Kia ora e te whanau
A week away with siblings and partners, and we’re still friends! Northland turned on it’s best for us, and we’re grateful. Grateful to have been able to visit and enjoy the hospitality of this beautiful part of our country. Because of road works we were ‘forced’ onto alternative routes. The alternative road between Kaitaia and Kohukohu taking us, I seem to remember through Broadwood, (So we could cross on the literal roll-on/roll-off ferry crossing the Hokianga Harbour to Rawene) was wonderful. I was left wondering, however, if the District had managed a bulk rate for 45kmh signs – I’ve never seen so many – and all on one stretch of highway. Thank you also for the warmth and hospitality of the St Johns ‘Golden’ Church in Whangarei, and the Kaurihohore Church as we shared a day together.
Personal and Leadership Resources
Struggle to bed in commitments you’re wanting to make? Form new habits, and new behaviour patterns? Akshad Singi offers some useful strategies for helping make things stick.
8 Genius Ways To Become Incredibly Consistent At Anything In Life
I really like the way that he builds ‘exceptions’ into his process – allowing enough wriggle room, yet also clear structure, room for ‘forgiveness’, and a simple strategies for getting back on track. It can be accessed here: https://www.yourtango.com/self/how-become-consistent-anything-life
Try This Science-Backed 4-Step Mental Primer
Henna Pryor channels Collin Henderson, a mental conditioning coach and author of several mindset books including Quiet Mind(2021) on strategies for starting the day in a focussed and intentional way that promotes us following through on our hopes and intentions for the day. How many times have you started badly (too much screen time etc) and found the rest of the day turns to custard? Here’s some helpful strategies that can help us start as we mean to go on: https://www.inc-aus.com/henna-pryor/try-this-science-backed-4-step-mental-primer.html
Homilies
Trevor Hoggard’s sermon surveys 2 Sam 6:1-5, 12b-19, and Mark 6:14-29. Trevor observes that the world is facing elections this year on an unprecedented scale that will determine our future, He contrasts Jesus’ style of rulership with everyone else, while observing that unfortunately Jesus is not on the ballot. Trevor’s offering can be experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdrgPSxxBPo
My response to the Gospel text of Mark 6:14-29 and is titled ‘Guilt’s Grief’ and is a response to Herod Antipas’ reaction to the ministry of Jesus, seeing it as God’s judgement against him for the execution of John the Baptist. It can be experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f40U3dR-eaM
But wait, there’s more – I attend Evensong on Sunday evenings at the Christchurch Cathedral when I’m able. Dean Ben Truman gave a sermon that is worthy of wider audience, so I’ve attached the script to this email newsletter. Enjoy!
Again, it will help broaden our reach if you ‘subscribe’ and ‘like’.
Once again, use the videos as you will.
As always, if you find you’d prefer not to receive this weekly newsletter, please let me know and your address will be removed.
Ngā manaakitanga
Andrew Doubleday
UCANZ Ministry Facilitator