Trinity 18 (Year A) - 4 October 2026

In the final episode of the season, before we begin our journey through Year B, Sam and Jolley explore the lectionary readings for Christ the King and tackle a listener question about the ethics and purpose of using AI in sermon preparation.Readings:Ezekiel 34.11-16,20-24Ephesians 1.15-endMatthew 25.31-endNotes:Sam's Thought for the Day: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0pkfbt6Nazareth Manifesto: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/A-Nazareth-Manifesto-by-Samuel-Wells/9780470673263?srsltid=AYCX9vKMbXa2bd9VAM9rN5NQxHLbPRnY_TLb5yc0u-5mHQSczR8GGcg0Constructing an Incarnational Theology: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Constructing-an-Incarnational-Theology-by-Samuel-Wells/9781009492713?srsltid=AYCX9vK5CWfhgPQeU-kb93uwRiQIQ3grqlHted3zQddQikTNORM3qTXV

For Safeguarding Sunday, Sam and Jolley explore what it means to preach the Gospel as the church reflects on its responsibility to protect the most vulnerable. Together, they also interrogate the lectionary readings for the 2nd Sunday before Advent.Readings:1 Corinthians 13 (Safeguarding suggested reading)Zephaniah 1.7, 12-end1 Thessalonians 5.1-11Matthew 25.14-30NotesSam's Sermon on Matthew 25: https://chapel.duke.edu/sites/default/files/documents/sermons/2005/051113.pdfHow to Preach by Sam Wells: https://canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk/books/9781786225214/how-to-preach

Sam and Jolley tackle Remembrance Sunday and explore its significance in the Church of England and the broader implications of sacrifice in war. For our international listeners, they take a look at the readings for the 3rd Sunday before Advent.Readings:Amos 5.18-241 Thessalonians 4.13-endMatthew 25.1-13

Sam and Jolley sit down to talk about all things All Saints'! As well as addressing a listener question on atonement theories, Sam explores different approaches for preaching on the Feast of All Saints and considers the linked readings.Readings:Revelation 7.9-end1 John 3.1-3Matthew 5.1-12Further ResourcesGood Friday Sermon (Atonement Theory): https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/sermons/love-so-amazing-so-divine-what-is-happening-on-good-friday/Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/28940.Behind_the_Scenes_at_the_Museum

Join Sam and Jolley as they discuss the readings for the Last Sunday after Trinity on 25 October. Together they explore preaching on disability, justice and loving your neighbour as yourself.Readings:Deuteronomy 34.1-12Leviticus 19.1-2, 15-181 Thessalonians 2.1-8Matthew 22.34-end

Join Sam and Jolley as they discuss the lectionary readings from the twentieth Sunday after Trinity (Year A) for 18th October.Readings:Exodus 33.12-endIsaiah 45.1-71 Thessalonians 1.1-10Matthew 22.15-22

APOLOGIES! Due to a scheduling error - this podcast did not reach your ears first thing this morning, but you can enjoy it now!Join Sam and Jolley as they discuss the Lectionary Readings for 11 October 2026.Notes:Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes by Kenneth Bailey - https://spckpublishing.co.uk/jesus-through-middle-eastern-eyes-pb

Jolley and Sam are back together in London to discuss the readings for 4th October 2026. Jolley shares the Ten Commandments of preaching he learned in the States before they tackle the actual Ten Commandments together! For those celebrating Harvest Festival, Sam also shares his thoughts on how to approach preaching for that too.Readings:Exodus 20.1-4,7-9,12-20Isaiah 5.1-7Philippians 3.4b-14Matthew 21.33-end

Maddie Naisbitt steps in to cover for Jolley this week and asks Sam all about the readings for Sunday, 27th September. Readings:Exodus 17.1-7Ezekiel 18.1-4, 25-endPhilippians 2.1-13Matthew 21.23-32

Join Sam and Jolley as they discuss the lectionary readings for the 16th Sunday after Trinity on 20 September, and offer some suggestions to kickstart your preaching preparation. Readings:Exodus 16.2-15Jonah 3.10-4.11Philippians 1.21-30Matthew 20.1-16