Monthly Archives: February 2025

Sunday 9th February 2025- Rev Hugh Perry

Readings

Deuteronomy10:12-21 

This week I chose the readings suggested for the Sunday nearest to Waitangi Day and so we read from Deuteronomy.

Maurice Andrew draws our attention to verse twelve and thirteen

‘So now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you? Only to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments of the Lord’

It is a theme that is repeated in a number of books throughout the Hebrew Bible.

He also tells the story of Tūhoe prophet Rua Kēnana who, according to historian Judith Binney, travelled with a big box strapped to a packhorse that contained a large English Language Bible. That was his equivalent of the Ark of the covenant which contained  the tablets of the law[1]

Matthew 6:19-24

This is a classic contrast between what appears to be of value in the ‘economy’ and what might be true ‘heavenly values.’  Bishop Mariann Budde tried to explain the difference to Donald Trump recently, but he didn’t seem to understand.  The basic claim of this gospel is that ‘You cannot serve God and wealth’. In terms of the Treaty covenant there always seems to be a pressure to pursue wealth above justice.

Sermon

My cousin Helen has adapted to retirement far better than I have.  She has planted out her sloping section, keeps chooks, and has an automatic lawn mower that sends her a text when it gets stuck.  She involved herself in a number of arts a crafts.  She even made me a small arty pot with a picture of my mum as a girl glazed on it.

Continue reading Sunday 9th February 2025- Rev Hugh Perry

Sunday 02 February 2025- Rev Stephanie Wells

Prayer of Illumination
Guide us, O God,
by your Word and Spirit,
that in your light we may see light,
in your truth find freedom,
and in following your way discover your peace,
through Jesus the Christ.
Amine/Amen

Introduction to Jeremiah 1: 4-10 and Luke 4:21-30
Both readings record the beginning of two people’s ministry.
Jeremiah records that first call of God, his doubt and God’s response. Jeremiah became God’s prophet in a divided land. He worked under three kings of Judah until Jerusalem was invaded. From his writings it is clear this was not an easy job and he is honest with his criticism of God for this. But, despite all his difficulties, he is still a prophet until he disappears into exile at the end of his life.
Ponder how this moment with God fueled this dedicated response.
The Luke reading details the second half of the story of Jesus’ announcement about his ministry. (We explored the first half last Sunday). This focusses on the people’s response.
Imagine, if you will, being in that crowd that day. Would you have been part of the “everyone” or a silent protestor, un-noticed in the mob.
Ponder what we can do when we are faced with “everyone’s” anger.

Continue reading Sunday 02 February 2025- Rev Stephanie Wells