Alison Sampson

Alison and the whale

Religion EN ↓ 110 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.

Be sure to visit the podcast's website and support the creator: alisonsampsontalks.podbean.com

Author

Alison Sampson

Episodes

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).

Luke | George & Ruby & the long arc of history 19.10.2025 13:48

It takes prayer and persistence to bring about justice. Reflecting on Luke 18:1-8 with Manningham Uniting Church, 19 October 2025 (Proper 24 Year C).

Jeremiah | Planting with the prophet Jeremiah 12.10.2025 16:33

In the face of climate catastrophe, seek the welfare of your place. One from the archives, revisited. Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:4-11 with Manningham Uniting Church, 12 October 2025 (Proper 23 Year C, extended reading).

Luke | Increase our faith! 05.10.2025 9:07

How much faith is enough? Reflecting on Luke 17:5-10 and Lamentations 3:22-23 with Manningham Uniting Church, 5 October 2025 (Proper 22 Year C).

Luke | Mind the gap! 28.09.2025 14:32

On fancy backpacks, fine merino briefs and the responsibilities of the global rich. Reflecting on Luke 16:19-31 with Manningham Uniting Church, 28 September 2025 (Proper 21 Year C).

Romans | Ruth & the body of Christ 21.09.2025 17:59

On flea bombs, sick kids, old wardrobes, the grim reaper – and resurrection life! Shared with Box Hill Baptist Church on 21 September 2025.

Luke | Three invitations into joy 14.09.2025 15:10

Sometimes, it takes a while to say yes. Reflecting on Luke 15 with Manningham Uniting Church, 14 September 2025 (Proper 19/Pentecost 14, Year C).

Psalms | My grandparents' breakfast table and other stories 07.09.2025 13:53

Discipleship knows no age limits. Reflecting on Psalm 1 with Manningham Uniting Church, 7 September 2025 (Proper 18/Pentecost 13, Year C).

Luke | A rollicking romance, revisited 17.08.2025 11:02

How faith nearly tore my family apart, then brought it together again. Reflecting on Luke 12:49-56 with Manningham Uniting Church on 17 August 2025 (Proper 15/Pentecost 10, Year C).

Hosea & the cycle of violence 03.08.2025 15:05

Not every image of God is faithful to the way of Jesus. Reflecting on Hosea 11:1-11 with Coburg Uniting church on 3 August 2025 (Proper 13 Year C).

Matthew | Love like salt 27.07.2025 9:28

On exile, law, salt and love. Reflecting on Matthew 5:13-20 with Westgate Baptist Community Church, 27 July 2025 (off lectionary, the reading is usually assigned to Epiphany 5 Year A).

Luke | Mary and Martha, united 20.07.2025 14:50

A religious scholar, a wounded traveller, a Samaritan and two sisters walk into a kitchen ... Reflecting on Luke 10:38-42 with the Community of St Mark, Clifton Hill, on 20 July 2025 (Proper 11 Year C).

John | The breath 12.07.2025 12:36

The breath-wind-spirit of God is an invitation to deep communion. Reflecting on the Holy Spirit with Rosanna Baptist church on 13 July 2025 (multiple texts, off lectionary).

Kings | Elijah in the age of kings 22.06.2025 13:51

In a world of authoritarian leaders, Elijah's story should give us backbone. Reflecting on 1 Kings 19:1-18 with Auburn Life, 22 April 2025 (Proper 7 Year C).

IDAHOBIT | Shall I sacrifice my child? 25.05.2025 12:19

Justice, humbleness, bodies ... and rainbow cake! Reflecting on Hosea 6:6-8 with The Village Church, Mount Eliza, 25 May 2025.

Luke | Resurrection faith 19.04.2025 18:47

Resurrection life is elusive and disruptive—and changes everything. Reflecting on Luke 24 with Westgate Baptist Community Church, Year C Easter Day, 20 April 2025