Shows
John Hebenton's PodcastSome Reflections After 9 Years Offering the Remembering The Battle Service every April 29 Rev John Hebenton, the retiring vicar of the Anglican Parish of Gate Pā offers some thoughts on the importance of remembering the battles of Pukehinahina-Gate Pa and Te Ranga as we renegotiate our way through this crossroad in the life of Aotearoa-New Zealand.
2024-05-2526 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWhirlpools into AbidingThe writer of John’s gospel is not a linear Greek thinker. He presents Jesus using older circular ways of teaching – circling around a topic, with each pass going deeper into the abundance of layers of meaning, into the abundance at the heart of the message, How does that help us read John 15:9-17 ?How does this help us be open to all the image of Jesus the true vine, we are the branches offers as we continue this season of having our minds blown and letting our imaginations run wild.How might we learn about love by suppo...
2024-05-0710 min
John Hebenton's PodcastJesus Being PastoralEaster is a time to have our minds blown by and for our imaginations to run wild with the possibilities of what the reign of God might look like. - What does that mean for us as we commemorate ANZAC Day and offer a place for our city to commemorate the Battle of Pukehinahina Gate Pa. - What does mean for us facing very uncertain future as a parish?John uses the story from Acts about Phillip and the Ethiopian to explore what that might involveIn face of that Jesus offers very pastora...
2024-04-3017 min
John Hebenton's PodcastLiving in the ResurrectionPsalm Psalm 4 First Reading: Acts 3:12-21 Second Reading: 1 John 3:1-7 Gospel: Luke 24:36-48 Easter is a time to hear stories of the resurrection and how those first disciples responded. We hear them not to be convinced of the truth of the resurrection, but to be opened to our own experiences of the resurrection, and to take time to reflect on how we respond.This week we hear from Luke, with the disciples offering all kinds of responses. Where are we in this mix?As the parish faces an uncertain time with John going, how do we respond in light of all this? John offers some tho
2024-04-1615 min
John Hebenton's PodcastReframing the PictureJohn talks about the writer of John's gospel and Jeremiah both reframe what is going on to find hope in the midst of despair.As we approach an interregnum and gather for our AGM how might we reframe the story of Anglican Parish of Gate Pa?What might the parable of the seed dying to bear fruit offer us in these fragile times?What I want to happen:How does John help us reflect on:What do we need to reframe as Anglican Parish of Gate PaAs we come to...
2024-03-1919 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBeing God’s Works of ArtReadings:Hebrew Scripture: Numbers 21:4-9Psalm: 107:1-3,17-22Epistle: Ephesians 2: 1-10Gospel: John 3:14-21What I want to say:We began by watching part of the video - St George's College Jerusalem: Ways in the Wilderness, looking particularly at the Hermitage, Solitude and Community.How do these themes help us this Lent?Then John uses the Jerusalem Bible version of Ephesians “We are God’s works of art,”, and asks, do we see ourselves and others as works of art?
2024-03-1220 min
John Hebenton's PodcastSomebodynessLast week we talked about “carrying our cross with some examples of “martyrs”. When John got home he read about MLK Jr, and some of his experiences with his father in Jim Crow South – living the truth that he was created a man in the image of God. God made him "Somebody!" Carrying our cross can be as simple as this.In light of that explore Exodus 20 – 10 Words – not as something to be done to earn God’s approval, but given to people already brought out o slavery with God’s presence in their midst – in clouds and tent of me...
2024-03-0521 min
John Hebenton's PodcastLenten FollowingWe began by watching Dean Richard talk abut the wilderness, John then offers some thoughts on how Genesis 17 and Mark 8 help us in this Lenten time.The Abrahamic Covenant offered in Genesis 12 and 15, and affirmed in Genesis 17 remind us that the blessing is so that the people of God will be a blessing for all people and all creation – so that humanity is restored, and creation renewed. Jesus reaffirms this when he says “Now is the time! Here comes God’s kingdom! Let that blow your minds and change your hearts and lives, and tru...
2024-02-2617 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWitnessing to Joy?Last week we were invited to “Wake up!”- John asks what does that mean for us?He then uses John 1, particularly John 1: 26+7, and Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, to offer a response - waking up to God’s presence in the light of Christ in our midst He uses Isaiah and Luke 1: 46-55 (Mary’s song of praise and protest) to think about where that light is found today, both within us and in our world.Using John as our model, how do we bear witness to this light?Advent is time to take tim...
2023-12-1924 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWake UpJohn wonders if we hear the call to wake up – In Isaiah, in John the Baptiser, in how Mark introduces his telling of the good news of God found in Jesus. He explores each as they stand on their threshold and the urgency of each's messageDo we feel the urgency as we stand on our threshold.What thresholds do we stand on?In our wilderness what does it mean to wake up and live peace this AdventYou can read the notes here
2023-12-1214 min
John Hebenton's PodcastDifficult, Challenging, InvitingJohn uses those three responses to explore the readings for Ordinary Sunday 32, especially Joshua 24:1-3, 14-25 and Matthew 25:1-13 . .In reading Matthew, and Jesus' story of the 10 bridesmaids John reflects on the 3 audiences that are involved in listening to this story, and how that helps us hear what it might say to us.We are invited to get ready to live lives of active waiting for reign of God, living for the long haul but looking for the surprising breakouts of the God’s justice, mercy, compassion and generosity.In light of all that
2023-11-1523 min
John Hebenton's PodcastMatariki and Harvest FestivalBonnie Hebenton preaches about how Matariki and Harvest Festvial support each other.In the pew sheet she writes"As we come to this Harvest Festival Sunday, the opening line from Philippians 4 is perhaps what should be foremost in our minds: "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice."Harvest is a time of looking back over what has been, pausing to give thanks and resting before the work of the new season so that we can reap a harvest again in due course. In Aotearoa New Zealand we are fortunate to have the...
2023-07-0219 min
John Hebenton's PodcastSimply SentJohn talks about some of the themes from his time at the Franciscan Convocation in Phoenix.He then talks about Matthew 9:35-10:8 as a pivotal moment in the story, when 12 of his followers suddenly became "sent ones - apostles" no longer observing what Jesus was doing but taking part in proclaiming the reign of heaven has come near.He then explores the importance of Matthew 10:5-8 for Franciscans, how hearing this gospel on the feast of St Matthias in 1208 was a pivotal moment for Francis, and he and his early brothers became sent ones themselves. J...
2023-06-1827 min
John Hebenton's PodcastMaking God’s Presence Known?What difference does the Ascension make in our lives?John has a conversation about that, and suggests that one way to see the ascension is that it completes the Incarnation, and through it Christ becomes the Christ of all times and places.In light of that, we contemplate on the Ascension and Jesus final prayer in John 17 and take time to reflect on the invitation to make visible the presence of God particularly in love, just as Jesus did.You can read the notes for this sermon here
2023-05-2323 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBeing the Dream and Hope of GodHappy mothers day - John wonders what mothers day offers us?It has been a tough last three years – for many it is still tough with inflation. For churches like ours and many others covid has really hit many parishes – we are much more vulnerable than we were. This was a theme of parish planning day on Saturday.Easter is a time to reflect on reflect on and celebrate resurrection and to wonder what resurrection means for us as we regather and rebuild after the last three years. John again uses a quote from Angela N. Par...
2023-05-1820 min
John Hebenton's PodcastIt is The WayJohn puts John 14: 1-14 back into its context. He reads it in its holy week context as Jesus offering words of hope to his disciples as words of hope and promise - that there is always a place in the heart of God, in the midst of our uncertainty and fear. And he reads it for the Easter season we are invited to also ask how these words help us see the risen Christ among us, active in our world. In particular how do we read "I am the way, the truth and the life."How might...
2023-05-0920 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe Samaritan Woman and Georgina BeyerJohn continues the Lenten theme of looking at people who lived the Beatitudes with persistence. This week he uses the story from John 4:5-42 – the story of an unnamed and mostly invisible Samaritan woman who is made visible though her persistence in conversing with Jesus. From that John explores some of the story of Georgina Beyer – a woman of great persistenceYou can read the notes for this sermon here
2023-03-1812 min
John Hebenton's PodcastTaking time to reflect on God with usLet’s read Matthew on its own terms and not in Luke’s shadowToday we read the stories of two men, one faithless and untrusting (Ahaz in Isaiah) and one faithful and trusting (Joseph in Matthew).When I read this, I am reminded of John Dun Scotus – Francisan theologian of high middle ages - "The Incarnation is caused simply by God's generous and free love, and is not provoked by anything a mere human creature has done [i.e., because of the Fall].”Finish with quick overview of Advent- Peace – shalo...
2022-12-2024 min
John Hebenton's PodcastJoining John in Mind Blowing JoyJoy reminds us that for many, Christmas is not a time of joy. For many reasons it is very hard.John was finding life hard too. Explore some different ways of reading John’s questions. And then reflect on joy, and where we see God’s joy in the world, and what we might need to hear and see to know joyWe are invited to reflect on what joy means this advent.You can listen to this sermon here.
2022-12-1320 min
John Hebenton's PodcastCamel Lurch MomentsJohn uses his experience of camel riding on the hill where the ascension took place as a way into – John 17 and Jesus' prayer, Easter and resurrection, the Ascension. All these stories are camel lurch moments and should make us rethink everything.In light of thathow does resurrection/ascension change our present, how does it shape how we live?how does it affect what we see as of utmost importance?The notes can be found here
2022-05-3113 min
John Hebenton's PodcastLydia, Love and UkraineDebbie Garret looks at the story of Lydia in Acts, and then Jesus teaching around love in John's Gospel. How does that help us when faced with the kinds of things happening in our world like in Ukraine. How are we to love each other, our neighbours, and our enemies.Debbie writes, "Today’s reading from Acts 16: 9-15 features Lydia, a “God fearing” woman who was lived in Thyatira which was one of the Macedonian colonies. She was a wealthy businesswoman who dyed and sold high quality purple cloth. It’s not certain that she was of Jewish des...
2022-05-2409 min
John Hebenton's PodcastLove Each Other - It is as easy and hard as that!John explores the story of John 13 to see how crunchy “love each other” is. Jesus loved Judas, Peter and all those male disciples who were about to betray him, deny being his follower, run away and hide. He washed their feet and shared his food. Love each other can be hard.And he uses the stories of Henare Wiremu Taratoa and Heni Te Kiri Karamu as examples of the risk of loving as Christ loves.Who do we struggle to love? who do we struggle to receive love from? How might we "love each other."...
2022-05-1710 min
John Hebenton's PodcastHow are we Shepherds nowJohn talks about the good shepherd tradition, and how the gospel writers in general and John in particular apply that to Jesus. This gives rise to 2 questions- how do we pay attention to Jesus the good shepherd that we might follow his voice?- how do we live out this tradition today?He then uses the story of Tabitha/Dorcas as an example of what it looks like to be a good shepherd now.You can read the notes for this sermon here
2022-05-1017 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe Smell of LifeJohn explores the power of our senses to hold memories alive, some of which can be such a gift of life. He uses that as a way into the gospel reading for the 5th Sunday in Lent, John 12:1-8. This is the story of someone found by love, who offers love. In contrast we have Judas. Sadly Jesus’ response to Judas has been used down the centuries to justify continuing Judas’s cynical approach to the poor, cf Jesus or Deuteronomy.What gifts have sustained us. - What memories of life help us? - Wh...
2022-04-0517 min
John Hebenton's PodcastFinding Life in LentJohn explores Luke’s version of the testing story – not as temptations but a test of how Jesus will live out being the “Beloved Son” . And we do that by looking at how that flows into the sermon on the plain. They work together to show how Jesus will not live being the "beloved Son", and how we will live that out.In all this Jesus in Luke is the fulfilment of Isaiah’s prophesy/dream of the restoration of life-giving community for all, for all life. In light of all that John wonders what gives us lif...
2022-03-0720 min
John Hebenton's PodcastA Call to Be MoreJohn uses the call of Isaiah and Peter, James and John, to talk about “call” being about re imagining who we are and how we are and what we are called to doHe wonders how this helps us engage with the ongoing work of honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi as we build back in this pandemic?You can read the notes here
2022-02-0819 min
John Hebenton's PodcastChrist the King in our Covid WorldChrist the King has a few issues. It’s history. How it is used today by various groups opposed to the government’s response to Covid.John uses the reading from John’s Gospel to explore some of that, and then quotes Liz Fitzmaurice's opinion piece in Stuff as an example of what the reign of Christ might look like today He asks- What does the reign of God look like in a Covid world?- What future do we imagine in Christ?- What values shape that future?The n...
2021-11-2222 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWilderness Bread with CovidAs we start again in level four lockdown, John acknowledges the various responses to this lockdown. And he wonders how the readings from John 6 help us to respond as disciples to this situation, knowing that we are being fed by living God in all we do.He finishes by inviting us to prayer the alternative version of the Lord's Prayer in Night Prayer (in a New Zealand Prayer Book), suggesting that this prayer shows us what being fed the living bread is about He invites us to pray this prayer each day so that these words might sha...
2021-08-2713 min
John Hebenton's PodcastCovid and the Bread of LifeJohn notes that last Friday was Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony– acknowledge brutality and cost of western war machineHe then talks about that in parts of Australia there have been antilockdown marches, many with an Antivaccine sentiment, particularly, Jesus in my vaccine. He wonders if a quick reading John 6 might support this?He goes on to look at John, starting by exploring what the exodus story offers in our understanding of who Jesus is and what Jesus is talking about in John?He notes that the Eucharist is always an enacted sign of th...
2021-08-1124 min
John Hebenton's PodcastSeedy Relief Living the Kingdom of GodJohn explores what the Kingdom of God looked like for Jesus hearers, and Marks listeners.Last week we looked at Kingdom of God in terms of the trinity and the nature of the relationships within the Trinity. They are marked by mutuality, compassion, generosity, aroha, peace, love. But that invitation to live this way is hard when it come to people and issues we have strong feelings about. Introduce Parker Palmer – truth is found in the gapThe Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed – helpful but popping up in unexpected places. Today...
2021-06-1618 min
John Hebenton's PodcastFoundation StoriesBonnie Hebenton talks about some of the foundation stories of her school - Merivale School - Te Kura o Tutara Wananga.So how does that help us think about our own foundation stories, especially those found in scripture. In his final prayer in John 17 Jesus prays for his followers, including us. Including us!What does it mean for you to know that Jesus prays for you?
2021-05-1819 min
John Hebenton's PodcastAttaching to Mothers, God, and Each OtherJohn's sermon from May 9th exploring Mothers' Day using Julian of Norwich and the invitation to relate to God our mother. How does John Bowlby’s work on Attachment Theory help us understand the importance of mothers (and others and why Mothers' Day is hard for many. Then looking at the reading from John 15:9-17, what does it mean to be grafted as branches into the vine of God and what that might mean for how we live our faith.The notes for this sermon can be found here
2021-05-1822 min
John Hebenton's PodcastRetelling Palm SundayA conversation with John Hebenton about Palm Sunday and what it offers us today.
2021-03-2934 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWe Are God’s Works of ArtLent is a time to reflect on “We are God’s work of art.” (Ephesians – New Jerusalem Bible)In light of this John explores John 3: 14-21 using Augustine – in Christ we are reminded of and invited to contemplate the Divine image within.As we prepare for our AGM we need to hear the lesson of Numbers and not want to go home. What is the new thing God is inviting us to? He asksIn what ways have we lived as God’s beloved children over the last yearIn what ways are we being invi...
2021-03-1620 min
John Hebenton's PodcastGatheringAs John said last week Lent is a time to prayerfully reflect on our identity as beloved children of God. Lent is our wilderness time each year where we can askWhat does it mean for US to be beloved child of God?How does that shape our identity?What helps us know that?What help us live that out?What gets in the way of knowing that?What prevents us living that outJohn then continues to explore how liturgy shapes our identity. Within this church there is a flow of GATHER – We gather with God...
2021-03-0231 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWilderness PeaceJohn uses Isaiah and Mark to find hope and peace in this hard year. A wilderness year. Isaiah and Mark are all about the wilderness.If there was ever a year we need Isaiah it is this year. We hear worlds of hope for a people lost in the chaos and trauma of the exile, with words of God coming ready or not. So what does that mean for us preparing and waiting through this time of Advent? We hear John the forerunner speaking words from the wilderness inviting us to repent, to see our w...
2020-12-0821 min
John Hebenton's PodcastGod's ImageBonnie Hebenton uses stories from the last week to explore what it means for us to be made in the image of God. She finishes by inviting us to look for God's image in others this week.You can read John's thoughts on this here
2020-10-2319 min
John Hebenton's PodcastIt’s all in the TenseJohn explores how Matthew 22:1-14, the story of the King and the wedding feast, is NOT a story about the nature of God and kingdom of Heaven. He suggests it is instead a critique of how Chief Priests and Jerusalem elite view the reign of God and their place in itJohn invites people to:reflect on the ways are we like the ungrateful one who did not wear the wedding robeIn what ways are we like chief priests and Jerusalem eliteAnd what might we need to let go of to really join the partyY...
2020-10-1322 min
John Hebenton's PodcastJesus Our Liberator - Living in Community with All Creation - #SeasonofCreationWe enter into another Season of Creation living in the shadow of Covid-19.This sermon uses both the readings set down for the 23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time and those for the Season of Creation John offers a biblical base for giving priority to the common good and living for and in communion with all creationHe explores what it might mean to be liberated by/take up our cross and follow Jesus and What kind of world are we being liberated into?He suggests that maybe it is to be...
2020-09-0818 min
John Hebenton's PodcastJesus the LiberatorFor most of this year we have ended the prayer for the day with “Through Jesus Christ our Liberator”. What we mean by naming Jesus our liberator?All of this weeks passages (Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28) speak in some way of Liberation. John uses these passages to explore what we are liberated from and what we might be liberated into, and how they might speak about our place on this hill in Gate Pa, and the events happening around us including BLM and the creation of a Maori Ward in Tauranga Moana.He fini...
2020-09-0116 min
John Hebenton's PodcastMore than One WayJohn explores how there is more than one way to understand most things- Lock down- Quarantining- Jesus treatment of the Canaanite womanIn all this lockdown level 2 means for us, let us take hold of sheer gift and abundance God’s blessing in this time.What gift do this weeks readings offer us as we settle into level 2.The notes for this sermon can be found here
2020-08-1916 min
John Hebenton's PodcastJoin the Right PartyJohn asks who are our role models of faith in the bible? For some it is Jacob, who wrestles with God for his whole story. We are invited to wrestle with the story of Jesus being compelled to act, out of compassion, getting the disciples to feed 5000 men plus women and children. · How does that help us into our celebration of eucharist?· What does that mean for us today?We are invited to wrestle with what to do with this invitation – you feed them!The notes for this sermon can be found her
2020-08-0420 min
John Hebenton's PodcastGod ProvidesJohn explores the underlying message this week of God being the one who provides. How does the reading from Genesis 22:1-14 and from Matthew 10:40-42 help us explore this theme.I wonder - Where is the invitation for us in this harvest festival?The notes for this sermon can be found hereThe service can be watched on our YouTube channel
2020-06-3022 min
John Hebenton's PodcastLiving in the Trinitarian MysteryJohn talks about how theology was for the first 1,000 or more years done by people immersed in the life and struggles of the people of the church. Theology was a pastoral response to the big issues they were facing. In the face of persecution for example, who is the God met in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. The doctrine of the Trinity should also be read from a pastoral perspective. How do we respond to the community of love that is the Trinity? How do we experience this God in our everyday lives? How do we...
2020-06-0913 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBreathing Peace and JoyThe story of the giving of the Spirit in John is different from Acts. In this time of relaxing pandemic, what does the story of the gifting of the Spirit in John offer us? As Jesus breathes on his terrified disciples offering them peace and a mission, how do we experience The Spirit breathed over and into us? When have been the moments of peace breath, forgiveness, and rejoicing? You can find the notes to this sermon here
2020-06-0118 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWhere is God in all this?John reflects on the Ascension and Jesus final prayer while we continue to not meet in church and live our lives under level 2 restrictions, where do we see God at work?At the end of the sermon is a little bit about when we might return to having services in church.The notes for this sermon can be found here
2020-05-2621 min
John Hebenton's PodcastAbiding in LockdownJohn explores John 14:15-21 and what Jesus says about the Spirit of Truth, the Companion. The gift of the Spirit is that the love of God resides in each one of us, that all may be drawn into the way of God – the way of compassion, generosity, justice and love.And the task of the Spirit is to invite us ever more deeply into love, so that we too might abide in divine love. While we might be physically distanced from each other, we are not distanced from God. While ee might not be able...
2020-05-1915 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWords Offering Comfort and HopeJohn explores how putting John 14 back into the context of John's version of the last supper turns what Jesus says from hard to understand theology to words of comfort and hope in the midst of their terror and confusion. And in doing so they become words of comfort and hope in the midst in the midst of pandemic lock-downs. Like those disciples we are invited into the image we saw last week of God being protector and provider, even in the midst of this dark time. How does Julian of Norwich help us do that?The notes f...
2020-05-1218 min
John Hebenton's PodcastPractising Peace SermonBonnie Hebenton preaches this week. She writes about the themeThe gospel readings this week and for today are all about Jesus' encounters with his disciples after his resurrection. Jesus is constantly reassuring everyone and helping them put aside their fear and anxiety. He keeps saying, "Peace be with you." This is an important reassurance for all of us in the midst of a pandemic, and our current isolation from one another. God has given us peace John 14:27 My peace I leave you, my peace I give you and it is ours to c...
2020-04-2112 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBorn Anew - the Long StoryThis is a reflection more than a sermon. It is based on Abram and Sarai being called away from everything they know, everything that shaped who they are, everything that gives safety and security to be the means through which God might restore the human and non-human creation and be able to live in harmony with God’s original intention for the world.John (like Paul) presents Jesus as the means by which this promise, this hope, this covenant is fulfilled. And Nicodemus is invited to leave all that he knew, all that shaped who he was an...
2020-03-1011 min
John Hebenton's PodcastSalt and LightUsing Matthew 5:13-20 John exploresWhat does it mean for Jesus to fulfill the law? What does it mean for how I am salt and light? Last week we were given a list of kinds of people who we might aspire to be in the beatitudes. They are salt and light. Who is salt and light for me? The notes for this sermon can be found here
2020-02-1122 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBlessed are the Cheese-makersJohn explores this week’s gospel readings, of both the presentation of Jesus in the temple (Luke 2: 22-40 ) and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5: 1-12 ). What do these stories reveal about Christ, and what do they reveal about how we are to live our response.The theme can be read here, and the sermon notes can be found here
2020-02-0417 min
John Hebenton's PodcastGod With UsJohn explores the story of Ahaz who acted out of fear and refused the sign of a young woman giving birth to a son named Emmanuel. He could not see the sign of this child being less than two when all he feared was eradicated. But others remembered and retold that story, in exile, on their return, and then at the birth of a new baby named Jesus.God with us invites us to not act out of fear, despair, and longing for all that was. God with us invites us to live in hope in whatever...
2019-12-2428 min
John Hebenton's PodcastImmersed in the Ways of GodJohn introduces Advent and baptism as time to be immersed into the values and practices of the way of God - living out God’s will being done on earth as in heaven. We use the video Advent Conspiracy John uses the story of the battle of Gate Pa to explore what baptism is, and what those values and ways might look like, and what we might hope for Charlotte as she is baptised todayNotes for this sermon can be found at here
2019-12-1320 min
John Hebenton's PodcastI Wish We’d All Been Ready?John uses Advent as preparing for Christ in history, mystery and majesty to read Matthew 24, rather than a “left behind” approach. What does it mean then to live in Christ of mystery while preparing for Christ in majesty, while celebrating Christ in history? Maybe Jewish understanding of Tikkun Olam( (תיקון עולם) as one way of approaching this using video - “Tikkun Olam” with Rabbi Arthur Green Source: How does “Tikkun Olam” help us engage with advent this year?The notes for this can be found here
2019-12-0416 min
John Hebenton's PodcastChrist our King?John has a conversation around four questionsWhat is kingship?What images or words of Christ’s kingship come to mind?What is unhelpful about Christ the King?What does Christ the King offer us?Christ the King Sunday reminds us that our primary allegiance is to Christ, not the church; not to our country; not to our tikanga. And yet Christ the king too often has been used as a support to our real primary allegiance – one or all of the above.If Christ’s kingship was first, what would that look like?How...
2019-11-2625 min
John Hebenton's PodcastPay AttentionJohn applies the idea that “The questions we ask, what we look for and how we look determines what we see” to the gospel reading for the day - Luke 21:1-19 . He explores how the questions we ask shape what we read, using the examples of the widow, the end of time, and what Jesus said.He starts and finishes by asking "What stood out, what did you hear and see, and so what?"The notes for this sermon can be read here
2019-11-1920 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe TrapJohn invites a conversation about what “resurrection of the dead” means for us, and how that affects how we live our lives.Some points made in this conversation includeJesus describes God as the “God of the Living”. How does that help or confuse?Emerson Powery[i] talks about embodied resurrection – what is that?How does any of this help us face issues of day- Parihaka- End WWI- End of Life Choice Bill- Climate change- Demise of ChurchNotes on this can be found here
2019-11-1322 min
John Hebenton's PodcastSeeing with ZacchaeusMixing and matching All Saints with the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, John retells the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus, trying to put it in context and to highlight some of the different ways it is translated. We then have a conversation around: What does Jesus see? How does Zacchaeus respond? What do we see? How do we respond?To mark All Saints we remember that we gather around Christ’s table with all the saints who have gone before, and our departed loved ones, and we give thanks for God’s faithfulness to them and us. H...
2019-11-0515 min
John Hebenton's PodcastPeople of FaithThere are some big questions raised in the story Jesus tells in Luke 18:1-8. Who is God? Does God answer prayers? What is prayer? What is faith? What is justice? John spends some time exploring why we might wrestle with these. He finishes by inviting people to name the issues of justice around us today, to pray incessantly, and to be open to being called to engage in that work of justice making – for there is God.The notes for this sermon can be read here
2019-10-2219 min
John Hebenton's PodcastFrancis and Making RoomLast Sunday we celebrated two things- first is crazy saint of Assisi – Francis; and how when he embraced lady Poverty allowed him to see the goodness of God in all things and all people and all creation. He lived a life of penance - making room for God in creation, in the leper, in the Sultan. Each taught him about God- the amazing work of SPCA -> today give freely to support this work. John wonders what this might say to the climate crisis we face and asks who might we nee...
2019-10-1515 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBeggars at the GateJohn explores Luke 16:19-31, the story of poor beggar Lazarus and the very wealthy self consumed rich man, using some of his encounters with beggars in America, and some of his other experiences lately. He asks• What are the “gates” that separate us from those in need around us?• Who is at our gate, and how are we seeing and responding to them?
2019-10-0117 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe Animals – our brothers and sistersJohn begins by recapping the previous weeks of The Season of Creation, and then builds on that by suggesting that"- we are enmeshed and sustained by web of life – includes all animals great and small- scripture invites us to see animals not as resources for our use but as our brothers and sisters- God creates and gives life through all animals by their very existence- they hold life in an intricate self-sustaining web- we are damaging if not killing itJohn finishes by asking:- in what ways doe...
2019-07-2321 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe Oceans – an invitation to aweJohn quickly recaps what the season of creation is all about, and then explores the theme for this week - The Oceans.The Oceans are important· they inspire our awe and wonder of God· the hold life in an intricate self-sustaining web· we are damaging if not killing itJohn wonder, for our survival, how we might nurture both the oceans and this web of life as: - an act of devotion to God, Source of all Being; - an expression of our being image bearers of God’s creating and life giving...
2019-07-1223 min
John Hebenton's PodcastMatariki and Harvest FestivalBonnie Hebenton talks about the 9 stars of Matariki,(Pleiades) and how their reappearance heralds the Maori new year. As we celebrate all that God has given us in the harvest, what do these myths offer us as we respond both to God's goodness and to the plight of our world as it groans under human made climate change?Bonnie's initial thoughts can be found here
2019-06-2612 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBreath on Me Holy SpiritJohn explores the Gospel of John’s version of the gifting of the Spirit and her role among us. In light of that he invites people to take one of the flowers from we made on Easter Sunday for our resurrection cross as a reminder that the Spirit is at work beside us and within us, reminding, comforting, teaching, encouraging, praying in us and with us.The movie you can hear is the movie on Pentecost from Vol. 11: Spreading The Good News from www.whatsinthebible.com.The notes from this sermon can be found at here
2019-06-1119 min
John Hebenton's PodcastToday’s ShepherdsJohn talks about the good shepherd tradition, and how the gospel writers and John in particular apply that to Jesus. This gives rise to 3 questions what voices compete for our attentionhow do we take time hear and respond voice good shepherd? in what ways do others see God the good shepherd at work in us?Notes for this sermon can be found here
2019-05-1422 min
John Hebenton's PodcastPeace MarchJohn used Chapter 32 in Brian McLaren's "We Make the Road by Walking" (Hodder and Stoughton, London, 2014) - Peace March Palm Sunday, to invite people into the story of Palm Sunday. There are a couple of monor changes in his text.John finishes with some of the questions Brian asks at the end of his chapter1. Engage. What one thought or idea from today’s lesson especially intrigued, provoked, disturbed, challenged, encouraged, warmed, warned, helped or surprised you?2. Activate: This week, look for moments when you, like Jesus, can see with grief that p...
2019-04-1612 min
John Hebenton's PodcastDeterminedly Committed to HopeIn light of the appalling events in Christchurch, John looks at the various versions of the covenant between Abram and God where the people of God are blessed to be a blessing. But what happens when we simply want to be blessed, special, better than others? What happens when we forget about being a blessing? Christchurch happens. To help us think about how we might respond, John explores Jesus' commitment to hope expressed in his determination for follow his call to Jerusalem. What did/does Jerusalem represent then and now? How does all this help us recognise “our tr...
2019-03-2024 min
John Hebenton's PodcastTesting our IdentityJohn describes the story of Jesus in the wilderness as a story of a test of identity that asks who is Jesus as “son of God”? What kind of son of God will he be? Like the Roman Emperor, Adam, David? All carry the title “son of God”.We too are beloved children of God. How do we understand that and how is that identify tested?John then offers some thoughts on how to approach lent in light of all this from a Franciscan perspective based on the Ash Wednesday homily.The notes for this...
2019-03-1424 min
John Hebenton's PodcastAbundanceJohn starts with some fun facts about John's gospel, and asks why has John started with this story? He retells the story as a story of abundant grace among people who only had an abundance of poverty and then ask - Where we have tasted, seen, felt, heard, touched this kind of abundant grace? - How do we live in this grace?
2019-01-2315 min
John Hebenton's PodcastJoy to the Word and SuchJohn uses “The Book of Joy - Lasting Happiness in a Changing World”, by the Dalai Lama, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams to explore the nature of joy. He suggests that joy is not happiness. Unlike happiness joy is a gift. It is planted deep down and there are things we can do to help nurture our joy. He uses the research done Sonja Lyubomirsky to explore 3 ways to be joyful.John the Baptist shows us how to live lives of joy, unbound for that which takes us away from joy – when we live generously and comp...
2018-12-1817 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBeing BlindJohn explores how our images of God blind us to God and to each other. How did Job end up with that happy ending, and is it that happy really? Why did Job's friends not join him praying TO God, rather than trying to convince him ABOUT God? How does Bartemaeus act as an icon to the disciples blindness both to him and to what Jesus was teaching them about God?Because October 28th is also the Day of Remembrance, when we remember the New Zealand Land Wars, John wonders how the British image of God allowed them...
2018-10-2915 min
John Hebenton's PodcastSeeing into the Heart of ThingsJohn tries to build on last week’s sermon by Bonnie Hebenton about the line by using Mark 7 to explore the themes of the place of law and how to read law and scripture. Introduce the daily examen as a way of responding to Jesus invitation to pay attention to our hearts rather than just our actions.
2018-09-0321 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe LineBonnie Hebenton explores the 5th and last reading from John 6; this time verses 56-71. In this reading John invites us into a space of confidence and doubt, faith and abandonment, of living out our faith and failing to live out our faith. Bonnie explores this real place, and God's ongoing response of welcome every time we return. She finishes with a song from John Michael Talbot
2018-08-2721 min
John Hebenton's PodcastNothing Can TroubleBonnie Hebenton uses her experiences growing up in New Plymouth and now as a teacher using Play Centred Learning to explore the gospel for this Sunday after Ascension - John 17: 1-11- It's OK to take risks - God will protect us
2018-05-1412 min
John Hebenton's PodcastBeing Disciples of the Living GodJohn uses the Exodus version of the 10 words or 10 Commandments, and John’s story of Jesus clearing the temple to explore what it means to be disciples of the living God.The notes for this sermon can be found at http://colourfuldreamer.blogspot.co.nz/2018/03/being-disciples-of-living-god.html
2018-03-0521 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWho are you as a person of joy?John uses the alternative psalm (Mary's song) and the gospel reading from John 1 to explore how John and Mary answer the question – Who are you? He then asks - In light of all that who are we? Finally he talks about how St. Francis of Assisi answered that question, and uses Francis' understanding of "perfect joy" (as told by Murray Bodo OFM in "Tales of Saint Francis", to explore what Francis meant by “joy”. and to ask:- Are we people of joy? - What kind of joy do we aspire to?
2017-12-1823 min
John Hebenton's PodcastLiturgy is LifeBonnie Hebenton is our guest preacher this week. She explores what anglican liturgy is and where it comes from. Liturgy is life! It is where we live out who we are meant to be. Listen as Bonnie explores the scripture our liturgy is based on and if we are willing, what it might do for us.
2017-11-2022 min
John Hebenton's PodcastPaul 7 - That VerseJohn wrestles with Romans 1:26-27 which on the face of it condemns homosexuality. By putting that verse back – into the social context and the letter it comes from, John explores what Paul might really have been saying as an example of how to keep working with Paul.In doing so he hopes people will be more informed and imaginative in how they approach scripture. This is our book. It shapes who we are,. We can't ignore it, so lets wrestle
2017-09-0223 min
John Hebenton's PodcastPaul 2 - Understanding PaulThis is John's sermon from the 9th July. In it John explores Paul’s letter to the Romans by looking at the summary in Romans 1: 16-17. Using this he teases out what the God’s righteousness looks like, what faith looks like and what the Gospel of God might be.In response he invites people to reflect on what stories define their lives, and how the gospel of God might change all that for them.
2017-07-1729 min
John Hebenton's PodcastHarvestJohn invites people to explore what harvest festival is about, both in terms of giving thanks, acknowledging God's generosity, and at Matariki, linking it with climate change and land and water degradation. John then invites people to reflect on what it is the are giving thanks for, and to be inspired to generously offer more of themselves
2017-06-2519 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe Life, Truth and Way in the darkest of timesJohn wonders what do Jesus words in John 14:1-14 offered to the disciples in depths of grief and impending hopelessness offer us?It is Easter – what is that aboutwhat might Jesus being “the way, the truth and life” mean for us in this seasonwhat does it mean to be a people who live the way the truth and the life
2017-05-1314 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe Good Shepherd Strikes AgainJohn suggests that this gospel reading (John 9) needs to be read with the rest of John. In light of that, lets wonder where we stand in this story. What does it mean for us to have placed in our eyes the light of Christ?-what would we see differently-who would we see differently-how would we live differently
2017-03-2718 min
John Hebenton's PodcastSeedsBonnie Hebenton uses the wonder of seeds to epxlore the story of the call of the first disciples, and invites us, like them, to think of ourselves as seeds created to spread the kingdom of God
2017-01-2312 min
John Hebenton's PodcastRe-Rooting our LivesJohn explores the relationship between John and Jesus, and talks about taking the axe to the roots of our identity – what shapes our lives and give our lives meaning. He suggests that this is about us needing to be rid of those elements that lead us away from God’s generosity, peace and goodness.John finishes by inviting those listening to take time at the end of each day to give thanks for ways God brought peace and hope into your day, and to reflect on the roots that might help you to live peace.
2016-12-0424 min
John Hebenton's PodcastThe Logic of LoveUsing Brian McLaren’s thinking in “We Make the Road by Walking” John explores the concept of Logos as the logic by which we understand creation, God, and our place in all of this, and then use 1 Cor 13:1-13 to suggest that the logic of God is Love. John then invites people to explore their own experience of the logic of love – where have you seen the logic of love – in your life, in our world?
2016-01-3108 min
John Hebenton's PodcastWrestling with BreadJohn explores John 6:56-69 and suggests that when we eat and drink God meets our deepest dears and we learn to live in, abide in life of God
2015-08-2219 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastMy Hearts DesireJohn suggests one way to understand what is going on in John 6 is the confusion between our desires and what really lies behind those desires - our hearts desire. We do not pay enough attention to our hearts desire and are motivated too much by our desires. In light of that, John asks:
So what is it we long for?
What is our hearts desire?
What is it we give our soul to?
And what is it God longs for us, for this place, for this world?
2015-08-0211 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastAiming for “He Iti Kahurangi”John uses the whakatauki "Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tūohu koe
me he maunga teitei" to suggest that we keep aiming too small, too low. He then uses John's gospel reading to suggest we need to go bigger. The cross exposes our smallness of thought – thought about God, and the world, and who we are in all that. The cross exposes our preoccupation with ourselves and our own desires, dreams, hopes and aspirations. In the cross they are shown to be so petty. We are invited instead to have our imagination and our focus reoriented back to God.
2015-03-2217 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastPerfect JoyJohn asks what gives us joy as we approach Christmas, and then uses the readings from Isaiah and John to explore what gives God joy.
2014-12-1416 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastFood enough for allFeeding of the 5000 men plus women and children is more than a nice story. It is an embodied parable about the kingdom of heaven – a kingdom or empire where all have more than enough to eat – good news indeed for the poor and hungry who have come to Jesus for hope and consolation after the death of John. John uses this to reflect on the Lord’s prayer, and on peace. He then invites people to reflect on what the words of the Lord’s prayer mean in light of this and to wonder what kind of country Aotearoa might be if Go...
2014-08-0319 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastSavedIn this sermon John explores how we understand salvation, and how this understanding affects how we see God, ourselves, Christ, Church and mission. John then offers a way of understanding salvation using Augustine and Julian of Norwich, and then uses that to explore some of Acts, with a side look at God as mother.John then invites people to feel free to embrace a wider array of understanding of all of the above and to know they still fit within the wide stream of Christian thought and belief.
2014-05-1119 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastExploring DoubtBonnie Hebenton uses the story of General Cameron and the Battle of Gate Pa to explore doubt, and to get into the story of doubting Thomas. Is this doubt a good thing or bad? How does doubt allow us to grow in faith?
2014-04-2713 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastSeeing DeeplyThis week John uses the gospel reading of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9:1-41 to ask who are the bind people today? He goes on to offer the daily examen as a way of learning to truly see: ourselves, God and God at work in our lives and the world around us; and invites people to spend some time each day using the examen.
2014-03-3022 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastNicodemus and the Spiritual Practice Of PrayerJohn uses the story of Nicodemus to introduce the spiritual practice of prayer. He suggests that in John's gospel Jesus is one who comes from God and who makes God known. In his life Jesus makes known the life based on love offered to all, a life that calls forth our trust and loyalty (belief). Prayer is way we choose to live and pay attention to God’s loving presence.John invites people to reflect on their own understanding and experience of prayer and to use Lent as a time to pay more attention to their prayer life.
2014-03-1624 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastLetting go of our theological baggageWe look at the theological politics in John’s gospel, and how we play theological politics as well. John H then suggests that Epiphany offers a time for us to be reawakened to what Jesus teaches us about the nature of God through Jesus’ life, ministry and teaching. Using “lamb of God” and Jesus is way, truth and life, he explores how our theological glasses blind us to what Gospels teach us.
2014-01-1923 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastHonouring All the SaintsJohn explores All Saints/All Souls as a day to celebrate the lives of those who have gone before us, living each day as a gift both from God and those we celebrate.John also explores blessings and woes from Luke as what it really means to live each day as gift from God
2013-11-0315 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastWhere has John beenJohn Hebenton talks about his time in the Solomon Islands, Australia and South Africa, offering some thoughts along the way.
2013-09-1529 minJohn Hebenton's PodcastJohn 17 and PrayerWe read a lot about prayer in today’s readings. In Acts 16:16-34 Paul and Silas are on their way to pray when Paul stops to expel the spirit from a slave girl who was making a great deal of money from her fortune telling ‘gifts’. Not surprisingly, the slave girl’s owners were incensed as they saw their earnings disappearing! They seized Paul and Silas and brought them before the authorities. They were thrown into solitary confinement and their feet put in stocks. We read that they were “praying and singing hymns to God”. They were obviously quite certain that God was...
2013-05-1217 min