This sermon was preached at the Langham Crib Service 24th December 2024. What is in a name? As I said at the beginning, when we started the Crib Service, my name was Shakeel. But that is just my first name. A lot of you will know that my surname is Nurmahi, but how many of … Continue reading My name is Emmanuel, and God is with me
Christianity
The Miracle of Christmas: Insights from ‘Once in Royal David’s City’
We are in the thick of Advent and our preparations for Christmas. At this point, you would have expected most people to put up their Christmas decorations (though, granted, not all) and many of us to have begun singing carols. This Sunday will be the first carol service I lead this season. As I have … Continue reading The Miracle of Christmas: Insights from ‘Once in Royal David’s City’
God is a God of Justice
This sermon was preached on Sunday 17th November 2024 at All Saints Church, Oakham. Good morning. I want to start by addressing this issue on most of our minds this week here in church. I’m sure many of us have seen the headlines this week about the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, … Continue reading God is a God of Justice
Less is Best: How to be the Greatest
This sermon was preached on Sunday 22nd September 2024 at St Peter and St Paul, Langham. Bible Reading: Mark 9:30-37 Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, who is the greatest? Or look at a different context. Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic in tennis. Or Messi or Ronaldo in football. Who is the GOAT? – greatest of all time. It’s … Continue reading Less is Best: How to be the Greatest
Making the Impossible Possible
It’s the last weekend of July, so I think we are far enough into the summer months (or at least some decent enough weather) to take an important survey. Please put your hand up if you have been to a BBQ or a summer picnic in 2024 so far. Keep your hand up if you … Continue reading Making the Impossible Possible
When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: The Strength of Weakness
This sermon was preached on Sunday 7th July 2024 at St Peter and St Paul Church, Langham. 2 Corinthians 12:2-10 I had a job interview this week. Before you get excited, I’ll let you know that I didn’t get the job. One of the things that you must do in an interview is to talk … Continue reading When I Am Weak, Then I Am Strong: The Strength of Weakness
Politics and Religion Do Mix
‘Politics and religion don’t mix.’ You won’t believe how many people have said that to me over the past few weeks. One of my projects over the past few weeks has been organising a hustings for our local candidates for Rutland and Stamford ahead of the General Election. We are set to host an Oakham … Continue reading Politics and Religion Do Mix
Ascension Day: Waiting for the Holy Spirit
This sermon was preached on Ascension Day, 9th May 2024 at All Saints Church, Oakham. Today is Ascension Day. After we go through the lows and sadness of Good Friday we come to the elation of Easter Sunday. We then have this period of forty days when Jesus is alive and appears again and again … Continue reading Ascension Day: Waiting for the Holy Spirit
I woke in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep
Last night I woke in the middle of the night and found myself unable to get back to sleep (at least for a while). My mind was racing with lots of thoughts for the next day. What do I need to do, who do I need to meet, and so on… Some of you can … Continue reading I woke in the middle of the night and couldn’t get back to sleep
Love & Obey
This sermon was preached at All Saints Church, Oakham on Sunday 5th May 2024. Readings: 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17 I am glad to finally announce that wedding season has arrived for 2024. Yesterday I was taking a wedding here in church. A lovely young couple in Oakham, Chris and Rebecca. It’s always a joy … Continue reading Love & Obey
Shakeel Nurmahi 