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Resources for parishes

Access sermons, peer learning groups, FAQs and funding support for your parish

Sermons you can use, our peer learning group, FAQs and funding help

These sermons from our bishops, archdeacons and associate archdeacons are for parishes to slot into their online services. We also have video resources and Come and See materials that can be used in online services and small groups.

Please note that sermons are for parish/benefice use only and provided ‘as is’. The films must not be cut or edited in any way, except to trim the ‘in’ and ‘out’ points of each film so the movements to switch on and off the camera are not broadcast.

To view a sermon, click the link below and a player will open. To download the file, click ‘download’. Sermon text is provided where available as a separate link.

If you get stuck, please email communications@oxford.anglican.org or post a message on the peer-learning Facebook group.

We’re helping to combat misinformation and bust myths by offering accurate information and advice about the vaccine as part of the Give Hope campaign. These downloadable short films are suitable in online services.

The following films from Bishop Steven and Bishop Olivia can be used at any time.

  • A short film from Bishop Steven suitable as a pre- or post-service message:
    Watch | Download | Resource page

  • Four short films on the theology of care for creation from Bishop Olivia. Suitable for a teaching slot or small group use:
    Watch | Download One, Two, Three, Four

  • Easter Day – The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford
    Watch | Download | Text

  • Palm Sunday – 28 March – the Revd Canon Sally Lodge
    Download

  • Passiontide – 21 March – the Venerable Jonathan Chaffey, Archdeacon
    Watch | Download | Text

  • Lent 4 or Mothering Sunday – 14 March – Revd Liz Jackson, Associate Archdeacon
    Watch | Download | Text

  • Lent 3 – 7 March – the Venerable Judy French, Archdeacon
    Watch | Download | Text

  • Lent 2 – 28 February – Revd Chris Bull, Associate Archdeacon
    Watch | Download | Text

  • First Sunday of Lent – 21 February – the Venerable Jonathan Chaffey, Archdeacon
    Watch | Download | Text

  • Sunday before Lent – 14 February – Revd Chris Bull, Associate Archdeacon
    Watch | Download | Text 

  • Second Sunday before Lent – 7 February – Revd David Tyler, Associate Archdeacon
    Watch | Download | Text

  • Presentation of Christ in the Temple – 31 January – Revd Paul Cowan, chaplain to the Bishop of Oxford
    Watch | Download | Text

  • Epiphany 3 – 24 January – Revd Liz Jackson, Associate Archdeacon
    Watch | Download | Text

The Church of England has put together this helpful beginners’ guide to streaming.

For churches just getting started with film, perhaps start with a simple video of someone reading out this week’s prayers or readings. Maybe a message from the vicar to say hello and to explain how the church is continuing to function. Remember, online worship doesn’t just have to fall to the ordained clergy – the church needs everyone’s gifts to flourish, particularly at this time. Some more ideas include:

  • A sermon with an opportunity for discussion afterwards;
  • A thought for the day from the vicar or a member of the church;
  • A daily prayer;
  • An update or a good news story;
  • Read out the week’s notices and ask everyone to share their own news in the comments.

You may wish to livestream if you want to interact with viewers in real time – for example, a discussion period after a sermon or a Q&A with a guest speaker. This can help nurture a sense of community and involvement.

The safer alternative to livestreaming – particularly for churches that are new to making videos – is to prerecord your worship/prayers/reflection and to upload your video in your own time. This offers a more inclusive opportunity to add subtitles to your video, making it more accessible for many more viewers.

Crucially with online video, we know that people need to be interested within three seconds to decide whether they will keep watching. If all they see is an empty chair, while someone fiddles with the angle of the camera, it’s unlikely they will stick with you!

It’s important not to rush into putting a video online if you’ve never done it before, or feel pressure to do so. While this is an excellent time to experiment and see what your phone is capable of, be aware that too much poor-quality content from your church’s account could lead to you losing followers, rather than gaining and nourishing them.

The Rama Vocal centre in Denmark has produced a short film about the benefits of switching to original sound in Zoom.

Have you listened to the online Hallejulah Chorus from St Nicholas Taplow? It was fantastic – as are these recordings from Taplow. So churchwarden Tony Bridge has put together these guidelines for how to do it.