John explores the story of the Syrophonecian woman as a story about Jesus coming face to face with the ramifications of what he had been teaching; that the reign of God plays by nobody’s rules but God’s, not even Jesus’ rules. He then asks who might be acting as the Syrophonecian woman today?

John tries to build on last week’s sermon by Bonnie Hebenton about the line by using Mark 7 to explore the themes of the place of law and how to read law and scripture. Introduce the daily examen as a way of responding to Jesus invitation to pay attention to our hearts rather than just our actions.

Bonnie Hebenton explores the 5th and last reading from John 6; this time verses 56-71. In this reading John invites us into a space of confidence and doubt, faith and abandonment, of living out our faith and failing to live out our faith. Bonnie explores this real place, and God's ongoing response of welcome every time we return. She finishes with a song from John Michael Talbot

Gillian, Barbara and Mihi talk about Cursillo and their own expereince of going on a weekend event.Cursillo is - An opportunity to grow in faith and in spirituality - A deeper understanding of the teachings of Jesus and how we can serve Him. - An experience of living and sharing with others in a loving and caring Christian community and realizing that this can be extended into our own environment - A continuing community that gives support and encouragement to help Christians carry out their Baptismal Vows. The key elements of the Anglican Cursillo Ministry are relationship, evangelism, and reconciliation in the home, the parish, the community, and the world. For more information on Cursillo and upcoming events, go to http://cursillo.org.nz/waiapu/

John explores how this series of readings on Jesus being the Bread of Life help us into the Eucharist

John explores how this series of readings on Jesus being the Bread of Life help us into the Eucharist

Chancy Rattanong from CAP, Christians Against Poverty, talks about why they are passionate about working with local churches to release Kiwis from a life sentence of debt, poverty and its causes – into a life filled with hope and freedom.For more information go to http://www.capnz.org/

Mark 6:14-29 is such a yuk story if we read it on its own. This story has echoes with previous stories and reminds us of the ongoing stories, including the stories in Tauranga Moana over the last week. They remind us of the story of St. George and the battles that happened here and Te Ranga in 1864. They remind me of the experiences I had with the rainbow members of TSSF in Australia and here in Aotearoa.But this is not a story on its own. It immediately contrasts with the stories of the feeding of the 5000+ and 4000+, stories of ridiculous generosity and hospitality, of deep compassion and welcome. Stories that lie at the heart of Eucharist.

John explores how the ways of God are not what is expected, and in light of that offers some of his reflections on things noticed while away; particularly the gift of our prayer book.

Graham Cameron invites us to consider leaving the doors of our church open all the time