Vicars Letter 21st august 2026

Rev Guy Benton

Kia ora, All Saints

If you are a sports nut like me, you will be aware of the current All Blacks tour of South Africa, labelled the Greatest Rivalry tour! I grew up in a sports-mad household! Tears were spilled at last-minute penalties that robbed us of trophies, heartbreaking losses by small margins, attempts at school to resemble one of the greatest sportsmen of our time, pretending that I, like Jonah, could become a great All Black! But something beyond that has always grappled with me! Who sits behind these players and teams? 

Over the last week or so, I've been enthralled by two new documentaries about two high-profile football (soccer) managers of our generation: José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola. Both are known for their ruthless strategy, outspoken words and their humble, gentle love for their players. One thing that stands out to me is that they give all of themselves to these roles! Even at the cost of their own relationships and families, which I don't advise is wise, but they demand commitment and passion along the way! 

If you are still with me, you might be asking why this matters. Who cares? I hate sport! 

If we dig in and around our Deuteronomy reading from last week and this week, I wonder if you notice something?! 

Moses is a little bit like a sports manager in this moment! "Hey, listen up, everyone. Here we are. Look back at the last team and realize they made some bad decisions; they got close at times, but in the end they bottled it! They lost their way; their eyes were fixed on other things. Don't be like them! It's your time, Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!" You can hear him now! "Remember the agreement, we are Gods; he is ours! Remember the promise! The land, the families, the prosperity, the safety! Do you remember?" Then the hammer drops: "All you have to do is choose: if we make this play XYZ (follow the Lord), we win! We get it! It's yours. If we run this play ABC (rebel and walk away), we lose! It's gone!" and here is that tough part! In my opinion, it would sink any locker room! Moses knows which one they pick! 

Grace has been given to us! A way to live is set before us as we respond to that gift of Grace! What are we going to pick? 

I look forward to worshiping with 9 am this Sunday, and for the rest of us in House Churches, I pray that wherever you are, you dig deep with one another and unpack Study 6 together! 

Check out the rest of the notices to keep up to date with all that is going on. 

Much love,