Background Shape

Thought for the Week

Each week, a member of the congregation, community or clergy writes on a contemporary topic that resonates with the mission and values of St James’s.

Recent Thoughts for the Week

Thought for the Week – Adult baptism: the courage to live again!

The Revd Dr Ivan Khovacs explores adult baptism as an act of courage and renewal, inviting those seeking faith to embrace the transformative love of God and step into a new life with Christ.

more

Thought for the Week – Digging, laughing and singing together in the Dorset countryside

Mary Stewart reports on this year’s ‘Lifelines’ hedgerow planting experience at Hilfield Friary in Dorset.

more

Thought for the Week – A Momentous Sermon: The Rt Revd Mariann Edgar Budde’s Reflections from Washington National Cathedral

As this week’s Thought for the Week, we publish the text of the sermon preached at Washington National Cathedral by the Bishop of Washington, The Rt Revd Mariann Edgar Budde. As the Church of England and the Episcopal Church of the United States are all part of the Anglican Communion, she is our bishop too. In a momentous week for US politics, and therefore, for world politics, we send our support and prayers to Bishop Mariann.

more

Thought for the Week – Keep Alert

Head Verger, Chris Davies, talks to our security team and examines the nature of security in a church.

more

Tony Sánchez

Thought for the Week – Life, Faith, and St James’s Church

Tony Sánchez shares his personal journey as a gay Christian man born into a culture that did not accept his sexuality. He describes a journey that brought him to St James’s and why its ethos is needed now more than ever.

more

Thought for the Week – Should we have Faith in Government?

Lauren Gomer reflects on her faith journey at St James’s and explores the vital role religion could play in shaping global policies on technology, AI, and political change as she prepares to re-enter her diplomatic career in a rapidly evolving 2025.

more

Thought for the New Year

The Revd Lucy Winkett marks the fact that 2025 sees the beginning of work on the transformative Wren Project, emphasising its dual purpose of restoring St James’s Piccadilly’s historic buildings while fostering an inclusive, just society through initiatives like the Changemaker Programme and practical apprenticeships, all rooted in faith and community.

more

Thought for the Week – The Passion of Mary and the Birth of Christ

Ayla reflects on Florence Okoye’s side chapel exhibition and images of black women saints past and present.

more

Thought for the Week – Advent’s Challenge: Love, Justice, and Hope

Lucy Winkett reflects on the profound meaning of Advent and Christmas, emphasising the universal message of hope, love, and light found in the O Antiphons and the birth of Christ as a gift for all humanity.

more

Thought for the Week – Challenging Ableism: Building a More Inclusive Future

Lucy Savage interviews Jaspal Dhani for Disability History Month, exploring his personal journey, the progress and persistent challenges in disability rights, and the societal shifts needed to foster inclusivity and dismantle ableism in the UK.

more

Thought for the Week – From Pews to Pixels

Verger Tomas Hickman reflects on the challenges and innovations of integrating technology at St James, from livestreaming services and utilising hearing loops to implementing creative audiovisual solutions, all aimed at fostering inclusivity and accessibility for both local and global congregations.

more

Audrey

Thought for the Week – From Healing to Liberation

As part of Disability History Month, Audrey reflects on a postcolonial interpretation of the healing stories in the gospels.

more

Susannah Morgan

Thought for the Week – Conversations with Nancy Willis

For Disability History Month, Susannah Morgan reflects on the work of artist Nancy Willis and its lessons in radical rest as a spiritual practice

more

Thought for the Week – Waking Up to Change

Returning from California, US citizen and UK immigrant Kate Finlay reflects on how faith and politics mix in the aftermath of the Presidential election in the USA.

more

Thought for the Week – Remembering Amidst Conflict

In a world marred by war and suffering, The Revd Lucy Winkett reflects on the myth of “redemptive violence” and the power of silence, prayer, and self-examination, challenging us to consider our roles in fostering peace and remembering those lost to conflict.

more

Thought for the week -Faith, Strategy and Sacrifice

As part of Black History Month Cornell Jackson reflects on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s strategic use of non-violent protests, particularly the controversial decision to involve children in the Birmingham campaign.

more