St Augustine's Church with Holy Trinity

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, It is widely believed that ‘No one is above the law’ in any free and democratic society, but experiences shows that this may not always the case. Some individuals can present themselves as those who cannot be tied to the rule of the law that everyone is required to abide by. They live in disobedience and refuse to commit to what is generally acceptable. Today the Church celebrates the Feast of the Presentation of baby Jesus in the Temple,

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Welcome back as we begin a new year together. I hope that over the Christmas season, alongside all the joy and busyness of services and celebrations, you found time for rest and replenishment with friends and family. Thank you for the warm invitation you demonstrated in welcoming people during Advent and Christmas. From carols sung in peaceful churches, to those ringing out in packed pubs and parks, and even dog-friendly gatherings, throug

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The message of Jesus Christ is made available to all people regardless of backgrounds. This shift was marked by the revelation of Jesus Christ as God's Son to the world through the visit of the Wise Men, who recognised him as King. So, as we celebrate the Feast of Epiphany this Sunday, let us open our eyes and our churches to what God is revealing to us through Jesus. The feast of Epiphany reminds us how God in Christ extended his grace to

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In his Christmas message, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that he has been seeing the difference that churches make across the country. He is ever grateful for the countless acts of love and kindness, hospitality, and generosity that Christians share with their neighbours and communities. He went on to say that churches have been at the forefront of responding, supporting families in crisis, strengthening communities, and offering dignity

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The fourth Sunday in Advent brings us to the understanding of the value of relationships. It gives us the reason to reconsider how our relationships shape who we are, and who we might become. We might take relationships lightly until we realise they are the foundation to our identity, and the emotional support that is tied to them. Today’s gospel (Matthew 1:18-25) points us to the bond we have with God and with one another. Through Mary an

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our joyful anticipation of Christ grows deeper and eagerly as the countdown to Christmas Day appears to move faster. So on this third Sunday of Advent, it is clear that even in this solemn season of reflection, we have cause for joy because Christ is coming. Let us fulfil the representation of this Sunday in prayer and reflection. May the day introduce us into the happiness which we will experience when he comes. It is my prayer that event

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, May this be a blessed and holy Advent as together we share that combination of waiting and expectancy in the days up to the celebration of our Lord’s birth. A time when we know that the number of those attending our churches will be greatly enhanced. Mission statistics show us that attendance at Christmas 2024 was 71,400 across the Diocese, which is encouraging. However, it is still significantly less than Christmas attendance pre-Covid. I

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we enter this Christmas season, I invite you to imagine a kind of hope that is rooted in the unchanging nature of God and his promise to restore every part of his creation. We may have experienced many challenges throughout the year, but I want you to know that Advent hope does not minimise any difficulties you might have gone through, nor does it assume things will soon get better. Instead, it introduces us to a place where we can face

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we approach the close of the Church’s liturgical year, this Sunday’s gospel from Luke 21: 5-19 invites us to reflect on perseverance, witness, and hope as we prepare for the year ahead. The gospel reminds us that following Christ requires endurance and trust, especially when the world around us is uncertain, or hostile to faith. I think this is a good message at this time as it helps us in our preparation for the season of Advent. And d

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, November contains many significant foci, including acts of remembrance. However, it also contains the annual Inter-Faith Week (Sunday 9th – Sunday 16th November) which could not come at a more important time in terms of our national and global need for understanding of, and care for, our neighbour, whatever their religious background. Across our diocese we are blessed by many local examples of relationship building between faith leaders an

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Harvest Festival: Today we celebrate harvest festival to give thanks to God for the food and for all...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I will be on Extended Study Leave (Sabbatical) from today 1st June to September 2025. This short...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) is held this Sunday. This is an opportunity to review the...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The period leading up to Jesus’ death and resurrection appeared as chaotic and confusing for his...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we look back to how the events leading up to Easter Sunday transformed our lives, we are reminded...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We come together to mark the beginning of Holy Week with the Palm Sunday celebrations. We process...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In our Bible Study this week we explored the concept of ‘being together.’ We discussed a number of...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Mothering Sunday: Today we celebrate and honour mothers and "mother figures” for their love and...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we enter the third week in Lent let us take time to share with one another how we are keeping...

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, During this season of Lent, we might want to ask ourselves what it is that we long for and desire....