St Aldates Church

What do we do when life turns dark? Looking to Jesus’ final interactions with his disciples in the garden of Gethsemane, Mark encourages us to remain faithful to the one who never abandons us.

"Not for an hour of activity did Jesus plead, but for an hour of companionship" - Archbishop Fulton Sheen. Simon Ponsonby invites us to reflect on the events at the Garden of Gethsemane, and to be amazed at Jesus' determination to save and restore humanity through his sacrifice.

Reminding ourselves of the truths we hold to as Christians helps our faith to stand firm through the most difficult times. Stephen reminds us of the hope and joy we can hold tightly to because of Jesus.

What big moment of glory do you aspire of reaching? For Jesus, that moment was his death, so that all who believed in him could find their way to the cross. Owen speaks about the oxymoron that is being exalted high at the cross and the glory that we all desire.Owen Gallacher - 6PM and 8:15PM, 20 March 2022

All my life, the God of the mountains has been wooing me”, says C.S. Lewis. As we begin to think about Jesus’ journey towards the cross, Simon teaches on Jesus' mountaintop transfiguration, where his glory is revealed.Simon Ponsonby - 10AM and 12PM, 20 March 2022

During times of struggle where do you run to? Despite their struggles, the Church of Ephesus advanced in their walk with God and because of that, the Lord rejoiced over their faithfulness. Continuing on the 8.15 service series on letters to the Church in Revelation, Emily shares on how we can learn from the Church of Ephesus despite our fears and doubt.

During such devastating times, it can be so easy to freeze in fear but let us join with our brothers and sisters in prayer for prayers can transform situations and prayers can change the course of wars. Simon speaks from Psalms 10, giving practical advice on how we can support those across the world who face the evil that comes with war. Simon Ponsonby - 10AM and 12PM, 13 March 2022

Every seed you sow has massive potential. How do you respond to the gifts God has blessed you with? As God’s children, we have the ability through faith to do amazing and transformative work. Stephen encourages us to partner with God and lean into what God is doing in our communities. Stephen Foster - 10AM, 12PM, 6PM and 8:15PM, 6 March 2022

"When you see Jesus as he really is, the natural response is to worship him." In this Vision Sunday 2022, Stephen encourages us to discover Jesus afresh and to be captivated once again.Stephen Foster - 10AM and 12PM, 27 February 2022

Are you spiritually alert or falling into a spiritual slumber? Continuing on the 8.15 PM service series on letters to the Church in Revelation, this week Mark looks at the letter to Sardis. Mark takes focus on a God calling his people to wake up and be renewed.

“So, if you’re crippled by lust there is a God ready to walk you into healing and freedom. If you have been a victim of lust, there is a God ready to walk you into healing, trust and out of fear.” – In this talk Emilie encourages us to look deeper into what lust is, and its significance in our walk as Christians.” For pastoral support please go to https://staldates.org.uk/pastoral-careEmilie Middleton - 6PM, 20 February 2022

Is God the first one you turn to when life gets tough? Raise your expectancy: God hears all your prayers.Shawna-Kaye Tucker - 10AM and 12PM, 20 February 2022

What causes people to astray from faith? Continuing on our current series on letters to the Church in Revelation, this week Simon looks at the letter to Thyatira. Simon takes focus on a God who always has grace before judgment.

During this period of lent abstinence can reveal consumption patterns which are unhealthy. As Jesus reveals ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Owen encourages us to look deeper into what brings us comfort and how we can grow as God’s people. Owen Gallacher - 6PM, 13 February 2022

What kind of harvest do you want to reap in your life? What wisdom do you need to get you there? Mark encourages us to seek wisdom from heaven, that allows us to keep our head in the air, but keep our feet on the ground.Mark Brickman - 10AM and 12PM, 13 February 2022

We see a perfect example of humility in Jesus. He "made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant". If pride is marked by a desire to ascend, then humility is downward mobility, modelled perfectly in Jesus' death.⁠Simon Ponsonby - 6PM, 06 February 2022

If you want to see clearly into your own heart, listen carefully to what you say. Your words have power to bring life or death, to lift people up or put them down. So, how will you use your words this week?Stephen Foster - 10AM and 12PM, 06 February 2022

What do we do in the midst of persecution? Continuing on our current series on letters to the Churches in Revelation, this week Aidan Hamptom looks at the letter to Smyrna. He encourages us to take comfort for we serve a faithful God.

“Augustine said the twin daughters of hope are anger and courage. Anger at the way the world is, and courage to do something about it” –In this talk, Stephen encourages us to use our anger for good.

How do we stay untainted by the world and bless people around us? Simon Ponsonby encourages us to learn from the early church, and discover how their experience of the spirit, the evidence of their new life in Christ, was their love for one another.