Notices: Sunday 26th October

There are moments when the Bible just seems very relevant to everyday life. And this week, it hinges on the idea of how things that we take for granted might not always remain, or might not always be what they appear to be.

In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus tells the story of two men who go to pray: a proud Pharisee and a humble tax collector. On the surface, the Pharisee looks like the obvious "winner" — confident, successful, and righteous. The tax collector, by contrast, is aware of his failings and can barely lift his eyes. But Jesus surprises everyone: it's the humble one who goes home justified. God's kingdom has a way of turning expectations upside down, showing that appearances can be misleading and the heart matters more than status.

A modern example of this "topsy-turvy" perspective can be seen in the one show that appears daily in the BBC's news headlines: The Traitors. Not wanting to give any spoilers, one thing that is safe to say is that the show thrives on deception, hidden motives, and unexpected twists. Contestants (celebrity or otherwise) who seem trustworthy can betray at any moment, and those underestimated often surprise everyone. What looks secure one day — alliances, victories, positions of power — can change in an instant. Just like in the Gospel, the lesson is about looking beyond the surface and remembering that things are rarely as straightforward as they seem.

Both the parable and the show remind us to stay humble, alert, and thoughtful about how we judge others — and even ourselves. Life isn't always predictable, and what seems certain today may be overturned tomorrow. Perhaps this week we can take a cue from both Jesus' teaching and the world of The Traitors: watch carefully, listen closely, and remember that God sees the heart, not just the outward appearance.

And with that, here are the notices for this week: Notices for Sunday 26th October 2025.pdf

Hope that you have a good week, and, if you have children, enjoy the half term!

Best Wishes, Claire