Reflection 18 June – God draws near
Genesis 18:1-15 & Matthew 9:35-10:1 - God draws near and things happen… A Reflection by Dan Spragg A number of years ago some friends and I went on a camping trip staying at the Maitai Valley camping ground near Nelson. I think we were away for about a week to...
Reflection 4 June – The call to disciple
Matthew 28:16-20 A reflection on the call to ‘disciple’ by Dan Spragg There are a number of teachers in our midst. I myself was a teacher in a previous life. As a teacher one is always concerned with finding the best way for students to learn. I know that with any...
Reflection 21 May – The Ascension of Jesus
The Ascension of Jesus: Acts 1:1-11 Reflection by Josh Olds When I was 17, my parents left to join the Penguin Police. They were not going to join a task force that investigated crimes committed by penguins, as the name might suggest. The Penguin Police, as they were...
Reflection 7 May – We can know God, now
John 14:1-14 - We can know God, now Reflection by Dan Spragg What are we to think? And, what are we to do in the face of uncertainty, anxiety, worry, and fear…? The disciples in this passage are deep in the midst of these. This conversation is happening at ‘The Last...
Reflection 23 April – Thomas’ Scepticism is Our Assurance – Joy Kingsbury-Aitken
Thomas’ Scepticism is Our Assurance – a reflection on John 20:19-31 by Joy Kingsbury-Aitken Unlike the Synoptic Gospels, whose authors rely on sources that had their origin in the transmission of oral traditions, which Luke says were “handed on to us by those who from...
Reflection 16 April – The road to Emmaus – Josh Olds
Luke 24:13-35 - The road to Emmaus Reflection by Josh Olds. If I were to ask you to make a list of the greatest human achievements, what would you put on it? You might think of things like the invention of the wheel, or perhaps the building of the Great Pyramids....
Reflection – 9 April – Easter – Josh Olds
Easter Sunday: John 20:1-18 Reflection by Josh Olds. A while ago I had a conversation with a friend of mine who drives past a hospital every day on his way to work. He was telling me about how up until recently every time he drove by the hospital he would get a shiver...
Reflection 2 April – Are We Compelled Enough? – Palm Sunday
Matthew 21:1-17 - Are We Compelled Enough? A reflection by Dan Spragg The story we’ve heard today of Jesus riding a donkey and being welcomed into Jerusalem is one of these familiar ones we carry with us, as are the events of the week to come. And I don’t know about...
Reflection 26 March – Dead Places & New Things
Ezekiel 37:1-14 - Dead Places & New Things A reflection by Dan Spragg The Sahara Desert used to be green and lush with water and fish and plants and all sorts of animals, and humans. The Kiffian people and the Ternerian people both inhabited this fertile land. One...
Reflection 19 March – Josh Olds
Psalm 23 - For you are with me. by Josh Olds. I’ve recently had to have the unfortunate situation of retiring a trusty sidekick that I’ve had for many years. This companion of mine has served me well and always made me look my best in front of others. Regrettably, my...