David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
Wannabe artist, poet and woke bloke, breadmaking grandad, loving ministry in retirement, lifelong LCFC supporter, ex X
https://davidherbert.me/
The Honourable David Alexander Reginald Herbert was a British socialite and writer, seen in the 1920s as one of the Bright Young Things.
Source: Wikipedia
Political science
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Sociology
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David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Jan 7
If you want a reminder of how fragile civilisation is, have a look at the Village in the Third Reich Julia Boyd and Angelika Patel put under the microscope tracing developments there from Germany's humiliation at Versailles to the aftermath of WW2. Great book. Lovely village. Frighteningly topical.
Hope Before Dawn: An Advent Imagination
Live for that day when God’s peace is all in all.Love for that day when God’s light leaves no shadows. These are the darkest days of our lives.December draws a long shadow,and we find ourselves longing for light. These days seem to go on without end. These are the days Isaiah fought through and hoped through3000 years ago:
davidherbert.me
Hope Before Dawn: An Advent Imagination
Live for that day when God’s peace is all in all.Love for that day when God’s light leaves no shadows. These are the darkest days of our lives.December draws a long shadow,and we find ourselves longing for light. These days seem to go on without end. These…
Live for that day when God’s peace is all in all.Love for that day when God’s light leaves no shadows. These are the darkest days of our lives.December draws a long shadow,and we find ourselves longing for light. These days seem to go on without end. These…
#VirginMedia have given me a recovery code which expires in 2075. So, if you want to bring me back to life, that's the use-by date.
Luke’s Last Surprise: One Condemned Man Joining Another as the First in Paradise
This Sunday marks the end of the Christian year.Next Sunday we hop on the next liturgical cycle of readings - it will be Year A.Each year focuses on a particular gospel. Next year it will be Matthew’s. This year it has been Luke’s. When I began this preaching year, I wondered what Luke would offer us.I wondered how he might inspire us, challenge us, lead us.
davidherbert.me
Luke’s Last Surprise: One Condemned Man Joining Another as the First in Paradise
This Sunday marks the end of the Christian year.Next Sunday we hop on the next liturgical cycle of readings - it will be Year A.Each year focuses on a particular gospel. Next year it will be Matthew’s. This year it…
This Sunday marks the end of the Christian year.Next Sunday we hop on the next liturgical cycle of readings - it will be Year A.Each year focuses on a particular gospel. Next year it will be Matthew’s. This year it…
Hope Has Hooves: Keeping Faith When the World Feels Mean
This sermon was preached for the Second Sunday before Advent — sometimes called Kingdom Sunday, and this year also marked as Safeguarding Sunday.It begins with the prophet Malachi’s vision of a day when “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings,” and when God’s people “will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”It’s a vivid, earthy picture of freedom — hope that doesn’t float above the world but thunders joyfully across it.
davidherbert.me
Hope Has Hooves: Keeping Faith When the World Feels Mean
This sermon was preached for the Second Sunday before Advent — sometimes called Kingdom Sunday, and this year also marked as Safeguarding Sunday.It begins with the prophet Malachi’s vision of a day when “the sun of righteousness will rise…
This sermon was preached for the Second Sunday before Advent — sometimes called Kingdom Sunday, and this year also marked as Safeguarding Sunday.It begins with the prophet Malachi’s vision of a day when “the sun of righteousness will rise…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Nov 2
The stolen blessing: giving the word back to the poor
In today’s world, “feeling blessed” too often means “doing well.” But when Jesus speaks of blessing, he gives the word to the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the excluded. This sermon asks what happens when blessing is stolen by privilege — and how we might give the word back to those through whom the kingdom of God still comes.
davidherbert.me
The stolen blessing: giving the word back to the poor
In today’s world, “feeling blessed” too often means “doing well.” But when Jesus speaks of blessing, he gives the word to the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the excluded. This sermon asks what happens when blessing is stolen by privilege —…
In today’s world, “feeling blessed” too often means “doing well.” But when Jesus speaks of blessing, he gives the word to the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the excluded. This sermon asks what happens when blessing is stolen by privilege —…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Nov 1
Today
For one day only - my poem Today Here is a play on words,a fundamental question. Is the I a number that marks a beginning,or, is that I me with rather less feeling,as in number with a silent b?Is this a play on words,or, a play on numbers with words,a play for today, November 1st?
davidherbert.me
Today
For one day only - my poem Today Here is a play on words,a fundamental question. Is the I a number that marks a beginning,or, is that I me with rather less feeling,as in number with a silent b?Is this a play on words,or, a play on numbers with words,a play for today, November 1st?
For one day only - my poem Today Here is a play on words,a fundamental question. Is the I a number that marks a beginning,or, is that I me with rather less feeling,as in number with a silent b?Is this a play on words,or, a play on numbers with words,a play for today, November 1st?
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Oct 26
This is where mercy takes her stand: far off, in the distance
Readings: Luke 18:9–14; Ecclesiasticus 35:12–17 The clocks have changed. The weather’s changed.And we stand now on the bridge between seasons. Today is the last Sunday after Trinity.Next Sunday is the first in the new Kingdom season -when we see the darkness of the kingdoms of this world,and pray again for the world to be turned the right way up…
davidherbert.me
This is where mercy takes her stand: far off, in the distance
Readings: Luke 18:9–14; Ecclesiasticus 35:12–17 The clocks have changed. The weather’s changed.And we stand now on the bridge between seasons. Today is the last Sunday after Trinity.Next Sunday is the first in the new Kingdom season…
Readings: Luke 18:9–14; Ecclesiasticus 35:12–17 The clocks have changed. The weather’s changed.And we stand now on the bridge between seasons. Today is the last Sunday after Trinity.Next Sunday is the first in the new Kingdom season…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Oct 19
LimpLight
This one’s for all who wrestle in the dark and rise, blessed but limping, inspired by reading Genesis 32:22-31 and Luke 18:1-8 – the Revised Common Lectionary readings for October 19th …
davidherbert.me
It couldn't have been planned but the scriptures this morning at Napton were read by someone with a limp (like Jacob) and a widow who fights for justice (like the widow confronting the unjust judge). I'm glad I called this LampLight
#preachingtoday
davidherbert.me/2025/10/19/l...
#preachingtoday
davidherbert.me/2025/10/19/l...
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Oct 19
LimpLight
This one's for all who wrestle in the dark and rise, blessed but limping, inspired by reading Genesis 32:22-31 and Luke 18:1-8 - the Revised Common Lectionary readings for October 19th 2025. How shall we describe the state of Israel today? The state of Israel today begins with both our readings —from Genesis 32, the story of Jacob whose name means…
davidherbert.me
LimpLight
This one's for all who wrestle in the dark and rise, blessed but limping, inspired by reading Genesis 32:22-31 and Luke 18:1-8 - the Revised Common Lectionary readings for October 19th 2025. How shall we describe the state of Israel today? The state of Israel today begins with both our…
This one's for all who wrestle in the dark and rise, blessed but limping, inspired by reading Genesis 32:22-31 and Luke 18:1-8 - the Revised Common Lectionary readings for October 19th 2025. How shall we describe the state of Israel today? The state of Israel today begins with both our…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Oct 12
Border Crossing: the dangerous way of grace
Our politics, like our hearts, are haunted by borders and fear. But Luke’s gospel shows Jesus walking the edge — not to keep people out, but to draw them in. Preached in a week when fragile talk of a ceasefire in Gaza flickers across the news, this reflection on Luke 17:11–19 and 2 Timothy 2:8–15 explores what happens when the unchained word of God crosses the lines we draw, healing what fear divides.
davidherbert.me
Border Crossing: the dangerous way of grace
Our politics, like our hearts, are haunted by borders and fear. But Luke’s gospel shows Jesus walking the edge — not to keep people out, but to draw them in. Preached in a week when fragile talk of a ceasefire in Gaza flickers across the news, this…
Our politics, like our hearts, are haunted by borders and fear. But Luke’s gospel shows Jesus walking the edge — not to keep people out, but to draw them in. Preached in a week when fragile talk of a ceasefire in Gaza flickers across the news, this…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Oct 10
Earlier this week, I got the privilege to attend an early screening of #ISwear with #TeaForTourettes and wow... its honestly one of the best films I've seen this year. If you can, please go and watch it. You'll laugh, you'll cry but you may just learn something too ✨️ #mustwatchmovie #cinema
Excellent film. Just back from seeing it. What a story.
Reposted by David Herbert
Earlier this week, I got the privilege to attend an early screening of #ISwear with #TeaForTourettes and wow... its honestly one of the best films I've seen this year. If you can, please go and watch it. You'll laugh, you'll cry but you may just learn something too ✨️ #mustwatchmovie #cinema
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Oct 5
From the Riverbank
– Sister Itchen and the River of LifeA sermon for Harvest Festival at St Lawrence’s Napton, inspired by St Francis’s Canticle of the Creatures, the Warwickshire River Itchen, artist Ste…
davidherbert.me
What happens when we stop calling the river it?
When the earth becomes our mother, and the trees our kin?
A Harvest reflection on creation as family — From the Riverbank
davidherbert.me/2025/10/05/f...
When the earth becomes our mother, and the trees our kin?
A Harvest reflection on creation as family — From the Riverbank
davidherbert.me/2025/10/05/f...
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Oct 5
From the Riverbank
– Sister Itchen and the River of LifeA sermon for Harvest Festival at St Lawrence's Napton, inspired by St Francis's Canticle of the Creatures, the Warwickshire River Itchen, artist Stephen Broadbent's River of Life sculpture in Warrington, the writing of Robert Macfarlane and the indigenous wisdom represented by Robin Wall Kimmerer. It's a thanksgiving for the quiet grace that still flows through creation, and a reminder that we are family with all that lives.
davidherbert.me
From the Riverbank
– Sister Itchen and the River of LifeA sermon for Harvest Festival at St Lawrence's Napton, inspired by St Francis's Canticle of the Creatures, the Warwickshire River Itchen, artist Stephen Broadbent's River of Life sculpture in Warrington, the writing of Robert Macfarlane and…
– Sister Itchen and the River of LifeA sermon for Harvest Festival at St Lawrence's Napton, inspired by St Francis's Canticle of the Creatures, the Warwickshire River Itchen, artist Stephen Broadbent's River of Life sculpture in Warrington, the writing of Robert Macfarlane and…
Reposted by David Herbert
All are welcome here 🤍
Credit: The Book Wrangler
Credit: The Book Wrangler
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Sep 28
Are the rich fit for the kingdom of God? Here’s the test.
A sermon for September 28th 2025 - the 15th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21C) All three readings, (Amos 6:1a, 4-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16: 19-end) address the issue of wealth. (There is far more in the Bible about wealth and riches than about sexual morality, though that is hard to believe when we listen to the politics of the church).
davidherbert.me
Are the rich fit for the kingdom of God? Here’s the test.
A sermon for September 28th 2025 - the 15th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21C) All three readings, (Amos 6:1a, 4-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16: 19-end) address the issue of wealth. (There is far more in the Bible about wealth and riches than…
A sermon for September 28th 2025 - the 15th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 21C) All three readings, (Amos 6:1a, 4-7, 1 Timothy 6:6-19, Luke 16: 19-end) address the issue of wealth. (There is far more in the Bible about wealth and riches than…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Sep 21
Safeguarding is the Mission of God
I had thought that this Sunday was Safeguarding Sunday. It’s not.That’s November 16th.But shouldn’t every Sunday be Safeguarding Sunday?When we look at our readings for the day, (Amos 8:4-7 & Luke 16:1-13), they are all about safeguarding,and they expose our current safeguarding focus as hopelessly inadequate. Safeguarding isn’t just reacting to scandals of abuse,but is the mission of the church.
davidherbert.me
Safeguarding is the Mission of God
I had thought that this Sunday was Safeguarding Sunday. It’s not.That’s November 16th.But shouldn’t every Sunday be Safeguarding Sunday?When we look at our readings for the day, (Amos 8:4-7 & Luke 16:1-13), they are all about safeguarding,and they expose our…
I had thought that this Sunday was Safeguarding Sunday. It’s not.That’s November 16th.But shouldn’t every Sunday be Safeguarding Sunday?When we look at our readings for the day, (Amos 8:4-7 & Luke 16:1-13), they are all about safeguarding,and they expose our…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Sep 14
Here, where the lost are found
A reflection for a small church on Luke 15:1-10 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Why are we here?We are here to hear Jesus. Our gospel reading introduces us to a gathering to hear Jesus:“The tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear him.”That is the gathering we join,and we do that alongside Paul,who in our first reading names himself the worst of all sinners,
davidherbert.me
Here, where the lost are found
A reflection for a small church on Luke 15:1-10 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Why are we here?We are here to hear Jesus. Our gospel reading introduces us to a gathering to hear Jesus:“The tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear him.”That is the gathering…
A reflection for a small church on Luke 15:1-10 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17 Why are we here?We are here to hear Jesus. Our gospel reading introduces us to a gathering to hear Jesus:“The tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear him.”That is the gathering…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Sep 2
Match of the Day
a poem marking the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War 2 Match of the Day camerasfocus their lenses onyoung boys and their disappointmentsin the closing minutesin the dashing of hope.The fingers on their handsgo to the boneof the sockets of eyesto prevent their tearsstaining their faces. After the match, so we’ve heard,
davidherbert.me
Match of the Day
a poem marking the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War 2 Match of the Day camerasfocus their lenses onyoung boys and their disappointmentsin the closing minutesin the dashing of hope.The fingers on their handsgo to the boneof the sockets of eyesto prevent their…
a poem marking the 80th anniversary of the ending of World War 2 Match of the Day camerasfocus their lenses onyoung boys and their disappointmentsin the closing minutesin the dashing of hope.The fingers on their handsgo to the boneof the sockets of eyesto prevent their…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Aug 31
The Flag of St George & the Cross of Christ
“Britain's better than this.” That was the headline on the front page of The Mirror last week, after Nigel Farage promised mass deportations in the name of “protecting British citizens.” When the flag of St George is waved as a weapon of fear, Christians must remember another banner — the cross of Christ, where pride is humbled and strangers are welcomed as honoured guests.
davidherbert.me
The Flag of St George & the Cross of Christ
“Britain's better than this.” That was the headline on the front page of The Mirror last week, after Nigel Farage promised mass deportations in the name of “protecting British citizens.” When the flag of St George is waved as a weapon of fear, Christians…
“Britain's better than this.” That was the headline on the front page of The Mirror last week, after Nigel Farage promised mass deportations in the name of “protecting British citizens.” When the flag of St George is waved as a weapon of fear, Christians…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Aug 24
The Healing of the Bent Woman (Luke 13:10–17)
This Sunday’s gospel introduces us to a woman bent low for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17), unseen by her neighbours but seen by Jesus. Her story is a story about visibility — about who gets noticed, who is ignored, and how Christ restores dignity to those the world overlooks. In a week when asylum seekers have once again been targeted and made invisible, her story feels all the more urgent.
davidherbert.me
The Healing of the Bent Woman (Luke 13:10–17)
This Sunday’s gospel introduces us to a woman bent low for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17), unseen by her neighbours but seen by Jesus. Her story is a story about visibility — about who gets noticed, who is ignored, and how Christ restores dignity to…
This Sunday’s gospel introduces us to a woman bent low for eighteen years (Luke 13:10-17), unseen by her neighbours but seen by Jesus. Her story is a story about visibility — about who gets noticed, who is ignored, and how Christ restores dignity to…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Aug 17
A motley crew of cheerleaders
Sometimes one sermon leads to another. The focus here is Hebrews 11:29-12:2, very much picking up from last week's sermon commending those who never give up and never settle for the way things are, always hoping for justice and love. Here we join the author of Hebrews in looking more closely at who these people are because they really are our cheerleaders.
davidherbert.me
A motley crew of cheerleaders
Sometimes one sermon leads to another. The focus here is Hebrews 11:29-12:2, very much picking up from last week's sermon commending those who never give up and never settle for the way things are, always hoping for justice and love. Here we join the author of Hebrews…
Sometimes one sermon leads to another. The focus here is Hebrews 11:29-12:2, very much picking up from last week's sermon commending those who never give up and never settle for the way things are, always hoping for justice and love. Here we join the author of Hebrews…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Aug 10
What Have We Settled For?
The scriptures we read this Sunday are not the comfortable writings of a comfortable people. They are the testimony of the beaten, the displaced, the silenced, and the overlooked. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham — each bears the marks of suffering and hope. They lived by faith in what they could not yet see, refusing to settle for the way things were.
davidherbert.me
What Have We Settled For?
The scriptures we read this Sunday are not the comfortable writings of a comfortable people. They are the testimony of the beaten, the displaced, the silenced, and the overlooked. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham — each bears the marks of suffering and hope. They lived by faith…
The scriptures we read this Sunday are not the comfortable writings of a comfortable people. They are the testimony of the beaten, the displaced, the silenced, and the overlooked. Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham — each bears the marks of suffering and hope. They lived by faith…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Jul 27
When prayer gets risky: what Abraham and Jesus teach us
There are lessons to be learned about how to pray in both readings appointed for the 6th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 12C). This sermon explores what it means to pray like Abraham and Jesus. The readings are Genesis 18:20-32 and Luke 11:1-13. I want to begin, as I so often do, by saying how much I love preaching that brings the scriptures back to life.
davidherbert.me
When prayer gets risky: what Abraham and Jesus teach us
There are lessons to be learned about how to pray in both readings appointed for the 6th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 12C). This sermon explores what it means to pray like Abraham and Jesus. The readings are Genesis 18:20-32 and Luke 11:1-13.…
There are lessons to be learned about how to pray in both readings appointed for the 6th Sunday after Trinity (Proper 12C). This sermon explores what it means to pray like Abraham and Jesus. The readings are Genesis 18:20-32 and Luke 11:1-13.…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Jul 20
Stressed? Just one thing’s needed
This sermon explores why Luke tell us the story of Martha and Mary. Why did he think it was important for his readers? I always begin my sermon these days by saying how I love preaching that brings scripture back to life, and that I assume those who are listening do too. The gospel for the day is Luke 10:38-42: it's about Martha's resentment (and, maybe, our resentments too).
davidherbert.me
Stressed? Just one thing’s needed
This sermon explores why Luke tell us the story of Martha and Mary. Why did he think it was important for his readers? I always begin my sermon these days by saying how I love preaching that brings scripture back to life, and that I assume those who are listening…
This sermon explores why Luke tell us the story of Martha and Mary. Why did he think it was important for his readers? I always begin my sermon these days by saying how I love preaching that brings scripture back to life, and that I assume those who are listening…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Jul 13
The Samaritan, the wounded, and the question that won’t go away
What if being a neighbour means crossing every line we’ve drawn between “us” and “them”?
davidherbert.me
The Samaritan, the wounded, and the question that won’t go away
What if being a neighbour means crossing every line we’ve drawn between “us” and “them”?
What if being a neighbour means crossing every line we’ve drawn between “us” and “them”?
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Jun 22
Crossing the Lines of Division
Every generation lives with conflict. Sometimes it shocks us; other times, it simply exhausts us. We ask, again and again, “Why can’t people just get on?” But our scriptures don’t hide the truth: division runs deep — in history, in systems, in souls. This sermon explores how Paul names those divisions, how Jesus crosses them, and what happens when grace refuses to stay on its side of the line. In a world chained by difference, Christ brings the freedom of unity — not by erasing our stories, but by re-membering us into something new.
davidherbert.me
Crossing the Lines of Division
Every generation lives with conflict. Sometimes it shocks us; other times, it simply exhausts us. We ask, again and again, “Why can’t people just get on?” But our scriptures don’t hide the truth: division runs deep — in history, in systems, in souls. This sermon…
Every generation lives with conflict. Sometimes it shocks us; other times, it simply exhausts us. We ask, again and again, “Why can’t people just get on?” But our scriptures don’t hide the truth: division runs deep — in history, in systems, in souls. This sermon…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Jun 15
A Call to Worship and Defiance
A sermon for Trinity Sunday. I love preaching that brings Scripture to life and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. I begin this way as a reminder that when we open scripture together we are not just reading words from the past; we are bringing it back to life. What matters today is what happens to us when we worship God.
davidherbert.me
A Call to Worship and Defiance
A sermon for Trinity Sunday. I love preaching that brings Scripture to life and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. I begin this way as a reminder that when we open scripture together we are not just reading words from the past; we are bringing…
A sermon for Trinity Sunday. I love preaching that brings Scripture to life and that brings Scripture back to life, and I hope you do too. I begin this way as a reminder that when we open scripture together we are not just reading words from the past; we are bringing…
David Herbert
@dherbert.bsky.social
· Jun 8
The miracle of hearing at Pentecost
This is a sermon prepared for a small congregation in a small Warwickshire village. The reading for the day is Acts 2:1-21. We’ve been watching the ITV drama Code of Silence. It is a vivid demonstration that all of us hear differently.Rose Ayling-Ellis plays the part of a deaf catering worker who has the gift of being able to read lips.
davidherbert.me
The miracle of hearing at Pentecost
This is a sermon prepared for a small congregation in a small Warwickshire village. The reading for the day is Acts 2:1-21. We’ve been watching the ITV drama Code of Silence. It is a vivid demonstration that all of us hear differently.Rose Ayling-Ellis plays…
This is a sermon prepared for a small congregation in a small Warwickshire village. The reading for the day is Acts 2:1-21. We’ve been watching the ITV drama Code of Silence. It is a vivid demonstration that all of us hear differently.Rose Ayling-Ellis plays…