St Johns, Crowthorne

Sunday 23rd February. John Edwards. Readings: Revelation 4 & Luke 8.22-25.

Our vicar, Revd Laura Wheatley Downs, echoed the words of Revd Marianne Budd at the inauguration of President Trump: • ‘Honour the inherent dignity of every human being’ • ‘Be honest in private conversation and public discourse’ • And ‘humility’ to see and recognise our own fallibility’ She called on us all to: Advocate for the protection of Palestinian Rights Press our government to reject any pr...

Joshua Townson, Generous Giving Advisor for the Diocese of Oxford, spoke to us about considering making a legacy to the church in our wills.

Revd Laura preaches on Nehemiah Chapter 8. All the people gathered and Ezra read from the Book of the law of Moses. The people wept, but Nehemiah told them to "eat the fat and drink sweet wine" and to rejoice. Nehemiah prayed to God constantly as he struggled to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and the faith of the Israelites.

Sunday 19th January 2025. Laura returns after her maternity leave.

Sunday 12th January 2025. Colin Bass

Revd Canon John Edwards preaches on the Epiphany.

John Castle preaches on the First Sunday of Christmas. John reflects on the stories of Samuel and Jesus as children and calls believers to continually learn from God, pursue discipleship, and be open to God's call in 2025.

Christmas Day December 25th 2024. John Edwards.

Revd Canon John Edwards is our guest president and preacher. Luke 1.39-55 How little we know about Mary. We know that she was obedient and trusting, and that she showed humility. The Church as an institution needs to do a lot of soul searching. We all need to follow Jesus' example - he humbled himself and was obedient, even to death. He stood up for what he knew was right.

Liz Jackson (Associate Archdeacon) preaches on the 3rd Sunday of Advent. How does the season of Advent challenge us to not only prepare for the celebration of Christ’s birth, but also to reflect on our lives, embrace transformation, and actively work toward justice, generosity, and the coming of God’s Kingdom?

Sunday 8th December 2024. Colin Bass.

Today is Christ the King Sunday. It is also Missions Sunday. We have a visiting preacher from Embrace the Middle East, Revd Su McClellan. This episode has been slightly modified to safeguard people in the midst of a conflict.

Revd Colin Bass, our guest preacher, talks about his approach to contemplative prayer.

In the morning we had the Service of Remembrance with all the uniformed organisations. At 6pm we had a Peace Eucharist using a special liturgy. Hazel Berry, one of our Licensed Lay Ministers, did the sermon.

Colin Bass preaches this All Saints' Sunday on Isaiah 25.6-9 & John 11.32-44. Colin reminds us that All Saints' Day honors not only the great saints but all believers united in Christ. We are invited as citizens with the Saints and members of the household of God, to the "feast of rich food, a feast of well matured wines" (Isaiah 25:6).

Bible Sunday Revd Colin Bass, our guest preacher, talks about the importance of hearing God speak to us through the Bible. Isaiah 55.1-11 and John 5.36b-47

Revd Colin Bass, our guest preacher, preaches on Mark 10.35-45. James and John seek to be seated at the right and left of Jesus in his glory.

Rev Roy Burgess preaches on Mark 10.17–31.

Sunday 6th October 2024. Harvest. John Edwards

Sunday 29th September 2024. Tearfund.

Sunday 22nd September 2024. Revd Luke Aylen

Our guest speaker, Heather Clements from the Bible Society, tells us about the work of the organisation which the Church supports as one of our missions.

Revd John Edwards discusses the meaning of Mark 7:24-end - the Syrophoenician Woman's Faith.

Sunday 1st September 2024. Colin Bass.