Sunday sermons preached at St. George's Anglican Church, Gate Pa, Tauranga. These are mostly based on the RCL Lectionary readings for that Sunday, with a few variations for our own lectionary in this Province, and special events here at Gate Pa.
Rev John Hebenton, the retiring vicar of the Anglican Parish of Gate Pā offers some thoughts on the importance of remembering the battles of Pukehinahina-Gate Pa and Te Ranga as we renegotiate our way through this crossroad in the life of Aotearoa-New Zealand.
As this year is the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pa, Gate Pa Anglican Parish offered free lectures to help the community understand our city's history and how it shapes our present.This lecture was in two parts. This is the second, given by Buddy Mikaere. Buddy spoke about the planned New Zealand Wars Museum at Gate Pā, Putake O Te Riri.Buddy is a former Director of the Waitangi Tribunal and a historian with an extensive list of publications. He is a consultant working largely in the resource consents area and has a national client base. In Tauranga he represents the environmental interests of several local iwi/hapu in their interface with local Councils and developers.
This year is the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Pukehinahina-Gate Pa. This is an important event for our city, especially with some of the other things happening in Aotearoa at the moment. We again offered free lectures to help the community understand our city's history and how it shapes our present.This lecture was the second lecture, It was in two parts . The first part was on The Battle of Te Ranga- 21 June 1864, as was offered by Dr Cliff Simons. Cliff, a retired army officer, has specialised in New Zealand's colonial wars for over 35 years. He has written two books and numerous articles and frequently gives talks about the various battles and campaigns, as well as conducting battle field tours. Cliff will be exploring the story of both these battles within their historical context so that we can understand the ongoing legacy today.
A sermon to say thankyou- To explore the process we are all going through – and that it is ok- Use the ascension to invite us all to trust God in all this- Offer some thoughts about what the future might beAnd then invite people to embrace all that the liminal space might offer with thankfulness, hope and trust.You can read the notes here
The writer of John's gospel is not a linear Greek thinker. He presents Jesus using older circular ways of teaching – circling around a topic, with each pass going deeper into the abundance of layers of meaning, into the abundance at the heart of the message, How does that help us read John 15:9-17 ?How does this help us be open to all the image of Jesus the true vine, we are the branches offers as we continue this season of having our minds blown and letting our imaginations run wild.How might we learn about love by supporting each other in this time of grief and lossHow might that open us up to the possibilities of this moment?You can read the notes for this sermon here
Easter is a time to have our minds blown by and for our imaginations to run wild with the possibilities of what the reign of God might look like. - What does that mean for us as we commemorate ANZAC Day and offer a place for our city to commemorate the Battle of Pukehinahina Gate Pa. - What does mean for us facing very uncertain future as a parish?John uses the story from Acts about Phillip and the Ethiopian to explore what that might involveIn face of that Jesus offers very pastoral words in John 15. John explores what they are about, and then asks - How do we experience these words in our context today?You can read the notes for this sermon here
Psalm Psalm 4 First Reading: Acts 3:12-21 Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-7 Gospel: Luke 24:36-48 Easter is a time to hear stories of the resurrection and how those first disciples responded. We hear them not to be convinced of the truth of the resurrection, but to be opened to our own experiences of the resurrection, and to take time to reflect on how we respond.This week we hear from Luke, with the disciples offering all kinds of responses. Where are we in this mix?As the parish faces an uncertain time with John going, how do we respond in light of all this? John offers some thoughts around our response in terms of the time and financial support for the parish.You can read the notes here
A sermon exploring what it was like for those male disciples when they heard Jesus had risen – They had abandoned Jesus to his death, denied him, betrayed him. They did not die with him as Thomas promised not so long ago – and now he is back!!- How does that help us read about these two appearances?Thomas teaches us that the Resurrection is not something to be convinced of, but something to be experienced. And when we do it changes everything!How might we live out our own resurrection appearances?You can read the notes for this sermon here
Gate Pa – Year B Easter Sunday 2024Readings:First Reading: Isaiah 25:6-9 Second Reading: Acts 10:34-43Gospel:John 20:1-18What I want to say:Our friend died this week. The resurrection affirms that she is with God now. Swallowed in God's life. I don't know what that means or what it looks life. That is ok. I trust God for all that.This story is bigger than Liz, or me, getting into heaven, if that is what being swallowed by God's life is. Jesus death is more than Jesus dying on a cross for me and my sins. It is God dying on a cross, showing us where all our greed, selfishness, lust for power. The powers of death thought they had won, but God would not be held in death. When all seemed lost God's life prevailed. When all seems lost, God's love and life will prevail. I trust God for that.Mary watched her friend die, a humiliating horrific degrading death. She watched her hopes for herself and Israel die. She was swallowed in grief, outrage, powerlessness, despair. She went to weep and despair as the night light let go and the dawn emerged. She met Jesus in the messiness of her life. She thought he was the gardener. Nothing changed. Everything changed. The resurrected Jesus met her in her darkest blackest moment and it changed everything. She became the first to prolamin the gospel. She boldly lived resurrected life. The resurrected Jesus invites us into resurrected life now. I trust God for that.What I want to happen:What do we trust God for this Easter? You can read the notes here
A reflection to help people into the story of Palm Sunday, to ask where are they in this story, and what do they see?Invite them to ask, as Jesus sees everything, what are we invited to see?We watched Rev Dr Rodney Aist speak in front of Church of the Holy Sepulchre on St George's College Jerusalem: Ways in the Wilderness Hosanna means both thanksgiving and praise, or God save us.What do we see that we give thanks for or that we or others seek deliverance from? – Use these palm fronds to write - What do we give thanks for and whose prayers for deliverance are we invited to join today? (All were given paper palm fronds as they entered the church. They were invited to write on the palm leaf path as they go up to communion) You can read the reflection here
John talks about the writer of John's gospel and Jeremiah both reframe what is going on to find hope in the midst of despair.As we approach an interregnum and gather for our AGM how might we reframe the story of Anglican Parish of Gate Pa?What might the parable of the seed dying to bear fruit offer us in these fragile times?What I want to happen:How does John help us reflect on:What do we need to reframe as Anglican Parish of Gate PaAs we come to our AGMAs we come to uncertain future with my retirementHow does this morning's reading from John help us be that seedHelp us be vehicle for new lifefind hope.You can rad the notes for this here
Readings:Hebrew Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9Psalm: 107:1-3,17-22Epistle: Ephesians 2: 1-10Gospel: John 3:14-21What I want to say:We began by watching part of the video - St George's College Jerusalem: Ways in the Wilderness, looking particularly at the Hermitage, Solitude and Community.How do these themes help us this Lent?Then John uses the Jerusalem Bible version of Ephesians “We are God's works of art,”, and asks, do we see ourselves and others as works of art?He uses this to reflect on John 3 – second half of the conversation with Nicodemus – which is all about identity as well.Belief as Trust – what does it mean to trust God- For our identity – quote Mary MacLeod Bethune (1875–1955)- For all we needWere does the cross fit with all this?What I want to happen:Reflect on how "Hermitage, Solitude and Community" help us grow into being God's works of art, to trust this image and receive the grace to see this in others.You can read the notes to this sermon here
Last week we talked about “carrying our cross with some examples of “martyrs”. When John got home he read about MLK Jr, and some of his experiences with his father in Jim Crow South – living the truth that he was created a man in the image of God. God made him "Somebody!" Carrying our cross can be as simple as this.In light of that explore Exodus 20 – 10 Words – not as something to be done to earn God's approval, but given to people already brought out o slavery with God's presence in their midst – in clouds and tent of meeting.10 Words taught them to live as people marked by God's compassion and generosity – displaying that justice, mercy, aroha for all – Blessed to be a blessingJohn portrays Jesus as one step further – not marked by God's compassion and generosity, but God's compassion and generosity enfleshed! He is God's compassion and generosity.Read John 2 and John's “Temple Incident” in light of that, remembering that when John is written there is no temple! Jesus is not superseding the temple – the temple is already goneThrough the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, we are God's compassion and generosity in our placeWhat I want to happen:How do we embody God's compassion and generosity in our lives.We finished by watching some of Rev Dr. Rodney Aist's reflections on the desert in the Youtube video "St George's College Jerusalem: Ways in the Wilderness". You can read the notes for this sermon here
We began by watching Dean Richard talk abut the wilderness, John then offers some thoughts on how Genesis 17 and Mark 8 help us in this Lenten time.The Abrahamic Covenant offered in Genesis 12 and 15, and affirmed in Genesis 17 remind us that the blessing is so that the people of God will be a blessing for all people and all creation – so that humanity is restored, and creation renewed. Jesus reaffirms this when he says “Now is the time! Here comes God's kingdom! Let that blow your minds and change your hearts and lives, and trust this good news!” What does that look like?John explores how Caesarea Philippi shapes Peters hopes for this kingdom, and how Jesus rejects this way of violence and power over, as he did in the wilderness. His way is love, replicating the service he received from the angels offering God's healing mission particularly to the poor, marginalised, rejected. This way can only lead to rejection and death. And Jesus invites us into this way – to follow him, because in this way is life - resurrected life.Briefly offer Archbishop Janani Luwum as an example of living this way.What I want to happen:How does this help us reflect on whose we are, who we are and what is ours to do at this time of change.You can read the notes to this sermon here
It is Lent – traditionally a time to give something up, to pray and read the bible more, and to support charities. John explores the point of all that using his three questions – whose are we, who are we, what is ours to do? He suggests that it is a time to begin again joining in God's disruptive work in the worldWhat I want to happen:People to take the time to both give up things that hinder living as beloved children of God, and take up new practicesYou can read the notes to this sermon here
John uses Mark 1:40-45 to explore some ideas around the point of the healing stories in Mark, using David Loses' “4 words about Jesus”. (https://www.workingpreacher.org/dear-working-preacher/four-words)What do these teach me/us about God and the divine presence?What might they say about the Kingdom of God?How might I live this?What I want to happen:How does all this help us be open to invitation in Lent to We finished by thinking about leprosy today and the work of the Leprosy Mission. We watch this video You can read the notes for this sermon here
John starts by exploring what Candlemas is. He then wonders what is revealed of Jesus in story from Mark 1 – that we might see and live in the reign of God today, and what has this to do with Waitangi Day?What I want to happen:- How are we a restored community of justice, generosity and aroha this Waitangi weekend?You can read the notes here
John talks about Epiphany and what that is all about, and how we are to read our readings in light of the themes of Epiphany.He uses the 1 Samuel story to explore place of others in call, especially with young people. Then use this story to talk about call.Part of call is being knowing God speaks through and works through the unexpected.Part of call is being found by God through othersWhen might we say we were foundWho were we revealed to beHow have we and do we continue to live that outHow do we help other people, especially young people, be found?You can read the notes for this sermon here
John talks about how we have two principal feasts and should not be displaced by any other celebration: Epiphany and the Baptism of the LordOriginally they were on the same day, and still are for many Eastern Orthodox Churches.Both stories are unsettling, intense, almost violent. They rupture the lives of those involvedHe finishes by askingWho is the God revealed in JesusHow do we live that revelationWe then watched "Rich" by Rob Bell, part of the Nooma series.The notes for this sermon can be found here
On this fourth Sunday of Advent, using the story of the Annunciation from Luke's Gospel, John explores who is Mary, and how she might inspire us in our life of faithAnd he invites us to reflect on who helps us be disciples and who we help.You can read the notes here
Last week we were invited to “Wake up!”- John asks what does that mean for us?He then uses John 1, particularly John 1: 26+7, and Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, to offer a response - waking up to God's presence in the light of Christ in our midst He uses Isaiah and Luke 1: 46-55 (Mary's song of praise and protest) to think about where that light is found today, both within us and in our world.Using John as our model, how do we bear witness to this light?Advent is time to take time to nurture that light within, that we might see light of Christ in our world and give witness to itYou can read the notes to this sermon here
John wonders if we hear the call to wake up – In Isaiah, in John the Baptiser, in how Mark introduces his telling of the good news of God found in Jesus. He explores each as they stand on their threshold and the urgency of each's messageDo we feel the urgency as we stand on our threshold.What thresholds do we stand on?In our wilderness what does it mean to wake up and live peace this AdventYou can read the notes here
Rev Debbie Garrett explores the themes of Advent using the gospel passage set for the day -Mark 13:24-37.In all that is happening in this land and around the world today, we are reminded that God is our source of hope and the provider of joy and peace.
John explores the Reign of Christ from Matthew's perspective using the Sermon on the Mount in particular, and applying that to the parable of the sheep and the goats.What warnings do we need to heed as we leave Matthew and enter a new year.How might we live the reign of Christ?You can read the notes to this sermon here
John invites us to think about the Parable of Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 from several perspectives, reminding us that when we can hold those perspectives rather than looking for the one right way of reading it, we will gain a deeper understanding of all Jesus in inviting us to.He suggests that one we to read this that the Parable of the Talents invites us into the utterly outrageous gift of God's mercy, love, life; and urgently requires us to live riskily and extravagantly that beatitudes might come to be. But maybe it also offers us the third servant as the "hero" of the story?What do the talents represent for us, and how might we live them? You can read the notes to this sermon here
John talks about how St Francis offers us important ways of living for our world today.He gives thanks for the SPCA and their work inviting us treat all animals with care and respect and working so that all animals thrive.In this service we give thanks for the animals we share our lives with Acknowledge the important place they hold in our livesCelebrate the deep bond we share with themPray for God's health and life for each of themAnd for their relationship with their human partnersAnd we pray that through them we might glimpse some of Francis came to live and know so well, and that we might live in ways that all creation and all who live in it might thrive.
John uses those three responses to explore the readings for Ordinary Sunday 32, especially Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25 and Matthew 25:1-13 . .In reading Matthew, and Jesus' story of the 10 bridesmaids John reflects on the 3 audiences that are involved in listening to this story, and how that helps us hear what it might say to us.We are invited to get ready to live lives of active waiting for reign of God, living for the long haul but looking for the surprising breakouts of the God's justice, mercy, compassion and generosity.In light of all that o So what do you find difficulto What do you find challengingo What do you find inviting?o What does the oil in our lamps represento How do we keep our lamps burning so that we might be light to the world - living the beatitudesYou can read the full notes here
Cliff Simons talks about our early years as a church and when we became St George's
For our St George's Day celebration I wrote this little play about St George, the Serpent (no dragons in this play thank-you!) and the Empress Alexandra (no damsels in this play either - enough of that nonsense.)Here it is all acted out.You can find the script here
St Georges Anglican Church - Hori Tapu, has been doing the Season of Creation early. This week is also Matariki - the Māori New Year. John talks a little about the themes of the Season of Creation and how Matariki helps us engage with these. All this was by way of introduction to watching the "Prophetic Indigenous Voices on the Planetary Crisis- Aotearoa & Polynesia" presented at the Lambeth Bishops conference last year.I've written more about how these themes linked with this weeks readings for Year A, 15th Sunday of Ordinary Time here
Bonnie Hebenton preaches about how Matariki and Harvest Festvial support each other.In the pew sheet she writes"As we come to this Harvest Festival Sunday, the opening line from Philippians 4 is perhaps what should be foremost in our minds: "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice."Harvest is a time of looking back over what has been, pausing to give thanks and resting before the work of the new season so that we can reap a harvest again in due course. In Aotearoa New Zealand we are fortunate to have the richness of Matariki (Māori New Year) celebrations interwoven into the traditional Harvest Festival season. During Matariki, across New Zealand, people come together to remember their ancestors, share food, sing, tell stories and play music. The storehouses are full and there is time to reflect and celebrate.Today we will be exploring some of the parables within the Matariki stories and how they encourage us to care for creation, and to honour and celebrate all that God the Creator has given us. As you wait for the celebration to begin this morning, take a few moments to think back over your year: remember special people; give thanks for the ways you have been able to contribute to your community; think of the ways you have cherished or disregarded the environment in your neighbourhood. As you reflect, hold these words from Deuteronomy 26:God brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. So now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground that you, O Lord, have given me.” You shall set it down before the Lord your God and bow down before the Lord your God. Then you, together with the Levites and the aliens who reside among you, shall celebrate with all the bounty that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house. Amen. "
St. Georges Anglican Church, Gate Pa, sits on the site of the Battle of Gate Pā-Pukehinahina. Each year we try to offer free lectures to help people understand our history and how it shapes our present. The first talk was given by Dr Cliff Simons on The Northern War 1845 – 46, a well-known historian, speaker and author who specialises in New Zealand's colonial and military history.Cliff will be exploring the story of the Northern War 1845-46 within its historical context so that we can understand the ongoing legacy today.
John talks about some of the themes from his time at the Franciscan Convocation in Phoenix.He then talks about Matthew 9:35-10:8 as a pivotal moment in the story, when 12 of his followers suddenly became "sent ones - apostles" no longer observing what Jesus was doing but taking part in proclaiming the reign of heaven has come near.He then explores the importance of Matthew 10:5-8 for Franciscans, how hearing this gospel on the feast of St Matthias in 1208 was a pivotal moment for Francis, and he and his early brothers became sent ones themselves. John then uses that with some of the material from Phoenix to explore the heart of the Franciscan charism - living simply.He notes that we are today's “sent ones”/apostles, and wonders what Jesus instructions offer us in our understanding of living the gospel?
The second lecture will be given by Dr. Alistair Reese on the Treaty of Waitangi: He Tatau Pounamu. Alistair is a well-known farmer, historian, public theologian and author who specializes in reconciliation work. He will be exploring the Te Tiriti o Waitangi through a reconciliatory lens.St. Georges Anglican Church, Gate Pa, sits on the site of the Battle of Gate Pā-Pukehinahina. Each year we try to offer free lectures to help people understand our history and how it shapes our present. This year we offered three lectures on the evenings of January 22, January 29, and February 12. This was the second of these lectures
Rev Debbie Garrett writes"Pentecost, or the Feast of Weeks, is celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter. In the Book of Joel, the author foretells of a time when God will pour out his Spirit on all people. The name Pentecost comes from the number 50 in Greek and occurs 50 days from Easter. Jewish people possess a connected holiday called Shavuot, which occurs 50 days after Passover, and lasts three days. Consequently, the two holidays often overlap. Pentecost is rich in spiritual significance, partly because it draws extensively from a variety of previous traditions. In its Hebrew roots, it was tied to the Feast of Firstfruits, meaning the harvest and spring, and its connection to Shavuot ties it to key events in the Old Testament such as the end of Exodus and the giving of the law to Moses. To the 12 Apostles, the day represented the fulfilment of Christ's promise to baptise his followers with the Holy Spirit. Just as Christmas celebrates the coming of God's son, Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit, and for many Christians the birth of the Church."
What difference does the Ascension make in our lives?John has a conversation about that, and suggests that one way to see the ascension is that it completes the Incarnation, and through it Christ becomes the Christ of all times and places.In light of that, we contemplate on the Ascension and Jesus final prayer in John 17 and take time to reflect on the invitation to make visible the presence of God particularly in love, just as Jesus did.You can read the notes for this sermon here
Happy mothers day - John wonders what mothers day offers us?It has been a tough last three years – for many it is still tough with inflation. For churches like ours and many others covid has really hit many parishes – we are much more vulnerable than we were. This was a theme of parish planning day on Saturday.Easter is a time to reflect on reflect on and celebrate resurrection and to wonder what resurrection means for us as we regather and rebuild after the last three years. John again uses a quote from Angela N. Parker - “The Way of Jesus is the embodiment of the dream and hope of God….We must be people of the way, being the dream and hope of God, as we participate in abundant life while here on earth together” (https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fifth-sunday-of-easter/commentary-on-john-141-14-6)As we face an uncertain future we are told in John 14:15-21 that the gift of the Spirit is that love of God resides in each one of us, that might live the dream and hope of God in this place. He then uses some of the plan vestry has been working with to explore what that might mean.What hope does that offer us?How might we respond to this awesome gift, and awesome responsibility.You can read the sermon notes here
John puts John 14: 1-14 back into its context. He reads it in its holy week context as Jesus offering words of hope to his disciples as words of hope and promise - that there is always a place in the heart of God, in the midst of our uncertainty and fear. And he reads it for the Easter season we are invited to also ask how these words help us see the risen Christ among us, active in our world. In particular how do we read "I am the way, the truth and the life."How might we be “We must be people of the way, being the dream and hope of God, as we participate in abundant life while here on earth together” (https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/fifth-sunday-of-easter/commentary-on-john-141-14-6)
Cliff Simons uses his experience of visiting his sister in PNG while she was a missionary there to look at the work of Alfred and Charlotte Brown, and one of their key converts - Wiremu Tamihana Tarapipipi Te Waharoa.You can read more about Tamihana here
A reflection/sermon inviting us to bring our own trauma from recent times and to join the two Marys' at the tomb.And we are invite with them to have our world rocked and to know that God's life cannot be contained. Jesus' resurrection changes everything for them and us. We too are invited into the ongoing story to live resurrection lives. How have we met the risen Christ? How might we live resurrection?What changes for you this Easter?People and places which needs God's resurrected life this Easter.You can read the notes here
How we are at the moment? - How many of us feeling like field of dry bones in Ezekiel – in need of breath of God?We are reminded by our gospel reading (John 11:1-45) that with Mary, Martha and Lazarus we are invited to know Jesus as the “resurrection and the life.” We will then use the life of one of our “saints” Hēni Te Kiri Karamu, to see explore what this life might look like.What I want to happen:How does the life Hēni lived help us live life in these troubled times?You can read the notes for this sermon here
John continues the Lenten theme of looking at people who lived the Beatitudes with persistence. This week he uses the story from John 4:5-42 – the story of an unnamed and mostly invisible Samaritan woman who is made visible though her persistence in conversing with Jesus. From that John explores some of the story of Georgina Beyer – a woman of great persistenceYou can read the notes for this sermon here
· Born 1907 in Hong Kong, an ethnic Chinese named Li Tim Oi, which means ‘Much Beloved'. Father chose this name because he valued her as a daughter even when other Chinese preferred sons· When she became an Anglican and was baptised as a student she took the name Florence· 1931 aged 24 she was present for the ordination of Lucy Vincent as a Deaconess in Hong Kong cathedral and there was a call for women to give their lives to Christian Ministry. Minister asked, “Here is an Englishwoman who is offering herself to serve the Church. Might there also be a Chinese woman who feels called by God to serve as a deacon?' Tim-Oi prayed and asked, 'God would you like to send me?' This was her inspiration.· Wanted to study for the ministry but her family couldn't afford it. Others paid for her to do so· Theological College in Canton, China. 4 year course completed age 31· Worked 2 yrs in Hong Kong helping refugees from mainland China during 2nd Sino-Japanese War· Hong Kong Bishop Ronald Hall sent her to help refugees in neutral Macau. (about 60kn distance) She was in charge of the parish· 6 months later recalled to Hong Kong ordained Deaconess May 1941 age 34 and given permission to administer the sacraments· Because of the war no Anglican priests could get to neutral Macau and there was no resident priest there· January 1944 Florence travelled through Japanese occupied territory to a small town, not taken by the Japanese, to meet her bishop. He ordained her priest 25 January 1944 age 37 so that the residents of Macau were not deprived of the sacraments. · Someone wrote of this: “Fearless Ang Bishop, discerning a match between wartime need and a uniquely gifted person, ordained a humble, yet steel-spined disciple of Christ into the priesthood.”· Bishop Hall was “merely confirming that God had already given Tim-Oi the gift of priestly ministry.”· He acknowledged that she was the only person willing to serve in the most dangerous of territories· I have three Chinese priests in Hong Kong but they cannot now get permission to go to Macao. Her work has been remarkably successful. My judgment is that it is only exceptional women who can do this kind of work. But we are going to have such exceptional women in China and such exceptional need. Moreover, working as a minister in charge of a congregation, Deaconess Li has developed as a man-pastor develops and has none of that frustrated fussiness that is noticeable in women who, having the pastoral charisma, are denied full exercise in the ministry of the church. · Hall continued, ‘I'm not an advocate for the ordination of women. I am, however, determined that no prejudices should prevent the congregations committed to my care having the sacraments of the Church.' · 30 years before any part of the Ang Comm regularised the ordination of women· End of the Sino-Japanese war 1945 there were protests about her ordination. She resigned her licence but not her priesthood· Returned to China to serve the church in Hepu County, not far along the coast from Macau but in mainland China· Communist govt closed all churches from 1958 to 1974.· Great Leap Forward 1958 – failed 5 yr plan· Cultural Revolution 1966-76 ended when Mao died· Fl
Jesus invites us both into the wilderness, and to know he is with us in our wilderness. Being in the wilderness tested Jesus in his sense of who he was as beloved Son of God, and how he might live that out. Normally Lent is a time for us to reflect on those same questions - who we are as beloved children of God, how we forget that, and how we might live that out.But this year ongoing weather events are leaving many people in a wilderness of loss and grief, for themselves and others. What does this story offer us in the face of this?John then talks about Dorothy Day as someone who grew into what it meant to be a beloved child of God, and who offers us an example of living persistently in the face of overwhelming hopelessness and loss.You can read the notes here
We continue our journey into the sermon on the Mount, holding the beatitudes as our map and key. We listen as Jesus continues to reinterpret the law for the new time he lives in, applying the law to new circumstances and requirements. He does do in ways that invite people to be subversive and persistent in the joining God to bring to perfection/completions all God desires – the empire of heaven.In what ways are we persistent in living the Beatitudes?Who inspires us with their persistence?You can read the notes for this sermon here
A sermon looking at Matthew 5: 21-37 in the context of the whole of the Sermon on the Mount, and as Jesus teasing our what the Empire of Heaven as described in the Beatitudes are really about.What does it mean for Jesus to fulfil the law? This week we are given examples of how Jesus reads the law. It is to create a community where all can thrive, not just the rich and the powerful. Where the poor in spirit, the meek, those who mourn etc… are able to be all God desires for them. This happens when we see and treat each person as our sister and brother, and when we take responsibility for our reactions to each person.John explores how much we need this in todays world of violence and abuse.The notes for this can be found here
As we end Epiphany-Christmas with its focus on light and revelation, we are given the Beatitudes from Matthew's sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5: 1-12). John explores how Jesus gives words to what he is already doing, and what he will continue doing. Jesus is living the empire of Heaven and inviting his disciples to join him.In an election year in all that has happened what uncomfortable positions might this invite us to consider?You can read the notes for this sermon here
John explores Epiphany as time of intentionally seeing the world differently (repentance) and living that out (call).What are they wrapping their minds about at the moment?You can read the notes for this sermon here
Let's read Matthew on its own terms and not in Luke's shadowToday we read the stories of two men, one faithless and untrusting (Ahaz in Isaiah) and one faithful and trusting (Joseph in Matthew).When I read this, I am reminded of John Dun Scotus – Francisan theologian of high middle ages - "The Incarnation is caused simply by God's generous and free love, and is not provoked by anything a mere human creature has done [i.e., because of the Fall].”Finish with quick overview of Advent- Peace – shalom (שׁלום) is derived from a root denoting wholeness or completeness. Shalom more than absence of war, but the overcoming of strife, quarrel, and social tension, the prevention of enmity and war between people, groups of people and nations. - Hope – Jim Wallis- Gift of Joy which we nurture- Love – John Duns ScotusWhat I want to happen:During this week I invite you to take time at the end of each day to give thanks for ways God with us has both brought love into your day; and through you brought love into the lives of others. I also invite you to reflect on what has led you away from love.You can read the notes here
Joy reminds us that for many, Christmas is not a time of joy. For many reasons it is very hard.John was finding life hard too. Explore some different ways of reading John's questions. And then reflect on joy, and where we see God's joy in the world, and what we might need to hear and see to know joyWe are invited to reflect on what joy means this advent.You can listen to this sermon here.
John asks “Why does God send a messiah”How we answer that shapes how we read this story and what we are preparing for in Advent and what we are celebrating at Christmas. We then explore identity and repentance in light of this.Take time at the end of each day to give thanks for ways God brought peace and hope into your day, and to reflect on the roots that might help you to live peace.You can read the notes for this sermon here
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
