This event tells us something important about Jesus. He has authority over all things, even
the forces that try to harm us. It's like Jesus is saying, ​

​Opening Prayers
Love comes here, as I turn aside to meet with you, Lord God.
Love transforms my heart,
Love moves me into action.
Lord Jesus, Spirit of love,
Show me how to love.

Hush. Be still. Listen.

Do you hear them?
The sounds of the prophets, sharing wisdom
through the voices of the children, the downtrodden,
the faithful, the thunder of the crowd,
whispering to you, today.

Hush. Be still. Listen.
​
Can you feel it?
The drums of praise, echoing in this space.
The ensemble has gathered to bring worship,
like the psalmist of old,
into this space, here and today.

Hush. Be still. Listen.
​
Can you see it?
The burdens I have brought here,
the anxiety of this past week,
the rising joy needing to be shared,
the Spirit of God in this place?
​
Hush. Be still. Listen.
This house and community welcome you.
Amen.

​StF.18 Be still and know that I am God

Reading: Mark 1:21-28 New International Version Jesus Drives Out an Impure Spirit
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began
to teach. 22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as
the teachers of the law. 23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an impure spirit
cried out, 24 “What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are--
the Holy One of God!”
25 “Be quiet!” said Jesus sternly. “Come out of him!” 26 The impure spirit shook the man violently and came out
of him with a shriek.
27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority!
He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.” 28 News about him spread quickly over the
whole region of Galilee.

615 STF – Let love be real, in giving and receiving

Reflections on the reading
Today, the New Testament reading from Mark 1:21-28 tells a story from the Bible that
reminds us that Jesus had power and authority. Jesus was and is a teacher who could
control anything, yet cared for each individual and demonstrated his love through his
actions. In the Gospel of Mark, we see him heal someone from an evil spirit.
Here is a little bit of that gospel reading:
​‘And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath he entered the
synagogue and was teaching. And they were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them
as one who had authority, and not as the scribes.’
Jesus began his earthly ministry by teaching people in the area where he was living and
working. Some were sceptical about who he was, but many people noticed how he spoke
like someone who knew what he was talking about. He had authority when he taught and
instructed people.
It wasn't just knowledge; it was a power that made people sit up and take notice. And when
confronted with an impure spirit, Jesus didn't negotiate or plead; he commanded the spirit
to leave, and it had to obey.
This event tells us something important about Jesus. He has authority over all things, even
the forces that try to harm us. It's like Jesus is saying, "I am in control, and nothing can
stand against my power."
Even with these amazing stories from the Bible that help to show us who Jesus is, this
passage contains a warning not to be too confident in our own ability to discern what God is
saying.
It is hard to ignore the fact the unclean spirit knew of Jesus’ identity when the disciples and
those in the synagogue did not. Those who were most committed to Jesus’ teachings failed
to recognise the most important thing about him. It was an unclean spirit, something most in
need of transformation, that knew the truth. It is a reminder, if one is needed, that
theological authority does not reside solely in the church.
Take some time today, or this week, to reflect on these questions and find someone you
can trust to discuss them with:
- Where does authority come from? For Jesus, and in your life?
- Why does it matter where Jesus’ authority comes from?
- What does it take for you to recognise someone’s authority?
- What does it look like to treat Jesus as our primary authority?
- Where might we find and encounter important truth outside of the church?
So, as you rise from this space today, may you be encouraged by the authority of Jesus.
Whatever challenges you are facing this week, may you remember that he is in control, and
his power and love are with us now and wherever we go.

​Brother, sister, let me serve you (StF 611)

prayer
Heavenly Father,
I thank you that you sent your Son to be your representative on earth, carrying all the same
authority as you. Thank you that in the Bible we have the means by which to hear and
respond to your authority. Help us to use the access we have to your word, to draw near
and listen to your authoritative voice to us.
Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer.
Today, I pray for those who feel overburdened and trapped by something out of their
control, those who have worries so large they feel insurmountable. Lord, in your power,
rebuke that which is not of you, and make quiet the voices within me that keep me from my
own full potential.
Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer.
Today, I am praying to say sorry for the times that I am arrogant and foolish enough to think
I have all the answers. Help me to recognise the wisdom and truth that I can find when I
venture out into the world to meet with your people, O God.
Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer.
In the stillness, I pray for the situations in the world and this community where I want your
love and peace to reign.
Leave a moment of silence
Lord in your mercy. Hear my prayer. Amen.

The lords prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
 Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen

463 STF – Deep in the shadows of the past -

Blessing
Go in peace – seek the opportunities to love. Go in joy and be one of the people who bring
hope. Travel well in the world, and be transformed by the Spirit within you. Amen.

28th January 2024 The Vine at Home is compiled and produced by twelvebaskets

​May my faith be a fire that brings comfort,
one that radiates love and care to those around me;
Rekindle and fuel me, O God,

​Opening Prayers
Here I am, Lord God, ready for you.
Here I am, coming in worship and silence.
Hold a period of quiet, you might like to read these words several times over.
I wait in the stillness, my soul is like water,
Pushed and pulled by the gravity of life’s commitments.
I pour myself out, bend myself,
and distort myself for others,
muddying myself into something that isn’t authentic.
Refresh and refill me, O God,
For you alone my soul waits in silence.
I wait in the stillness, keeping my faith alight, sometimes only barely.
May my faith be a fire that brings comfort,
one that radiates love and care to those around me;
Rekindle and fuel me, O God,
For you alone my soul waits in silence.
I wait in the stillness, the silence amongst the chaos.
The sounds of the traffic, the appliances, the crowds,
the all-encompassing dirge of life.
May I be aware of the still, quiet voice,
Speaking words of wisdom.
My hope is in you God,
For you alone my soul waits in silence.
Amen.

440 STF – Amazing grace - how sweet the sound –

Mark 1:14-20 New International Version Jesus Announces the Good News
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 15 “The time
has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Jesus Calls His First Disciples16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother
Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you
out to fish for people.” 18 At once they left their nets and followed him.
19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing
their nets. 20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men
​and followed him.

255 STF – The kingdom of God is justice and joy

Today’s Gospel reading – from Mark’s gospel – starts with a bang!
We find Jesus saying "The time has come! God's special kingdom is here! Believe in this
good news and turn back to God."
Wow, now, that might sound a bit fancy, but it's like Jesus is saying, "Something amazing
is happening, and God's love is here for all of us!" How awesome is that?
Right after saying this, Jesus walked by a lake, and he saw some fishermen. Their names
were Simon, Andrew, James, and John. They were busy fishing, trying to catch some fish
to feed their families and make a living. Fishing was a hard job to do, it was long hours
and tough work, and not always great pay – that depended on what you could catch. In
society, those that were fisherman would be looked down on in society unfortunately.
​We have similar roles that can often be looked at in negative ways. Those that are known
as dustbin men or women, and other similar roles. This role can sadly be looked down
upon. However, without their important role we wouldn’t have our rubbish and more
importantly our recycling taken.
So back to our story. Despite their place in society, Jesus says to these fisherman "Come
and follow me! I'll teach you how to fish for people instead of fish." Now, that might sound
a bit funny – people aren't fish, are they? But what Jesus meant is that he wanted these
guys to help him tell everyone about God's love.
And guess what happened next? Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their fishing nets
right there and followed Jesus. They became Jesus' special friends, His first helpers, and
they went on incredible adventures with him.
Jesus is like our best friend, and he invites us to follow him on an amazing adventure. We
might have to leave behind some of our "nets," like the things we're used to, but it's
because Jesus has something incredible for us to do.
Looking at this story today, towards the start of a New Year, do we find it exciting, or
scary? Or perhaps a bit of both? How might God be calling us today? What are the things
we are already good at, as the disciples were good at fishing, which Jesus might use in
the way he calls us to particular tasks?
As you consider how you might respond to Jesus’ invitation to be a part of his team, let’s
return to where we started and ponder for a moment what might have happened had the
disciples replied to Jesus, ‘Catching people? No, sorry, that’s not really my thing – this is
the sort of person I am and I can’t really change now. Sorry.’
Is that you, or have you got a different answer for Jesus today? Will you play your part in
the story of love, unfolding around us.

407 STF – Hear the call of the kingdom

The lords Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
 Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen

404 STF – God’s spirit is in my heart –

Blessing
Source of all love,
God of peace,
Divine energy of justice,
Accept my life today, I pray,
And put me, my skills, my hopes, my dreams, my desires to work to build your kingdom
here on earth,
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

​Jesus, you are the light of the world, the light of my life, I offer this time to you in worship
and prayer and praise.

Opening Prayers
Lord of Light,
Prince of Peace,
Almighty Counsellor,
Today I come to worship you, and look to you to shine your light into my life.
Come Lord Jesus, by your Spirit.
If you have a candle, find it and something to light it. Put it somewhere you can see it. If you
do not have a candle, use a lamp.
As you light the candle, or light the lamp, say these words: “the light shines in the darkness
and the darkness can never put it out”.
Sit in silence and notice the light and the shadows in the room. When you are ready, offer
this time of worship to God:
Jesus, you are the light of the world, the light of my life, I offer this time to you in worship
and prayer and praise. Amen.

545 STF – Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart

The lords Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
 Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen

662 STF – Have you heard God’s voice; has you heart been stirred? -

​
John 1:43-51
New International VersionJesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”
44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We
have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, 
the son of Joseph.”
46 “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.
47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things
than that.” 51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God
ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

Reflections on the reading
In today’s gospel reading from John 1, we encounter the story of Philip inviting Nathanael to
meet Jesus. Nathanael initially doubts that anything good can come from Nazareth, but
Philip responds with a simple, profound invitation: "Come and see."
This passage challenges us to consider two important aspects of our faith:
1. Doubt and Prejudice: Just as Nathanael had doubts about Nazareth, we often
harbour doubts and prejudices about people, situations, or ideas. These doubts can
blind us to the potential for goodness and blessings in unexpected places. The
challenge is to recognise and confront our doubts, allowing ourselves to be open to
God's work in unexpected ways.
2. Invitation and Encounter: Philip's invitation, "Come and see," is an invitation to
encounter Jesus personally. It's an invitation to experience God’s presence, love,
and transformative power made incarnate in Jesus. We, too, are called to extend this
invitation to ourselves and to others, inviting them to encounter Christ in our words
and actions.

Consider these questions for your personal devotion:
- What doubts or prejudices do I hold that may be hindering my faith or openness to
God's work in my life?
​Am I willing to set aside my doubts and preconceived notions, and, like Nathanael,
be open to the possibility of encountering Christ in unexpected ways?
- How can I extend the invitation to others to "come and see" Jesus through my life
and testimony?
- Do I actively seek moments of personal encounter with Christ through prayer,
Scripture, and worship?

The challenge in John 1:43-51 is to embrace the transformative power of encountering
Jesus and to be open to God's work in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. As you reflect on
this passage, may you be inspired to invite others to "come and see" the incredible journey
of faith and the life-changing encounter with the Son of God.

552 STF – Here am I, Lord -

Responding through action
When was the last time you told someone your ‘testimony’? Testimony is a way of talking
about our lives and stories that shows we are able to recognise God is at work in and
through us. It might involve a ‘conversion’ moment, or it might involve dozens of ‘conversion
moments’, it might grapple with your own doubts and prejudice and show how God is
working through you despite your failings.
Could you make some time today to write out, or draw, or say aloud some of your
testimony? Is there a story you can tell that demonstrates God at work in your life?
These stories can be a source of encouragement for others – people who have faith and
those who have none – not necessarily because we are trying to convert them to our way of
thinking, but because we can open up the possibility for people to reflect on their own lives
and see God at work. Could you swap stories/testimonies with someone this week?

673 STF – Will you come and follow me? -

Blessing
So, people of God,
I go from this place, hearing words of encouragement from the Creator,
I go from this place, inspired to follow in the ways of the Christ,
I go from this place, transformed by the power of the Spirit,
Travel with me, triune God, that I may come to know you more each day.
Amen.

​Today to arrive in Bethlehem you have to navigate a checkpoint. The birthplace of Jesus is
occupied, as it was when Jesus was born,

Opening prayer
Visiting, travelling, God of migration,
As I begin my journey through 2024,
And celebrate the journey of the Magi to meet the Christ-child,
I ask that you will travel with me,
Today and every day.
Show me, show this whole world, the starlight of your grace, I pray, Amen.

StF 57 Let all the world in every corner sing

The Lords Prayer
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done,
on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
 Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours
now and for ever.
Amen
​
StF 476 One more step along the world I go .

​
Matthew 2:1-12 New International Version The Magi Visit the Messiah
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came
to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose
and have come to worship him.”
3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 When he had called together all
the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. 
​5 “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’
7 Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. 8 He
sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me,
so that I too may go and worship him.”
9 After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of
them until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. 
Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having
been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

​StF 727 God in his love for us lent us this planet

​Today’s reflection comes from David Hardman, the Methodist Liaison Officer in Jerusalem,
part of the Methodist Church in Britain’s Connexional Team and a mission partner on behalf
of the Church. This reflection was originally written for The Vine resources, and this is a
slightly abridged version, but we felt it was worth sharing so that people can hear some of
David’s thoughts and challenge for us in the midst of conflict in the Middle East.
Today to arrive in Bethlehem you have to navigate a checkpoint. The birthplace of Jesus is
occupied, as it was when Jesus was born, not by the Roman Empire but by Israel. Across
the West Bank, of which Bethlehem is a part, there are numerous checkpoints set up by
Israel to control and restrict the movement of Palestinians. The security barrier which in
most parts is a 30ft high concrete wall runs for 450 miles across the occupied West Bank
and was built by Israel for security reasons, it has been deemed illegal by the International
Court of Justice. If the Magi were searching for Jesus today, they would encounter this wall
and would have to find a checkpoint to continue their journey.
You may well have seen the cartoons of the wise men on their camels scratching their
heads as they look at the wall and try to figure out how they might complete the final leg of
their journey! In fact, I have a nativity set from the West Bank in beautiful olive wood that
includes a wall. Each year I set up my nativity and place the Magi on the outside of the wall!
Each year I pray that the next time I set up my nativity I will not use the wall because it will
have been dismantled and that Palestinians will be enjoying their human rights and political
self-determination.
As symbolic as it is to draw or place the Magi on one side of the wall and the traditional
nativity scene on the other, there is a question as to whether it would actually happen? The
truth is in my role as the Methodist Liaison Officer in Jerusalem I can travel much more
freely than my Palestinian friends and colleagues, simply because of my UK passport. I
suspect that the wise men, in all their finery and obvious wealth, would have had little or no
trouble getting through a checkpoint! Privilege opens checkpoints as well as doors.
It certainly opened royal doors for the Magi arrive as they seek an audience with King
Herod. Following a star they had observed in the East they are looking for the child ‘born
king of the Jews’. The Palace seems an obvious place to start but Herod is unaware and
has to enquire as to where such a child would be born before he sends the Magi off on the
final leg of their journey to Bethlehem. If you are searching for a royal baby then it seems
​wise to visit a King but as with so much of the nativity story, and in fact the life of Jesus, we
see the conventions of the world turned upside down. Jesus, born to be king, is found in an
ordinary home.
The Magi soon learnt, after being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they return
home by another road. They have gone on a real journey, not just a physical but a spiritual
one too. After witnessing the rising of the star in the east and visiting the halls power they
realise that Jesus’ birth ushers in God’s kingdom in which the powerful predator lies down
with the prey in peace (Isaiah 11).
As a theologian friend of mine says: in God’s kingdom the lion becomes a vegetarian! It is
the powerful and the privileged who give up their power and are ‘brought down’ just as ‘the
lowly are lifted up’. Authority in God’s kingdom is not in the hands of rulers, the rich and
those in positions of power, it is in the hands of the young unmarried pregnant mother, the
bunch of misfits called to be disciples and in Jesus, a nomadic preacher.
As followers of Christ and citizens of God’s kingdom we too are invited to go on this
journey. A journey that leads from always trusting those with power in this world to
recognising that we look to God in Jesus for our inspiration and our guidance.
The Magi assumed, wrongly, that Christ would be born to the political King, they found him
in the little town of Bethlehem. Yet, their journey took them home on a different road, a road
that led them away from the places of power. A road that led them to a different
understanding of Kingship. A road that allowed them a glimpse of how God’s kingdom
differs from the human power structures that elevate the wealthy, the privileged and the
self-serving to positions of authority and influence.
As we start this New Year, it’s a perfect time to challenge ourselves again in our
discipleship. Are we prepared to journey on another road and confess that too often we
have listen to the voices of this world over and above the voice of God? If so we pledge
ourselves to listen to God’s voice and to live as ‘fully signed up’ citizens of God’s kingdom.

​StF 251 Jesus Christ is waiting

prayer
The worldly wise found you, incarnate God, away from the corridors of power and in the
loving arms of a young mum. Hear us now, as we pray for the world you created and the
people you lived among.
In the stillness, we pray for all those who exercise power and influence...

May they work tirelessly for justice and peace.
We pray for those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in conflicts across the
world...

May they know your eternal love surrounding them.
We pray for those who are desperately searching for sanctuary...

May they find an unconditional welcome.
We pray for creation as it groans under weight of our greed...

May we give up our domination of this planet and work with creation for renewal.
We pray for those we know and love (and those we ought to love) who are in need of
prayer today...

May they know your love, and ours, in their difficult time.
In the name of the son of a teenage girl, we pray to the incarnate deity that God’s kingdom
may come,
God’s will be done, Amen.

​StF 67 This, this is the God we adore.

Blessing
As you go from this place, go with the Spirit of the God of the Magi in your hearts,
Go inspired to share the blessings of the Christmas season and the love you have
encountered at the manger-side.
Amen.