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RevdMark

@revdmark.bsky.social
158 followers 110 following 106 posts

Minister at Thaxted United Reformed Church

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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
“It’s not fair!” The familiar cry of children across the land. But it’s a common cry and not limited to childhood. Jesus tells a parable about a vineyard owner who hires workers at various times of day and then pays them all the same. As recipients of God’s grace, we should never feel short changed.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I doubt the Israelites expected the Red Sea to part for them, and often for us it isn’t obvious how we might get out of difficult or dangerous situations. We need to have trust and faith to step out with God even when the way ahead is unclear or frightening, grasping God’s outstretched hand.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
At all levels in our lives we battle with the dilemma of both looking after ‘number one’ as my mother called looking after ourselves, and our concern for the wider community- the common good. The more we gain for ourselves, the more we damage our souls.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 29/08/2026
Do you and I see Christ in the kind deeds and leadership offered by others, do we see Christ in the words of comfort offered during trouble, do we see Christ in those we regard as less than or not as good as us? Peter saw the divinity in Jesus and Jesus saw the leader in Peter, despite his failings.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
A Canaanite woman persisted in following Jesus seeking a cure for her daughter. Jesus praised her for her faith and devotion, and her love for her daughter that gave her the courage to come to Jesus in the first place. May we also have such strong and persistent faith.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Jesus tells a parable about a man who sold everything to buy a field where he found treasure and a merchant who sold everything to buy a pearl of very special value. If we can sell everything that weighs us down then we will be ready to buy that field and purchase that pearl - the kingdom of God.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
Wars feed on our human propensity to distinguish between ‘us’ and ‘them’. Our common humanity is forgotten in cycles of recrimination and retaliation. We are all part of this wonderful creation, of the life that flows through this planet. Let us celebrate that life and preserve all that is precious.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
A sower went out to sow, and as he sowed, some of the seed fell along the footpath. Some fell on rocky ground. Some fell among thistles. And some fell on good soil. Our good soil is the part of us that thinks carefully about what we are doing. The part of us that seeks to respond to God’s word.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Sometimes we don’t want to hear the truth because it is a hard truth, such as Jesus telling the rich young man to sell everything and give it to the poor. The gospels should be our road map, and if we read that map carefully, we will understand where we are and where we need to be.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Jesus allayed the fears of the disciples by placing them in the context of the deeper truth of how valued they are by God, who continues to empower those who are willing to step out in faith to further His Kingdom. We have the assurance that the strength God gives us will enable us to endure.
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Leo Hickman @leohickman.carbonbrief.org · 24/06/2026
Letter in today's Times by climate scientist Sir Brian Hoskins: "The discourse around net-zero is increasingly decoupled from…science and our changing weather. "Net-zero is not an arbitrary slogan, rather it is dictated by the laws of physics."
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Being God’s people can be pictured in various ways. They need tending and guiding, but also their calling is to teach and proclaim to others the possibility of a covenant of peace and wholeness with God, through the Holy Spirit.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
When Jesus reached out to Matthew the tax collector and invited him to be a disciple, it would have been a total turnaround, leaving a life of privilege and ill-gotten wealth. We rejoice for all who have been beyond hope and have been found. We are challenged to share that hope with one another.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 21/05/2026
Jesus tells the disciples to bear witness to Him in Jerusalem, and throughout all Judea and Samaria, and even in the farthest corners of the earth. We see a clear commission for our own mission: to our own community; the wider community; those who are different from us; and across the whole world.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
When Paul was preaching in Athens he contrasted the ancient beliefs of peace through war and security through strength (sound familiar?) with belief in a God of love and a call to live out a life of service and humility. We are called to share God’s love with all who will listen.
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Rev Peter W Nimmo @peternimmo.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
They don't like undecided voters in the Highlands...
Sign on a fence for Highland Council's Cauldeen Primary School. Underneath, a Polling Station sign has been fixed to the top of another sign reading PLEASE DO NOT SIT ON THE FENCE
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Two disciples on the road to Emmaus encounter a stranger. It is only after their conversation and his acceptance of an invitation to eat with them that they recognise they have been in the presence of the risen Jesus. May we recognise Jesus at work in our world, our communities and our own lives.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 13/04/2026
When the disciples felt threatened, they locked the doors where they were assembled. The natural thing to do when we feel threatened is to hunker down. But Jesus could not be stopped by locked doors. We take hope, because Jesus comes to us in the midday of our fear, pain, doubt, and confusion.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
When Mary Magdalene goes to the empty tomb, she mistakes Jesus for the gardener. This is somebody who wants to be close to us, a God in solidarity with us and the poor, a God who could be mistaken for a labourer. Perhaps we can picture a figure in worn clothes with mud beneath their finger nails.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Why does the resurrection take three days? In Matthew, Jesus makes a comparison with Jonah spending three days inside the giant fish and three days make it clear that Jesus is definitely dead. But also, by spending three days in the tomb, Jesus teaches us to stop and rest and not forever be busy.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
On Good Friday the authorities move against Jesus and he is arrested. He is wrenched from his friends and community. We can see a parallel with ICE seizing people on US streets or morality police in Iran arresting women because of the way they are dressed. Let us pray for all victims of oppression.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
John’s gospel names Mary as the woman who anoints Jesus’ feet. John seems keen to share with us that among Jesus’ most intimate disciples were three siblings, Mary, Martha and Lazarus of Bethany, whose devotion set an example to be remembered and imitated by Christians in every place and every age.
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Daniel Sugarman @danielsugarman.bsky.social · 19/03/2026
The Jewish News, which I am proud to work for as Deputy Editor, has published an editorial on this week's Iftar prayers in Trafalgar Square www.jewishnews.co.uk/voice-of-the...
Excerpt from the article:

"The question here is not really one of whether such prayer is in fact an attempt to “dominate” – or the more obvious explanation, that during Ramadan one breaks ones’ fast by eating very briefly just before and then more properly after the evening Maghrib prayer (yes, like our own Maariv prayer). Rather it is about whether one has the right to publicly express their religious identity in this country. In this specific instance, an event to mark a key event in the Islamic calendar had been openly and legally booked for Trafalgar Square. Muslims present had every right to pray as a part of that."
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
The story in John’s gospel of Jesus healing a blind man goes beyond the healing itself and focuses on the metaphorical character of blindness and sight. The blind are not the physically blind but those who refuse to believe, while faith is the characteristic of those who see.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 14/03/2026
In our communities, many suffer a drought of love and connection, longing for us to share with them God’s understanding and love. Meanwhile many others in our world are suffering from literal drought and its consequences. May God help us to pour out the gifts we have to those who have not.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 07/03/2026
As Christians we are often hesitant about reaching out to new believers. The subjects you don’t talk about in polite society are religion and politics. In these difficult times we are fortunate we have our faith in the love of God. This is something we should share, bringing hope to others.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 28/02/2026
Whether you believe the story of Adam and Eve is literally true or a symbolic story, it reveals a loving creator God and how the people God created turned away from Him. This isn’t just about eating an apple, it’s a mistaken belief humankind can put itself on the same level as or even usurp God.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
The late Pope Francis wrote: “There are no borders, no limits: [Jesus] sends us to everyone. The gospel is for everyone, not just for some. It is not only for those who seem closer to us, more receptive, more welcoming. It is for everyone. Do not be afraid to bring Christ into every area of life.”
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Jesus tells the disciples “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavour, with what will it be salted?” The Greek word used for “tasteless” usually means foolish. Jesus seems to say foolishness will undermine his followers’ effectiveness. We are challenged not to be foolish!
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
The prophet Micah calls on the people to do what God requires, after sharply criticising how they have lived in the past. They are reminded of God’s faithfulness and that He wants them to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with their God. We too are challenged to live as God requires.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
On Holocaust Memorial Day we remember the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust under Nazi Persecution, and in the genocides that have followed. Sadly the hatred that leads to ethnic cleansing clearly continues today. It is for this dark world that Jesus brings light so we can live in hope.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
In baptism Jesus is shown by Matthew to be the meeting place of heaven and earth, of the divine and of the human. His identity as the Messiah, the Son, the Saviour and the agent of the Father’s renewing is affirmed. Through baptism, God draws humanity close in a new and dynamic way.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 02/01/2026
In the midst of the bright lights and joy of Christmas we are confronted by King Herod’s brutal massacre of the innocents and the holy family fleeing as refugees. We are reminded that all life is precious. May we give thanks for precious lives and do all we can to keep others safe.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 01/01/2026
Happy New Year ! Let’s all try to love our neighbours a bit more this year.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
Great to see that Santa is now resting @midsandeastnt.bsky.social Wimpole Hall after all his hard work over Christmas 😊
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 25/12/2025
We can see many parallels between the world that Jesus was born into and our own world today. Many in power impose their idea of “peace” on others through violence. But we can take hope from the true message of peace that comes with the birth of Jesus. May we be like Him and be enablers of peace.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 20/12/2025
The desert was usually seen as a place that lay outside the perfect order of creation, but the prophet Isaiah sees it being reclaimed by the creative power of God. Isaiah’s vision of the coming Messiah is a joyous vision of renewal. It is a joyous vision we share this Christmas.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Isaiah prophesies that a shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse. A tree is an ambiguous biblical symbol. It symbolises power, beauty and log life, but as happened at Hadrian’s wall it can be cut down mindlessly. The green shoot represents new and hopeful beginnings.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
The prophet Isaiah urges us to look ahead to the time when nations will turn their armaments into agricultural tools. As we look around our world this advent, we might be tempted to think “if only”. However, if we are shaken by events, Isaiah offers a stirring vision of hope to lift our spirits.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
“Not a hair of your head will perish”. Luke records Jesus’ advice for tough times: seek wisdom and resilience. The message from Jesus to us is the same as the one he gave his disciples: hang on in there, remain faithful, hold on to your principles and values. God can work through all circumstances.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
Our reliance on violence has lost none of its fascination. Our world is still full of conflicts, between states, internally within states, between religions and creeds, between north and south, between the poor and rich. We are challenged to be God’s hands in making changes that bring about peace.
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Dr Jo Kershaw @mthrjo.bsky.social · 09/11/2025
This is utterly disgraceful.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
When the tax collector Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus he probably expects not to be noticed. But Jesus doesn’t just notice him - he calls up to him saying he must stay at his house today! We see that being in Jesus’ presence can be life changing, as Zacchaeus repays everyone he has cheated.
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Mark Hamill @markhamillofficial.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
I have a very bad feeling about this...
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Psalm 121 is sometimes called “The Travellers’ Psalm”. It was sung by pilgrims making their annual journey to Jerusalem. The psalm begins with the words “I lift up my eyes to the hills/from where will my help come?” It then assures us we are not alone, wherever we are on our journey God is with us.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 19/10/2025
When the apostle Paul was in prison, he said that although he was in chains God’s word was not shackled. Paul’s endurance is an example to others to hold on even when the going gets tough. If he were to fail to endure, perhaps others would lose heart as a result.
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Dr Jo Kershaw @mthrjo.bsky.social · 17/10/2025
I have sometimes wondered what the long term future of the British Royal Family is, but Simon Jenkins has just done an article announcing their doom, so I reckon they’re safe from major constitutional change for at least a hundred years.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 12/10/2025
The prophet Habakkuk is so overwhelmed by the violence he sees that he lashes out - at God. He wants God to help him fix what he perceives as being wrong with his people. But then he realises the problem is that he is impatient and must wait for God to do things in His own time.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus asks us to open our eyes to what is going on in the world around us and not to be lulled into believing all is well because we are comfortable. Justice will catch up with us if we ignore the hungry or remain unmoved by human hurt.
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RevdMark @revdmark.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
The prophet Amos has strong words calling out an economic system rigged against the poor and in favour of the rich. A new elite of wealthy and powerful Israelites exploited the poor of their own nation. Amos’ prophecy is a counsel against greed and a direction to place commerce in its proper place.
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