We look back over 17 years of Lifestreams. God the Holy Spirit transforms us and sends us out.

Pentecost is the celebration of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those 120 disciples in the upper room in Jerusalem two thousand years ago. Out into the world they went to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. We, too, need to pray "Come Holy Sprit" and be open to all God has for us.

Is the Ascension of Jesus theological disaster territory? Can we who no longer believe in a three-tier lift shaft style universe, with heaven, earth and ‘the other place’ all stacked on top of each other, subscribe to the idea of Jesus ascending at all?

Jesus prayed with his disciples. He prayed for their unity, protection in the world and being set aside as a people who belong to each other. This has relevance for us today.

On this the 6th Sunday of Easter we continue to focus on Jesus' resurrection appearances.  In the lead-up to today's passage Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and his other disciples, including Thomas.  Today's gospel story is all about a miraculous catch, Jesus inviting his disciples to breakfast on the beach, and Peter's reinstatement.  Peter was re-commissioned for a pastor-teaching role.  Members of the Body of Christ who have similar gifts are to use them to feed/tend for God's lambs and sheep.  Those with other gifts are to "do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him" (Col. 3:17).

Perhaps it takes not just 50 days but a lifetime to live into the resurrection life and hope of Jesus, following in the footsteps of the risen Christ. We are all called to practise resurrection as we live out our daily lives in the places we live and work as Easter people, resurrection people.

Within Jewish tradition, the vine was/is a picture of Israel. However, this vine failed to produce the sort of fruit that God desired. Therefore, when Jesus came into the world he declared that he was/is the true vine. An intimate relationship between God, Jesus and his followers is crucial for the bearing of much fruit. We are to “abide” in Jesus (Jn. 15:4-5) if we are to display the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23), the qualities of love (1 Cor. 13:1-13), and have our prayers answered (Jn. 15:7).

The grape vine is used as a metaphor by Jesus to describe his followers’ lives in relationship to himself, and his life in relationship to God the vinedresser. Grape vines need pruning and nurturing if they are to produce much fruit, and so do we. Essentially this passage is all about the vine, the branches, and fruit bearing so that we who are followers of Jesus may bring glory to God.

Tune in to hear Rev. Spanky Moore's wise words from his final sermon in the Christchurch Diocese. We wish him, Sarah and the kids all the best in with their new adventures in Nelson. We'll miss you Spanky - come back and visit us!

Every time the risen Jesus appeared, the disciples seemed terrified. Just what does that say about the resurrection body, and our attitudes to our own bodies?