As we continue in this season of Lent, we come to the remarkable conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus. This conversation and its words through the Gospel writer John, is deep and challenging (of course)! It's easy to hear and think simplistic answers when we ask "what does Jesus mean when he talks of "being born from above"". So let us hear the Word and ponder this conversation for our own faith and lives.
The wilderness is where illusions fall away and where the truth, about God and ourselves, is laid bare. Lent calls us forward in hope.
The transfiguration of Jesus was an overwhelming experience for Peter and the disciples. So much so that Peter tried to control the moment by suggesting building booths. How often do we try and control the sacred with our own agenda, especially when we are meant to only listen.
Let us read this passage, “you are the salt of the earth”, not as individuals, but to reflect on these words of Jesus being for the church; the Christian community. Welcome to Saltbush, Uniting the Scattered Community as we explore life and faith together.
The Unimpressive- capturing the essence of those who may be overlooked or underestimated by worldly standards. The Beatitudes elevate these individuals, showing that true Blessedness comes not from external achievements or social status, but from inner qualities and a heart aligned with God.
No Word Around the Bush for January BUT we invite you to explore the Season of Epiphany Word Around the Bush will have a break in January BUT we invite you to explore what the epiphany of Christ means to you.
The Christmas story (without the sentimentality) speaks into our human condition. Our frustrations, fear, joy and anxieties. Sadly it also speaks into the remorseless violence that we have witnessed over thousands of years and continues today. Into our human frailty God breaks-in, as God is being God, the One who brings love, peace, joy and hope in the form of a baby.
Welcome to the account from the Gospel of Luke of the birth of Jesus. Luke invites us into this story, that like the shepherds, we might be amazed at this “thing that has taken place.” And, to be amazed, is to be transformed. Welcome to Word Around the Bush on this Christmas Day with Saltbush, Uniting the Scattered Community.
The Gift of Emmanuel is more than a historical event; it is a call to embrace the mystery, find hope in the darkness and live a life transformed by the love of God.
John’s questioning whether Jesus is the one or should he wait for another, reflects the raw honesty of the Gospels. It allows us the freedom to question, explore and discover who this Jesus is in our own lives and the life of the Christian community. As Jesus answers John, he also answers us, ‘see and hear for yourselves’.
We continue in Advent as we begin to hear the voice crying out in the wilderness - John the Baptist. In our Word Around the Bush we think about our expectations and hopes alongside times of uncertainty and searching. In our liturgy for this week, we also use John's cry as our cry in prayer for others and the world.
As we enter into the season of Advent, we wait not passively but actively. We are called to be vigilant!
Christ the King Sunday is difficult to perceive but only if we compare Christ to the rulers of our day. Christ turns everything on its head by being the kind of King whose power is grounded in love, mercy, compassion and grace. Christ the King is an expression of the reign of God in our lives. (The reading is from Luke, not John as is shown on Word Around the Bush title. My apologies for any confusion.)
Set in the Temple, surrounded by the beautiful enormity of the stones and building, Jesus reflects upon what is to come, the world we live in and the things we cling to. Can we hear what Jesus is saying here beyond the stones of the passage? Join us as we explore Luke 21 and the images of the destruction of the temple.
The Apostle Paul reminds us of our deep connection to God who gives us hope and encouragement. to be anchored in Grace and string in Faith.
The story of Zachaeus is very familiar to us all. Sometimes, however, we find a shift in the translation, for Zachaeus is not the only one to have received salvation from Jesus.
The parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector is wonderful in it’s challenge as much today as ever. This parable is not simply a comment on righteousness, which always comes as part of self righteousness, but this parable is an image of embrace and inclusion as the Way of Christ and the longing of God. Welcome to Word Around the Bush with Saltbush as we explore life and faith together.