Today I decided to attend the 10:30 am service at the Methodist church in Peasedown St John. Unlike the Church of England, Methodist ministers work within a circuit, meaning they rotate between different churches rather than staying permanently in one place. This morning’s preacher was a retired minister — a “supernumerary,” I believe the term is — and he delivered an engaging, historically grounded sermon entirely without notes. He was clearly someone with many years of experience and deep commitment.
I arrived at about 10:15, when a woman was already at the piano, leading the early arrivals in a few informal hymns before the service began. Around 40 people were present, including about 10 children. After sharing a short story aimed at the younger ones, the minister invited the children and their parents to move to a back room, where they could continue their own version of the service.
The main service lasted about an hour. Afterwards, everyone gathered in an adjoining room for coffee and biscuits. I had several friendly conversations, including with the church’s website designer, whom I complimented on creating a site with a strong, welcoming feel without being flashy or overdone. It was clear that the church hosts activities on most days of the week. The overall atmosphere felt inclusive and upbeat.
Near the end of the service, the minister invited anyone who wished to share something about what God had done in their life. One woman spoke, and there was also a prayer for a mother with a very young child who is having to return to Ghana because her living circumstances here were not adequate. I am quite choosy about where I attend such places of worship, but I would certainly visit again should the impulse appear.
The address (abridged)
We are discussing the Bible in historical times and injustice in the daily lives of the people. They fast, pray, and worship, yet continue to exploit others and neglect the poor. God makes it clear that true worship is not about ritual but about justice, compassion, and care for those in need. Real faith means feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, clothing the poor, and breaking the chains of oppression. When people live this way, God promises that their lives will be filled with light, healing, and His presence.
The preacher explains the historical setting: in Isaiah’s time, society looked prosperous and religious, but underneath it was unjust. Wealthy people were buying up land, pushing the poor aside, and even finding ways around laws meant to protect the vulnerable. Outwardly, worship was thriving; inwardly, hearts were far from God. The key problem was hypocrisy — people believed religious activity made them right with God, while their character and actions said otherwise. God, however, looks at the heart. He wanted transformed character, not just religious performance.
Moving to the time of Jesus and the Gospel of Matthew, the preacher shows that the same issue still existed. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that being part of God’s kingdom is about inner change. The Beatitudes describe the attitudes of people who depend on God rather than their own goodness. Jesus calls His followers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world,” meaning their lives should visibly influence the world for good. Faith should shine through actions so others see God’s love.
A major theme is the difference between outward religion and inward transformation. The religious leaders focused on rules and appearances. Jesus said true righteousness must go deeper than that. It is not about earning God’s approval but about becoming people whose character reflects God’s love, mercy, and holiness.
The sermon then explores three important attitudes:
- Our attitude toward ourselves — We must recognise our dependence on God, yet also remember we are deeply loved and valued by Him.
- Our attitude toward sin — Sin is serious because it separates us from God’s best for us. We cannot fix this on our own; we rely on God’s grace and forgiveness.
- Our attitude toward the world — Society often promotes success, wealth, and self-interest, but God calls His people to live differently, showing love, humility, forgiveness, and integrity.
The preacher stresses that Christian faith is not just for Sundays. Worship is not something we “put on” at church; it is expressed daily in how we speak, act, and respond to others — especially in difficult situations. Followers of Christ are called to respond to injustice with courage, to treat others with compassion, and to live with humility.
Importantly, this transformation is not achieved by willpower alone. We need the help of the Holy Spirit, who shapes our character and guides our actions. Through God’s Spirit, believers can grow into people who naturally reflect His love.
The sermon closes with a reminder, especially fitting for Lent, that this is a season of repentance, renewal, and change. God’s desire is for His people to:
- Act justly
- Love (with) mercy
- Walk humbly with Him
When believers live this way, they become the “light” and “salt” the world desperately needs — people whose lives show that God is real, loving, and at work.
