St. Luke's, Ramsgate

Peter Weichselbaum-Barlow talks about his faith

Alison Hawthorn talks about her faith.

"The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple." (Psalm 19:7) How do we remain rooted and flourishing through the dark times? Meditate on God’s word.

"I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope." (Psalm 130:5) How do we keep going through dark times? Wait on God.

"Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7) By saying the Psalms, we discover that we share with people down the ages the same distress, despair and doubt as saints throughout history. Yet, out of the struggle we are also joined to their faith, which leads them out of the darkness of despair to the light of hope, out of the pow...

"Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits." (Psalm 103:2) This week we begin our series, “Spirituality for dark times.”, ‘dark times’ is meant to refer to times of difficulty or struggle that many of us are or may face. So, how do we deal with these “dark times”? As Christians we have a distinctive perspective. We believe in a God who is both in charge of the universe in ways...

"When the wise men saw the star, they were overjoyed." (Matthew 2:10) Matthew’s gospel does emphasise, Jesus’ Jewish credentials. His coming is rooted in the work of God through Israel, its kings and prophets. But it also presents us with a bigger more universal vision for the Kingdom of God. As we start a New Year, let’s pray that God extends our vision of who God may be calling to share with us...

"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." (Luke 2:52) A look at Jesus as he was growing up (Luke 2:41-52)

A look at the history of places from the Christmas story leading to the New King.

'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' (Isaiah 9:6) Reflections on what is Truth? Who will you Trust?

'For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' (Isaiah 9:6) The Christmas message is about God’s gift to us – to all of us. The only question is will we unwrap the present or leave it sitting there until next year?

'May the King live for ever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.' (Daniel 6:21-22) This week we finish our series on Daniel, with perhaps the most famous story: Daniel in the Lion’s den. Daniel's unwavering integrity in worshipping the God he knows to be true is a profound example for us, showcasing the importance of standing firm in one's convictions while remaining kind a...

"I trust in you; do not let me be put to shame, nor let my enemies triumph over me." (Psalm 25:2) Our main reading is Daniel 5, the origin of the phrase, “The writing is on the wall.” Advent is a time when we remember that God will ultimately win. Whoever seems victorious in the present will face God’s judgement in the future. Advent is a chance to remind ourselves to keep trusting in Christ, so t...

"[The Son of Man] was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and people of every language worshipped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:14) It is Advent Sunday, and we will be looking at Daniel’s vision in chapter 7 which shows us God’s perspective on the future.

”They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” (Daniel 3:28b) This Sunday, we continue our series on Daniel with a look at the time, when Daniel’s friends resisted strong pressure to worship a golden statue.

"God reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him." (Daniel 2:22) This Sunday, we return to our series on Daniel. Faced with an impossible seeming challenge from the boss, Daniel turns to prayer. As a result, Daniel brings some powerful and challenging truths to the king

"[The LORD] will judge between many peoples and will settle disputes for strong nations far and wide. They will beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore." (Micah 4:3) When you look at the reality of humanity and history, it is hard to see how people can ever achieve lasting peace. Ther...

”Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2) This week we begin a series on the book of Daniel. The book includes some well know Bible stories, such as Daniel in the lions’ den, but also weird dreams and visions similar to th...

“You will live in joy and peace. The Mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands!” Isaiah 55:1-12 This Bible Sunday let’s take the call afresh to delight in God’s word, to meditate on it day and night and to enable and pray for the increasing Bible translations.

"There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 22:5) This future vision gives us hope now. The evil in our world is temporary, but what is good has a future and our relationship with God will truly flourish. This is God’s vision for the future, but as well as gi...

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit…" (Matthew 28:19) The key phrase in this vision is: ‘make disciples.’ The rest elaborates what that means. Disciples are to come from all nations and be given a new identity through baptism as those who belong to the God who is now known as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are t...

"This is the covenant that I will make with the people of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God and they will be my people." (Jeremiah 31:33) This week we return to our theme of Biblical Visions and look at Jeremiah's prophecy of a coming 'new covenant', which will bring forgiveness and transformed hearts and...

‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’ (Matthew 6:33) In this time of harvest, we are first reminded to seek the Kingdom, trusting in God completely. Then, we are called to BE the Kingdom to others around us, showing hospitality, love, and mercy in the face of scarcity, anxiety, or fear. As Jesus said, can any one of you, by worrying,...

The LORD to David, "Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall be established forever." (2 Samuel 7:16) We continue our series on Biblical Visions. This week we look at God’s vision for David’s kingdom.

God said to Israel: "I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians." (Exodus 6:7) We continue our series on Biblical Visions. This week we look at God’s plan to rescue Israel from slavery in Egypt.