432 episodes

Sunday sermons preached at St. George's Anglican Church, Gate Pa, Tauranga. These are mostly based on the RCL Lectionary readings for that Sunday, with a few variations for our own lectionary in this Province, and special events here at Gate Pa.

John Hebenton's Podcast John Hebenton

    • Religion & Spirituality

Sunday sermons preached at St. George's Anglican Church, Gate Pa, Tauranga. These are mostly based on the RCL Lectionary readings for that Sunday, with a few variations for our own lectionary in this Province, and special events here at Gate Pa.

    Reframing the Picture

    Reframing the Picture

    John 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 our AGMAs we come to uncertain future with my retirementHow does this morning’s reading from John help us be that seedHelp us be vehicle for new lifefind hope.You can rad the notes for this here

    • 19 min
    Being God’s Works of Art

    Being God’s Works of Art

    Readings:
    Hebrew Scripture:      Numbers 21:4-9
    Psalm:                         107:1-3,17-22
    Epistle:                        Ephesians 2: 1-10
    Gospel:                        John 3:14-21
    What 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?
    He uses this to reflect on John 3 – second half of the conversation with Nicodemus – which is all about identity as well.
    Belief as Trust – what does it mean to trust God
    -          For our identity – quote Mary MacLeod Bethune (1875–1955)
    -          For all we need
    Were does the cross fit with all this?
    What I want to happen:
    Reflect on how "Hermitage, Solitude and Community" help us grow into being God’s works of art, to trust this image and receive the grace to see this in others.

    You can read the notes to this sermon here

    • 20 min
    Somebodyness

    Somebodyness

    Last 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 meeting.10 Words taught them to live as people marked by God’s compassion and generosity – displaying that justice, mercy, aroha for all – Blessed to be a blessing
    John portrays Jesus as one step further – not marked by God’s compassion and generosity, but God’s compassion and generosity enfleshed! He is God’s compassion and generosity.
    Read John 2 and John’s “Temple Incident” in light of that, remembering that when John is written there is no temple! Jesus is not superseding  the temple – the temple is already gone
    Through the crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, we are God’s compassion and generosity in our place
    What I want to happen:
    How do we embody God’s compassion and generosity in our lives.

    We finished by watching some of Rev Dr. Rodney Aist's reflections on the desert in the Youtube video "St George's College Jerusalem: Ways in the Wilderness".

    You can read the notes for this sermon here

    • 21 min
    Lenten Following

    Lenten Following

    We 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 trust this good news!” What does that look like?
    John explores how Caesarea Philippi shapes Peters hopes for this kingdom, and how Jesus rejects this way of violence and power over, as he did in the wilderness. His way is love, replicating the service he received from the angels offering God’s healing mission particularly to the poor, marginalised, rejected. This way can only lead to rejection and death. And Jesus invites us into this way – to follow him, because in this way is life - resurrected life.
    Briefly offer Archbishop Janani Luwum as an example of living this way.
    What I want to happen:
    How does this help us reflect on whose we are, who we are and what is ours to do at this time of change.

    You can read the notes to this sermon here

    • 17 min
    Lent – A Testing Time

    Lent – A Testing Time

    It is Lent – traditionally a time to give something up, to pray and read the bible more, and to support charities. 
    John explores the point of all that using his three questions – whose are we, who are we, what is ours to do? He suggests that it is a time to begin again joining in God’s disruptive work in the world
    What I want to happen:
    People to take the time to both give up things that hinder living as beloved children of God, and take up new practices

    You can read the notes to this sermon here

    • 21 min
    What is the Point?

    What is the Point?

    John  uses Mark 1:40-45 to explore some ideas around the point of the healing stories in Mark, using David Loses’ “4 words about Jesus”. (https://www.workingpreacher.org/dear-working-preacher/four-words)
    What do these teach me/us about God and the divine presence?
    What might they say about the Kingdom of God?
    How might I live this?
    What I want to happen:
    How does all this help us be open to invitation in Lent to

    We finished by thinking about leprosy today and the work of the Leprosy Mission. We watch this video

    You can read the notes for this sermon here

    • 24 min

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