Dear friends,

As the rhythm of autumn gathers pace, with schools back in session and routines re-establishing themselves, the Scriptures this week challenge us to reflect on choices, costs, and commitments.

In Deuteronomy 30, Moses speaks with urgency: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live.” Faith is not a passive drift; it is a daily decision to turn toward God’s way rather than our own. In Philemon, Paul appeals to his friend to receive Onesimus not as a slave but as a beloved brother in Christ. It is a radical challenge to re-imagine relationships, to dismantle hierarchies and embrace reconciliation. And in Luke 14, Jesus does not soften His call: “Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”

Here is a truth we cannot sidestep: discipleship is costly. It requires re-ordering our priorities, surrendering the illusion of control, and being willing to embrace the hard path of forgiveness and reconciliation. Paul’s letter to Philemon is a striking example. He doesn’t demand action by authority, but appeals on the basis of love. Reconciliation always carries a cost, yet it is central to the Gospel we proclaim.

Our takeaway this week is this: to follow Christ is to choose life — not the easy life, but the life of reconciliation, surrender, and love. Each of us is faced with daily choices — do we cling to bitterness or step toward forgiveness? Do we pursue comfort, or take up the cross of love?

A fascinating fact: studies show that in the UK charitable giving tends to peak in September. Perhaps it is the reset of the new academic year that prompts people to re-evaluate what matters most. It’s as though the very rhythm of the season nudges us toward generosity — a reminder that every choice we make can be a witness to the God of life.

May we at St. Nicholas Kingsway be a people who choose life daily, who embody reconciliation, and who gladly bear the cost of following Jesus.

Grace and peace,
Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm


Revd Dr Augustine Tanner-Ihm
Lead Minister, St. Nicholas Kingsway

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Wednesday midweek Holy Communion 10.30 am
Our Wednesday services continue every week at 10.30am with a short, said service of Holy Communion. Followed by refreshments and a chat!
#Everyonewelcome #Refreshments

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Sunday 7th September

On Sunday 7th September we will have an all-age worship service for Trinity 12. We will welcome our lead minister Rev Augustine to preside and  preach at the Eucharistic Service starting at 10.30am. Music will be provided by our MD Ollie Mills, with readings and prayers from St.Nick’s team
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Sunday 14th September
On Sunday 7th September we will have a Eucharistic service for Trinity 13.  We will welcome our lead minister Rev Augustine to preside and  preach at the service starting at 10.30am. Music will be provided by our MD Ollie Mills, with readings and prayers from St.Nick’s team