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Gen 15:1-12,17-18 Phil 3:17-4:1 Luke 13:31-35 What did you think of that conversation in our Gospel reading today? There was so much happening in what was just a short single conversation: warnings, threats, longings, compassion, and declarations. So many players were part of it: Herod wanting to maintain power by removing anyone he saw as a threat, a bunch of Pharisees - this lot whispering words of warning to Jesus – not the usual portrayal of his relating to Pharisees, references... read more

Nau mai, haere mai, welcome. On Sunday 7th February, our cathedral community worshipped for the first time in the Interim Cathedral in the Peace Hall. We are putting out into deep water, and we are going to be newly positioned for mission. This part of our journey is going to be about relishing new opportunities. It is a time to give thanks for all from which we have been liberated. We can travel a little lighter. Less to carry. A smaller... read more

OT Reading 1Sam 17:32-33, 37 & 40-51 NT Reading Mark 3:1-6 David and Goliath is a well-known story, even politicians at times refer to that story to describe how the little man won over against Incredible odds. While being appointed to the Bell Block Cooperating church I befriended the local policeman, sometimes he called around to say hi. He was very tall, and even standing on higher ground still had to look up to him, he really was tall and I... read more

January 10 2016 - The Baptism of Jesus: Luke 3: 15-17, 21-22 The coming of the Messiah: For centuries the prophets of Israel had foretold the coming of a Messiah. In fact, the Old Testament includes about sixty different prophecies, with more than 300 references, of His coming. From Adam to Malachi, the prophets told the people of the day that the God of Israel would come to earth, as a human being and become their Savior and Redeemer. They firmly... read more

Let us gather together in prayer firm in the knowledge and with faith that wherever we are gathered in Christ’s name God will hear and respond to our prayers. Thankful for the diversity and magnificence of what we see, hear and touch each day within our world we pray for peace particularly in the Middle East where conflict is ongoing and difficult to resolve. We pray for Christians living and working in these areas often away from their families as they... read more

Epiphany Sunday Gospel reading : Matthew 2:1-12 When my daughters were young teenagers and petrol prices were more reasonable, we used to play a game with another family where there were also two daughters. We would all bundle into their car which had bench seats so that there was room for six. And armed with all we needed for a picnic and with a map, we would set out on the road. It was all smooth sailing until we came... read more

Midnight Mass : Taranaki Cathedral 2015 Doesn't the cathedral look stunning this evening. The way the flowers have been so beautifully arranged to draw you towards the crib scene. Such a sense of celebration in the red, green and gold. I was laying out a crib scene with a child, recently, and we were marveling over the beautifully random selection of animals, including delightfully a pig, a goat, and a rooster. No lie­ins for the Holy Family..... We have no way... read more

I was helping a young family set out their nativity set, and amongst the creatures, I was delighted to find a rooster and couple of chooks (that'd be nice, first thing on Boxing Day morning), and some birds to perch on the stable roof. I was glad to see the varied collection of animals, because I am convinced that, when we take the time to appreciate the animal kingdom fully – including those gathered in the crib scene – we see... read more

4th Sunday in Advent. Luke 1:39-55 If you were to choose women who would give birth to babies, whose life and ministry would change the lives of individuals, of the world forever, what would you be looking for? An older woman, well past the age of being able to have children? A very young girl, still a child by our standards and unmarried ? We probably wouldn’t. Yet God did. Elizabeth, the wife of Zechariah was the mother of John the Baptist.... read more

We're moving - at least, for a temporary period. The Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary will be worshipping in an interim worship space in the New Year. That's because our beloved historic building needs to be earthquake strengthened. Detailed assessments have determined that the stone church requires key structural work. The last service will be held there on 31 January 2016. While we establish what that work will involve and the likely cost, we will be relocating to another building.... read more