The story of faith has always been one embedded in difficult and desperate situations and in the face of oppression and empire – whether that’s Egypt, Assyria, Greeks, or Romans – yet in the end, the seed of love always continues. Seeing that God seems to be present to work again and again across history is something we can hold onto in the face of overwhelming challenges.

As we consider our calling as a transformative movement of local faith communities, how are we forming ourselves as people with spiritual disciplines that help us thrive?

We do not need to be afraid. God is faithful. God goes ahead of us. If we have faith to believe that to be true, then we will faithfully seek where God is already at work.

I can see that we as humanity tend to follow at least one of three coping mechanisms or behavioural responses when faced with an engulfing tide of threatening or disturbing events.

The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).

Matthew 1.23

I had a moment last month where my past caught up with me. I walked into Thorndon New World and saw an elderly gentleman. I thought “I know who you are, but it can’t possibly be you.”

Bishop Justin encourages us to attend the the Leading your Church into Growth hui on 17-19 October.