This week at Christ Church Sowerby Bridge, Revd. Tommy begins with a subject guaranteed to get everyone excited—taxes! But what starts as a light-hearted look at one of life's great certainties soon becomes a fascinating reflection on the power of words and how the language we use shapes the way we see the world.

From climbing the career ladder to describing time as something we spend or waste, Tommy explores how everyday expressions influence our attitudes, relationships and understanding of others. Even the way we describe something as a burden rather than a blessing can completely change how we approach it.

Drawing on Jesus' famous teaching about giving to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God, we discover how Jesus cuts through clever arguments and carefully chosen words to reveal a much deeper truth: everything we have ultimately belongs to God.

Through the readings, we are also reminded of the extraordinary intimacy of God's love. He knows each of us by name, sees us as individuals and calls us into a relationship that goes beyond anything words alone can express.

But this week's message isn't simply about choosing our words more carefully. It's about recognising the responsibility that comes with them. How we describe ourselves, our neighbours and even God can influence how others see them—and how we see ourselves.

Tommy leaves us with a simple challenge: Take something you would normally describe negatively and, just for one week, try speaking about it positively. What happens when a burden becomes an opportunity, a chore becomes a gift, or a stranger becomes a brother or sister?

Ultimately, our faith should move beyond words altogether, allowing God's love to shine through our actions, attitudes and the way we live.

Because sometimes changing the way we speak can begin to change the way we see—and the way we live.

This week, as we celebrate Harvest Festival at Christ Church Sowerby Bridge, Revd. Tommy challenges us to think beyond simply giving thanks for what we have and consider a much bigger question: What are we doing with all that God has given us?

Beginning with a humorous story about the seemingly endless choices available when ordering a meal, Tommy reflects on how many of us live in a world of abundance, where our biggest concern is often not whether we will eat, but what we will choose to eat. Yet while some have more than they need, others continue to struggle with hunger, poverty and loneliness.

Drawing on the teachings of Jesus, Paul's reminder that those who sow generously will also reap generously, and the Old Testament's call to remember times of need, we are challenged to recognise that everything we have ultimately comes from God.

Through Jesus' words about the ravens and the lilies, Tommy reminds us that we are part of God's creation, not its Creator. We are all dependent upon His love and grace, and every person is equally precious in His sight.

But Harvest is about more than gratitude. It's about generosity, compassion and recognising the needs of those around us. Whether someone lacks food, friendship, love or support, we are called to see them as our brothers and sisters in Christ and respond with kindness.

And while we may not always get it right, God's grace offers us the opportunity to begin again, growing in generosity and sharing His blessings with others.

Because the true measure of Harvest isn't simply how much we have received, but how willing we are to share it.

This week, Revd. Tommy reflects on power, humility and what it really means to depend upon Christ.

Beginning with a wonderfully honest story from his ordination—complete with a troublesome deacon’s stole, some emergency stitching and the fear of a wardrobe malfunction—Tommy remembers a question later put to him by his bishop: “By whose power do you think you do this?” The answer was simple: by the power of Christ.

Drawing on Jesus’ Parable of the Tenants, Paul’s desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection, and the commandments that “give light to the eyes”, we are challenged to consider how we use the power and responsibility entrusted to us.

The vineyard does not belong to the tenants, and neither are our gifts, ministries or achievements ours to possess and control. Everything ultimately comes from God. Our calling is not to prove that we are good enough, but to place what we have into Christ’s hands.

Tommy also challenges us to look less at whether the world is “Christian enough” and instead ask a much more searching question: How good are Christians at being Christian? Do our words and actions demonstrate Christ’s love, humility and respect for the equal value of every person?

Giving our power to Christ doesn't mean believing we have nothing to offer. It means allowing Christ to take our gifts, abilities and lives and use them to their fullest.

The challenge this week: remain humble, use power with love, and remember whose power it really is.