St Barnabas, Fendalton

Elijah was sent to the most powerful person in the land as well as the most disadvantaged – a widow from Zarephath. God works in world events as well as with individual people in need. So do not be afraid when events seem overwhelming – trust in the purposes and love of God.

Jesus heals Bartimaeus who is blind. But we might ask the question – who in the Gospel story is really blind? And who actually has the most insight into who Jesus is, and can be too for us?

In Mark 10:46-52 Bartimaeus is portrayed as an ‘ideal’ disciple. He called out to Jesus in faith and was not put off by obstacles. He recognised Jesus true identity, genuinely wanted to be healed, and became a follower of Jesus. Will you seize the day?

In Mark 10:35-45 James and John represent all status-seekers hungry for honour and prestige. They failed to understand that Jesus had come to lay down his life as a ransom for many. Jesus calls into question our human values of pride and self-importance.

The rich, young ruler was an eligible disciple in so many ways and yet his wealth had a hold on his heart. What idols have formed attachments on your heart that leaves God out in the cold? Without God at the centre we will never be truly free or truly human.

Jesus invites us to share our burdens with Him. Are we prepared to accept this offer?

On the surface Mark 9:38-50 is a strange collection of sayings but the common theme is the importance of taking our walk with Jesus seriously – who are our allies, who are we fighting against and how are we to wage this struggle – don’t you know there’s a war on?

Who could forget on our TV screens recently the soldiers giving desperate children and babies in Afghanistan a drink from a water bottle?

While Jesus was trying to tell the disciples his vocation was to suffer and die they were arguing about who was the greatest. When questioned by Jesus they were silent. What do we grasp after? Status, wealth, power? God overturns our human values and invites us to welcome everyone – ever those without status in the world’s estimation.

When the priest saw the injured man he saw ritual defilement, when the Levite saw the man he saw one more job to do, but when the Samaritan saw the man he saw a human being in desperate need and was filled with compassion. Who we are determines what we see and what we see determines what we do.

This morning we welcome Sr Kathleen Rushton, RSM, who is speaking about Mary, mother of Jesus, whose feast we keep today. Kath is a New Testament scholar, author of 'The Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor: Healing Justice in John's Gospel' and a Sister of Mercy, spiritual director and adult educator.

In the bread and wine of our Eucharist service, Jesus offers his body and blood to us, the Body of Christ. Today we walk through the Communion service, to see how we feed on Christ in word and sacrament.

Jesus said "I am the Bread of Life". And we are asked to be the people who bring life to others, because we are provided with sustaining life in Jesus.

Feeding of 5000: Followers of Jesus can learn so much from the feeding of the 5000 – be moved by compassion, develop plans, involve people, believe God will use our meagre resources and be responsible stewards.

Finding reading the Bible a bit of a struggle? Perhaps it’s because we tend to think it’s more about Information than Transformation…

On Bible Sunday we’re reminded that God’s Word is creative, challenging and inviting. Furthermore, we are called to be agents of God’s Word in the world today. Are you listening?

A look at the importance of shipping, the challenges seafarers face today, and those who care for them while in port. All this along with the gospel story of Jesus walking on the water of the Sea of Galilee.

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).