Today’s gospel plunges from the heights to the depths with Jesus and the disciples on the Sea of Galilee…

Many in the Western world would claim today: ‘There will be no miracles here’. Our Gospel today engages with a similar question – will there be miracles here?

When Jesus returned to his hometown of Nazareth the people remembered him as a carpenter and son of Mary and thought of him as a wood-worker with pretensions. Jesus responded with, "Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house." (Mark 6.4)

Music Sunday allows us to consider the impact of music on our worship. Rev. Pauline Stewart interviews hymn writer Marnie Barrell about her role as a hymn writer and how music enriches worship of our God.

Guest speaker Rev. Michael Baker, clinical director at Petersgate Counselling Centre, talks to us about shalom - peace. In this world of distress and uncertainty let us remember that God is in control and he hears us when we cry out in need. Jesus Christ brings power, love, order and healing to our lives.

Today in our church we celebrate the feast day of St Barnabas. Guest speaker Dr Nigel Yeoh from our Lifestreams service encourages us to think about ways of being generous in all aspects of our lives - so that we, like Barnabas, can be good men and women, "full of the Holy Spirit and faith".

On this Te Pouhere Sunday I thought it would be good to look at some of the words used in the Lord’s Prayer in te reo, as they can open up to us spiritual depths that can be found in the words chosen

We are a new creation and have been given the Ministry of Reconciliation (1 Cor.5). We are also called to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. By basing our lives on Jesus' teaching we are building on a firm foundation that will help us through the ups and downs of life (Matt. 7.24-29).

John 3:1-17 - This passage is all about Nicodemus who visits Jesus to explore the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, and learns about the need to be born again, of both water and the Spirit, who brings new life and a fresh perspective.  Nicodemus' image of God expands - he learns that Jesus has come from God not to condemn the world, but to save it.  God loves us, was alongside us in Jesus and lives in us now through the Holy Spirit - the Trinity in action.  Trinitarian reaching out is expressed in the creation of all that is.  Trinitarian connection is manifested in the incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the Christ.  Trinitarian enfolding is the invitation to dance.  God invites us to join the dance!

Trinity Sunday is a time to consider our experience of God. It is a chance to think about how we participate in God’s family and extend our experience of God to others.