The church seasons, celebrations and holy days through the last year culminate today in an acknowledgement of the cosmic significance of Christ. We ask, “What do we learn from the parable of the sheep and goats about how to worship the exalted king?”
Jesus’ Parable of the Talents encourages us to confront our fears, take a risk and step out in faith. We provide an array of resources to examine this theme. With Advent fast approaching we also preview themes that can be developed and resources that available for this season.
Jesus’ story of ten bridesmaids is told to keep our hopes and expectations alive. It is about faith. We provide a range of ideas and activities to explore the themes of waiting and preparation.
In our gospel passage today, Jesus accuses the Pharisees of being show-offs vying for status and respect. This causes us to reflect on the way that status and power work within the communities in which we live our lives. We explore questions that arise and provide a creative idea that should go off
We focus on the words of Jesus from the gospel in response to a question about the most important commandment. They serve to sharpen our focus on what is important. This is necessary because it is so very easy for us, who seek to be his followers, to head off on a tangent. A station activity and
Jesus said, “Give the Emperor what belongs to him and give God what belongs to God.” We look at what it means to have allegiances to the state and to God. Those of us who choose to live under the rule of the God will find that this influences the way we live under the rule of the state. We provide
Jesus tells of a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son. The parable raises all manner of questions. Why did some guests refuse to come? What were they supposed to wear? What’s this got to do with us? How have we responded to the invitation of Christ? We provide some creative ideas and
Jesus’ parable of the vineyard tenants and his reference to the “cornerstone” is explained in its context and we look at how this teaching may apply to our own lives. Among the other resources are ideas about how to address the New Zealand General Election in the context of a worship service.
Matthew’s gospel tells us that Jesus’ authority was questioned by the chief priests and leaders. Jesus then he told a story about two boys. We look at the ways that the story may impact our lives and provide a range of creative ideas for use with your congregation or small group.
We wrap up the Season of Creation today as we explore the theme of rivers. This has us look at their symbolism as well as our responsibility for the freshwater environment. We think of the river as the life of God that flows from his throne bringing to us his goodness, restoration and refreshment
On this the third Sunday of the Season of Creation we are encouraged to explore themes associated with the rugged terrain of the great outdoors. We are reminded that the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness, and we think on the way he leads us to those quiet places where distractions are stripped
On this second Sunday of the Season of Creation we think about land and turn to the story of Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden. We provide resources to act as stewards of the earth and ask: Is the land under a curse? What can we do to heal the land?
