Kia ora, All Saints

This week I have had the privilege of being at two funerals, one I led and the other I attended. I find it a great joy to share and to hear at funerals the great hope and joy we have in Christ! The hope of a life beyond this world with the Father. What a joy! Funerals also present us with the very real, fickle nature of life and mortality! It is on everyone's lips. What about when I go? What do you believe? I find it fascinating the way people cultivate a scenario where the person might be able to calm their own hearts! I remember at my stepdad's funeral it was everything from riding motorbikes with angels to pouring pints into the sky; the list goes on! 

There is a sure and powerful freedom in the faith and hope we have in our eternal relationship with Christ, and that what lies in wait for us is far better than what we are exposed to here. 

It made me think a little more about what it means for us to be shepherded and cared for! Especially as we don't have "Long" here. Are we aware of our need for that shepherd? Are we prepared to submit ourselves to him, so as not to wander off into danger or sure and certain death? 

Christ came that we might have life and life to the full! O Death, where is your sting? GONE! Through the death and resurrection of Christ, our great shepherd, we too can die to this world and rise again in new life and relationship with him! So when we come to funerals, we have already done the death thing; what we are doing at the funeral is recognising we are sad for the loss of the earthly relationship, but celebrating their being with Christ in all his fullness. 

Hallelujah! 

Just a reminder that we have 9 am and House Church this Sunday. For those at 9 am, the readings are Jeremiah 23:1-8 and John 10:1-18; for those at House Churches, we are re-reading Ezekiel 34 and looking through the questions in our Big Picture series guide. 

Make sure you have a look through the newsletter at all that is happening throughout the parish.

Much love, 

Kia ora, All Saints

I was talking with some other clergy this week and revelling in the journey we are on as a community, unpacking the big picture of the bible. This week, I've been thinking specifically about the power of grace-based obedience! What does it mean for us to really know the love of being rescued and set apart, and to do all we can with our lives in response to it? Not to try all we can do to get God to love us! or do all we can to be God! This truth brings powerful freedom and liberation. 

This weekend we are praying big for our Alpha team who are leading the Holy Spirit day away. Pray for those who are participating that they would come to know this powerful God who picked them, and us, up on the back of eagle's wings!! 

This Sunday we have 9am gathering and House Churches. We are diving into Study 7 of our Big Picture series, The God who promised a great King.  Please read the readings for this Sunday before you come, as we dive a little deeper together. 

Make sure you check out all the events that are happening across the parish, specifically the Ladies' Day together. 
Read all about the Youth group dinner on Friday last week and, of course, news from our Diocese. 

Much love, 

Kia ora, All Saints

What a phenomenal Sunday it was last week as we gathered as a combined parish for the confirmations of Rebekah, Christine, Fiona, Adam, Sean and Matthew. 

I was profoundly struck by Bishop Ana's message about being at home on the water; specifically, the reference to how the bottom of the ocean doesn't get cut into because there is a layer of still, calm water that protects it from the raging torrents and currents. I couldn't help but think of this in my own heart and soul as I went about the week. How often in our lives do we let the raging torrents wear away at us or carve a gouge in our hearts and souls? Are we spending time deeply with the Lord who stills our hearts and minds even amidst the most turbulent of times? I think of the Psalm: "You lead me by still waters." 

This dovetailed into thinking about the gospel passage of Jesus calming the winds and the seas, and wondering that even in our world, when the winds stop after a storm, the seas are still rough! Not with Jesus; he stills them together. Something out of this world! 

I asked myself this question this week: Why do I try and pretend and trust other options? Why? 

This week we are into Study 7 of our Big Picture series, "The God who will send a great king", looking at King David and the future messiah. 

It's in this King that we put our Heart, mind, body and soul, with the full knowledge that he provides unwavering peace.

Don't forget that our Youth Group are running their fundraising dinner tonight at 6:30 pm. Dinner, games, raffles, and loads of fun!

Much love,