Last weekend COVID made its annual visit to our house to remind us again that as much as we think we make our plans, really we aren't as in control as we would like to be. A nice lesson in humility and dependance on God in the lead up to the Christmas season!

This meant that we tuned into the live-stream for church on Sunday and there were two things that struck me from the service that I have been reflecting on this week.

!! NO 10am CITY CHURCH SERVICE 1 Dec !!
 

Te Whaea is holding their graduations this weekend which means that we are unable to use the venue for our 10am City Church this coming Sunday.

It is weeks like this where it is good to remind ourselves why it is important to keep gathering together, even when it is inconvenient.

Stick and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me!'

It was a line that was often repeated across the playground at primary school. It was seen as the ultimate comeback to anyone who was saying nasty things about you.

As clever and comforting as we thought it might be in the school yard, it actually couldn't be further from the truth. Many of us still bear the significant and even debilitating scars of harsh and abusive words long after any physical trauma has healed. […]