John invites us to let go of some more theological assumptions and explores the nature of call from a fresh perspective. In this way he invites people to reflect on their own calling and ministry in light of this story from Matthew

We look at the theological politics in John’s gospel, and how we play theological politics as well. John H then suggests that Epiphany offers a time for us to be reawakened to what Jesus teaches us about the nature of God through Jesus’ life, ministry and teaching. Using “lamb of God” and Jesus is way, truth and life, he explores how our theological glasses blind us to what Gospels teach us.

In this season which seems to be all about how God offers us joy, I use the readings to explore what gives God joy, and invite people to reflect each day on how they offer God joy, and how in turn they receive joy.

Advent is time of waiting. It offers an opportunity to reflect on what we wait for and how. In this sermon John asks “what are we waiting for the Advent?”, and suggests that among other things we watch for Peace.Watching for peace is more than hoping that all will be well. It is an active watching – getting involved in God’s peace - living is such a way that we live as if God’s reign of justice and peace is now.Isaiah offers image of instruments of war and death being turned into instruments of food production and life - more than just beating ploughshares – watching for peace is about learning whole new way of being that involves unlearning ways of war in our households, personal relationships and how we see the world and learning that ways of peaceJohn invites people to spend this week reflecting on what habits and practices of conflict do they need to unlearn and what practices and habits of peace they need to learn

We need to be really careful about how we talk about and live out “Christ the King.” It is too easy to just replicate what the rest of society expects and look no different.One way we can do that is to approach Christmas as a time of good news for all people, and to prepare in that vein, rather than just as a family time

John asks what do we remember on Remembrance Sunday? He goes on to suggest that we remember and honour those who went to fight, either voluntarily or consctiped. by working to prevent any others having to do same. He uses the reading from Haggai as an example of keeping hold of the big picture of God’s ongoing work, and offers the example of Te Whiti and Tohu as an inspiration for those seeking peace.

John explores All Saints/All Souls as a day to celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us, living each day as a gift both from God and those we celebrate.John also explores blessings and woes from Luke as what it really means to live each day as gift from God

I explore the question "who are God’s Chosen People?" I suggest that we are all God’s chosen people and that we have done and can do nothing to earn that we are all invited to “see” and to respond to that by loving GodTo love God we are to love neighbour rather than obey rules and laws.we do that by praying unceasingly for justice for all God’s people

Using Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7 and Luke 17:11-19 John explores how God refuses to be pinned down by our rules and asks what rules that we have made about God do we need to let go of

To celebrate St. Francis of Assisi I tell the story of Francis and the Lepper, and Francis and the wolf of Gubbio. I apply it to our Gospel today and fisnish by asking who or what do we fear, loathe or despise, and what is a faithful trusting response.