Draycote and Leam Valley Benefice

When Stephen stands before the Sanhedrin in Acts 7, the violence is immediate and unavoidable. But Luke tells us something extraordinary: heaven is opened, and Stephen sees Jesus.In this sermon, we explore what changes when eternity breaks into the present—and how that reshapes what we call “non-negotiable.”We often hold tightly to things that feel essential in church and in life. But what if seeing Jesus clearly challenges some of those assumptions?This is a reflection on sacrifice, perspective, and the quiet question beneath it all: when heaven is open, what really matters?📖 Acts 7:54–60

In Acts 2:42–47 we get a snapshot of what the early church was like at its most vibrant and alive. But this isn’t just history—it raises a searching question for us today: what actually gives the church its life, its character, and its direction?In this sermon, we explore four core devotions of the early church—teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer—and consider how everything else in church life flows from these foundations. Along the way, we reflect on how easily churches (and individuals) can drift into focusing on programmes, structures, and responsibilities while losing sight of what sits at the centre.📖 Passage: Acts 2:42–47

In Luke 24, two disciples are walking away from Jerusalem, trying to make sense of everything that has just happened. They’re confused, disappointed, and heading in the wrong direction without really realising it.And yet, they’re met on the road by Jesus.In this sermon, we explore one of the most tender and powerful resurrection encounters in Scripture. Jesus doesn’t interrupt their confusion or shame them for drifting—he walks with them, listens to them, opens the Scriptures, and slowly reorients their understanding of what God has been doing all along.Only later, in the breaking of bread, do they recognise him. And when they do, everything changes. They turn around and go back.This raises a deeply practical question for us today: how do we respond when we realise we’ve drifted—often not in rebellion, but simply by getting caught up in our own concerns, assumptions, and distractions?This sermon reflects on what it means to be formed over time by Jesus—through Scripture, prayer, and daily life—so that we begin to recognise him more quickly, and gently turn back before the journey takes us further than we intended.If you’ve ever felt like faith is real but life still feels slightly off course, this passage speaks directly into that experience.

What if the resurrection of Jesus is true—but our lives don’t actually look any different?In this Easter Sunday sermon, we explore the subtle but powerful difference between living as if Easter has happened and living as if it hasn’t. Because while we celebrate the resurrection, the reality is that many of us still face the same pressures: difficult relationships, uncertain futures, waiting rooms, bad news, and the everyday weight of ordinary life.Through the story of the first witnesses to the empty tomb, we see a world literally shaken by the news that Jesus is alive. But the question is: do we stop long enough to let that news reshape us?This message invites us to pause—not just to believe in Easter, but to live it. Because if Jesus really rose from the dead, then:people can changefear doesn’t get the final wordand the story of the world is still being writtenThis isn’t just a message for Easter Sunday. It’s about what it means to walk into work, sit in waiting rooms, and face the world around us with the quiet but radical confidence that Easter has changed everything.

Join Phil as we explore Palm Sunday through a fresh lens, comparing the fleeting excitement of the crowd with the enduring faith of Jesus’ disciples. Using the pop song She’s Only Happy When She’s Dancing by Bryan Adams as a starting point, we reflect on the Psalms of Ascent, the boldness of the disciples, and how true joy is found not just in the big moments but in our everyday lives.🎵 Learn how Jesus meets us in both the celebration and the ordinary.📖 Scriptures referenced: Matthew 21:1-11, Psalms 122, 126, 130🙏 Reflect, engage, and consider: are we following the hype, or following Jesus?#PalmSunday #Discipleship #BryanAdams #PsalmsOfAscent #FaithInDailyLife

What do you do when you know God forgives… but you don’t feel it?Psalm 130 is one of the “Psalms of Ascent,” sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Surprisingly, it begins not with celebration, but with a cry from the depths.This sermon explores that honest, in-between space:when we know we’ve got things wrongwhen forgiveness is realbut restoration doesn’t quite feel completeAt the heart of the Psalm is a powerful image: waiting for the Lord like a watchman waiting for the morning. Not anxiously, but with quiet confidence that light is coming.As we approach Holy Week, this ancient song helps us make sense of the journey from darkness to hope—through waiting, trust, and ultimately, redemption.If you’ve ever felt stuck, distant from God, or unsure what to do next, this Psalm offers a simple but profound invitation:Cry. Trust. Wait. Hope.

In this Mothering Sunday reflection, we explore Psalm 23 in a fresh, modern context. From the pressures of social media and the “TATT” (Tired All The Time) epidemic to the relentless demands of work, family, and daily life, we discover a different kind of rest — one that God actively offers.Using the timeless imagery of green pastures, quiet waters, and the shepherd’s care, this message reminds us that being tired is not failure, and true success is finding rest in the loving provision of Jesus.📖 Scripture: Psalm 23🙏 Reflection for anyone feeling weary, overwhelmed, or constantly on the go💡 Practical encouragement for Mothering Sunday and beyond#Psalm23 #RestInJesus #MotheringSunday #ChristianEncouragement #TATT

Psalm 95 is a Psalm of two halves — invitation and warning, grace and judgement.What happens when we separate them?In this sermon, we explore why the order matters. When grace comes first, faith is shaped by relationship. When judgement comes first, faith becomes transactional.Looking at Israel’s failure at Meribah (Exodus 17) and Paul’s words in Romans 5:8, we see that the Gospel always begins with invitation:“Come… for he is our God.”True worship isn’t performance. It isn’t earning access to God. It’s response to a love already given.Grace that invites.Warning that guards.Relationship before requirement.📖 Passage: Psalm 95📖 Cross References: Exodus 17, Romans 5:8If this helped you, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing.

Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges, fears, or midnight anxieties? In this sermon on Psalm 121, we explore the truth behind the psalmist’s question: “Where does my help come from?”Using examples from Jaws, everyday life, and even a verse from Pulp’s Common People, we unpack how God is not a “bigger boat” to escape trouble—but the Keeper who walks with us through the storm, the hills, and the midnight anxieties.Discover:Why the hills of life aren’t meant to be avoidedHow God preserves us even when our “boats” sinkThe difference between temporary relief and covenantal securityWhether you’re facing work, health, or family challenges, this message will help you lift your eyes to the One who never slumbers and keeps you both now and forevermore.

“I wish I was special… but I’m a creep.”That haunting lyric captures something many of us know too well: the feeling of not being enough. In Genesis 3, humanity reaches for greatness and ends up hiding in shame.But the story doesn’t end in the bushes. Even in rebellion, God is walking in the garden. And that pattern reaches its fulfilment in Jesus Christ — the Holy One who steps into our shame to restore what was lost.This sermon explores the lie of self-made specialness and the freedom of being known, sought, and restored by grace.

In a world that often feels chaotic, uncertain, and overwhelming, Psalm 2 offers a powerful shift in perspective. While nations rage and headlines provoke fear or triumph, God remains firmly on the throne.In this sermon we explore Psalm 2 as a four-act movement—from the chaos of the world, to God’s sovereign response, to the reign of His anointed King, and finally to the blessing promised to those who take refuge in Him.Using everyday images—from reality TV to the idea of stepping “off-grid” with God—we reflect on how Sunday faith can shape Monday to Saturday living through simple, practical steps: pausing in God’s presence, anchoring ourselves in Scripture, and taking small acts of trust each day.Whether you feel anxious about the world or hopeful about the future, Psalm 2 invites us to step into God’s perspective and find rest in His unshakeable kingdom.📖 Reading: Psalm 2🙏 Theme: God’s sovereignty, perspective, and daily refuge in Christ

Genesis 1 is one of the most famous—and most debated—passages in the Bible. But is it really meant to answer modern scientific questions, or is it doing something deeper?Using the unexpected illustration of the Mona Lisa, this sermon explores Genesis 1 as a foundation for Christian belief, revealing God’s consistent “signature” in creation: His presence, His ordering of chaos, and His sovereignty over all things.We reflect on how God speaks creation into being, how the Word runs from Genesis to the Gospel of John, and how Jesus Himself is the ultimate confirmation that this world belongs to God. Rather than arguing science versus faith, this sermon invites us to step back, like art lovers before a masterpiece, and ask what creation tells us about the Artist—and how that shapes the way we live today. Bible passages: Genesis 1, Themes: Creation, order, sovereignty, the Word, Jesus Christ

In a world full of competing ideas, trends, and philosophies, it’s easy for our faith to get diluted or confused — just as the early Church in Corinth struggled. In this sermon, we explore what it really means to hold onto the gospel, inside and outside of church, and how the message of the cross remains both a stumbling block and a source of life-changing power.We reflect on timeless challenges: from first-century Corinth to Enlightenment thinkers, to the pressures of modern culture, and discover practical ways to live faithfully as children of God.📖 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18🙏 Key themes: Faith, Culture, Gospel, Grace, Living the Cross

What if the metrics we use to measure our lives are actually hiding the work God is doing?In this sermon, we explore the calling of the prophet Jeremiah. Often known as the "weeping prophet," Jeremiah’s life was far from what we would call a "success story." He was ignored, resisted, and lived to see the very things he warned about come to pass.Using a recent experience with "YouTube Shorts" and the "swagger" of viral views, we dive into Jeremiah 1:4-10 to redefine what success looks like in the Kingdom of God. Whether you are parenting, caring for a neighbor, or serving in a quiet corner of your community, this message is an invitation to stop managing results and start embracing obedience.

Step up and follow! In John 1:35–39, two disciples didn’t just talk about Jesus—they went after him. In this sermon, Rev. Phil explores what it means to truly be present with Jesus and how that can change your life.Discover how you can:Spot Jesus in the everydayTake intentional steps to follow himLet your encounter with Christ spark action and growthDon’t just watch—come and see! 🙌

In Psalm 29, we encounter a God whose voice thunders over the waters, shakes the cedars, and confronts the seemingly unbreakable. He is not “safe” in the human sense — yet He is good, trustworthy, and life-giving.In this reflection, we explore what it means to follow a God who is wild and powerful, using insights from C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and stories of faith from Ignatius of Antioch, David Livingstone, and Martin Luther King Jr.We also consider what “unsafe” steps might look like in our own lives — letting go of control, embracing new ministry opportunities, joining different communities, or simply trusting God with what we think is ours to manage.Step into the unknown with courage, knowing that God’s wild goodness is at your side.#Psalm29 #Faith #Courage #GodIsGood #CSLewis #AndCanItBe #ChristianReflection #WildGod #TrustGod

Jesus came down into our world — unnoticed, unrecognised, yet fully divine. In this sermon, we reflect on John 1:1–14 and the Christmas story through the lens of Undercover Boss, exploring how Christ’s humanity and divinity invite us to respond with our time, attention, and resources.Step into the new year with a fresh perspective on what it means to truly receive the Word made flesh.📖 Scripture: John 1:1–14#Christmas #John1 #Sermon #FaithInAction #WordMadeFlesh

Happy Christmas from all of us across the Benefice! Here's a short poem written by our vicar written for our carol services.

Joseph never preaches a sermon.He never leads a movement.He leaves no recorded words at all.And yet, humanly speaking, the salvation of the world is entrusted to him.In this sermon, we explore Joseph — the overlooked, unassuming figure at the heart of the Christmas story — and what his life says to those who feel inadequate, unimpressive, or quietly faithful while others seem more gifted or visible.

In this sermon, we explore Matthew 11 and the story of John the Baptist, uncovering timeless lessons about noticing God at work in our lives. Through stories, Scripture, and practical insights, we reflect on how to:Recognise God’s activity around us, even when it’s easy to miss.Connect the promises of Scripture with what’s happening today.Embrace the advantages we have as followers of Christ in the post-Pentecost world.Join us as we learn to read God’s Word, keep our eyes open, and get excited about the ways He is at work in our communities and in our own lives.📖 Scripture Reference: Matthew 11:1–11🙏 Suitable for anyone seeking encouragement and insight from God’s Word.

Ever feel like there are unnecessary hoops between you and what you need? I recently experienced this with my Wi-Fi — and it reminded me of Paul’s message in Romans 14–15.In this episode, we explore how the early church struggled with unnecessary barriers between Jewish and Gentile believers, and what it means for us today. Using a simple Wi-Fi analogy, we unpack what it looks like to welcome one another fully, without judgment or pressure, so that everyone can connect with the life Christ offers.

In a world where community feels fractured and leaders often fall short, how do we find hope? Drawing on Jeremiah 23 and the 1980s classic Sweet Dreams by the Eurythmics, this sermon explores what it means to be scattered, disappointed, and anxious — and points us to the ultimate trustworthy King, Jesus Christ.Join us as we reflect on:The pressures of trying to “keep your head up” in a broken worldWhat Jeremiah teaches about scattered communities and failed shepherdsHow Christ the King offers hope, restoration, and a shepherd we can trustPerfect for anyone seeking encouragement, perspective, and biblical insight for today’s challenges.

In this week’s sermon, we explore Luke 21 and the story of the widow’s offering, drawing a vivid parallel with Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Just as Indy recognizes the true treasure in the simple “cup of the carpenter,” Jesus teaches us to see beyond glittering appearances—whether wealth, status, or even the trappings of worship—and focus on what truly lasts: hearts devoted to God.We also reflect on practical applications for daily life: how we spend our time, steward our resources, and invest in relationships. True life is found not in worldly treasures, but in faith, obedience, and trust in God.📖 Scripture: Luke 21:1–19🙏 Worship & daily life reflections💡 Devotion over appearances

There’s no sermon this week as its remembrance Sunday , but we wanted to share something that still feeds reflection and faith.I’ve taken one of our most popular YouTube videos — “A Comparison of the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship” — and uploaded it to a little “toy” that listens and produces a short conversation.The result is a five-minute summary that captures the history, theology, and continuing beauty of both traditions.It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I hope some of you will find it encouraging and enriching.

🎸 What do Zacchaeus and Avril Lavigne’s Sk8er Boi have in common? More than you might think! Discover how stepping out from the crowd, ignoring judgment, and being unapologetically yourself can transform your faith. A fresh look at Luke 19 and what it means to live boldly for Jesus. #FaithUnapologetic #Zacchaeus #Sk8erBoi #Luke19

In this sermon, we explore what it means to live in the quiet space after trauma — the fragile pause between crisis and restoration. Drawing on the story of Chuck, the prophet Joel, and Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector, we discover that the gospel offers a “low-demand” grace: a place of safety, healing, and renewed vision through the Holy Spirit.

In a world full of noise, change, and competing voices, how do we keep our bearings? This Sunday we’ll be exploring Paul’s timeless encouragement to “hold fast to Scripture” — and discovering how God’s Word can be like the star that guides a ship through stormy seas.We’ll reflect on life, culture, and even a bit of Educating Yorkshire, to see how Scripture teaches, challenges, and trains us to navigate wisely.

When life is booming, it’s easy to think that the next upgrade — a bigger car, a nicer house, a better work-life balance — will finally make us feel satisfied. But as recent years have shown, those things don’t always sustain us in the long run.In this Harvest talk, Phil explores Jesus’ words about the Bread of Life and what it means to seek something deeper and more lasting than the temporary things we often chase. Drawing on the story of Emma, lockdown lessons, and the tradition of giving back at Harvest, it’s a challenge to turn from the temporary and look to the eternal.🎥 Watch, reflect, and consider what it might mean for you this Harvest to trust the One who has always been there and cares more deeply than you realise.#HarvestFestival #BreadOfLife #FaithThatLasts #QuietRevival #CommunityAndFaith #DraycoteAndLeamValley

Phil explores Psalm 137 and Psalm 37, diving into what it feels like to be far from home — whether in life, in society, or even in the middle of London commuting chaos!But there’s good news: baptism reminds us that in Christ, we are never truly exiled. We belong. We are washed, welcomed, and home.

What do Batman, a war-torn city, and a prophet in prison have in common? In this sermon, we explore Jeremiah 32 and discover how God calls us to act in hope — even when all seems lost. From chaotic headlines to personal struggles, learn how radical, “nuts” obedience can be the spark of life, and how the gospel shows us that despair is never the final word.

In a world obsessed with instant gratification, social media clout, and worldly success, God’s wisdom often looks strange—even foolish. In this sermon, we explore Proverbs 3:13–18 and the life-giving promise of following God’s wisdom, which is “more precious than rubies” and leads to blessing, peace, and flourishing.Join us as we ask: where is God calling you to act with wisdom that defies the world’s expectations? How can you embrace a life rooted in God’s truth rather than the fleeting applause of society?Scripture References: Proverbs 3:13–18, Matthew 5:3–10

This week’s sermon reflects on Numbers 21, where God’s people in the wilderness were surrounded by snakes. Their instinct was to look down in fear, but God called them to lift their eyes and live.In our own time, so much of our national conversation seems designed to keep us looking down — anxious, suspicious, and afraid of what’s “other.” But the gospel calls us to look up: to Christ lifted on the cross, and to see people as God sees them — precious, vulnerable, beloved.In this message, we explore:Why fear drags our gaze downwardHow rhetoric that thrives on fear is like venomous snakesThe hope and freedom that come when we lift our eyes to JesusIf you’ve ever felt weighed down by fear, division, or the constant noise of public life, this sermon is an invitation to look up — and find life.

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?I can dip in and out of Netflix, Disney+ or Paramount+ whenever I like — subscribe for a week, cancel the next. No great cost, no real loyalty. But when my dad and I go to Wales to watch the rugby, that’s different. It takes planning, time, money, commitment — but it’s worth it.In Luke 14:25–33, Jesus tells the crowds that following him is not like a streaming subscription. It costs something. It demands everything. And it’s worth it.In this sermon we explore:Why Jesus uses such shocking language about hating family, life, and possessionsHow to “count the cost” without being paralysed by fearWhat it looks like today to give Jesus first place in our lives📖 Passage: Luke 14:25–33⛪ Preached at: [Your Benefice / Parish Name]✝️ Theme: Jesus isn’t a subscription — he’s the Saviour who paid the ultimate costIf you’ve ever wondered whether following Jesus is worth it, this passage — and this sermon — are for you.

Join us for a beautiful choral evensong from St Nicholas Church, Frankton, led by the Bishop of Coventry. This service features uplifting hymns, timeless canticles, and a thoughtful sermon from the Bishop.Please note: this is a live recording; while we’ve enhanced the audio for clarity, some parts of the sermon may still be faint. We hope you enjoy the music and message of this special service.Experience the music, the message, and the atmosphere of Frankton’s historic church, wherever you are.

Leamington Hastings is more than stone, stained glass, and memorials—it’s a place where history, human tension, and spiritual depth intersect, and where grace has always had the final word.In this episode, we explore the church’s origins as a gift from Humphrey Hastang, the life of the Augustinian Canons who served the local community, and the challenges of privilege, power, and service across the centuries. Through Scripture, historical stories, and reflections, we uncover how grace—not status—shapes communities and calls each of us to live humbly, faithfully, and generously.

Discover the story of Leamington Hastings—a church shaped by gifts, grace, and generations of service. From the Augustinian canons who lived humbly among their community, to vicars who set aside privilege to answer God’s call, we explore how grace has always been stronger than status. Join us as we reflect on history, hear surprising lessons from sport, and unpack Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. A sermon for anyone navigating faith, humility, and the quiet power of God’s mercy.

What do Robin Hood, Reformation-era rectors, and our modern parishes have in common? More than you’d think. In this episode, we explore the weighty choices faced by those who came before us and the hope that still sustains us today. As we face pressures of our own—collective and personal—we're invited to live with courage, faith, and a bold expectation: the true King is coming. And unlike King Richard of legend, Jesus never disappoints.

This week we are continuing in our series looking at what the history of our parishes teaches us. Karen Hatch leads us in thinking about what the History of Birdingbury says to us today

Drawing on the rich histories of Grandborough and Flecknoe, this sermon explores the tension between tradition and innovation in the life of the Church. How do we discern what to hold on to and what to let go, so that the gospel stays fresh and faithful? Join this reflective journey as we consider what it means to truly follow Christ today.

A memorial in the chancel. A preacher who drew crowds. A forgotten name that says everything about grace.Rev’d Phil takes us deep into the history of Willoughby parish to explore how one vicar’s ministry still speaks today—and why presence matters more than platform.

In a world that rewards hustle, Jesus invites us to stop. This episode reflects on the familiar story of Mary and Martha — two sisters, one house, and a surprising lesson about what really matters.Whether you're a lifelong Martha, constantly busy and serving others, or someone longing to sit at Jesus’ feet like Mary, this conversation explores how we can be more present — with God, with each other, and even with ourselves.Expect honesty, a bit of humour, and a fresh take on a Gospel moment that’s both comforting and confronting.🕊️ Scripture: Luke 10:38–42💭 Theme: Presence over performance

What does it really mean when someone says, “I’m fine, thanks”? In this sermon, Phil reflects on a moment from student days — and a chaplain with a knack for seeing through polite English facades — to unpack how encouragement is more than a social nicety. It’s a ministry.Drawing from Watching the English by Kate Fox and Colossians 1, this message explores how God works through our words to build up one another, and how encouragement is both a fruit of faith and a sign of grace. Whether you're a gifted encourager or someone quietly in need of it, this episode is for you.

Is God's grace really as simple as "wash and be clean"? In this episode, we explore the story of Naaman — the powerful commander who almost missed out on healing because the cure was too straightforward for his pride to handle.Phil reflects on how we, like Naaman, often expect faith to be complicated, dramatic, or costly — and how our suspicion of anything “too easy” can get in the way of receiving the gift right in front of us. Along the way, there’s a story about free laptops, a cameo from Adrian Plass (and a confused bloke called Ron), and a good reminder from Phil’s dad: KISS — Keep It Simple, Stupid.At the heart of it all? A gospel that really is as good — and as simple — as it sounds: God loves you, and there’s nothing you need to do to earn it.

🎧 This week we’re doing something a bit different.Phil is guiding us through the spiritual exercise of creating your own Rule of Life — a simple but powerful tool to help you stay rooted in your calling, grounded in your faith, and anchored in the storm.Whether you’re new to this idea or looking to refresh your spiritual rhythm, this session is practical, honest, and deeply personal.📄 Download the free worksheet to follow along and create your own Rule of Life:👉https://drive.google.com/file/d/1es6JR47nvYhiyECNLxtSVPXI3NmfTfEA/view?usp=sharing You’ll come away with something you’ve written yourself — not a list of rules to follow, but a reminder of who you are, who God is, and what He’s calling you to do.🎙️ Listen now. Reflect. Write. Be anchored.#RuleOfLife #SpiritualRhythms #FaithInPractice #Discipleship #ChristianLiving #Podcast #VicarOnAMission

Where does God turn up? In Luke 8, Jesus shows up in a place no one expected — among tombs, pigs, and panic — and transforms a man's life. In this reflection, Phil shares a beachside surprise involving a rugby shirt and a familiar face, exploring how God often appears in the ordinary, overlooked corners of our lives. From traffic jams to supermarket aisles, faith isn’t just for Sundays — it’s for the everyday.Real stories, real Scripture, and a gentle challenge to spot Jesus in the most unexpected places.

This Father’s Day, we explore the unsung faithfulness of one of Scripture’s quietest heroes—Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus. In a world that celebrates loud leadership and big personalities, Joseph shows us the quiet power of mercy, obedience, and showing up.

It’s Pentecost — and we’re asking what the Church is really built on. Not bricks and stone, but the Spirit of God. Not old routines, but a rediscovered purpose. Starting in Genesis and ending in Acts, this talk weaves through creation, confusion, calling, and commissioning — with a little help from 1980s rock and a singer called Grace. If you’re feeling stuck, tired, or just wondering what it’s all for… this one’s for you.(Helpful passages to read: Genesis 1 & 11, Luke 4, Acts 2)

After a family holiday full of chlorine-scented skin and last-minute dashes down the motorway, Phil reflects on the deep ache — and joy — of coming home. In this episode, he explores the beautiful promise of Ezekiel 36: a God who cleanses, restores, and brings his people home not because they’ve earned it, but because he’s faithful. Whether you're feeling far off or freshly baptised, this one's for you.

This Week we are exploring psalm 67 and wondering how a new espresso machine might help us to understand it

We often ask, “What will heaven be like?” Psalm 8 gives us a glimpse—not of clouds and harps, but of majesty, glory, and a world made right. But let’s be honest: the world doesn’t always feel that way now. In this sermon, Rev. Phil Price reflects on how the praise of heaven collides with the pain of earth, and how worship helps us hold both together. If you’ve ever longed for more—more meaning, more beauty, more God—this episode invites you to lift your eyes and anchor your hope.