We look around us, we read the news, and we find our world is filled with rampant greed and inequalities, genocide, human initiated ecological disaster, oppression, usury, slavery, abuse, racial discrimination and we could go on… It’s hardly a stretch to believe that spiritual forces of evil are at
In our lectionary reading from the epistles today Paul contrasts light and darkness, being awake and being asleep, and being wise and being foolish. We have a look at some of the practical implications from this for the way that we live. We also provide station ideas for those who prefer hands-on
We continue our series following the lectionary readings through the letter to the Ephesians. The writer exhorts Christians to imitate God. That sounds like a big ask. We consider how we can imitate God and provide resources for children, youth, small groups and for putting together a worship
Our lectionary passage from Ephesians this week examines what it means for us to live in a way that is worthy of God’s people. The plea is for the church to be united. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, but what does that mean when the present-day expressions of church are so
In the lectionary passage from the Epistles today Paul prays for the church. His prayer has a global sweep. It concerns all beings in heaven and on earth that receive their life from him. This, in turn causes us to ask what we are praying today for the world, and what we are praying for God’s
Mark’s gospel tells us of Jesus’ sympathy for people who were like sheep without a shepherd. We look at the failure of leaders in Jesus’ day as well as how the imagery speaks to us as a church. We include visual, music and children’s resources to explore this theme. Also included are ideas to help
In today’s gospel reading, Herod made the disastrous decision to have John the baptiser beheaded. When Jesus appeared on the scene, Herod thought this was John come back again. All of which raises questions for us: Who is Jesus? Can we admit we are wrong before a mistake turns into a disaster
Today’s gospel reading covers Jesus’ rejection at Nazareth and the sending out of the disciples. To be a disciple is never just a matter of just watching and listening. Followers of Jesus are those who are sent. However, not everyone is ready to receive the love of God with open arms. We look at
In today’s gospel reading Jesus encounters two people in desperate need and we see a demonstration of God’s mercy. How many of us have been handicapped by some difficulty that has been with us for years? Of course, there are sceptics who will tell us that is just the way it is. But this story
In today’s gospel reading Jesus said to his disciples, “Let's cross to the east side”. It turned out to be a rough trip. Why did Jesus want to go to the other side anyway? We provide a smorgasbord of visual and creative resources and ideas for all ages to unpack this scripture. Also included are
This week the lectionary takes us to two parables of Jesus about seeds. We hear that God is at work in small things bringing about growth. This is reassuring and encouraging for us. In the light of world news, community need, or church upheaval it is not unusual for us to feel overwhelmed by events
In our gospel reading today Jesus says, “Anyone who obeys God is my brother or sister or mother”. We are called to be those disciples who are committed, first of all, to Christ. Because of our desire to be his followers, other differences fall away. We become his family - Christ’s brother, or
