You believe what?

What do you believe about Jesus? Even writing these words sounds like an invitation to a theological conference. But rather than asking what theories or ideas I might hold, the question bouncing around in my head is “in what ways does my…

Hope, despair and faith

Many years ago I was part of a theology reading group. We set out to read The Crucified God by German theologian Jürgen Moltmann. It was a challenging read, but has been foundational for me.   Moltmann experienced God as a prisoner-of-war.…

Known and Loved

At our recent meeting, the Hope Uniting Church Council reflected on who we are as a congregation community. One of the things that was named in our discussion was the importance of people being acknowledged and known as individuals, each bringing…

Last Sunday recap (John 2:1-12)

The gospel of John leads us on a merry dance in trying to pin this Jesus down. John seems to make definitive and dramatic statements “The Word of God!” or “the light of the world!”. Powerful images that spark something within in us,…

Sunday Recap (John 1:19-28)

“Who are you?” the people come to ask John. In response John points them towards the One who will make all things new: Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Who is this Christ, already among them? The light…

Last Sunday recap (John 1:1-18)

How do we know God? Specifically, how do we know the God who we see revealed in Jesus Christ? The opening to John’s gospel is a powerful mash-up using Jewish wisdom literature, Greek philosophy and even some of Genesis chapter 1,…

Prayer Practices

On Prayer- “Prayer is taking a chance that, against all odds and past history, we are loved and chosen.” Ann Lamott “To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the world.” Karl Barth “We pray…

The destabilising gospel of love

Throughout my ministry I’ve found that people either love John’s Gospel for its strong claims about who Jesus is, or have found the whole thing mystifying for its long winded and dense style AND its polarising claims around Jesus. This…

1517 and the urgency of now

For the most part it feels as if our lives move at warp speed these days. Everything is urgent, instant and measured out in Mbps, likes and strategic plans. Perhaps we’ve bought into the latest mindfulness trends (useful) – though mostly…