Alison Sampson

Alison and the whale

Religion EN ↓ 100 episodes

The more things change, the more we need ancient texts which comfort, challenge and critique a world falling apart. Discover how old stories speak into modern lives, politics and culture, and how there's room in this faith for everyone. Read more at sanctuarybaptist.wordpress.com.

Author

Alison Sampson

Episodes

Genesis | The joint inheritance 08.06.2026 12:36

Could a common story interrupt thirty centuries of violence? Reflecting on Genesis 12:1-9 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 June 2026 (Pentecost 2 Year A).

Matthew | But they doubted 31.05.2026 11:49

It seems doubt is part and parcel with faith: and this should be deeply encouraging. Reflecting on Matthew 28:16-20 with Manningham Uniting Church, 31 May 2026 (Trinity Year A).

Acts | Just look around! 17.05.2026 11:07

(From the archives) If you want to see Jesus, don’t stand there peering into heaven! Reflecting on Acts 1:6-14 with Manningham Uniting Church, 17 May 2026 (Ascension).

John | Her mother's voice 10.05.2026 12:57

A promise to all who have been judged and found wanting. Reflecting on John 14:15-21 with Manningham Uniting Church, 10 May 2026 (Easter 6 Year A; Mother's Day).

1,2 Peter | A holy nation? 03.05.2026 12:50

A people grounded in Christ will not be violent, but gentle, humble and hospitable. Reflecting on 1 Peter 2:1-10 with Manningham Uniting Church, 3 May 2026 (Easter 5 Year A).

John | Knowing his voice 26.04.2026 13:05

The hallmarks of the voice which is good. Reflecting on John 10:1-10 with Manningham Uniting Church , 26 April 2026 (Easter 4 Year A).

Luke | But we had hoped ... 19.04.2026 11:44

In the shadow of empire and its death-dealing gods, the Risen One comes quiet and unobtrusive. Reflecting on Luke 24:14-35 with Manningham Uniting Church , 19 April 2026 (Easter 2 Year A).

Palm Sunday | The two parades 29.03.2026 14:21

(From the archives) The medium is the message, and our guy is the clown. Reflecting on Matthew 17:1-11 with Manningham Uniting Church , 29 March 2026 (Palm Sunday, Year A).

Ezekiel | Preach to the bones 22.03.2026 14:26

In the places of death, speak words of life. Reflecting on Ezekiel 37:1-14 with Manningham Uniting Church , 22 March 2026 (Lent 5 Year A).

John | Transformation: The heart of our faith 15.03.2026 9:34

(From the archives) To encounter Jesus is to invite change. Reflecting on John 9:1-41 with Manningham Uniting Church , 15 March 2026 (Lent 4 Year A).

John | Boy meets girl at well: Two readings 08.03.2026 14:46

In which Jesus hooks up, and heals some ancient wounds. Reflecting on John 4:5-42 with Manningham Uniting Church , 8 March 2026 (Lent 3 Year A).

John | Living into eternity 01.03.2026 14:16

Transcending our secular age. Reflecting on John 3:1-17 with Manningham Uniting Church, 1 March 2026 (Lent 2 Year A).

Matthew | Baptised & beloved 22.02.2026 13:38

In which a Baptist pastor affirms infant baptism. Reflecting on Matthew 3:16-4:11 with Manningham Uniting Church on 22 February 2026 (Lent 1 Year A, reading extended backwards two verses).

Matthew | Trans/figuration 15.02.2026 12:16

Transfiguration, crucifixion, and a trans man alive in Christ. Reflecting on Matthew 17:1-9 (Transfiguration Year A) with Manningham Uniting Church, 15 February 2026.

Isaiah | To be like Birrarung or, To serve and thrive 08.02.2026 9:53

In a media landscape that threatens to overwhelm, Isaiah offers a way of hope. Reflecting on Isaiah 58 with Manningham Uniting Church, 8 February 2026 (Epiphany 5 Year A).

Aboriginal Sunday | Bunjil & the order of Melchizedek 25.01.2026 18:24

(Refreshed from the archives.) Includes a naming of some aspects of colonisation; if you're not up for it, skip this one! Reflecting on Genesis 14 with Manningham Uniting Church on Aboriginal Sunday, 25 January 2026.

Christmas | Filling earth with the culture of heaven 24.12.2025 10:03

The incarnation offers an earthy faith which embraces bodies and mess. Reflecting at Christmas with Manningham Uniting Church, 25 December 2025.

Matthew | Love in the shadows 20.12.2025 11:20

(From the archives.) God demands Joseph wake up to a deeper reality, where love takes priority over obedience to God’s law and scandal forms the womb of grace. Reflecting on Matthew 1:18-25 with Manningham Uniting Church, 21 December 2025 (Advent 4 Year A).

Matthew | Expectation management 14.12.2025 12:58

What sort of Messiah are we waiting for? Reflecting on Matthew 11:2-11 with Manningham Uniting Church, 14 December 2025 (Advent 3 Year A).

Matthew | Holy fire 07.12.2025 11:19

Authentic faith means change. Reflecting on Matthew 3:1-12 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 December 2025 (Advent 2 Year A).

Matthew | Left behind with Jesus 30.11.2025 12:45

A mix up of metaphors on sleeping and waking, taking and leaving, and hoping in the dark. Reflecting on Matthew 24:36-44 with Manningham Uniting Church, 30 November 2025 (Advent 1 Year A).

Colossians | The visible image of God 23.11.2025 15:05

Christ is the one true logo for our lives. Reflecting on Colossians 1:11-20 with Manningham Uniting Church, 23 November 2025 (Proper 29 Year C).

Isaiah | A vision for the City of Manningham 16.11.2025 11:02

Isaiah's city of joy is a vision which can transform this world, now. Reflecting on Isaiah 65:17-25 with Manningham Uniting Church, 16 November 2025 (Proper 28 Year C).

Luke | Resurrection now! 08.11.2025 14:15

Resurrection life starts today! Reflecting on Luke 20:27-38 with Manningham Uniting Church, 9 November 2025 (Proper 27 Year C).

Psalms | Even the hard pathways overflow with abundance 26.10.2025 15:37

A meditation on rivers and soil and economies of gift and abundance. Reflecting on Psalm 65 with Manningham Uniting Church, 26 October 2025 (Proper 25 Year C).