David Herbert
The Honourable David Alexander Reginald Herbert was a British socialite and writer, seen in the 1920s as one of the… more
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Border Crossing: the dangerous way of grace
Our politics, like our hearts, are haunted by borders and fear. But Luke’s gospel shows Jesus walking the edge — not to keep people out, but to draw them in. Preached in a week when fragile talk of a ceasefire in Gaza flickers across the news, this…
Our politics, like our hearts, are haunted by borders and fear. But Luke’s gospel shows Jesus walking the edge — not to keep people out, but to draw them in. Preached in a week when fragile talk of a ceasefire in Gaza flickers across the news, this…
Border Crossing: the dangerous way of grace
Our politics, like our hearts, are haunted by borders and fear. But Luke’s gospel shows Jesus walking the edge — not to keep people out, but to draw them in. Preached in a week when fragile talk of a ceasefire in Gaza flickers across the news, this reflection on Luke 17:11–19 and 2 Timothy 2:8–15 explores what happens when the unchained word of God crosses the lines we draw, healing what fear divides.
davidherbert.me
Excellent film. Just back from seeing it. What a story.
Reposted by David Herbert
Earlier this week, I got the privilege to attend an early screening of #ISwear with #TeaForTourettes and wow... its honestly one of the best films I've seen this year. If you can, please go and watch it. You'll laugh, you'll cry but you may just learn something too ✨️ #mustwatchmovie #cinema
What happens when we stop calling the river it?
When the earth becomes our mother, and the trees our kin?
A Harvest reflection on creation as family — From the Riverbank
davidherbert.me/2025/10/05/f...
When the earth becomes our mother, and the trees our kin?
A Harvest reflection on creation as family — From the Riverbank
davidherbert.me/2025/10/05/f...
From the Riverbank
– Sister Itchen and the River of LifeA sermon for Harvest Festival at St Lawrence’s Napton, inspired by St Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures, the Warwickshire River Itchen, artist Ste…
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From the Riverbank
– Sister Itchen and the River of LifeA sermon for Harvest Festival at St Lawrence's Napton, inspired by St Francis's Canticle of the Creatures, the Warwickshire River Itchen, artist Stephen Broadbent's River of Life sculpture in Warrington, the writing of Robert Macfarlane and…
– Sister Itchen and the River of LifeA sermon for Harvest Festival at St Lawrence's Napton, inspired by St Francis's Canticle of the Creatures, the Warwickshire River Itchen, artist Stephen Broadbent's River of Life sculpture in Warrington, the writing of Robert Macfarlane and…
From the Riverbank
– Sister Itchen and the River of LifeA sermon for Harvest Festival at St Lawrence's Napton, inspired by St Francis's Canticle of the Creatures, the Warwickshire River Itchen, artist Stephen Broadbent's River of Life sculpture in Warrington, the writing of Robert Macfarlane and the indigenous wisdom represented by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It's a thanksgiving for the quiet grace that still flows through creation, and a reminder that we are family with all that lives.
davidherbert.me
Reposted by David Herbert
All are welcome here 🤍
Credit: The Book Wrangler
Credit: The Book Wrangler
Are the rich fit for the kingdom of God? Here’s the test.
A sermon for September 28th 2025 - the 15th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21C) All three readings, (Amos 6:1a, 4-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16: 19-end) address the issue of wealth. (There is far more in the Bible about wealth and riches than…
A sermon for September 28th 2025 - the 15th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21C) All three readings, (Amos 6:1a, 4-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16: 19-end) address the issue of wealth. (There is far more in the Bible about wealth and riches than…
Are the rich fit for the kingdom of God? Here’s the test.
A sermon for September 28th 2025 - the 15th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21C) All three readings, (Amos 6:1a, 4-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16: 19-end) address the issue of wealth. (There is far more in the Bible about wealth and riches than about sexual morality, though that is hard to believe when we listen to the politics of the church).
davidherbert.me
Safeguarding is the Mission of God
I had thought that this Sunday was Safeguarding Sunday. It’s not.That’s November 16th.But shouldn’t every Sunday be Safeguarding Sunday?When we look at our readings for the day, (Amos 8:4-7 & Luke 16:1-13), they are all about safeguarding,and they expose our…
I had thought that this Sunday was Safeguarding Sunday. It’s not.That’s November 16th.But shouldn’t every Sunday be Safeguarding Sunday?When we look at our readings for the day, (Amos 8:4-7 & Luke 16:1-13), they are all about safeguarding,and they expose our…
Safeguarding is the Mission of God
I had thought that this Sunday was Safeguarding Sunday. It’s not.That’s November 16th.But shouldn’t every Sunday be Safeguarding Sunday?When we look at our readings for the day, (Amos 8:4-7 & Luke 16:1-13), they are all about safeguarding,and they expose our current safeguarding focus as hopelessly inadequate. Safeguarding isn’t just reacting to scandals of abuse,but is the mission of the church.
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Here, where the lost are found
A reflection for a small church on Luke 15:1-10 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Why are we here?We are here to hear Jesus. Our gospel reading introduces us to a gathering to hear Jesus:“The tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear him.”That is the gathering…
A reflection for a small church on Luke 15:1-10 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Why are we here?We are here to hear Jesus. Our gospel reading introduces us to a gathering to hear Jesus:“The tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear him.”That is the gathering…
Here, where the lost are found
A reflection for a small church on Luke 15:1-10 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Why are we here?We are here to hear Jesus. Our gospel reading introduces us to a gathering to hear Jesus:“The tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear him.”That is the gathering we join,and we do that alongside Paul,who in our first reading names himself the worst of all sinners,
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Match of the Day
a poem marking the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War 2 Match of the Day camerasfocus their lenses onyoung boys and their disappointmentsin the closing minutesin the dashing of hope.The fingers on their handsgo to the boneof the sockets of eyesto prevent their…
a poem marking the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War 2 Match of the Day camerasfocus their lenses onyoung boys and their disappointmentsin the closing minutesin the dashing of hope.The fingers on their handsgo to the boneof the sockets of eyesto prevent their…
Match of the Day
a poem marking the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War 2 Match of the Day camerasfocus their lenses onyoung boys and their disappointmentsin the closing minutesin the dashing of hope.The fingers on their handsgo to the boneof the sockets of eyesto prevent their tearsstaining their faces. After the match, so we’ve heard,
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The Flag of St George & the Cross of Christ
“Britain's better than this.” That was the headline on the front page of The Mirror last week, after Nigel Farage promised mass deportations in the name of “protecting British citizens.” When the flag of St George is waved as a weapon of fear, Christians…
“Britain's better than this.” That was the headline on the front page of The Mirror last week, after Nigel Farage promised mass deportations in the name of “protecting British citizens.” When the flag of St George is waved as a weapon of fear, Christians…
The Flag of St George & the Cross of Christ
“Britain's better than this.” That was the headline on the front page of The Mirror last week, after Nigel Farage promised mass deportations in the name of “protecting British citizens.” When the flag of St George is waved as a weapon of fear, Christians must remember another banner — the cross of Christ, where pride is humbled and strangers are welcomed as honoured guests.
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The Healing of the Bent Woman (Luke 13:10–17)
This Sunday’s gospel introduces us to a woman bent low for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17), unseen by her neighbours but seen by Jesus. Her story is a story about visibility — about who gets noticed, who is ignored, and how Christ restores dignity to…
This Sunday’s gospel introduces us to a woman bent low for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17), unseen by her neighbours but seen by Jesus. Her story is a story about visibility — about who gets noticed, who is ignored, and how Christ restores dignity to…
The Healing of the Bent Woman (Luke 13:10–17)
This Sunday’s gospel introduces us to a woman bent low for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17), unseen by her neighbours but seen by Jesus. Her story is a story about visibility — about who gets noticed, who is ignored, and how Christ restores dignity to those the world overlooks. In a week when asylum seekers have once again been targeted and made invisible, her story feels all the more urgent.
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A motley crew of cheerleaders
Sometimes one sermon leads to another. The focus here is Hebrews 11:29-12:2, very much picking up from last week's sermon commending those who never give up and never settle for the way things are, always hoping for justice and love. Here we join the author of Hebrews…
Sometimes one sermon leads to another. The focus here is Hebrews 11:29-12:2, very much picking up from last week's sermon commending those who never give up and never settle for the way things are, always hoping for justice and love. Here we join the author of Hebrews…
A motley crew of cheerleaders
Sometimes one sermon leads to another. The focus here is Hebrews 11:29-12:2, very much picking up from last week's sermon commending those who never give up and never settle for the way things are, always hoping for justice and love. Here we join the author of Hebrews in looking more closely at who these people are because they really are our cheerleaders.
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What Have We Settled For?
The scriptures we read this Sunday are not the comfortable writings of a comfortable people. They are the testimony of the beaten, the displaced, the silenced, and the overlooked. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham — each bears the marks of suffering and hope. They lived by faith…
The scriptures we read this Sunday are not the comfortable writings of a comfortable people. They are the testimony of the beaten, the displaced, the silenced, and the overlooked. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham — each bears the marks of suffering and hope. They lived by faith…
What Have We Settled For?
The scriptures we read this Sunday are not the comfortable writings of a comfortable people. They are the testimony of the beaten, the displaced, the silenced, and the overlooked. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham — each bears the marks of suffering and hope. They lived by faith in what they could not yet see, refusing to settle for the way things were.
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When prayer gets risky: what Abraham and Jesus teach us
There are lessons to be learned about how to pray in both readings appointed for the 6th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 12C). This sermon explores what it means to pray like Abraham and Jesus. The readings are Genesis 18:20-32 and Luke 11:1-13.…
There are lessons to be learned about how to pray in both readings appointed for the 6th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 12C). This sermon explores what it means to pray like Abraham and Jesus. The readings are Genesis 18:20-32 and Luke 11:1-13.…
When prayer gets risky: what Abraham and Jesus teach us
There are lessons to be learned about how to pray in both readings appointed for the 6th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 12C). This sermon explores what it means to pray like Abraham and Jesus. The readings are Genesis 18:20-32 and Luke 11:1-13. I want to begin, as I so often do, by saying how much I love preaching that brings the scriptures back to life.
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Stressed? Just one thing’s needed
This sermon explores why Luke tell us the story of Martha and Mary. Why did he think it was important for his readers? I always begin my sermon these days by saying how I love preaching that brings scripture back to life, and that I assume those who are listening…
This sermon explores why Luke tell us the story of Martha and Mary. Why did he think it was important for his readers? I always begin my sermon these days by saying how I love preaching that brings scripture back to life, and that I assume those who are listening…
Stressed? Just one thing’s needed
This sermon explores why Luke tell us the story of Martha and Mary. Why did he think it was important for his readers? I always begin my sermon these days by saying how I love preaching that brings scripture back to life, and that I assume those who are listening do too. The gospel for the day is Luke 10:38-42: it's about Martha's resentment (and, maybe, our resentments too).
davidherbert.me
The Samaritan, the wounded, and the question that won’t go away
What if being a neighbour means crossing every line we’ve drawn between “us” and “them”?
What if being a neighbour means crossing every line we’ve drawn between “us” and “them”?
The Samaritan, the wounded, and the question that won’t go away
What if being a neighbour means crossing every line we’ve drawn between “us” and “them”?
davidherbert.me
Crossing the Lines of Division
Every generation lives with conflict. Sometimes it shocks us; other times, it simply exhausts us. We ask, again and again, “Why can’t people just get on?” But our scriptures don’t hide the truth: division runs deep — in history, in systems, in souls. This sermon…
Every generation lives with conflict. Sometimes it shocks us; other times, it simply exhausts us. We ask, again and again, “Why can’t people just get on?” But our scriptures don’t hide the truth: division runs deep — in history, in systems, in souls. This sermon…
Crossing the Lines of Division
Every generation lives with conflict. Sometimes it shocks us; other times, it simply exhausts us. We ask, again and again, “Why can’t people just get on?” But our scriptures don’t hide the truth: division runs deep — in history, in systems, in souls. This sermon explores how Paul names those divisions, how Jesus crosses them, and what happens when grace refuses to stay on its side of the line. In a world chained by difference, Christ brings the freedom of unity — not by erasing our stories, but by re-membering us into something new.
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A Call to Worship and Defiance
A sermon for Trinity Sunday. I love preaching that brings Scripture to life and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. I begin this way as a reminder that when we open scripture together we are not just reading words from the past; we are bringing…
A sermon for Trinity Sunday. I love preaching that brings Scripture to life and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. I begin this way as a reminder that when we open scripture together we are not just reading words from the past; we are bringing…
A Call to Worship and Defiance
A sermon for Trinity Sunday. I love preaching that brings Scripture to life and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. I begin this way as a reminder that when we open scripture together we are not just reading words from the past; we are bringing it back to life. What matters today is what happens to us when we worship God.
davidherbert.me
The miracle of hearing at Pentecost
This is a sermon prepared for a small congregation in a small Warwickshire village. The reading for the day is Acts 2:1-21. We’ve been watching the ITV drama Code of Silence. It is a vivid demonstration that all of us hear differently.Rose Ayling-Ellis plays…
This is a sermon prepared for a small congregation in a small Warwickshire village. The reading for the day is Acts 2:1-21. We’ve been watching the ITV drama Code of Silence. It is a vivid demonstration that all of us hear differently.Rose Ayling-Ellis plays…
The miracle of hearing at Pentecost
This is a sermon prepared for a small congregation in a small Warwickshire village. The reading for the day is Acts 2:1-21. We’ve been watching the ITV drama Code of Silence. It is a vivid demonstration that all of us hear differently.Rose Ayling-Ellis plays the part of a deaf catering worker who has the gift of being able to read lips.
davidherbert.me
I've been seeing purple this week and have followed Lydia's thread to reflect on what happens when love comes home and turns our homes inside out - as happened at Lydia's house.
Love comes home – picking up Lydia’s purple thread
A reflection for the 6th Sunday of Easter based on the readings for the day, Acts 16:9-15 and John 14:23-29. I love preaching that brings Scripture to life—and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. I say this every time as a reminder that when we open scripture together we are bringing it back to life.
davidherbert.me
This reflection is a reminder of how far reaching Jesus's calling is, begging the question of how we hear Jesus' voice in our noisy world.
The Sound of Jesus: hearing his voice, following his call
Using scripture appointed for the 4th Sunday of Easter (YrC), Psalm 23 and John 10.22-30, here's a reflection on what it means to hear the voice of Jesus in a noisy world. I love preaching that brings Scripture to life—and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. That’s a reminder that every time we open scripture together we are bringing it back to life.
davidherbert.me
Nostalgia never wins the day: there’s fights to fight and victories still to win
A reflection for VE Day for the 3rd Sunday of Easter. Readings for the day: Acts 9:1-6, Psalm 30 and John 21:1-19 I love preaching that brings Scripture to life—and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you…
A reflection for VE Day for the 3rd Sunday of Easter. Readings for the day: Acts 9:1-6, Psalm 30 and John 21:1-19 I love preaching that brings Scripture to life—and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you…
Nostalgia never wins the day: there’s fights to fight and victories still to win
A reflection for VE Day for the 3rd Sunday of Easter. Readings for the day: Acts 9:1-6, Psalm 30 and John 21:1-19 I love preaching that brings Scripture to life—and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. That’s a reminder that every time we open scripture together we are bringing it back to life. Our readings today are those appointed for the 3rd Sunday of Easter (year C) - and they’re a perfect fit for this week when we celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on Thursday, May 8th.
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Seeing the wounds Jesus shows us
A sermon for the 2nd Sunday of Easter - Year C for two small churches. The gospel for the day is John 20:19-end. The Incredulity of St Thomas by Caravaggio - or should it be called Jesus showing Thomas his wounds? I love preaching that brings Scripture to life—and…
A sermon for the 2nd Sunday of Easter - Year C for two small churches. The gospel for the day is John 20:19-end. The Incredulity of St Thomas by Caravaggio - or should it be called Jesus showing Thomas his wounds? I love preaching that brings Scripture to life—and…
Seeing the wounds Jesus shows us
A sermon for the 2nd Sunday of Easter - Year C for two small churches. The gospel for the day is John 20:19-end. The Incredulity of St Thomas by Caravaggio - or should it be called Jesus showing Thomas his wounds? I love preaching that brings Scripture to life—and that brings Scripture back to life. That’s a line I’m going to repeat each week to remind us that every time we open Scripture together we are bringing it back to life…
davidherbert.me
Using AI in sermon preparation
This is for preachers. For the last few weeks I have been experimenting with my sermon preparation by using the artificial intelligence of ChatGPT.com. I am impressed with the help it has given me and am posting this as an encouragement to not shy away from AI in…
This is for preachers. For the last few weeks I have been experimenting with my sermon preparation by using the artificial intelligence of ChatGPT.com. I am impressed with the help it has given me and am posting this as an encouragement to not shy away from AI in…
Using AI in sermon preparation
This is for preachers. For the last few weeks I have been experimenting with my sermon preparation by using the artificial intelligence of ChatGPT.com. I am impressed with the help it has given me and am posting this as an encouragement to not shy away from AI in ministry. I’m curious to see how others are experimenting. Let me know if you’ve used AI in sermon prep.
davidherbert.me
Do you turn to Christ while it is still dark?
a sermon for Easter Day, picking up on the turn made by Mary Magdalen. The readings for the day are Acts 10:34-43 and John 20:1-18 I love preaching that brings scripture to life. I love preaching that brings scripture back to life - back to the life,…
a sermon for Easter Day, picking up on the turn made by Mary Magdalen. The readings for the day are Acts 10:34-43 and John 20:1-18 I love preaching that brings scripture to life. I love preaching that brings scripture back to life - back to the life,…
Do you turn to Christ while it is still dark?
a sermon for Easter Day, picking up on the turn made by Mary Magdalen. The readings for the day are Acts 10:34-43 and John 20:1-18 I love preaching that brings scripture to life. I love preaching that brings scripture back to life - back to the life, the often bitter experiences through which the word of God has been heard.
davidherbert.me
I've been in the thick of things the last few weeks. This sermon was prepared in the thick of things and was a chance for me to reflect on the welcome we give to Jesus's humble entry into the thick of things.
In the thick of things – a sermon for Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus' humble entry into the thick of things where we say he is very welcome. This sermon for a small Warwickshire church picks up that theme. The readings appointed for the day are Luke 19:28-40 and Philippians 2:5-11. Entry of Christ into Jerusalem by Pieter Coecke van Aelst Bonnefantenmuseum 1246 I love preaching that brings scripture to life, and we are in the thick of it, aren’t we?
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White Lotus – a parable of vanity and futility
I enjoyed catching up with the last episode of White Lotus - the last episode of the 3rd series. There was much to admire. Also, there was much for the devil to admire from his hideaway above the White Lotus resort in Thailand—a place he’d convinced…
I enjoyed catching up with the last episode of White Lotus - the last episode of the 3rd series. There was much to admire. Also, there was much for the devil to admire from his hideaway above the White Lotus resort in Thailand—a place he’d convinced…
White Lotus – a parable of vanity and futility
I enjoyed catching up with the last episode of White Lotus - the last episode of the 3rd series. There was much to admire. Also, there was much for the devil to admire from his hideaway above the White Lotus resort in Thailand—a place he’d convinced the wealthy was a paradise they had somehow earned. “Good things happen to good people”.
davidherbert.me
Mercy’s embrace
a sermon for the 4th Sunday in Lent (C) reflecting on the readings for the day, 2 Corinthians 5:16-end and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-end - the parable of the Prodigal Son (and Merciful Father) Today’s Gospel presents a well-known story about a father and his two sons. (It is ironic that on…
a sermon for the 4th Sunday in Lent (C) reflecting on the readings for the day, 2 Corinthians 5:16-end and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-end - the parable of the Prodigal Son (and Merciful Father) Today’s Gospel presents a well-known story about a father and his two sons. (It is ironic that on…
Mercy’s embrace
a sermon for the 4th Sunday in Lent (C) reflecting on the readings for the day, 2 Corinthians 5:16-end and Luke 15:1-3, 11b-end - the parable of the Prodigal Son (and Merciful Father) Today’s Gospel presents a well-known story about a father and his two sons. (It is ironic that on Mothering Sunday our gospel is about a father and his two sons.
davidherbert.me