Deep down in my soul runs a favourite hymn which we used to sing frequently in Nelson Cathedral when I was Curate. The congregation had a passion for it, and sang it with thoughtful sincerity. (Evensong has always been my favourite Sunday Service.) The hymn is based on Mark 1:32+. At even e’er the sun was set, The sick, O Lord, around…
Helping People to Meet God • Make Friends • Grow in Faith
Helping People to Meet God • Make Friends • Grow in Faith
A couple of weeks back we had a beautiful sunset. The sky was all orange and red and yellow and pink and changed colour every minute or two. We are lucky to have brilliant sunsets here in Canterbury. It made me think of the words of that beautiful old song ‘All Things Bright and Beautiful’. Let me take you on a brief…
I normally believe and proclaim that today is by far the most important day of our lives. After all, it is when we get everything done. It is the one we live in. But who am I to argue with Hollywood legend John Wayne about that? He does make a very good point. The Duke once said “Tomorrow is the most important…
This was the outside of our front door. It’s a fly. Earlier in the week I left for work and the fly was there. Since then we have had a southerly squall, torrential rain and wind. The next day I went out in the morning. The fly was still there. It had not moved. There is a lesson for us in this.…
I decided to raise a political issue today, while we are all safely tucked away in our bubbles. By the time you see me again, you might forgive me for that. Anyone listening to my sermons closely might have noticed that now and then there are political undertones just beneath the surface. Indeed faith cannot be fully separated from politics. Recently…
Five Ways to Wellbeing There are lots of thoughts about what wellbeing is but let’s agree that it is when we feel contented and at peace with ourselves, others and our God. We can think about physical wellbeing, emotional, mental, family and spiritual wellbeing. The WHO (World Health Organization) has suggested five ways of achieving wellbeing. Giving. This can be giving of…
I have always loved music. From brass bands to Gilbert & Sullivan to Handel’s Messiah to Country & Western to Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, etc. I often like to have it up loud—whether via radio, CDs, or online. Alison prefers it not to be too loud ! But we compromise ! Of course, my list also…
A way to pray Our Lord himself gave us a format for prayer in Matthew 6: 9–13. It is an amazing prayer, with every aspect of our lives and needs sown into it. The Lord’s Prayer can be used as a basis for prayerful meditation, and provides a framework for prayer at any time. Try taking each step separately and pondering on…
The Bible Society of New Zealand publishes a daily reflection Monday – Friday during the COVID-19 Level 4 alert. If you want to listen to the Bible verse and read the reflection, go to https://biblesociety.org.nz/category/daily-reflection/
By now we are into the second day of staying at home due to the Alert Level 4 response to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. I am working from home and slowly setting up the office here. Having previously worked from home, I know that it is not that easy and that I prefer a separate office to go to so that I…