Surprised by Devon

I'm sorry to sound so metropolitan, but I really didn't expect what I heard a week ago on Sunday - in mid-Devon. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised, as St Andrew's church in Cullompton has been consistent in giving memorable worship. The previous time, when the bluebells, stitchwort and campion were scattered in the hedgerows, three of the ten people who had been baptised the day before gave their testimonies - evidence that meeting the risen Christ does radically change lives.

However this most recent occasion was something else. The sermon was to be given by a Simon Friend. I knew he wasn't one of the clergy there. When he stood up at the front, I recognised him from our previous visits. "Just another member of the church," I thought. "Nice chap. Probably we're in for a few pious thoughts for the day." It's not what we got. You really need to listen to this: Simon Friend "How sins are forgiven".

I think it's one of the most thoughtful and challenging talks I've ever heard delivered in a church - and I've heard a few fair in my time! Don't be deceived by the very measured manner in which it's given. I could pile on the superlatives, but I really hope you will take the time to hear him out as he contrasts our "redemptive violence" with God's "redemptive grace". He challenges cultural, political and religious powers in a quietly prophetic way. He is utterly relevant and up-to-date, but in my view utterly faithful to Jesus as we see him in the gospels. And like the best preachers he applies it personally.

I hope when you've listened you'll agree that here is an amateur whom the professionals (like me) would do well to listen to and emulate. I suspect, however, that Simon would want to give the credit not to him but to the Holy Spirit, who was in my view speaking loud and clear that Sunday.

(PS When he refers to the Cully Gazette, I imagine he's talking about a mythical local journal.)