Apr2014
The inherent danger of rules
by Reid Matthias
I have a friend named Louise, who, to all intents and purposes is a pretty good driver; slightly irrational, because she is terrified that a semi will throw a tyre into her windshield at any moment—but basically a good driver. Louise follows the road rules, uses her indicator, checks her mirrors at all times—but she… Read more
Apr2014
It doesn’t depend on you
by Rev Steen Olsen
‘What text in the Bible first comes to mind when you think of evangelism?’ It is a question that I like to ask congregations and other groups. Invariably the answer is the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 19,20), where Jesus says, ‘Go! Make disciples! Baptise! Teach! … and I will always be with you’. We become… Read more
Mar2014
Murdered in New Guinea
by Lyall Kupke
During World War II the courage of one missionary enabled him to defy both the Australian and the Japanese authorities so that he could continue to serve the people of New Guinea. But ultimately he paid the supreme sacrifice. Adolph Wagner was born in 1912 in New Guinea, the son of the German Lutheran missionary… Read more
Mar2014
Mourners – or midwives?
by Reid Matthias
In 1872, in a small corner of the world—London’s Hyde Park, to be exact—a new breed of orators stepped up to speak about their own specific agendas. Whether political, scientific or religious, these ‘soapbox orators’ opened themselves up to praise or ridicule, all while standing on a crate. From the 19th century to the 21st,… Read more
Mar2014
God at work
by Steen Olsen
Although I was baptised as an infant in an 800-year-old Lutheran church in my home town in Denmark, I had no relationship with a congregation until I started confirmation classes in Auckland, New Zealand. Confirmation instruction with Pastor Ed Koch taught me what Christian faith is all about. I was serious about my faith and… Read more
Feb2014
Worship war
by Pastor Reid Matthias
Not long ago, in a church not that far away … We’re trying to do different styles of worship at Green Pastures. This is a relatively new experience for the ‘little church on the prairie’, although there have been short-term forays into ‘contemporary’ worship. Basically, this meant that they used the rainbow of books, rather… Read more
Feb2014
Wherever I go, I bring Jesus
by Rev Dr Steen Olsen
When I am doing well, but also when I am making a mess of things, I bring Jesus. When I am good and when I am bad. When the Spirit of God is obviously at work through me in bringing the love and mercy of God to others, and when I fall into the depths… Read more
Dec2013
Changed – from the inside
by Rev Linards Jansons
RHYTHMS OF GRACE (PART 8 of 8) In the ebb and flow of liturgy, God is at work, whether we hear him or not. This story is also available as a PDF (download). Church has finished. The final blessing has been spoken and now (after the inevitable announcements and perhaps a cup of tea) God’s own… Read more
Nov2013
Celebrating God’s gifts
by Rev Linards Jansons
RHYTHMS OF GRACE (PART 7 of 8) In the ebb and flow of liturgy, God is at work, whether we hear him or not. This story is also available as a PDF (download). In last month’s article on Holy Communion we explored how God relates to us physically, through the flesh of Jesus. This time… Read more
Oct2013
God made flesh
by Rev Linards Jansons
RHYTHMS OF GRACE (PART 6 of 8) In the ebb and flow of liturgy, God is at work, whether we hear him or not. This story is also available as a PDF (download). ‘Take and eat, the body of Christ, given for you’. Cannibalism? superstition? symbolism? The thought that we are eating someone has always… Read more
