My Sermon Response Journal is the perfect tool.
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Host and promote practical workshops. Find people who can pass on practical skills to equip people for living sustainably. Connect with people in the community and build friendships as you learn new skills together.
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From the chapter To Come Home by Anna Baird
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie.
In the latest episode of his Holy Shed YouTube channel which focusses on “What the Bible says about LGBTQ+ issues,” Dave Tomlinson, UK author and Anglican priest offers praise for We’re All Equally Human.
He says, “It’s a great read. It’s intriguing in the way it has been contrived and communicated. If you are struggling with [LGBTQ+] issues I recommend this definitely to you. It’s also got an amazing amount of resources at the back and some very helpful appendixes. Lots of helpful stuff there.”
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Click the screen shot below to see the video.
Growing partnerships between churches and schools nurturing environmental projects and relationships and empowering children to be fabulous enviro problem solvers!
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From the chapter Problem Solvers by
Ava Carter, with Liz Horn and Mandy Cleave – Rolleston Christian School
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie.
Click for more details and to Order Print Books:
https://pgpl.co.nz/print-books/awhi-mai-awhi-atu-print-books/
” …write your responses to the sermon in your journal – during the service or when you get home – to capture the good news the preacher shared with you while it is fresh in your memory and heart.”
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Wouldn’t it be great to have a an active group of eco champions in every church?
Start an enviro team in your church by forming relationships, inviting people to talk, and giving things a try. This is important to sustain momentum and lead the church in practical action.
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From the chapter Connected to the Earth – Diana Johnston
in Awhi Mai Awhi Atu, edited by Silvia Purdie.
Click for more details and to Order Print Books:
https://pgpl.co.nz/print-books/awhi-mai-awhi-atu-print-books/
Grace-Filled Moments with Sr. Joan: 365 Reflections on Life, Loss, Healing and Joy.
By Joan Chittister.
The challenge of this book is to make a personal commitment each day to take up silence — to set aside quiet time for reflection and reconnection. Silence, Joan insists, is the antidote to the chaos and busyness of modern life
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Breath of the Spirit: Photographs & Joyful Words for Gentle Meditation. By Philip C. Garside – text; & Alexander Garside – photos
Pause and let these 57 full colour photographs with simple words boost your spirit.
Photographer Alexander Garside helps us to see the world through fresh eyes, and to appreciate the beauty of nature and our urban landscape. There is joy, light and life all around us.
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Attached to God: A Practical Guide to Deeper Spiritual Experience. By Krispin Mayfield.
Why do we feel so far from God sometimes? The answer is found when you take a deep look at the other important relationships in your life and understand your attachment style.
When you understand your attachment style you gain a whole new paradigm for a secure and loving relationship with God.
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Kindle a flame within our hearts
let your light shine through
let your light shine through.
Kindle a flame within our hearts
let your justice shine through
let your justice shine through.
Kindle a flame within our hearts
let your hope shine through
let your hope shine through.
Kindle a flame within our hearts
let your love shine through
let your love shine through.
Kindle a flame within our hearts
let your peace shine through
let your peace shine through.
Kindle a Flame was written as a reflective song for worship and I have used it many times when leading services.
It also works well as part of the devotions for a small group, and as an individual, private meditation (change “our hearts” to “my heart”).
The words are simple and repetitive.
There is a melody line setting and several suggestions for how to use this liturgy/song in our PDF eBook Kindle a Flame.
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Loving God of Aotearoa,
hear now our call to you,
We have gathered in your presence,
to celebrate anew!
We have come from many places,
speaking, thinking differently,
But in you we are united,
one whole, strong family.
Refrain:
Let us heed your call to service
and follow lovingly,
May we be compassionate people,
alive in you and free.
Scripture tells of faithful people,
who spread your light and love.
Now inspire, lead, direct us,
so we can be like them.
May the Way that Christ has taught us,
and the power of your Word,
Set a fire burning in us,
for justice and for love.
Rimu tall, with tui singing,
proclaim your majesty,
You who care for all creation,
will always care for me.
Matariki’s spirit guide us,
rise within us all the year.
Help us live and speak forgiveness,
your people want to hear.
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Rev Desmond Cooper, our minister at the time, was president elect of the Methodist Church in 2010 and wanted a song for the Induction service at Conference. He mentioned that he liked Holst’s tune Thaxted (I vow to thee my country) but would prefer alternative words that were less nationalistic.
Loving God of Aotearoa is the result. I consulted Desmond and vice president elect Susanne Spindler as the lyrics were being written and they smoothed off a few rough corners. The hymn is dedicated to Desmond and was sung at the Methodist Conference in Palmerston North in 2010.
This poem is found in my collection of, music, prayers and poems: Kindle a Flame
which you can download as a free 30 page PDF eBook when you sign up for our email newsletters.
With laurel leaves
the winners crowned
Olympian effort applauded
With laurel leaves
the emperor crowned
power and force rewarded
How then to crown
the Lord of Life
the Saviour long-expected?
With sharp, hard thorns
was Jesus wreathed
prophecy and love contorted.
Crushed, healing herbs
dressed wounds and hurts
bodies whole again
Lest we forget
the dying sun
green shoots, new life
still comes.
Amen.
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Our congregation took part in the Living the Questions study programme some years ago. This poem is a response to the session on the book of Revelation.
It contrasts the way ancient Greek Olympic champions, Roman emperors and Jesus were crowned. This leads to thoughts about commemorating those who died or were injured in war.
Like the book of Revelation, the poem finishes on a hopeful note of renewal and growth.
This poem is found in my collection of, music, prayers and poems: Kindle a Flame
which you can download as a free 30 page PDF eBook when you sign up for our email newsletters.
