Draycote and Leam Valley Benefice

Ever feel like there are unnecessary hoops between you and what you need? I recently experienced this with my Wi-Fi — and it reminded me of Paul’s message in Romans 14–15. In this episode, we explore how the early church struggled with unnecessary barriers between Jewish and Gentile believers, and what it means for us today. Using a simple Wi-Fi analogy, we unpack what it looks like to welcome one...

In a world where community feels fractured and leaders often fall short, how do we find hope? Drawing on Jeremiah 23 and the 1980s classic Sweet Dreams by the Eurythmics, this sermon explores what it means to be scattered, disappointed, and anxious — and points us to the ultimate trustworthy King, Jesus Christ. Join us as we reflect on:The pressures of trying to “keep your head up” in a broken wor...

In this week’s sermon, we explore Luke 21 and the story of the widow’s offering, drawing a vivid parallel with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Just as Indy recognizes the true treasure in the simple “cup of the carpenter,” Jesus teaches us to see beyond glittering appearances—whether wealth, status, or even the trappings of worship—and focus on what truly lasts: hearts devoted to God. We also...

There’s no sermon this week as its remembrance Sunday , but we wanted to share something that still feeds reflection and faith. I’ve taken one of our most popular YouTube videos — “A Comparison of the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship” — and uploaded it to a little “ toy ” that listens and produces a short conversation. The result is a five-minute summary that captures the history , theolog...

🎸 What do Zacchaeus and Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi have in common? More than you might think! Discover how stepping out from the crowd, ignoring judgment, and being unapologetically yourself can transform your faith. A fresh look at Luke 19 and what it means to live boldly for Jesus. #FaithUnapologetic #Zacchaeus #Sk8erBoi #Luke19

In this sermon, we explore what it means to live in the quiet space after trauma — the fragile pause between crisis and restoration. Drawing on the story of Chuck , the prophet Joel, and Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we discover that the gospel offers a “low-demand” grace: a place of safety, healing, and renewed vision through the Holy Spirit.

In a world full of noise, change, and competing voices, how do we keep our bearings? This Sunday we’ll be exploring Paul’s timeless encouragement to “hold fast to Scripture” — and discovering how God’s Word can be like the star that guides a ship through stormy seas. We’ll reflect on life, culture, and even a bit of Educating Yorkshire , to see how Scripture teaches, challenges, and trains us to n...

When life is booming, it’s easy to think that the next upgrade — a bigger car, a nicer house, a better work-life balance — will finally make us feel satisfied. But as recent years have shown, those things don’t always sustain us in the long run. In this Harvest talk, Phil explores Jesus’ words about the Bread of Life and what it means to seek something deeper and more lasting than the temporary th...

Phil explores Psalm 137 and Psalm 37, diving into what it feels like to be far from home — whether in life, in society, or even in the middle of London commuting chaos! But there’s good news: baptism reminds us that in Christ, we are never truly exiled. We belong. We are washed, welcomed, and home.

What do Batman, a war-torn city, and a prophet in prison have in common? In this sermon, we explore Jeremiah 32 and discover how God calls us to act in hope — even when all seems lost. From chaotic headlines to personal struggles, learn how radical, “nuts” obedience can be the spark of life, and how the gospel shows us that despair is never the final word.

In a world obsessed with instant gratification, social media clout, and worldly success, God’s wisdom often looks strange—even foolish. In this sermon, we explore Proverbs 3:13–18 and the life-giving promise of following God’s wisdom, which is “more precious than rubies” and leads to blessing, peace, and flourishing. Join us as we ask: where is God calling you to act with wisdom that defies the wo...

This week’s sermon reflects on Numbers 21, where God’s people in the wilderness were surrounded by snakes. Their instinct was to look down in fear, but God called them to lift their eyes and live. In our own time, so much of our national conversation seems designed to keep us looking down — anxious, suspicious, and afraid of what’s “other.” But the gospel calls us to look up: to Christ lifted on t...

What does it really mean to follow Jesus? I can dip in and out of Netflix, Disney+ or Paramount+ whenever I like — subscribe for a week, cancel the next. No great cost, no real loyalty. But when my dad and I go to Wales to watch the rugby, that’s different. It takes planning, time, money, commitment — but it’s worth it. In Luke 14:25–33, Jesus tells the crowds that following him is not like a stre...

Join us for a beautiful choral evensong from St Nicholas Church, Frankton, led by the Bishop of Coventry. This service features uplifting hymns, timeless canticles, and a thoughtful sermon from the Bishop. Please note: this is a live recording; while we’ve enhanced the audio for clarity, some parts of the sermon may still be faint. We hope you enjoy the music and message of this special service. E...

Leamington Hastings is more than stone, stained glass, and memorials—it’s a place where history, human tension, and spiritual depth intersect, and where grace has always had the final word. In this episode, we explore the church’s origins as a gift from Humphrey Hastang, the life of the Augustinian Canons who served the local community, and the challenges of privilege, power, and service across th...

Discover the story of Leamington Hastings—a church shaped by gifts, grace, and generations of service. From the Augustinian canons who lived humbly among their community, to vicars who set aside privilege to answer God’s call, we explore how grace has always been stronger than status. Join us as we reflect on history, hear surprising lessons from sport, and unpack Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee an...

What do Robin Hood, Reformation-era rectors, and our modern parishes have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, we explore the weighty choices faced by those who came before us and the hope that still sustains us today. As we face pressures of our own—collective and personal—we're invited to live with courage, faith, and a bold expectation: the true King is coming. And unlike King...

This week we are continuing in our series looking at what the history of our parishes teaches us. Karen Hatch leads us in thinking about what the History of Birdingbury says to us today

Drawing on the rich histories of Grandborough and Flecknoe, this sermon explores the tension between tradition and innovation in the life of the Church. How do we discern what to hold on to and what to let go, so that the gospel stays fresh and faithful? Join this reflective journey as we consider what it means to truly follow Christ today.

A memorial in the chancel. A preacher who drew crowds. A forgotten name that says everything about grace. Rev’d Phil takes us deep into the history of Willoughby parish to explore how one vicar’s ministry still speaks today—and why presence matters more than platform.

In a world that rewards hustle, Jesus invites us to stop. This episode reflects on the familiar story of Mary and Martha — two sisters, one house, and a surprising lesson about what really matters. Whether you're a lifelong Martha, constantly busy and serving others, or someone longing to sit at Jesus’ feet like Mary, this conversation explores how we can be more present — with God, with each...

What does it really mean when someone says, “I’m fine, thanks”? In this sermon, Phil reflects on a moment from student days — and a chaplain with a knack for seeing through polite English facades — to unpack how encouragement is more than a social nicety. It’s a ministry. Drawing from Watching the English by Kate Fox and Colossians 1, this message explores how God works through our words to build...

Is God's grace really as simple as "wash and be clean"? In this episode, we explore the story of Naaman — the powerful commander who almost missed out on healing because the cure was too straightforward for his pride to handle. Phil reflects on how we, like Naaman, often expect faith to be complicated, dramatic, or costly — and how our suspicion of anything “too easy” can get in the...

🎧 This week we’re doing something a bit different. Phil is guiding us through the spiritual exercise of creating your own Rule of Life — a simple but powerful tool to help you stay rooted in your calling, grounded in your faith, and anchored in the storm. Whether you’re new to this idea or looking to refresh your spiritual rhythm, this session is practical, honest, and deeply personal.📄 Download...

Where does God turn up? In Luke 8, Jesus shows up in a place no one expected — among tombs, pigs, and panic — and transforms a man's life. In this reflection, Phil shares a beachside surprise involving a rugby shirt and a familiar face, exploring how God often appears in the ordinary, overlooked corners of our lives. From traffic jams to supermarket aisles, faith isn’t just for Sundays — it’s...