A 7 minute reflection and prayer on Mothering Sunday by Andrew Farmer & Libby Ryans. Andrew performs a reading of his poem ‘Knitting & Kicking' — a studio recording is available on his album Amelanchier at https://frmr.bandcamp.com/album/amelanchier

In Part 3 of our series The Big Questions, David Armstrong helps us explore the tension between violent depictions of God in Scripture and the radical peace of Jesus. While wars have been justified in God's name throughout history—including today in Ukraine and Gaza—Jesus reveals a different path: love for enemies, rejection of violence and vengeance, and the peaceable Kingdom (Matthew 5:38-48, Revelation 5:5-6).In fact, Jesus teaches his disciples that we should understand God as a divine parent, and throughout Scripture, maternal imagery portrays God as a mother—nurturing, caring, and protecting (Matthew 23:37, Isaiah 49:15). Julia Ward Howe's Mother's Day Proclamation in 1870 called women to oppose war and work for reconciliation—advocacy that flows from the transformative vision of what God is like: not a vengeful warrior, but a protective mother who seeks peace and wholeness for all.This podcast recording begins with a 7min reflection and prayer on Mothering Sunday by Andrew Farmer & Libby Ryans. Andrew performs a reading of his poem ‘Knitting & Kicking' — a studio recording is available on his album Amelanchier at https://frmr.bandcamp.com/album/amelanchier

The Big Questions: 02 What about the Cross?Crosses are everywhere. As NT Wright says “You can't get away from it. It's everywhere. In homes, in films, in paintings, in pop videos. Worn as an earring, as a necklace. Stitched or studded onto leather or denim. Tattooed onto skin.”What comes to mind when you think about the cross? In this sermon, John Herron explores a number of historical atonement theories about the crucifixion of Jesus and shows us how the cross is ultimately the fullest revelation of a loving, reconciling, forgiving God. As Brian Zahnd says “The cross is not what God inflicts upon Jesus in order to forgive, but what God in Christ endures as he forgives.”.Please note that unfortunately due to a technical error the very end of this sermon was not recorded.

Tom and Kirsten (Story Sunday)David Armstrong interviews Tom Magill and Kirsten Kearney about their very different upbringings, the challenges they both faced, how they met, married, and went on to start their company, ESC Film. Together, they use their experiences to help others own their stories and find their voice.ESC Film is a filmmaking company and arts education charity based in Belfast, specialising in mental health. They primarily work with people with complex needs, offering facilitation, creative development, and film production. Their award-winning team has expertise in therapeutic filmmaking, giving a voice to socially excluded individuals and helping them transform their stories into powerful, compelling films.For more information about their work visit esc-film.comAbout Story Sunday: Story Sunday creates space for sharing stories and exploring the intersection of faith and spirituality with lived experience.

The Big Questions: 01 What is God like?What comes to mind when you think about God? In this sermon, we explore how our understanding of God shapes everything. Challenging the idea of an angry, wrathful deity, we turn to Scripture and Jesus' life to reveal a God of love, mercy, and grace. Through the Prodigal Son story, Rembrandt's art, and reflections on historical theology, we uncover the heart of God and the liberating good news of a God who is truly love.

This Story Sunday is a special one with our friends Todd Deatherage and Jason Miller. David Armstrong interviews Todd and Jason on their work, the principles of peacemaking, conflict and justice, Israel/Palestine, the genocide taking place in Gaza, and why these issues should matter to us as followers of Jesus.Todd Deatherage is the co-founder and executive director of Telos, an organization dedicated to reconciliation and peacebuilding in conflict zones like Israel/Palestine. With a background in U.S. politics and diplomacy, Todd equips communities to bridge divides and promote mutual flourishing. For more on Todd's work and Telos visit telosgroup.orgJason Miller is the lead pastor of South Bend City Church, a community-driven church in Indiana focused on creating an inclusive space for faith and justice. Known for his thoughtful teaching, Jason fosters a Christ-centered faith that embraces complexity and grace. For more on Jason's work visit jasonadammiller.com and South Bend City Church visit southbendcitychurch.comAbout Story Sunday: Story Sunday creates space for sharing stories and exploring the intersection of faith and spirituality with lived experience.

The final chapters of the Book of Esther reveal the resolution of the story. After Haman's downfall, Esther and Mordecai work together to save the Jewish people. Mordecai is promoted to a position of great authority, and the Jewish people celebrate their deliverance, marking the beginning of the festival of Purim.In Part 4, Stephanie Wilson reflects on the entire story, the characters' choices and decisions, and how the lens through which we read can alter our understanding of the narrative.What begins as a story of imminent destruction ends with triumph and celebration. Esther and Mordecai's actions remind us that God often works through ordinary people standing against oppression, emphasizing that justice is a collaborative act of divine and human partnership. This story calls us to a theology of advocacy and action, using whatever power, privilege, influence, and opportunity we have to seek the flourishing of all people, "for such a time as this."

In Part 3, David Armstrong unpacks Esther's courageous and strategic actions to save her people. After fasting, Esther risks her life by approaching King Xerxes and carefully revealing Haman's plot against the Jews. Her wisdom and patience lead to a powerful reversal, with Haman's plans backfiring and resulting in his downfall. Esther's transformation into a bold and discerning leader serves as an inspiration, encouraging us to step into our own power, speak up for ourselves and those without a voice, and trust that hope and change are possible.

John Herron picks up the story of Esther in chapters 3 & 4, where we find a rising threat against the Jewish people as Haman plots their destruction. Mordecai urges Esther to use her position as queen to intervene, and she faces a life-threatening decision with Mordecai's words echoing in her mind “Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this.”

David Armstrong begins our exploration of the Book of Esther, a captivating narrative from the Hebrew Bible and Old Testament. We journey into the Persian Empire under King Xerxes and delve into themes of fear, identity, and resilience looking at how the hidden parts of ourselves can provide strength in times of limitation and hardship. We also reflect on God's unseen presence in Esther's story, reminding us that even when life feels chaotic or uncertain, His hand is always at work behind the scenes.

What Makes Us: 02 Living the StoryIn this second part of the What Makes Us series, we explore what it means to live out the Jesus Story in our daily lives. David Armstrong reflects on the incarnation—God becoming flesh in Christ and dwelling among us—and how it serves as a model for us to embody God's active presence.As followers of Jesus, we are called to be His hands, feet, and eyes, continuing His mission of compassion, healing, and blessing in our communities. The early Christian practice of radical hospitality—welcoming everyone, whether sinner or saint, rich or poor — and the powerful metaphors of Tables & Gardens, illustrate ways to follow Jesus' example by gathering in inclusive community and nurturing spaces of growth, life, and transformation.

What Makes Us: 01 Embracing the StoryWe explore the power of stories and how they shape our lives, from the narrative of everyday life to the deeper stories that give us meaning, we're wired for storytelling.David Armstrong challenges us to reflect on the story we're living in—is it one of grace and purpose, or have we unknowingly embraced a fiction that holds us back? When we look closely at the Book of Genesis we see that our true story begins with God's blessing, not with shame or failure. We are all sacred, created in God's image, and invited to live authentically in the story of His grace.

Stephanie Wilson speaks on ‘the antidote of enough' that counters our cultures message that we should ‘be more, want more and have more'.In the Lords Prayer recorded in Matthew 6 — a prayer that Jesus taught his disciples — we find an invitation to a deep and daily trust in God's provision and abundance.

The Trinity is one of the great mysteries of the Christian faith. Jesus ultimate agenda was coming to humanity to reveal what God is actually like. We have come to understand God as three distinct persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet one God. We use metaphors and language to describe God, but our theology can never fully contain God. Various metaphors have been used to explain God as ‘Trinity' but they often miss the mark, failing to grasp the mystery of divine love. In this sermon David Armstrong uses two images that help us grasp the mystery of God's nature as seamless, dynamic, interwoven community of love that sits at the centre of all things — the triune in their fellowship of divine love — and the invitation to us to participate in that love and allow it to shape who we are.Note: Episode Artwork is one of the most famous icons in history written by Andrei Rublev, a Russian monk and iconographer it 1425. It is entitled ‘The Hospitality of Abraham', but more commonly known as ‘Troitsa' - Russian for Triune or Trinity.

Solitude 05 - Q&ADavid, Armstrong, John Herron & Scott Witherick discuss the series on solitude and share some of their learning along the way.This took place on Pentecost Sunday and includes Prayers & Liturgies to celebrate and mark this day and the end of the season of Eastertide. Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Solitude 04 - Encounter with Our GodSolitude is the place of encounter and ultimately, we go into the quiet to encounter God. We go because we ache for God in the deepest place in our being. We go because there is nothing like God's presence. We go to listen for his voice, to hear him speak over us our identity and calling.In this fourth and final teaching we learn that this back and forth of speaking and listening to God is the heart not only of communication, but of communion with God. As important as it is to receive our identity and calling as a gift from God's hand, ultimately, the most important thing that happens in solitude is that we love and are loved by God.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw***Note: Due to a faulty recording we were unable to share the teaching by Scott Witherick. In it's place for the podcast we are sharing the teaching from Practicing the Way, delivered by John Mark Comer.***

Solitude 03 - Encounter with Our SelfSolitude can be deeply refreshing, but just as often, it can feel like painful emotional surgery. We can get away from people, but we can't get away from our self. And often what we carry into solitude is our pain.In the third teaching Stephanie Wilson encourages us to follow the example of Jesus by finding a quiet place and going to the place of pain because it is there we meet God. Through this simple but difficult practice of noticing and naming our emotions before God in prayer, and offering them up to God in raw honesty, we can be deeply formed into the people God has always desired for us to become.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Solitude 02 - Encounter with Our EnemyIn the second teaching John Herron looks at the goal of being alone with God in the silence: ultimately to hear God's voice over all the other voices in our head, Jesus and his early followers fought battles in solitude. As we face resistance from three enemies of our soul — the world, the flesh, and the devil — in solitude, we learn to fight lies by listening carefully for God's voice and using scripture to anchor ourselves in God's truth.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Solitude 01 - The Quiet PlaceDistraction is one of the greatest threats to spiritual health in the modern world. We all feel it — we're bombarded by noise like never before. Jesus has an invitation for us: Step away from it all to be alone with him, for the sake of our souls and the sake of others. In this first teaching David Armstrong looks at how Solitude is not a place but a practice, one that follows Jesus' pattern of retreating from distractions to be fully present with the Father and returning to serve in community.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptwNote: Sermon begins at 8mins

The resurrection is not a happy ending. It doesn't depend on you or need your permission. The resurrection sees Christ standing in the garden alive on that Easter Sunday morning — having walked through the brutality & death of Good Friday and the forsakenness & silence of Holy Saturday — and he stands present and alive speaking your name, and a word of possibility laced with grace, love and hope.

David Armstrong teaches from Matthew 21 on the events of Palm Sunday. The arrival of Jesus and his disciples into Jerusalem for the Passover Festival is the moment that Jesus project goes public. Jesus entering the city on the donkey — the fulfilment of a 500 year old prophecy — is a form of guerrilla theatre that makes a mockery of the dominant forms of power displayed by the Roman Empire. In one act of parody he exposes this kind of power for what it is; fearful, insecure, oppressive and violent…and simultaneously embodies the very kind of alternative power of the Kingdom of God… co-suffering love expressed in humility and forgiveness.“Two processions entered Jerusalem on a spring day in the year 30. . . One was a peasant procession, the other an imperial procession. From the east, Jesus rode a donkey down the Mouth of Olives, cheered by his followers. . . On the opposite side of the city, from the west, Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Idumea, Judea, and Samaria, entered Jerusalem at the head of a column of imperial calvary and soldiers. Jesus's procession proclaimed the kingdom of God; Pilate's proclaimed the power of empire.” — John Dominic Crossan & Marcus Borg

Fasting 05 - Q&ADavid, Armstrong, John Herron & Stephanie Wilson discuss the series on fasting and share some of their learning along the way.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Fasting 04 - To Stand with the Poor“Give to the hungry what you deny your own appetite.” —St. Gregory of NyssaIn the West, many of us struggle with the problem of food abundance — having too much food to eat. Our cupboards overflow with snacks; we have so much food in our fridges it goes bad before we have a chance to eat it; apps on our phones can put any food we want just a few swipes away.Dieting is a constant fad, and most of us live in a daily war of attrition against sugar, processed carbs, and over-indulgence. But most of the world, and many more people than we realise in our own neighbourhoods and cities, live with food scarcity — not having enough to eat. Often, they are hiding in plain sight in our own churches and communities.Fasting is a way to bridge this gap, between “the haves” and “the have nots.” Going back at least as far as Isaiah 58, it has long been a vehicle for biblical justice, a way for those with too much food to share with those in need of food.Early on in the history of the church, fasting was tied to what Jesus and the early Christians called “almsgiving” — a practice that combined generosity, serving, and justice. On fasting days, Christians would take the food or the money they would have spent on food and give it to the poor. Often, they would also give the time they would have spent cooking, eating, and cleaning up to serve the poor.In Part 4 Stephanie Wilson shows us how this simple practice of giving away the money we would have spent on ourselves has the potential to transform not only the lives of the poor, but also our own lives and communities.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw***Note: This recording took place on Mother's Day and includes communal prayers to mark this occasion for all.

Fasting 03 - To Amplify Our PrayersFasting and prayer go together. Like two wings of a bird, together they take flight. You can pray without fasting, and you can fast without praying, but when you combine the two, there's a noticeable amplification of our prayer before God.This comes as no surprise, since fasting is a kind of praying with our body. When the request of our heart is coupled with the yearning of our body, our prayer is purified of its dross and presented like a precious metal before the Father, for him to do as he will.“Prayer” is an umbrella term for the medium through which we communicate and commune with God and it involves both speaking and listening. Fasting is a key companion in both. In Part 3 John Herron helps us see the role fasting has in both hearing God and being heard by God. Firstly it is an aid in discerning the voice of God through the noise and distraction of our lives that we might hear how God is coming to us and his will and direction for our lives. Secondly, fasting is an aid to being heard by God, helping us break through the walls that stand between us and the release of God's plans, purposes, and power. Story after story — in Scripture and church history — attest to this reality: When prayer and fasting link arms, it's often the tipping point in the struggle to release God's Kingdom, on earth as it is in heaven.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Fasting 02 - Grow in HolinessFasting is one of the most essential and powerful of all the practices of Jesus and, arguably, the single most neglected one in the modern, Western church. The Fasting Practice will train you in this ancient discipline, integrating your whole body into life with God.In Part 2 David Armstrong shares how fasting has many physical benefits for our bodies that mirror how it benefits our souls.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw*** Note: This sermon didn't record live on Sunday so we re-recorded it later .***Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw***Note: The first half of the sermon didn't record live on Sunday so we re-recorded that part later .

Fasting 01 - Offering Ourselves to JesusAs powerful as the mind is, because we are holistic beings, we can't simply think our way into spiritual maturity. Our discipleship to Jesus must take seriously our body, as it is “the temple of the Holy Spirit” — a home where we make room for God to dwell. Most of us are used to approaching our spiritual formation and life with God through the door of our mind — by thinking, talking, praying, reading, or hearing teaching and preaching. But very few of us are comfortable approaching our spiritual formation through our stomach, or our body as a whole.In this first teaching David Armstrong looks at how Fasting is one of the best disciplines we have to reintegrate our mind to our body, and offer our whole selves to God in surrender.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw***Note: The first half of the sermon didn't record live on Sunday so we re-recorded that part later .

Prayer 05 - Q&APrayer is simply the medium through which we communicate and commune with God. The practice of prayer is learning to set aside dedicated time to intentionally be with God, in order to become like him and partner with him in the world.In Prayer part 4 David Armstrong explores the fourth stage of prayer: being with God. There comes a point in our spiritual journey when prayer goes beyond words to simple loving presence, or what the ancient Christians called “union” with God. This type of prayer has come to be called “contemplation,” based on 2 Corinthians 3v18. To contemplate is to look, to gaze upon the beauty of God, receiving his love pouring out toward you in Christ and by the Spirit, and then giving your love back in return.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Prayer 04 - Being With GodPrayer is simply the medium through which we communicate and commune with God. The practice of prayer is learning to set aside dedicated time to intentionally be with God, in order to become like him and partner with him in the world.In Prayer part 4 David Armstrong explores the fourth stage of prayer: being with God. There comes a point in our spiritual journey when prayer goes beyond words to simple loving presence, or what the ancient Christians called “union” with God. This type of prayer has come to be called “contemplation,” based on 2 Corinthians 3v18. To contemplate is to look, to gaze upon the beauty of God, receiving his love pouring out toward you in Christ and by the Spirit, and then giving your love back in return.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Prayer 03 - Listening to GodPrayer is simply the medium through which we communicate and commune with God. The practice of prayer is learning to set aside dedicated time to intentionally be with God, in order to become like him and partner with him in the world.In Prayer part 3 John Herron helps us understand that prayer is not just when we talk but when we listen to hear his voice. As Jesus said in John 10v27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” This is a Spirit-generated desire in the heart of a disciple of Jesus.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Prayer 02 - Talking with GodPrayer is simply the medium through which we communicate and commune with God. The practice of prayer is learning to set aside dedicated time to intentionally be with God, in order to become like him and partner with him in the world.In Prayer part 2 Stephanie Wilson helps us begin to learn how to talk with God. Praying pre-made prayers is a beautiful way to pray. It's where we start our prayer journey, and it's a place we revisit all through our lives. But at some point in our life of prayer, we desire to pray our own words to God — to share what's on our mind, our heart. Our pain, our joy, our hopes and fears. We can't help but desire to interact with God in a more authentic, personalised way.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Prayer 01 - Talking to GodPrayer is simply the medium through which we communicate and commune with God. The practice of prayer is learning to set aside dedicated time to intentionally be with God, in order to become like him and partner with him in the world.In Prayer part 1 David Armstrong explores the first stage of prayer: talking to God. When the disciples asked Jesus, “Teach us to pray,” in Luke 11, Jesus replied, “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name...'” He gave them a pre-made prayer, or what some call a liturgy, to pray to God.One of the single most important tasks of discipleship to Jesus is starting, habituating, and fine-tuning a daily prayer rhythm. So we start our four-week journey simply, by praying pre-made prayers to God.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw***Note: This recording begins with a prayer captured during our time of sung worship. The sermon begins at 6min30secs.

David Armstrong finishes our Advent series looking at this season as a divine invitation and divine interruption.Note: This recording begins with a prayer led by Ian Ryans for Israel-Palestine, amid all the conflict and violence taking place there.

Scott Witherick brings a reflection on the season for our Advent series

Glen Mitchell begins our Advent series

Sabbath 04 - WorshipIn Sabbath Part 4 we look at how sabbath isn't just a day to stop, rest, and throw a feast in community — it's a holy day set apart and dedicated to God himself.For many Western Christians, Sunday has become what Eugene Peterson called a “bastard Sabbath”–the illegitimate offspring of the Sabbath and a secular day off. Whether you practice Sabbath on Sundays, Saturdays, or another day of the week, it's essential to remember God commands us to “remember the Sabbath by keeping it holy.” To keep it “holy” means to sanctify it, set it apart, and dedicate it to God for his special purposes. Sabbath isn't just a day to sleep in, relax, and do whatever brings you joy (it is, but it's more): it's a day to worship. To reorient your entire life back to its center in God. In our final week of Sabbath, we elevate the Sabbath from a restful, joyful day off to a holy day of worship and delight in God himself.***Note: Due to a last-minute change of circumstances we used the teaching resource from Practicing the Way, delivered by John Mark Comer.***Part of the Practicing the Way series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Sabbath 03 - DelightSabbath is a day of rest by which we cultivate a spirit of restfulness in all of our life. In Sabbath part 3 John Herron looks at the third movement of Sabbath– delight. Jesus himself said plainly, “In this world, you will have trouble,” but he also said his desire for his disciples was “that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be full.” Sorrow is inevitable in this life, but joy is not. In the Way of Jesus, joy is a gift, but it's one that must be chosen and cultivated, day after day, as an act of apprenticeship to our joyful God.Previous generations often thought of the Sabbath as a somber, serious day full of religious duty and legalistic rules. Today, many people think of it as a day to chill, relax, or sleep. Both generations miss the essential truth – the Sabbath is designed by God as a day to give yourself fully to delight in God's world, in your life in it, and ultimately in God himself.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

Sabbath 02 - RestSabbath is a day of rest by which we cultivate a spirit of restfulness in all of our life. In Sabbath part 2 Stephanie Wilson explores the second movement of Sabbath–to rest. The idea of rest sounds wonderful, but in reality, rest is a radical, countercultural act of resistance to the powers and principalities of a world at war with God and his kingdom of peace. To practice Sabbath is to draw a line in the sand against all external (and internal) forces that would encroach upon your apprenticeship to Jesus and formation into his image. It's to say, “This far you shall go, but no further.” It is to defy some of the most powerful forces known to humanity as an act of non-cooperation done in love for community, for the poor, for the earth, and ultimately for God himself.Part of the Practicing the Way Series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

We begin a new series — Practicing the Way — exploring 9 ancient practices of the way of Jesus that promise to help root us in the faith and deepen our experience of God as we serve our world.When practiced regularly these keystone habits can powerfully guide our journey of spiritual growth and help us become more like Christ, transformed into the people we were created to be.Each practice is taught in 4 parts and David Armstrong begins with our first practice, Sabbath — a day of rest by which we cultivate a spirit of restfulness in all of our life. In Sabbath Part 1 we examine the most literal meaning of the Hebrew verb shabbat – “to stop” and how sabbath is, at its most basic, a call to stop, to cease, to be done.Part of the Practicing the Way series. For info and resources on this series go to redeemercentral.com/ptw

A morning with our friend Jonny Clark exploring the relationship between faith and peacemaking and his own journey into the work of mediation, public theology and peace-building.Jonny Clark is the Program Manger of Public Theology for The Corrymeela Community. He is a facilitator and mediator working in political and inter-faith contexts and has devoted significant energy to the development of peace-building organisations around the world in post-conflict societies. His involvement in peace-building work continues to this day. He is also the curator of a monthly event of music, stories, dialogue & reflection called Borderlands that gathers people at the intersection of art, faith and community.Notes & LinksCorrymeelaBorderlandsGuardians of the Flame - (Jonny's Documentary & Podcast)With God on our Side (Documentary)The Other Side of the Wall (Book) by Rev Dr Munther Issac

Our friend and guest speaker Dr. Richard Laugharne explores the relationship between faith, spirituality and our mental health. Following a talk from Richard, he is interviewed by Stephanie Wilson before a time of Q&A with questions from those in attendance. If following this episode you have any questions or would like support in any way related to the topics discussed please reach out to any of our Senior Leaders who are ready to talk, walk with you and offer pastoral care. Thanks Richard Laugharne has been an NHS consultant in general adult psychiatry for 23 years and is Lead For Research at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. His research interests include therapeutic relationships and trust between patients and clinicians in the UK and mental health services in West Africa. Richard is a Reader in the Church of England and has been involved in many different styles of Christian community throughout his life. Richard is the author of the book 'I Will Be Glad: Combating Spiritual Depression' and regularly speaks on theology and mental health in churches, universities and pubs! 

Stephanie Wilson teaches on what it means to be church saturated by grace. Part of the series ‘What Kind of Church' that explores the values that give shape to our community.

David Armstrong teaches on what it means to be a church community shaped and oriented firstly by the values of the Kingdom of God. Part of the series ‘What Kind of Church' that explores the values that give shape to our community. Note: Unfortunately due to technical difficulties the sermon by David Armstrong on 24 September entitled WKOC Part 4 - A Spirit Filled Church was not recorded. Apologies for any inconvenience. You can listen back to previous talk on this topic in the Podcast Archives in September 2022.