Bishop Paul’s Christmas Sermon from Southwell Minster
'Jesus was born not to make sure we know how badly we’ve messed things up, but so that we can discover how greatly we are loved by God.' In his Christmas sermon at the Midnight Communion in the Cathedral on Christmas Eve, Bishop Paul spoke about how at Christmas, God comes to find us in Jesus, offering a peace that can satisfy our very deepest need and longings, and inviting our hearts to come home to Him. He reflected on the success
Start the Day on Christmas Eve with Bishop Paul and Sarah (187) – 24th December 2025
‘God doesn’t leave things to chance - he creates order and beauty out of chaos’ In this special Start the Day message on Christmas Eve, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on the angels appearing to the shepherds in Luke 2 - a moment where heaven breaks into the ordinary and the shepherds’ eyes are opened to a wonder that changes their perspective. As we look at the chaos around the world or in our own lives, Bishop Paul and Sarah remind us
Home for Christmas: Christmas Parable 2025
This year, alongside Bishop Paul’s Christmas message, we are pleased to share a new parable short film created to reach out to audiences far and wide. At a time of year when our screens are filled with amazing Christmas adverts inviting us to buy delicious food and exciting gifts, this film offers something different. Rather than selling, it seeks to show you something. The story of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus’ most well-known parables, and its invitation to ‘come
Start the Month in November with Bishop Paul and Sarah (186) – 7th November 2025
“My heart, O God, is steadfast.” Psalm 108:1 Where do you draw your confidence from? In Start the Month for November, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on Psalm 108, exploring how and where we find confidence in God. In the psalm, David’s confidence is grounded in his experience of God’s steadfast love, and we too can steady our hearts in that same love when we need courage to face new opportunities and challenges. Bishop Paul and Sarah encourage us this
Announcement of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
We welcome the announcement of Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury. Our bishops Paul Williams (Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham) and Andy Emerton (Bishop of Sherwood) invite all our churches to give thanks to God and join in praying for the Archbishop of Canterbury-designate. Bishop Paul said, “I am holding Bishop Sarah in my prayers as she takes on this new and significant responsibility within the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion. Please pray that she will be
Start the Month in October with Bishop Paul and Sarah (185) – 3rd October 2025
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:26 In Start the Month for October, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on Psalm 73. Bishop Paul describes ‘four golden verses’ in which the psalmist is compelled to set aside self-interest to be set free by love for God. These verses remind us of the wonder of knowing Jesus, and the eternal hope that He holds out to us. Bishop
Start the Month in September with Bishop Paul and Sarah (184) – 5th September 2025
'There is a point where we need to decide to let ourselves be loved by God' In this special Start the Month for September, Bishop Paul and Sarah read from Psalm 45 and reflect on the difference it makes to daily life when we truly know how deeply we are loved by God. His love inspires confidence and brings courage, especially in new seasons of opportunity or challenge. Our prayer is that, as you watch this Start the Month, you
Start the Month in August with Bishop Paul and Sarah (183) – 1st August 2025
'Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.' Psalm 4:3 As we enter August, a month that often invites rest and refreshment, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on Psalm 4, reminding us of God’s joy and peace that is available to us whatever our circumstances. They share how in the Psalm, David draws confidence from the fact that God desires him and hears his cry for help. This can
Start the Month in July with Bishop Paul and Sarah (182) – 4th July 2025
'Blaze, Spirit blaze, set our hearts on fire' Do you feel the fire of God’s love burning brightly, or perhaps you feel like your faith is flickering? As they stand near the old fireplaces of Archbishop’s Palace, in Start the Month for July Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on how God meets us where we are and can rekindle the fire in our hearts. Drawing on the book of Job, they share how despite the struggles and sufferings we may face, we have
Bishop Paul’s Sermon for the Service of Celebration of the King’s Official Birthday
Sunday 15th June, Southwell Minster My text for this sermon is 1 Peter 2:16: “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil…Show proper respect to everyone…” There’s a little volume called ‘The All Better Book’ in which children try to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems, like what to do about global warming, how to stop wars and so on. And here’s one of the toughest questions they faced: ‘With billions of people in the world, someone