God gives in abundance but as Jacob found, sometimes that involves letting go.

Jacob wrestled with God on the night before he met with Esau. Until then Jacob had tried to carry forward God’s plans through his own cunning but in wrestling with God his strength is fully expended. However he continued to cling to God and asked for a blessing. We must not rely on our own human capacities but on the power of God to bless us and our church.

Visiting preacher Rev Dr Graham O'Brien addresses the issue of human life in the context of the caring ministry of the church. Currently Graham is the Ministry Educator in the Anglican Diocese of Nelson, Co-Chair of the InterChurch Bioethics Council and a committee member for the national "VoteNo campaign".

Opening the Bible is what we are called to do as Christians but just as important is letting the Bible read you.

How do we grapple with Abraham sensing God call him to sacrifice his son Isaac?

In spite of our mistakes and broken relationships, God continues to carry his purposes forward and offer hope for reconciliation and healing. Sarah tried to get rid of Hagar and Ishmael but in God’s mercy there was still hope and a future for them.

Barnabas was a very influential leader in the early Church – he responded whole heartedly to the gospel, recognized the guidance of the Holy Spirit and was a source of reassurance and encouragement to all he met.

Each & every life matters to God - how the Trinity calls us all into communion with God.

On the day of Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Church transforming slow, timid and weak disciples into a group who turned the world upside down. With a new openess to prayer and faith post lockdown let’s confidently express our faith to others as well.

What symbol of the Holy Spirit resonates with you? Dove, Flame, Comforter, Rainbow Parakeet...?