In Conversation with Jennie & Mark

Preparing for Palm Sunday, we look at Matthew 21:1-11. We discuss different ways to approach this service, some of the challenges it can raise and options for an all-age talk

We take a look at John 11:1-45, the raising of Lazarus, and discuss the reactions of the two sisters, how scary the ordeal must have been for Lazarus and the big question - did he smell?

John 4:5-42. We look at the story of the woman at the well and consider what it means to worship in spirit and truth.

As Lent begins we take a look at Matthew 4:1-11, consider what it means to be 'led by the Spirit into the wilderness' and ask which of the temptations would tempt us most.

 Join us as we discuss mountaintops, journey stops and everyday non-mountaintop faith

We look at Matthew 6:25-end, ask whether 'Do not worry?' is useful advice and what Jesus really meant.

We look at the circumstances around the presentation of Christ in the temple, imagine what it felt like to be in the temple that day and consider how Simeon and Anna felt after waiting for so many years.

We take a look at Jesus' words "Follow me" as he calls his first disciples and discuss whether it really is that simple

We look at names, the unnamed and what difference a name makes.

We're back! As we look at Matthew 3:13-end 'The Baptism of Christ' we ask why Jesus was baptised and what really happened that day?

Is Jesus really the one? We look at the surprising doubt of John the Baptist and how that can help us in our faith today.

Happy New Church Year! It's the first Sunday of Advent. We look at Matthew 24:36-44 and consider whether the rapture is as frightening as Jennie thinks it sounds and how we might prepare for Jesus' return. 

We consider what connects the more modern church festival of Christ the King with the 1662 Prayer Book's Stir Up Sunday. No puddings involved!

As Advent Sunday draws near, join us as we look at Jesus' apocalyptic teaching in Luke 21:5-19...and what the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel might have to say about it!

Job gives us a wonderful message of hope...but it's important to face the suffering too. 

In preparation for All Saints Sunday, we take a look at Luke 6:20-31 and discuss interconnectedness and self-sufficiency

Prayer is never easy but Jesus encourages us not to give up - especially when we long for justice. And where will Jesus find faith on earth?

Join Mark & Jennie with their friend Linzi as they look at a surprising parable from Jesus, and making trees walk into the sea!

'They made a bad choice.' We look at Luke 16:19-end and discuss society's attitude to the poor and the choices we all have. 

We take a look at Luke 16:1-13 and ask whether Jesus is really encouraging us to be dishonest!

When 'Lost and Found' is more than a lost property box at church. We discuss the two parables in Luke 15:1-10 and consider whether they are reckless or relatable.

"Stop telling me to get rid of my stuff, Jesus!" Join us as we discuss whether mission should be about selling a comfortable Christian life or inviting people on an extremely difficult but very exciting adventure. 

Jesus and his seating plan. Join us as we discuss Debrett's, humility and the difference between hospitality and charity.

Join us as we discuss how it must feel to be bent double for 18 years, what binds us today, what it means to be set free and...the big question...was the synagogue leader right?!

Join Jennie & Mark as they look at what Jesus means when he talks about bringing division rather than peace. 

Join Jennie & Mark as they take a look at Jesus' message that we need to be alert for what might comes next (and what that means for our money!)

Join Jennie & Mark as they take a look at one of Jesus' most well known parables - The Good Samaritan. Why it can be challenging to think that our neighbours live next door.

We all make excuses, but what does Jesus have tosay about them? Join Jennie and Mark as they look at Jesus' challenging teaching (and that he doesn't think calling down fire from heaven is a good idea!)

Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac. This weeks Gospel reading is a great story of freedom from oppression - but it leaves Jennie & Mark with some questions. How should we read it today?

Join Jennie & Mark as they try get somewhere with preparing for Trinity Sunday (with a bit of help from Augustine!)

Join Jennie & Mark as they reflect on the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. What does it mean to say that 'God is as close as your next breath'?

Join Jennie & Mark as they look at what happens when Paul & Silas get to Philippi. But who is in captivity and who is really free?

Join Jennie & Mark as they look at why Paul is wandering around Asia Minor and what happens next to take them in a new direction (and who they find when they get there).

Jennie & Mark look at why the story of Peter's Vision is repeated twice - and why it is so important for us today.

Join Jennie & Mark as they look at Jesus' description of the sheep with the shepherd (with references to New Forest Ponies and the family pet!).

Jennie & Mark take a look at the Disciples reaction when the Women bring the news of the empty tomb as they prepare for the great celebration of Easter.

What is going on when Jesus enters Jerusalem in the Palm Sunday Triumphal entry? Join Jennie & Mark as they look at this reading for the start of Holy Week.

"Leave her alone." Three simple words from Jesus that still give us goosebumps today. When Mary broke open a jar of perfume worth a year's wages and poured it over Jesus' feet, using her hair to wipe them, she created a scandal. The intimate act violated social norms, and Judas immediately criticized her "waste" of resources that could have helped the poor. But Jesus saw something deeper happening—a sacred moment of devotion and preparation for what was coming.This powerful scene from John 12:1-8 unfolds at an already extraordinary dinner party. Lazarus, recently raised from the dead, sits at the table with Jesus. Martha serves the meal. And Mary performs this extravagant act of worship that fills the entire house with fragrance. The setting bristles with tension as Judas, who we're told was skimming money from the disciples' funds, poses as concerned for the poor while Jesus defends Mary's right to express her devotion.The passage raises profound questions about our priorities. When should we focus on practical charity, and when should we simply worship? How do we balance meeting physical needs with spiritual devotion? Jesus doesn't dismiss caring for the poor—a constant theme in his ministry—but reminds us that recognizing sacred moments matters too.As we enter Passion Sunday and approach Holy Week, this story invites us to consider how we might pour out our own devotion. Are we willing to risk looking foolish to others? Can we recognize the times and seasons for different expressions of faith? And how might we listen for Jesus's gentle defence when others criticize our authentic worship?What extravagant act of worship might you offer this week? We'd love to hear how this conversation resonates with you—share your thoughts or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This week Jennie & Mark look at some of the challenges and joys of Mothering Sunday, with the story of Hannah and Samuel. Ending with a powerful reflection on Mothering Sunday: 'The Wide Spectrum of Mothering' by Amy Young.

Join us as we look at the gospel reading for Lent 3, where Jesus addresses the tragedies of his day.

Jennie & Mark take a look at the rich imagery that Jesus uses in this passage as he makes his way to Jerusalem.

What might be going on in this extraordinary passage? Join Jennie & Mark as they look at this reading for the First Sunday of Lent.

Join Jennie & Mark as they look at whether the disciples are getting a hard time for their lack of faith.

Join Jennie & Mark as they take a look at Jesus' teaching in 'The Sermon on the Plain' from Luke's Gospel.

Join Jennie and Mark as they look at Jesus' revelation of his mission in the Synagogue at Nazareth.

Jennie & Mark discuss the first sign recorded in John's gospel - Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding at Cana. And what is going on between Jesus & Mary?

A look at the Baptism of Jesus as recorded in Luke's gospel

Join Jennie & Mark as they look at Mary's meeting with Elizabeth in Luke 1

Join Jennie & Mark as they take a look at preaching at Carol Services, light in the darkness and the word made flesh.

Join us as we look at the first part of John the Baptist in Advent and how it relates to Isaiah 40.