Joe starts a new series with his own experiences of settling in (tidal) west south west London (UK). He then opens up the experiences of Daniel and his friends and how they dealt with the strategies (isolation, inculturation, integration, identification) of their captors. What did it take to live fruitfully and faithfully in circumstances beyond one's control?

[Daniel: lessons from Life in Exile]: living counter-culturally

Joe begins a new series for the summer, entitled 'Encounters with Jesus', starting with one of Peter's famous encounters.

[Encounters with Jesus]: Peter

Welcoming us back after Summer Joe sets up the next sermon series. "What do I believe?" and "How should I live?" are two fundamental questions humans ask themselves. In our modern, fractured society life can be particularly unsettling but the truths of Christianity continue to provide hope. We return to our vision - being with Jesus, becoming like him and doing what he did. We will look through a fresh lens - discipleship through suffering. Why do we experience it and how should we deal with it? We are going to work through at the ancient and insightful book of Job.

[Vision]: Making sense of suffering

Joe looks at how we all suffer and ask "Why?". We revisit part 1 of our vision - to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to do what Jesus did - and ask "how does this apply to us when we're suffering?" Joe highlight that God didn't strike Job; but he was there and in charge. Job suffered - stripped of wealth, family and health - but he didn't blame God. Our proof that God loves us is Jesus; though perfect he suffered to give us hope. Joe encourages us in suffering to draw near to God, be honest and to know that God loves you.

 faith by stripping him of his wealth, family, and health, yet Job remains faithful despite intense suffering. The reflection highlights that discipleship means trusting God during hardship, not just in good times. Jesus’ suffering shows God's love, offering hope in the midst of life's struggles.

[Vision]: Being with Jesus when we suffer

In this talk Joe examines how discipleship—being with Jesus, becoming like him, and doing what he did—shapes our response to suffering. Using Job’s story, he explores three types of comfort: the “bad comfort” from Eliphaz, who moralized Job’s suffering; the “better comfort” from Job himself, who openly lamented to God; and the ultimate comfort found in the gospel. Suffering, like Jacob’s limp after wrestling with God, isn’t always holy or meaningful, but it can transform us. Disciples are called to comfort others with food, rest, and presence, not explanations, trusting God amidst life’s unanswered questions.

[Vision]: Dealing with suffering

Joe explores discipleship and suffering through Job’s story and Jesus’ resurrection. Discipleship mirrors apprenticeship: being with, becoming like, and doing what Jesus did. Job’s suffering shows the importance of honesty with God and rejecting the idea that suffering reflects failure. Like Job, we can trust our Redeemer—God himself—to vindicate us. Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that we, like him, will be raised bodily, scars and all. Suffering, though painful, can bear fruit, reframed in eternity as part of God’s redemptive plan. Our hope lies in a risen Christ who transforms pain into glory and promises ultimate restoration.

[Vision]: Vindication

In this talk Joe explores Jesus's authority in Matthew 8:28. His authority is unique—self-sacrificial and loving, unlike the "authority that's hurt you." It’s accepted by consent, not force; those who reject it can remain in their "comfortable brokenness." Yielding to Jesus means seeing others as precious beloved children, not objects of resentment or desire. Struggling to submit is part of faith—it’s a “constant battle” to live as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12). If we are to wield Jesus's authority we first need to yield him. Through prayer and trust, we align with God's will, calling into being a world “that isn’t yet.”

[Matthew]: Yield then wield

Tina gives us a Christmas message on what it means to have Joy in our lives...

[Christmas]: Joy

Joe encourages us to adopt 2 more postures this year - "trust, not worry" and "faithfulness, not compromise". He highlights Jesus' call for both innocence and shrewdness, balancing peace with wisdom. Followers face spiritual warfare, opposition, and suffering, yet Jesus assures them of God's presence. We must trust the Holy Spirit for guidance, remain steadfast, and seek community through discipline, prayer, and fellowship in faith.

[Matthew]: Innocence and shrewdness

[Matthew]: Matthew 10:24-31

[Matthew]: Matthew 10:32-42

[Matthew]: Rest for your Soul

[Matthew]: The Rhythm of Rest

[Matthew]: All Words Matter

[Matthew]: Water is thicker than blood

[Matthew]: Mustard & Yeast

[Matthew]: Jesus in the Storm

Mike continues our 3-part mini-series entitled 'Hope in the Depths.' In this series based on Psalms 42 & 43, we see how God meets us when we’re dry, overwhelmed, or longing for justice. Through Jesus — the one who was truly forsaken for us — we discover a hope that holds, and a reason to say, “I will yet praise Him.”

[Hope in the Depths]: Part two

Mike concludes our 3-part mini-series entitled 'Hope in the Depths.' In this series based on Psalms 42 & 43, we see how God meets us when we’re dry, overwhelmed, or longing for justice. Through Jesus — the one who was truly forsaken for us — we discover a hope that holds, and a reason to say, “I will yet praise Him.”

[Hope in the Depths]: Part three

Joe looks at what it means to be like Jesus in our lives today

[Vision]: Be like Jesus

Joe talks about how our lives can reflect the things that Jesus did

[Vision]: Doing what Jesus did

Joe begins a new series looking at Genesis 1-3, focusing first of all on the origin story and what it means for us today.

[Foundations]: In the beginning...

Joe continues our 'Foundations' series from the beginning of Genesis, and looks at what it means to be made in the image of God.

[Foundations]: Made in the image of God

Our new curate, Tina English, looks at the practice of prayer and how it can be woven into our lives.

Teach us to Pray

Ritesh continues our series from the beginning of Genesis, looking at what it has to teach us about our work and vocations.

[Foundations]: Work & Vocation

Mike continues our series from the beginning of Genesis by examining what relevance Sabbath rest has to us today.

[Foundations]: Sabbath as Resistance

Joe continues our series from the opening chapters of Genesis looking at what it has to say about marriage.

[Foundations]: Marriage

In the penultimate sermon from our series focussing on Genesis chapters 1-3, Joe takes a look at what this section of the Bible has to say about sin.

[Foundations]: Things fall apart

Joe concludes our 'Foundations' series by looking at what Genesis 1-3 has to tell us about our future hope

[Foundations]: Future Hope

As part of our Christingle service, Tina starts our short Advent series by looking at the "Saviour, Messiah and Lord" promised in the Christmas story.

[Advent]: Good News of Great Joy!

Services at All Souls are at 10am and occasional 6pm (see website for details). Our services bring together children and adults of all ages for a relaxed and informal time, characterised by a friendly welcome, contemporary music, lively children’s groups, opportunity for personal prayer and a relevant bible-based talk. You don’t have to fit a particular mold to come along – whether you’re coming with children or on your own, as someone living locally or visiting the area, looking to join or to visit just once, you will find a friendly welcome. Our groups for children are imaginatively led, fun and safe environments for the young to explore faith.

The church is led by Joe Sellers , Vicar of All Souls, together with a range of teams that oversee the various aspects of the church’s life and work.

All Souls Church in St Margarets near Twickenham

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