iGod St Matthew-in-the-City

Name it, Shame it & Contain it

Clay Nelson — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:49:28 GMT

After the vandalization of our Christmas billboard and our rainbow billboard welcoming the GLBT community and other acts of violence and vandalism in NZ Glynn looks at the Book of Jonah as an antidote to the church's timidity in the face of intolerance. Unfortunately the first 10 seconds of sermon were not recorded. The missing portion began: "On January 2nd our Rainbow billboard, celebrating the variety of relationships in our world – including same-sex couples, was defaced by a scripture-quoting critic who believes that voicing our opinion, on our billboard, on our church land, can’t be tolerated." Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=572&id=1221.

A Tough Question

Clay Nelson — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:17:09 GMT

Clay adds another call story to that of Samuel's and Philip and Nathaniel's. One he knows is true, because he was there. How do we know what are calling is? How do we know it is true? Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=573&id=1219.

Resolving to Find Purpose

Clay Nelson — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 00:05:28 GMT

On New Year's Day Clay isn't up to being erudite but shares a story that brings home Simeon and Anna's message that human history is not a meaningless swirl. Our stories are working themselves out; they have a purpose. Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=573&id=1216.

#Occupy our Billboard

Clay Nelson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:23:30 GMT

n his Christmas sermon Clay answers billboard critics with a look at the relationship between Mary, Joseph and Gabriel and an invitation to occupy our billboard. Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1210.

Mary's Way

Clay Nelson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:10:00 GMT

John Bluck, retired bishop of Waiapu, in his Advent 4 sermon seeks to discover "the beyond us world of mystery and wonder, beauty and transcendence that can inspire and transform us and lift us out of ourselves for a while."

Four Traditions of Christmas

Clay Nelson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:28:54 GMT

On Advent 3 Glynn explored the four traditions of Christmas: pagan, secular, Christian, and biblical. He argues all have their place. None are to be discarded for all strengthen the human spirit and give us chance to make the world a better place. Text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1205.

Had Enough Yet?

Clay Nelson — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 20:19:29 GMT

On Advent 2 Clay looks again at Michael Benedict's "God is the Good we Do" and what exactly we have to do to bring God into being here and now and everywhere. Text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1203.

God is the Good We Do

Clay Nelson — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:16:16 GMT

Clay tackles Advent even though he'd rather be at the beach or going to see the Santa parade. He does so because he lives and works in the parallel universe we call the church and in spite of Advent being dangerous whether you hope for a better world or resist it. Full text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1201.

Are you there God? it’s me E.T.

Clay Nelson — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:03:00 GMT

Beginning with his own UFO experience, Geno Sisneros looks at the similarities between Ufology and Christianity, beginning with both look to the sky for answers. Full text available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=561&id=1200.

A Rhinoceros He Doth Make

Clay Nelson — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 01:43:05 GMT

Glynn Cardy looks at vicar who makes rhinoceroses and a God who makes us. God seems to be as eccentric as we are. Full text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1197.

Outrageous Humility

Clay Nelson — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 17:51:17 GMT

Glynn Cardy makes the case that sharing is at the core of Christianity. He suggests that the #Occupy Wall Street movement is calling for us to do something at the heart of our faith. Using what is happening at St Paul's Cathedral, London, as a case study he wonders what we might do at St Matthew's in a similar situation. Full text and video available at: http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1194

The Last Chapter

Clay Nelson — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 22:00:52 GMT

In a look at what keeps us from the Promised Land Clay Nelson examines our culture of violence and our complicity in it. He suggests that in this chapter of our common life #Occupy Wall Street might have something to say to us. Full text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1192

Dan's Groin and the Kingdom of Heaven

Clay Nelson — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:27:41 GMT

Dan Carter's groin injury is important to NZ rugby fans during the Rugby World Cup but don't forget there is an election coming up. It is important because the Kingdom of Heaven is at stake. Clay Nelson examines the theology and consequences of unfettered capitalism and asks us to compare that to the Kingdom of Heaven. Link to full text and video: http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1189.

The Basis of a Progressive Ethic

Clay Nelson — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:18:31 GMT

Is God a dumb landlord? Are the Ten Commandments redundant? Questions addressed by Glynn Cardy in sermon on what a progressive Christian ethic might look like. Full text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1184

St Matthew's Day 2011

Clay Nelson — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 20:04:24 GMT

On the day St Matthew-in-the-City celebrated its patronal feast by dedicating a new organ, a new chapel a new kitchen and a new Mass by Michael Bell, Glynn Cardy looked at what makes St Matthew's like her namesake. Full text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1182.

Send Them Away

Clay Nelson — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 00:27:24 GMT

Professor Elaine Wainwright is struck by the disciples' call to send the woman away. The woman is the Syro-Phoenecian woman beseeching Jesus to help her sick daughter. She is all women on the margins of society. She is everyone we don't want to see. Everyone we don't want in our neat little worlds. She demands our mercy and compassion and we are transformed. Full text and Video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=561&id=1167

What the Bleep do I Know -- A Journey to Wealth & Back

Clay Nelson — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:40:39 GMT

In this satirical sermon Geno Sisneros takes on greed, poverty, the Gospel of prosperity and our consumer society as he argues the Parable of the Vineyard laborers is a social critique and not about the joy of being generous, first or last. Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=561&id=1179.

Baby in the Bulrushes

Clay Nelson — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 02:53:38 GMT

In a story about a baby in the bulrushes Glynn Cardy suggests the question isn't do you believe it happened, but do you believe in a god who sends plagues, kills babies, opens seas of reeds, or drowns armies. Full text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1173.

Torturing for Jesus?

Clay Nelson — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:13:18 GMT

The parable of the dishonest steward suggests a god who tortures or does it? Glynn Cardy looks at the parable as a riddle in light of 9-11. Full text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1176.

Power and Truth

Clay Nelson — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 02:17:52 GMT

John Salmon, retired President of the Methodist Church in NZ, makes the case that our images of God and power are what undergird injustice in the church and society and rob us of the life Jesus offers us. His challenge: "Our task as the community of Jesus' followers is to challenge hierarchies of control, and to speak and act in ways that lead out of oppression into full life. That's the truth." Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=561&id=1166.

Conflict: A Christian Tradition

Clay Nelson — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:11:30 GMT

In a sermon noting that conflict in the church is an ancient tradition Clay Nelson examines the importance of creative conflict to gaining peace and justice. Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1168.

Sex in the pulpit

Clay Nelson — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 05:42:38 GMT

Clay Nelson after 30 years in ministry finally gets to preach on sex. Looking at human sexuality through the lens of the Song of Songs suggests the church is concerned about the wrong things that might be happening between the sheets. Full text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1163

Grounded in the Gospel of Mark

Clay Nelson — Sun, 03 Jul 2011 10:39:13 GMT

Glynn Cardy looks at the kind of ground the seeds from Mark's parable of the sower fall upon. He reaches some surprising conclusions about who the "good" ground are. It is a lesson in not assuming or presuming. Full text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1161

A Purple Process

Clay Nelson — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 10:48:03 GMT

It is the Sunday after Trinity Sunday when the church tells us how to picture God. Clay Nelson suggests this is a Sunday when we can explore our own picture of g-o-d. We are given many pictures of God by the church and scripture but it is important for us to find and embody our own vision of g-o-d. It might even be the colour purple. It is our vision of God that might transform the church. Full text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1159

Slap, Bang, Wallop!

Clay Nelson — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 08:07:50 GMT

In her Trinity Sunday sermon Sande Ramage "surprisingly" uses the mysterious number three and how often it crops up in religions and mathematics to look at patterns, expectations, and change. She explores a trinity of music, science and story to point out that we exist within a legalistic church structure addicted to familiar patterns of belief and behaviour. Jesus, she suggests, lived in a not dissimilar world. It was how he he disturbed the expected pattern to disturb us with truth. Full text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=561&id=1157

Judge What is Right

Clay Nelson — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 08:33:46 GMT

In the fourth sermon focusing on the discrimination against gays and lesbians in committed relationship being considered for ordination in the Anglican Church in New Zealand, Glynn Cardy looks at what scripture might say about the subject. Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1155

Filling Up the Tomb

Clay Nelson — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:55:51 GMT

Another of our backlogged sermons. This one is Clay Nelson's Easter Day sermon giving thanks the tomb was empty but sorry the church keeps trying to fill it up with a more convenient god. Lins to to text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1139

Love; be easy, and be warm, Find the fire beyond the form.

Clay Nelson — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 20:04:32 GMT

As a follow up to Clay Nelson's and Geno Sisneros' previous sermons, Jeremy Younger, a priest who is gay and in a committed relationship, took on a passionless church putting gays and straights in boxes and playing on fear rather than finding divinity in all humanity. Text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=561&id=1152 Sign the petition at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=563

The Anglican Empire and the Oppressive Myth of Unity

Clay Nelson — Sun, 29 May 2011 06:28:08 GMT

As chance would have it, Geno Sisneros was scheduled to preach after last week's sermon by Clay Nelson discussing Geno's decision to withdraw from the ordination process after waiting five years to be included. Geno examines the problem with achieving unity. It is the the oppressive tool of empires. It unifies by excluding. Full text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=561&id=1150

Codswallop!

Clay Nelson — Fri, 27 May 2011 18:52:45 GMT

Easter 2 (Low Sunday) May 1, 2011 In his Easter 2 sermon Clay Nelson offers up a different resurrection story and a Thomas who doesn't doubt it. Complete text and video at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=560&id=1141.

Asking Judas for Forgiveness

Clay Nelson — Thu, 26 May 2011 00:20:03 GMT

In his Easter 4 sermon on Jesus is the gate Glynn Cardy looks at the root of antisemitism and the need for forgiveness. Text and video available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=562&id=1144

Post-Judgment Day

Clay Nelson — Sun, 22 May 2011 23:33:19 GMT

We are sorry at St Matthew's for having been offline for awhile. We will be posting new sermons promptly and posting older ones as we can. This podcast is a sermon by Clay Nelson given on Easter 5. It looks at the hypocrisy of the NZ church that can be outraged by heinous laws against the GLBT community in other parts of the world while still discriminating against them here.

A Byte of the Apple

Clay Nelson — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 01:59:35 GMT

Clay confesses to his Apple addiction to explain why he couldn't resist getting an iPad even though he had to preach against storing up treasures on earth. Text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1093

Coin of the Realm

Clay Nelson — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 01:31:54 GMT

Clay in trying to rediscover the surprise element in Jesus' parable of the Lost Coin listens to the woman who lost and found it. Text available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1101

The High Cost of Being a Passionate Believer

Clay Nelson — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 01:26:02 GMT

Ann Mellor reflects on hows and whys of discipleship and what is gained in the process. Text available at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1100

Welcome to the Kingdom of Nobodies

Clay Nelson — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 01:01:50 GMT

Geno Sisneros begins by pointing out that Jesus is the worst dinner guest ever and ends by offering tips for a successful tea party from a spider. Text available at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1099

Fessing Up?!

Clay Nelson — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:39:21 GMT

Carolin Telford reflects on how her students looks at forgiveness and wonders if there is still a place for confession and absolution? Text available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1098

Hopes Realized

Clay Nelson — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 00:32:23 GMT

The new bishop of Auckland, the Rt Rev Ross Bay, made his first visit to St Matthew's in his new capacity. His sermon focused on Christian hope for transformation. Text available at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1095

An Unchurched God

Clay Nelson — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:58:27 GMT

Clay explores the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan and suggests that like a powerful earthquake it changed the landscape of holiness. Before the parable it was acceptable to limit the love of God. Afterward... not so much. "Last weekend Lynette and I were in Murchison for a grandchild’s birthday. It is little more than a crossroads between mountains half-way between Nelson and Greymouth. Prior to the party we went for a drive to enjoy the magnificent surrounding scenery. We came to a lookout over the Maruia Falls. Being ten metres high they make a pretty big splash, but once having lived near Niagara Falls I wasn’t overly impressed. Returning to town we still had time to kill so we visited Murchison’s Historical Museum. There I learned that on June 16, 1929 the falls did not exist. After the 7.8 earthquake the following day there were falls on the Maruia River. Now I was impressed. That is truly a seismic change." Text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1087.

A Risky Love Affair

Clay Nelson — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 19:45:56 GMT

John Bluck, teacher, author and retired Bishop of Waiapu, who has a long-time relationship with St Matthew's, was a guest preacher. He compares the similarities between Lee Childs'hero, Jack Reacher, and the 70 disciples. "What makes Jack extraordinary and an all time great fictional hero is not just his laconic speech ( he’s never been guilty of anything longer than a seven word sentence), or his lethal elbow jab ( eat your heart out Bruce Lee), but his steadfast refusal to carry any luggage. Nothing. A credit card, a fold up toothbrush but no wallet, no change of clothes, no home address, no IRS number. Nothing. Jack is utterly unencumbered, available where he’s needed, free to move on where he’s not welcome. Jack Reacher is a great mystery, but he’s not as great a mystery as today’s gospel reading. The 70 disciples that Jesus sends out ahead of him can’t do kung fu, and they certainly didn’t serve time in the military, but they do travel light like Jack, and they don’t look back, like Jack, and they are confident about themselves and their mission, like Jack, only a hundred fold more so. But there’s a big difference. Unlike Jack, the confidence of the 70 disciples doesn’t rest in their own skill and strength ( which probably was in short supply). We’re not told who the 70 are or where Jesus dug them up locally, but if his earlier efforts to recruit a team are anything to go buy, Jesus wasn’t very fussy. A random collection of fishermen and tax collectors." Text available at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1089.

Dismantling the Sacred

Clay Nelson — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:15:18 GMT

Clay discusses latest effort to keep the Anglican Communion together at the cost of justice. Elijah's handing off of his mantle to Elisha gives us some guidance on what to cling to and what to let go of. "In the case of this Hui the intent is to discuss what Scripture has to say about human sexuality. In particular we will be looking at the few instances of where Scripture is purported to have something to say about homosexuality. I don’t think the hope is that the diverse elements in the church will find agreement in what they mean to us today. That is probably impossible. Only slightly more possible is that mutual respect might be the fruit of these meetings. My personal hope is that it might be the first step in dismantling the sacred." Text and video links available at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1085

Semper Fi Simon

Clay Nelson — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 02:59:29 GMT

An encounter with an American Marine on R & R gives Clay new insight into the story of Simon the Pharisee and the Woman of Ill-repute. "Simon and the woman are usually discussed as two separate entities—one righteous; one unacceptable. Simon holds himself to a higher standard than the rest of society. There are rules to be followed. He is proud of his righteous relationship with God. He knows he is not a bad person. He keeps himself pure and undefiled, as the biblical code requires. The woman, on the other hand, is overwhelmed by her failings. She is painfully aware of how others view her and how she views herself. But as my conversation with the marine progressed I began to wonder if the story is really about two separate people." Text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1082.

Don't leave 5 minutes before the miracle

Clay Nelson — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:14:11 GMT

New Priest Assistant at St Matthew's Ann Mellor confesses her belief in miracles, not just miracle face creams and cleaning products. "I believe in miracles. There I have said it. It’s not easy to say because we are used to ‘dumbing down’ our spirituality. We are afraid that we might overdo it. We risk being misunderstood or labeled or being in danger of taking our concept of miracles to extremes. The word miracle has become mundane as we are bombarded by the daily barrage of miracle face creams (I buy them!), and miracle cleaning liquids…worldly miracles that hold no surprise or doubt in our mind as to their efficacy. Or we think of the miracles of biblical proportions we find that if taken literally, they are well beyond our reach. No…I am talking about miracles from God, now in the present, working in our lives." Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1080

The Sixth Sense

Clay Nelson — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:06:09 GMT

It is Trinity Sunday, a feast devoted to a 4th century doctrine as to the nature of God. Clay Nelson wonders if the Nicene Creed that has put God into a box is killing the church? "I am more than just stirring the pot today. I do strongly believe that the Nicene Creed--the formula the Church requires us to believe about God--has become an instrument of death for the church. I will outline some reasons in a moment. But first, that is not to say that Christianity is not trinitarian in its structure. In fact, I agree with Dominic Crossan who argues that not only is Christianity trinitarian, all religions are trinitarian." Text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1077

Being Church

Clay Nelson — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 05:50:55 GMT

In her Pentecost Sunday sermon Carolin Telford shares what her church in England learned about being Church when it burned to the ground one Pentecost Sunday. Text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1075

It is what it is, says Love

Clay Nelson — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 05:40:44 GMT

In his sermon following his keynote addresses on peace the day before at St Matthew-in-the-City, Canon Paul Oestreicher, who has devoted his life to peace and reconciliation, spoke on how love disturbs the peace. Video link at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=517&id=1076.

Progressive Angst

Clay Nelson — Mon, 03 May 2010 06:00:24 GMT

Geno Sisneros a staff member at St Matthew's and a student at Auckland University School of Theology explores the disturbing angst he has experienced as his beliefs shifted from those of his upbringing as a Pentecostal to being a card-carrying Progressive Christian. "I am reminded today of Jesus’ words in Matthew’s Gospel, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.”[ii] In the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas, Jesus adds this disclaimer, he says, "Those who seek should not stop seeking until they find. When they find, they will be disturbed […]”[iii] And disturbed I was. I begin to strip away the layers of literalism that formed my understanding of the Jesus message." Text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1063.

The Waiting Place

Clay Nelson — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:43:13 GMT

On ANZAC Day Clay Nelson reflects on how traditional Christianity keeps us in Dr Seuss' "The Waiting Place" when it comes to peace. "Today is a day the peoples of Australia and New Zealand spend a lot of time remembering. We remember and seek understanding of the tragic death of so many of our young men on the shores of Gallipoli 95 years ago. For both countries it was a coming of age moment that continues to shape us in the present day. We sent the better part of a generation to war with great fanfare and expectation, but when more than a third did not return buried on foreign soil and many more returned emotionally and physically wounded something fundamental changed in our national psyche. It left us in The Waiting Place. We became a country waiting for peace." Full text and vidio link at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1060.

Remembering Easter

Clay Nelson — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:39:13 GMT

In his Easter 3 sermon, the Revd Dr John Salmon, candidly explained why as a Progressive Christian he has problems coming to church on Christmas and Easter. It is all about how we remember. "The Easter season – these weeks between Easter and Pentecost – traditionally focuses on unpacking the Easter stories, as foundations for Christian faith. But that’s really hard for someone like me… I’ve never been able to swallow either the “dead man walking” version of Easter Day, or the “he died for my sins” understanding of Good Friday. And the post-resurrection “appearances” we heard about this morning provoke all kinds of arguments in my mind… So I ask, how can we be ‘church’ for people with a view like mine?" Text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1058.

The Sultry Easter Anzac Tango

Clay Nelson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:28:51 GMT

In her Easter 1 sermon Sande Ramage, former military chaplain and presently chaplain at Iona College, questions the church's participation in the myth of redemptive violence celebrated on such occasions as Anzac Day. "ANZAC commemorations draw heavily on the value of redemptive violence by honouring the role of the soldier, sketched out as a saviour figure sacrificed in battle so that we can live in peace and freedom. Across time this mythology has been used to soothe the internal human terror of being overwhelmed by forces we cannot control and ultimately our fear of death. If we think beyond this imagery we know that ANZAC Day only remembers part of the story. A more complete memory includes the women raped in military campaigns, children bombed, conscientious objectors tortured and imprisoned, families torn apart, cultures, animals and environments destroyed and political deals done in the name of greed." Full text and video link available at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1057.

The Problem with Resurrection

Clay Nelson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:56:18 GMT

On Easter Day Clay Nelson suggested resurrection is about the here and now and not the hereafter. "While I know we are here to celebrate resurrection, there is a problem we tend to gloss over. We don’t want to hear that experiencing resurrection has a prerequisite: new life requires death. Death is something we would prefer to deny or put off. "Intellectually, even those of us who are not the sharpest tool in the box know that to live is to die. Nothing lives forever. No matter how often we visit the gym; no matter how many of life’s pleasures we forego to advance our longevity, few of us will receive the Queen’s congratulatory letter upon our hundredth birthday. If we were swans infamous for their belligerence we might live to 102. If we were happy as a clam we might make it to 405 like one found off the coast of Iceland. If we were content living an isolated existence, barely growing in order to just survive in exceedingly harsh conditions, we might live as long as a Bristlecone pine. The oldest found was 4900 years old. Of course we could opt for suspended animation. There is a bacterium that was in stasis in sea salt that was 250 million years old before being revived. But few of us are willing to wait so long to get a life. Eventually, if we are alive, we will die." Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1053.

Disturbing the Peace

Clay Nelson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:33:51 GMT

On Good Friday Clay invited those present to reflect on the differences between Pilate's desire to keep the peace and Jesus' desire to disturb the peace. This reflection was a cooperative effort between Glynn and Clay. "Jesus was killed for disturbing the peace. This is somewhat ironic when his followers would later call him ‘The Prince of Peace’. Peace is one of those words like love, hope or truth that can be interpreted very differently depending on where you are standing." Text and video links available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=533&id=1050.

Took, Blessed, Broke and Gave

Clay Nelson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 20:18:29 GMT

On the night the church remembers Jesus' last meal with his disciples and his example of servanthood Glynn reflected on how inclusive the table was for Jesus as reflected in the four key actions associated with communion: Took, Blessed, Broke and Gave. "One of the distinguishing practices of the Jesus movement was that no matter whom you were – a woman, a taxcollector, a Pharisee, or a child – you sat and ate at the same table with everyone else. There was no barrier to those who were considered impure, inferior and unworthy. This egalitarian, inclusive behaviour spoke louder than any pronouncements of belief. The table was for all." The homily is given by Clay Nelson due to Glynn becoming ill. Full text at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=533&id=1049

Take a Walk through Holy Week

Clay Nelson — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 02:34:51 GMT

Glynn points out that there are two walks one can take during Holy Week.

"Holy Week is on the one hand a quasi-reenactment of the events that alleged happened around the time of Jesus’ death in Palestine, 33 CE. Christians for centuries have used this time to reflect on the meaning of his life, death, and resurrection and whether there are cosmic theological implications. Was this the unique, once-for-all-time, for-every-culture salvation event?

On the other hand, there is also a long history of Christians using the events of Holy Week as a time to allegorically reflect on their own lives and their community’s. It is in this vein that I speak this morning."

Text and video links available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=533&id=1045.

The Smell of Empathy

Clay Nelson — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:53:20 GMT

At the heart of Jesus' way is empathy. Clay explores what it is by looking at what it is not.

"Today’s Gospel on the face of it is troubling. While at a “Back from the Dead” party for her brother Lazarus Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a very expensive perfume and her tears. Judas expresses what everyone is thinking: her act is inappropriately extravagant. It would be like taking Mother Theresa an $800 bottle of wine. Then we are caught off-guard by the seeming callousness of Jesus’ response, “You will have the poor with you always, but not me.”

While I can appreciate John’s literary genius of using this story to foreshadow Jesus’ washing of his disciples feet and Mary Magdalene’s failed attempt to anoint his body after his death, over the years I have struggled to make sense of how someone who identified with the marginalised could sound so indifferent to their needs."

Text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=534&id=1042.

Love's Fool

Clay Nelson — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 22:47:03 GMT

Six shameful acts in the Parable of the Prodigal Son reveal that God is Love's Fool, Glynn suggests respectfully...

"The Prodigal Son is, when understood, an insightful parable about the nature of the Christian and Jewish God, whom I respectfully call ‘Love’s Fool’.

It is the quality and actions of costly love, portrayed by the father character in the parable, which informs us about the nature of Jesus’ God. God is not an old man with two sons. God is the love that the fictitious old man exhibits. It is a love that can withstand insult and humiliation. It is a love that includes offenders. It is a love deemed foolish. It is a love that values the relationships between people above society’s and religion’s conventions."

Text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=533&id=1039

Come to the Water

Clay Nelson — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 21:47:45 GMT

Elaine Wainwright of the School of Theology at Auckland University, looks at Lent through a new lens, the lens of our contemporary ecological imperative as a human community which must be in right relationship with all participants in the Earth community.

"Everyone who thirsts, come, come to the water…. This is one of those many phrases of the poet that we call Second Isaiah that reverberates in our spirits. But in today’s reading from this poet and prophet there is not just this one imperative—come— but the reading is, we might say, riddled with imperatives, with exhortations coming from our God: come to the water, come buy wine and milk, listen carefully to me, incline your ear, come to me, listen, see, seek me, forsake evil ways, return….return: turn your life around. And while the gospel is not filled with imperatives as is the reading from the prophet, it reiterates the phrase unless you repent, unless you repent. Return….repent. There is a call to change, to change one’s mind or way of thinking, to change one’s heart, to change or to turn around one’s life—a most appropriate invitation to us at Week Three, almost midway along our Lenten journey. We are invited to pause on this Sabbath day to reflect whether or perhaps how we have turned our life around or how we might do so into the second half of our Lenten journey."

Complete text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=535&id=1034.

The Failure of Abraham

Clay Nelson — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:03:51 GMT

Glynn, with the example of Abraham's dismal record as a patriarch as an example, proposes that being faithful isn't about always getting it right.

"What I like about the Abraham saga is that the authors do not shy away from revealing not only their hero’s faith but also his failures. Abraham, in abdicating his patriarchal power to Sarah, in listening to his God instead of his heart, in doing what was expedient rather than what was right, grievously wronged his first born son Ishmael and seeded an enmity between the ancestors of Ishmael and Isaac that continues today. Abraham screwed up. He failed as a family man. He failed as a patriarch. He didn’t question the motives of the God he was listening to. His faith froze and he became a servant of circumstance."

View text and video link at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=533&id=1032.

A Lusterless Lent

Clay Nelson — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 06:36:46 GMT

Clay has reached the point that Lent has lost its luster and suggest that for Lent we give up Lent or least what it has become.

It isn’t that the wilderness and temptation aren’t rich themes to explore but in their frequent reoccurrence within a given year and annually, saying something that hasn’t been said countless times before is nearly impossible. The temptation is to just get the sermon done. Say the predictable things the church has always said about how being miserable, sinful beings we need to be purified. We do it by paying the price for our fallen state with fasting and confession. The implied message being: Easter won’t be any fun unless we suffer first. Sure the congregation will tune out as soon as they realize they have heard this sermon before, but I will have done my priestly duty and extolled the importance of Lent to being good Christians.

I’m sorry I just can’t do it any more. Lent has lost its luster. I only need to point to an interview of Vice President Biden on Ash Wednesday this week. The interviewer, who later confessed to being Catholic, asked if the black smudge on his forehead was a bruise.

Text and video links available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Pray, Move, Jump

Clay Nelson — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:55:16 GMT

Glynn looks at what a progressive means when he says our vocation as Christians is to pray.

"I was asked in an interview last week what was the job of a priest. I gave a two-word answer: “To pray”. However it is not only the job of a priest, it is the vocation of anyone who calls her or himself Christian. To pray is not primarily a bow-the-head, bend-the-knee, direct-requests-to-the-heavens exercise, but an opening of one’s heart and mind to the music of divinity within, around, and beyond us."

Text and video links available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Open Waters

Clay Nelson — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:38:25 GMT

Glynn gives an explanation of baptism from the view point of Progressive Christianity. It is our response to God's love, not a means to obtain it.

"In broad terms there are two understandings of Church, ‘gathered’ and ‘comprehensive’, which are at odds with each other. The former sees Church as those who attend, are on the parish roll, and who participate. Like a club you know who is a part of it and who is not. The latter understanding sees Church as those attendees and non-attendees who try, even occasionally, to live the way of love, justice and compassion known in Jesus. I don’t think you have to be clairvoyant to know which understanding of church I have."

Full text and video links at www.stmatthew.org.nz.

Love Your Enemies...You Made Them

Clay Nelson — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:28:25 GMT

As Glynn preached on this lesson last week noting that the church should stop making unity its goal and unify around social justice, Clay gives it a second look. He notes that the church is already united in "Original Sin." Our propensity to do violence and making it sacred is why the church and society reject the Gospel.

"As those of you who were here or have watched or read the sermon online will remember, Glynn asked how important is unity? His position was “not so much” if Jesus’ sermon to his hometown is any indication. Jesus could have played to the crowd’s delight that a local boy was making the rest of the region sit up and take notice. Instead he preached a sermon that transformed the congregation from a cheering crowd into a lynch mob ready to throw him off one of the cliffs that overlook Nazareth. Glynn argued that Jesus’ message is that unity is only possible as an outcome for a community that seeks social justice for those on the margins. He chastised especially the church for making unity a goal that trumps justice for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community. I couldn’t agree more and I would co-sign those sentiments. But I would also argue that the church does not need to seek unity we are already united--by original sin.

Some of you may be wondering if you heard me right. We don’t dangle people over hell’s fire as sinful beings at St Matthew’s and we certainly don’t look at babies as contaminated because they were created by S-E-X. But, yes, you heard me right."

Full text and video links available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

How Important is Unity?

Clay Nelson — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 00:55:02 GMT

In his reflection on the home town crowd's reaction to Jesus' sermon in Nazareth, Glynn Cardy challenges the church's notion that unity is a goal. Instead he argues it is an outcome of standing up for the marginalised. To get there we must sometimes be off-side with the majority.

"If Jesus had a PR advisor he could have done the whole preaching in the Nazareth Synagogue thing very differently. He could have begun by saying that God loved everyone - ‘you, me, them’ - and God had chosen people for various tasks. If it had been written by then [which of course it wasn’t] he could have used that Pauline body metaphor of us all belonging to each other. He could have helped them to see that he was their expression, their ambassador of God’s love to others. He could have worked them round so that they could have all affirmed each other and had a nice hug at the end.

Instead he got them offside. Like prophets of the past he wasn’t much of a crowd pleaser. He failed diplomacy school."

Text and video links available at www.stmatthews.org.nz

What's Up?

Clay Nelson — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 04:21:15 GMT

Clay tells two storises about the Wedding of Cana in his search for abundant life. One is historically true, one never happened.

"As a result we don’t have to get tangled up in questions about whether or not Jesus could turn water into wine. It never happened before or since, so it didn’t happen this time either. We don’t even have to worry about where Cana is. On my two trips to Israel I have been shown three places the tour guides swore were Cana. Since it is a mythical place it can be anywhere we want it to be. It can be anywhere transformation occurs. But don’t be distressed. The meaning of the story doesn’t depend on it having happened. It is a signpost saying Jesus was a radical change agent. It does not say following Jesus will mean we will have a cellar full of fine wine."

Text and video links available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Beware of the Sacred

Clay Nelson — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:55:02 GMT

On the Feast of our Lord's Baptism Clay Nelson looks at the 30 year gap in Jesus' life prior to the mystical experience he had during his baptism. Are such experiences only available to the Son of God and mentally unwell or are they available to us all?

"In truth we have nothing reliable about Jesus before his baptism, which seems perfectly normal to me. No one had any reason to think, “This kid is going to change the world, I better take notes.” Even his baptism was before he had made his mark, but all four gospels speak of it, even though their accounts differ. So even that first portrait has multiple exposures making it more than a little out of focus. However, what they all agree on is that Jesus had a uniquely intimate relationship with God. God was the central reality of his life, not because he believed in God, but because he had experienced the reality of God."

Text and video available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Grace upon Grace

Clay Nelson — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:09:00 GMT

For his Christmas 2 sermon Clay Nelson revels in the mystical language of John's version of Christmas but struggles to wrap his mind around grace and its implications.

"With John we are given, in beautiful language, a concept to play with. It is a radical concept. It is the radical notion that the divine was made flesh in the person of Jesus. While Christianity has traditionally seemed to imply this was only true in Jesus, an alternative understanding is that Jesus revealed all of humanity to be the flesh of the divine. How does a painter paint that unless it is a portrait of six billion people?"

Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

The Law of Unintended Consequences

Clay Nelson — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:38:56 GMT

In his Christmas 1 sermon Clay Nelson reflects on the unintended consequences of putting up a controversial billboard and how he can relate to those who are chastised for not being where they are "supposed" to be.

"It is the unintended consequences that have got me pondering in my heart, in particular the level of offense taken around the world. Some online polls suggest that we have offended half the planet give or take a few percentage points. While initially email tended to be overwhelmingly positive, as the story got legs we heard from more and more of the offended. So let me say clearly, offense was not our intent. However, I’m not sure that was the intent of those who commented on the website, emailed, wrote, faxed, texted and called to express their outrage. Many went beyond being offensive to abusive and threatening. This must be the “two wrongs make a right” school of Christianity as opposed to the “turn the other cheek” school I attended."

Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Virgin Mirth

Clay Nelson — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:17:14 GMT

In his Christmas Day sermon Clay Nelson confronts head on the elephant in the pew--St Matthew's Christmas billboard juxtaposing it with Santa being arrested in England.

"The advertising team I work with is both gob smacked and over the moon about the worldwide reaction. They are an international company and no one on the team has ever experienced this kind of reaction. To some degree we are all a little bit mystified by it. It was just a billboard after all. The total time it was up after being vandalized and stolen twice was less than twelve hours, but the image will live on in cyberspace forever as well as in our imaginations."

Full text and video available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Billboard Madness

Clay Nelson — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 02:49:07 GMT

Advent 4 got bumped by a billboard. Yes, it was controversial, but it was still just a billboard. Yet it went "viral" on the internet. This sermon begins with Clay Nelson sharing what it is like to be in the centre of media-driven frenzy and the sermon moves to reflections by Clay and Glynn Cardy on what the last week has been like. If you go to the website page you can watch video as well as hear the congregation's reactions to the week's events: www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Christmas Theologies and Billboards

Clay Nelson — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:04:16 GMT

On Advent 3 Glynn Cardy looks at three Christmas billboards and the theologies they represent. He of course favours the one outside St Matthew's:

"The Christmas billboard outside St Matthew-in-the-City lampoons literalism and invites people to think again about what a miracle is. Is the miracle a male God sending forth his divine sperm, or is the miracle that God is and always has been among the poor? The billboard has a sombre Joseph and a consoling Mary, with the caption “Poor Joseph. God is a hard act to follow.”

Full text and video available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Going Bush

Clay Nelson — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 02:57:03 GMT

On Advent 2 Clay Nelson looks at the difficulties in being prepared in the world we live in and why even God goes bush. In the bush we enter a liminal place where transformation is the key to preparation.

"On my Facebook page is a video that asks “Did you know that the top ten in-demand jobs for 2010 did not even exist in 2004? We are currently preparing students for jobs that don’t yet exist using technologies that haven’t been invented in order to solve problems we don’t even know are problems yet. The amount of technical information is doubling every two years. For students starting a four-year technical degree this means half of what they learn in the first year of study will be outdated by their third year of study.”

"In such a world what does it mean to prepare for anything? How can you prepare when the week’s newspapers you put out for recycling contains more information than a person living in the 18th century would come across in their entire lifetime?"

Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz

What's in a Name?

Clay Nelson — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 19:02:49 GMT

In David V. William’s sermon for Aotearoa day, he reflected on the names of our controversial MP for Te Tai Tokerau: Hone, a favourite New Testament Christian name [John]; Pani, an Old Testament name, one of King David's warrior heroes [Bani] - those OT warriors were rather admired by many Maori; Tamati Waka Nene [Thomas Walker Nene] - Nene was a Ngapuhi chief at the time of the Treaty, he was baptised by the Wesleyans at Pakaenae in 1839 and named after Thomas Walker, a CMS lay patron; and Harawira is a name taken taken by many Maori to honour Octavius Hadfield, CMS missionary to the Kapiti Coast and later Bishop of Wellington and Primate.

So Hone Pani Tamati Waka Nene Harawira is (in English) John Bani Thomas Walker Nene Hadfield. His point is that Maori know a lot about and have embraced a great deal of our Christian heritage, and that most Pakeha remain rather ignorant about most matters Maori, including Maori names! His hope for Aotearoa Sunday is that more Pakeha will engage with and embrace aspects of the indigenous culture of this land in a spirit of generosity and inclusiveness that reciprocates the historic and contemporary generosity and inclusiveness of Maori.

David V. Williams is a law professor, priest, expert on the Treaty of Waitangi and treaty settlement issues, as well as a Rhodes Scholar.

Video available at www.stmatthews.org.nz

Walls, Freedom & God

Clay Nelson — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:31:10 GMT

In his Pentecost 24 sermon Glynn Cardy looks at how we seem to wall in God like our special pet. He suggests that they don't work. God is about freedom.
"Walls surrounded the Temple that Jesus knew, the 2^nd Temple in Jerusalem. Inside were an Outer Courtyard, then more walls and an Inner Courtyard. Within that was the Holy Place, and within that – separated by a thick curtain – was the Holy of Holies. This was where God was said to dwell. There were lots of walls protecting God. There were lots of priests and guards protecting the walls. And there were lots of rules and regulations protecting the priests and guards. God was safe and secure.

“Do you see these great buildings?” said Jesus. “Not one stone will be left here upon another, all will be thrown down.”

"Jesus, like other reform-oriented Jews, was critical of the Temple. The Temple was the dominant symbol of ecclesiastical power and authority. This was where the pious and their pet God ruled. This was where the chosen, those who had wealth and influence, could appease and please God. The Temple symbolized spiritual stability and protection. It was indeed an imposing and beautiful structure.

"Yet for Jesus it symbolized the imprisonment of God and the spiritual impoverishment of the common people."

Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Remembrance Day 2009 Address

Clay Nelson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:56:19 GMT

On Remembrance Day at St Matthew's, Professor Kevin P. Clements, Director of the NZ Centre for Peace and Violence Studies at the University of Otago, spoke eloquently and movingly of the challenges of war and peace drawing richly from the letters of family members written from the front lines.

Full text and video links available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Broken lines and Rough Surfaces

Clay Nelson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:34:43 GMT

In his Pentecost 23 sermon John Bluck, retired bishop of Waiapu, looks at the images presented by NZ public figures and wonders if they are credible. While seeking to be believable are they credible. Who does God listen to?

"It was a rough couple of weeks for Bill English. He’d just explained his way out of the living expending, family entrusting tangle when a row breaks out over a not very plain tv promo for a programme called Plain English.

"But things are looking up for Bill, unlike Rodney Hyde who usually dances his way lightly through the media wonderland. But he’s been stumbling about in a controversy over his partner’s travel costs and his throwaway lines about the prime minister. He won’t be winning any bonus points this month for nimble footwork.

"Nor will Bishop and now becoming King Brian Tamaki with his claims to divinely bestowed royalty in the Old Testament model of David and oaths of allegiance from followers in the model of the Mafia.

"But Graham Henry will do better because all he has to do to silence the carping from the twilight world of radio talk back is to win a game. And the All Blacks have awon two in a row. Winning is believing.

"It’s hard to become a public figure and be heard in this country. And its even harder to stay credible and believable."

Full text and video links available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

The Less Easy Route: a tribute to Nelson Mandela

Clay Nelson — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:13:05 GMT

We apologise in advance that the sound quality of this podcast is not up to our usual standards, but we hope you will still enjoy Glynn Cardy's look at a modern saint on All Saints' Day. 91 years old, Nelson Mandela remains and icon of forgiveness and reconciliation.

"Most of the traditional saints, when viewed with historical-critical tools, are less than inspiring. By modern standards many would need the support of the mental health services. Unconstrained by religious convention however we can think about ‘saints’ more broadly as those who encourage and inspire us in our faith.

"Personally I find it hard to go past Nelson Mandela. He is a modern exemplar of perseverance, courage, humility, and reconciliation. He’s also someone who would be appalled by the honorific of ‘saint’ being attached to his name. He has never walked the path of self-glorification that Brian Tamaki, and others before him, thinks is the route to spiritual wisdom."

Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

Believing is Seeing

Clay Nelson — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 02:19:52 GMT

Clay Nelson enjoys the humour of Mark's story of Bartimaeus who may be blind but has vision while looking at how our beliefs determine what reality we see and our experience of life. Unintentionally he explores more Wisdom for Dummies. "What I do know is that after reading Bourgeault’s The Wisdom Jesus, I feel like the two young fish who while swimming along happen to meet an older fish swimming the other way. He nods at them and asks, "Morning, boys, how's the water?" The two young fish swim on for a bit, and then eventually one of them looks over at the other and goes, "What the hell is water?"[i] Jesus, the wisdom teacher has brought me up short. By asking about the water, he changed my beliefs. I no longer believe I am the absolute centre of the universe as we were all hardwired at birth to think. I now believe Jesus’ intent was to wise us up; not to become our personal saviour. He wanted to challenge our assumptions about reality. He wanted to raise our consciousness to a level where we see the falseness of “otherness.” The idea that life is all about us versus everything else. He wanted us to discover that we are part of a greater whole: one with each other and our environment, and all is divine love." Full text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=976.

Heal the Sick

Clay Nelson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:59:36 GMT

On Pentecost 20, St Matthew's celebrated the Feast of St Luke the Physician. Glynn Cardy looks at a tragic death this week of a young girl, Aisling Sumes, and explores the healing nature of relationship and community. It's not prayer itself to a rescuing God that saves us--the child died in spite of the prayer, it is the community's compassion and reaching out that makes all the difference. "Well as neo-atheists like Dawkins and Hitchens would point out that God didn’t save the day. Aisling wasn’t miraculously found alive and well. Sure, maybe the outcome was better than the torture scenario or the never-finding-out scenario, but it still wasn’t what was being prayed for. God didn’t intervene and rescue her. Were the prayers therefore pointless? I would empathetically say ‘No!" Full text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=974

It’s about the Money Stupid!

Clay Nelson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:51:05 GMT

In his return to the pulpit after his sabbatical, Glynn Cardy imagines the conversation between the rich young man seeking the answer to inheriting eternal life and a Kiwi Jesus. “My advice mate, and its tough, is that if you’re a serious seeker ditch the gold, glamour, and glory. They are just gonna weigh you down.” Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=973.

SPCA Animal Blessing

Clay Nelson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:45:43 GMT

Denise Kelsall speaks to the bonds of affection between animals and animals and humans. She shares the fate of Jack who has featured in past services. A moving homily punctuated by an Amen Corner of canines in the congregation.

Does God play Dice?

Clay Nelson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:37:37 GMT

In her Pentecost 18 sermon Denise Kelsall explores the whys and wherefores of suffering and injustice. "The ancients believed in a God who smote their enemies and rescued them from their oppressors, a God who rewarded the good and punished the bad. The book of Proverbs is full of maxims about how to live and not to live so that we reap the rewards of a good life. Our reading from the book of Job today debunks the myth that we get what we deserve." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=500&id=972

When is vice a virtue?

Clay Nelson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:24:25 GMT

On St Matthew's Day Sir Paul Reeves, former archbishop and Governor General of New Zealand, reflected on the similarities of both Matthew, the disciple and parish of St Matthew-in-the-City. Both are slightly less than respectable and inherently impetuous. That is why as bishop of the diocese he considered St Matthew's a haven. No text is available of this sermon.

The Longing for Peace

Clay Nelson — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 23:18:58 GMT

In her Pentecost 16 sermon Denise Kelsall kicked off the World March for Peace and Nonviolence that would begin in Auckland with a service at St Matthew's.

Wisdom for Dummies, Chapter Three: Know Yourself

Clay Nelson — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:07:34 GMT

In reflecting on Jesus' questioning of the disciples, Clay Nelson sees a wisdom teacher calling us to know ourselves. The irony is that the Way to doing this involves denying ourselves.

"It is to this level of consciousness that Jesus hopes to bring his disciples when he asks his question within a question. While preachers for millennia have praised Peter for his answer, “You are the Messiah,” as if he finally got it, I think Jesus groaned, “Is that so?” That they still didn’t get it is why I suspect Jesus told his disciples to keep it a secret."

Full text available at www.stmatthews.org.nz.

The Syro-Phoenician Woman: A Covenant of Risk

Clay Nelson — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:44:29 GMT

Bev Moana Hall-Smith identifies with the Syro-Phoenician woman who is marginalized but is unintimidated. She gets in Jesus personal space and gets her daughter healed and fundamentally changes Jesus mission.

"She has no name; she is neither wife of a man nor mother of a son. She has a daughter with an unspeakable disease. She is Greek–racially and linguistically inferior and despised by Jews. The woman is described as Syro-Phoenicianand Woman. Two words that tell us she is marginalized, she is an outsider; she does not belong" Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz

Wisdom for Dummies, Chapter Two: Holy Now

Clay Nelson — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 05:18:40 GMT

How does eating with dirty hands raise our consciousness; give us wisdom? Clay Nelson continues his exploration of the Wisdom Jesus even though he isn't sure he will ever get fully get it. He just hope to get enough in the Holy Now or as Jesus might call it, the Kingdom of Heaven. "I seriously doubt I will ever fully grasp that concept. I’m running double time to keep up with Jesus the wisdom teacher and I’m still being left in the dust. But I’m in good company. With the possible exceptions of Mary Magdalene and Thomas, the disciples didn’t fully get him either and neither did Paul or the writers of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John or the early church fathers and so neither did the western church that shaped me. However, I get enough of it to know I hear today’s Gospel with new ears. My problem is that I was happy enough with how the old ones heard it." Full text and video links at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=964

Imagine

Clay Nelson — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:08:55 GMT

In her Pentecost 12 sermon imagines what an alien might think of what is going on at St Matthew's. "There are these earthlings sitting in rows paying attention to some other earthlings up in front of them, and they are looking down at funny little bits of white stuff in their hands with black marks on it. They make noises together – sometimes the noise changes when that earthling who sits at a special box runs his fingers over the box and a different noise comes out. They stand up and then they sit down together. And so on." Full text available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=500&id=963.

Episode 197

Clay Nelson — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 04:48:52 GMT

Wisdom for Dummies

Clay Nelson — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:15:24 GMT

Clay Nelson wonders in his Pentecost 11 sermon if Solomon embodies wisdom, then what the hell is wisdom anyway? His question takes him to an unexpected answer.

"When I read the story of Solomon’s rise to power and his prayer for wisdom I roll my eyes. How can a man who allowed his mother to manipulate him into killing off his half-brother, his father’s priests and advisors to solidify his power be considered wise? It is baffling that this same person who after praying for wisdom would drain his kingdom’s resources and oppress his people to build a Temple even God did not want. That this despotic ruler is promoted as the embodiment of wisdom, makes me wonder what the hell wisdom is anyway and how do we know our prayer for it is answered?"

Full text and video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=961

Dwelling in Grace--Imitators of God

Clay Nelson — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 20:01:17 GMT

The Revd Dr Mary Caygill, lecturer of Practical Theology at Auckland University, was the guest preacher at St Matthew's. In her sermon she looks at grace and disgrace: "My firm conviction is that we can only speak meaningfully of God if God emerges from within the experiences of humans and their way of life with others and the world."

Full text with video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=501&id=959.

Foolishly Speaking Truth to Power

Clay Nelson — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:17:40 GMT

In his Pentecost 9 sermon Clay Nelson examines the difficulties in speaking truth to power. How do we determine truth? To whom do we speak it?

"It is a phrase that resonates for us. It rings of courage and righteousness with more than a hint of danger. I think it is why the politically satirical Daily Show with Jon Stewart who does this nightly, is a global phenomenon. Few of us would be displeased to have it said of us at our funeral… “She or he spoke truth to power.” Yes, that sounds like high praise..."

Full text with video links at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=953.

Power to Love

Clay Nelson — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 02:52:53 GMT

In her Pentecost 8 sermon Denise Kelsall examines different kinds of power. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=517&id=951.

Faithing

Clay Nelson — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 21:46:11 GMT

The Revd Dr John Salmon, past President of the Methodist Church in New Zealand, was the guest preacher and celebrant at St Matthew-in-the-City, Auckland on Bible Sunday, 19 July 2009. In his sermon he noted that after the 4th century being being a Christian was determined by right belief in church doctrine. Before that Christianity was not about religion but spirituality. Being faithful was about trusting, questioning and right action (being ethical and just). Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=501&id=950. It can be viewed at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=517&id=949.

The Light Fantastic

Clay Nelson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:44:04 GMT

With David dancing before the ark and Salome dancing to get ahead, Clay Nelson explores in his Pentecost 6 sermon why dance and if we do are we dancing to Gospel music? "Whomever said church is boring has never attended on this particular Sunday. There is nothing boring about a whirling dervish David, dancing nearly nude before the Ark, making his wife mad as a meat axe. Nor is there anything boring about the gruesome details surrounding salacious Salome’s suggestive pole-dance for her daddy, Uncle Herod, to get her ahead. This stuff makes reality TV look tame. My problem is coming up with a sermon title worthy of such stories. Israel’s Got Talent has possibilities, or perhaps Dancing Queen… and King." Continue reading at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=948.

Would Jesus Smack a Child?

Clay Nelson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:12:22 GMT

As New Zealand prepares to vote in referendum on whether or not it is acceptable to smack children, Glynn Cardy takes a stand that the church has too long with held. Just as the church once justified beating upppity slaves and wives it has used "spare the rod, spoil the child" to justify violence against children. It is time to change the culture. "Throughout history it has been considered self-evident that all people were not created equal. Only men, particularly those of wealth and high-class, were considered fully human. Women, slaves, servants, and children weren’t. Being less than fully human they belonged to a man. They also needed to be corrected and disciplined by that man or his surrogates. Physically punishing and beating children, women, and servants has been normative for centuries." Read the full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=940.

The Peter Question: To Lock Down or Open Up?

Clay Nelson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 04:05:27 GMT

As the guest preacher at St Peter's Takapuna on their patronal feast, Glynn looks at the story of Cornelius and the debate in the early between the followers of James and the followers of Paul being mediated by Peter. He leads us to look at who the church has locked out in the past and who is knocking at the door now. "The keys to the kingdom, allegedly given by Jesus to Peter, I think are the courage and tenacity to unlock the past and open it to the future. It is as simple and as difficult as that." Continue reading at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=941.

Lost in Lament

Clay Nelson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:52:39 GMT

In her Pentecost 4 sermon Denise Kelsall reflects on some of the mighty who have fallen, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, and eco-theologians Arne Naess and Thomas Berry.

Confirmation

Clay Nelson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:37:48 GMT

In his final visit as Bishop of Auckland to St Matthew's, John Paterson reflected on experience of seven years at the helm of the Anglican Consultative Council. He could relate to the disciples in a boat on a stormy sea of Galilee as the issue of ordaining a gay bishop toss and turned the Anglcan Communion. More on Bishop Paterson's extraordinary journey in ministry can be found here in the announcement of his immanent retirement http://www.anglicantaonga.org.nz/Features/Barefoot.

The Music of God: A tribute to Franz Joseph Haydn

Clay Nelson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:23:19 GMT

On Pent 2 St Matthew's celebrated the 200th anniversry of Haydn's death using his mass in e-flat major liturgically performed by Musica Sacra and the St Matthew's Chamber Orchestra. In his sermon Glynn Cardy described the composer whose wonderful spirituality was aligned with God.

The Music of Trinity

Clay Nelson — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 03:14:59 GMT

In his Trinity Sunday sermon Glynn Cardy compares the Trinity to Fluffy the three-headed dog in Harry Potter in an attempt to bring the God-head down to earth. "In J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone Harry and his friends face the imposing obstacle of a large aggressive dog called Fluffy who has three heads and is pacified by music. In popular Christian culture God is similarly portrayed as a three-headed deity called Trinity. Each head, or face, of the Trinity has its own peculiarities. The First Persona [1] of the Trinity is traditionally called ‘God the Father’. It is the unbegotten source and creator of all, as well as the abba to whom Jesus prayed. The problem with this First Persona is that as scientific knowledge has grown its head has shrunk. We now know that a creator did not make human beings as a potter makes a pot, or put stars in the sky like a parent hangs mobiles from a child’s ceiling. Life took billions of years and billions of mistakes to evolve. The evolutionary force is neither kind nor cruel, it is indifferent. The craftsmanship of a consistent loving creator is not obvious or verifiable." Continue reading at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=936.

Out of Eden

Clay Nelson — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:46:09 GMT

In his Pentecost Sunday, after noting that he and the church are sharing the same birthday this year, reflects not on where his life has been and is going, but where the church has been and is going. He suggests that we might learn something from Gobekli Tepe, a Temple built in Eden by our stone age cousins. "We have the fortune or misfortune, depending on your perspective, of living in a time of major transition on many fronts. This is especially true for the church. It is hard to say how it will play out. Perhaps our great, great-grandchildren will have a clue. But being clueless, does not give me the excuse to give my shoulders a “she’ll be right” shrug. I do believe the decisions we make today can have a profound and permanent effect on human life. The church exists to worship. What we worship, and how and who we do it with, matters. It is a matter of transformation, individually and communally. But the question is will it be a transformation that gives us abundant life or death." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=937.

Taking leave of the Three-Tiered Universe

Clay Nelson — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:27:15 GMT

In his Ascension Sunday sermon, Glynn Cardy begins by challenging the notion that the Ascension was a historical event. The challenge is not what happened but what it meant. He examines what is at the heart of the Jesus experience. "I think the notion of a God up top grew out of our human longing to be rescued. There are many people who have felt like they are drowning in pain, misery, and depression. They have cried out for help. The life support of family, friends, and caring agencies haven’t always met their needs. They don’t feel they have the resources within themselves. They pray for a heavenly God, especially a friendly-looking Jesus-God, to come and save them. I understand that prayer. I empathize with those who pray it. I just don’t think it’s an accurate depiction of the God known in Jesus. That God, to continue the metaphor, was in the troubled waters with those drowning rather than plucking them out. That God did not and does not defy the laws of gravity but rather encourages people to swim and help those who can’t." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=938

New Growth

Clay Nelson — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 19:10:36 GMT

St Matthew's Verger and candidate for the diaconate, Linda Murphy, focused her Easter 5 sermon on necessary pruning of the vine and the current economic meltdown. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=501&id=939

Knocking at the Church Door

Clay Nelson — Mon, 18 May 2009 02:49:23 GMT

Bishop Richard Holloway--author, broadcaster, and former Archbishop of Scotland--gave a sermon on Easter 6 that gave a whole new twist to the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Priest and the Levite were not hypocrites. They were faithfully following their religious code. It was religion that failed.

Love Your Enemies

Clay Nelson — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:23:52 GMT

In his Easter 4 sermon Glynn Cardy challenges the notion that to "lay down ones life for your friends" justifies the fultity and stupidity of war. Glynn uses Gallipoli as the kick-off of a theological "rant" saying any justification of war is in opposition to Jesus' message. "Last year I visited Gallipoli. Like many New Zealanders our family has its names on the white monuments that adorn the hilltops. We heard how the dead lay piled in No Man’s Land - 10,000 dead - an incomprehensible number. Imagine the flies... and the disease... and the despair. One white tombstone said, “For God, King, and Country”. The Turk tour guide, a knowledgeable revisionist, added, “For nothing.” Nearly 500,000 young men died on those ridges, gullies, beaches, or in the hospitals beyond." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=935.

The Quickening

Clay Nelson — Sun, 03 May 2009 10:13:29 GMT

In his Easter 3 sermon Geno Sisneros reflects on his experience growing up gay in a church that distorts the Gospel condemning his sexuality. " As a child I used to lie awake at night sometimes till all hours of the morning with anxiety of the prospect of burning in hell. I struggled to reconcile the images of Jesus that hung on the walls of our Sunday school room with the Jesus who would send people to eternal torment. I tried to imagine what might be different about this Jesus’ appearance and his demeanour on the day of judgement. Would he look as gentle and meek and kind while doling out righteous punishment?" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=501&id=934.

We Quasimodos

Clay Nelson — Sun, 03 May 2009 09:36:11 GMT

In her Low Sunday sermon Denise Kelsall reflects on the Easter experience then and now. "Today is also called Quasimodo Sunday. This comes from the first two words of ancient antiphons or sung responses of the eucharist celebrated this Sunday that speaks to those newly baptised at Easter - it goes: Quasi modo, geniti infantes, rationabile - which translates “as newborn babes, alleluia.” And yes, this is the origin of the name of the hunchback, Quasimodo, in Victor Hugo's famous novel "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." Quasimodo was a foundling who was discovered at the door of Notre Dame cathedral on Low Sunday and so was named after this day." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=500&id=933

New World

Clay Nelson — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 20:03:25 GMT

In his Easter sermon, Canon Paul Oestreicher, retired Director of the Centre for International Reconciliation at Coventry Cathedral;founding Chair of Amnesty International; Vice President, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament; Quaker Chaplain to the University of Sussex and a lifetime worker for peace and social justice, preached about a resurrection that while a mystery is not about triumphalism or power or the majority. It is like a New World supermarket.

It is what it is.

Clay Nelson — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:34:51 GMT

On Good Friday Canon Paul Oestreicher of Coventry Cathedral, a tireless worker for peace and reconciliation, reflected pwerfully on the different crosses that have influenced him or been meaningful in his journey.

Our Freedom and Our Truth

Clay Nelson — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:20:02 GMT

In Lent 5 sermon Glynn Cardy looks at the theme of freedom that runs through the scriptures but which has been routinely suppressed by the church and those in power. Jesus the free man is just to dangerous. "For most of history human freedom has been regarded in the Christian world as dangerous, an open door to civil unrest, rebellion, and social chaos. It was firmly believed that people were not meant to be free. Rather they were created to be subject to authority – subject to God the Supreme Ruler in the heavens, subject to the King who ruled under God on earth, and subject to the position in life that this God had allotted to them. People were not even meant to be free to have their own thoughts, let alone express them. They were instead expected to think the thoughts prescribed by God through the Bible, and interpreted by God’s ecclesiastical ‘servants’." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=931.

Facing Fear

Clay Nelson — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:36:05 GMT

In his Lent 4 sermon Glynn Cardy snakes his way theologically through the image of lifting up serpents in the readings from Numbers and John. "Snakes, particularly for those of us unfamiliar with them, epitomize fear. Whether you enjoy their beauty and movement, or like many ancient cultures see in the snake a symbol of regeneration, there is also the knowledge that a snake is dangerous and potentially deadly. To be bitten by a snake is to experience pain and maybe death. The question then arises about why one of the early Christian writers was likening the crucifixion of Jesus to the raising of a serpent on a pole. Was the author of the Fourth Gospel saying that Jesus’ death was like a snake? And if so how?" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=930.

Cynthia Bourgeault "We are entering a new axial age"

Clay Nelson — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 19:06:14 GMT

This is an edited version of Cynthia Bourgeault's talk at St Matthew-in-the-City on March 19th. Cynthia is an Episcopal priest and contemplative who has written numerous books about, given talks on and led retreats doing Christian meditation. This was her first stop on her first visit to New Zealand.

Different Time. Different Place. Same Story.

Clay Nelson — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 23:27:18 GMT

In her Lent 3 sermon Denise Kelsall channels her inner Jesus when confronting the money-changers. She expresses her anger at the greed that has destroyed the world economy, but discovers that being angry alone is not the answer. "I like this Jesus because he is so very human - unlike the holy man of wisdom, the messiah, the saviour, the prophet, the healer, the son of God, this is a Jesus that everyone can identify with and admire. Haven’t we all secretly wanted to overturn the tables or rage against injustice and yet mostly we just slink away fuming inside. Perhaps we write a letter or complain bitterly to friends or just take a deep breath and think ‘it’s not worth it’ and get on with life, unlike the courageous and physical fulminating of Jesus." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=500&id=929.

“The Sky is Falling! The Sky is Falling!”

Clay Nelson — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:57:20 GMT

In his Lent 2 sermon Clay Nelson focuses on the "Sky is falling!" crises of the moment, putting them in perspective of such crises in the past, noting that some improve us and some don't. He suggests going on a bear hunt as a means of positive crisis management. "So how do we manage these crises in our lives? I would suggest that we go on a bear hunt. I grant you that we have no bears in New Zealand, but it is not a problem. It is a children’s activity of which there are many variations. It is an echo game." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=928.

Clark Kent, Frodo Baggins, and Jesus

Clay Nelson — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:42:56 GMT

In his Lent 1 sermon exploring the temptations of Jesus, Glynn Cardy compares two competing views of the power of Jesus. One is the Clark Kent/Superman model and the other is the Hobbit, Frodo Baggins. "Every culture has what anthropologists call a mythic structure. These are the collection of socially powerful traditional stories that shape a culture’s assumptions and expectations. In the New Testament there are two underlying myths used to interpret Jesus, one dominant and one less so. The dominant myth is the ‘outside redeemer’. In this myth the hero comes from the outside, performs a saving function, and then returns to the outside. The movement is from and to an alien space. In the 4th Gospel this myth has Jesus coming down from heaven, redeeming the world, and returning to heaven. In Star Trek it has the U.S.S. Enterprise entering a planetary system, sharing the supposed benefits of their superior knowledge and technology, and returning once again to outer space. In both cases the movement is from outer to inner to outer." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=925.

Go Figure

Clay Nelson — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:36:13 GMT

In his Epiphany 7 sermon Glynn Cardy notices that the story of the Transfiguration is all about blokes. "It’s the obvious things we overlook. Go figure. It’s all about blokes. In particular it elevates to an inner elite three blokes: Peter, James, and John [the latter two being the sons of Zebedee]. But if one carefully reads the New Testament there are a number whom it could be claimed belonged to an inner elite: Mary Magdalene, Mary Jesus’ mother, Andrew, Mary and Martha of Bethany, the Beloved Disciple, James Jesus’ brother… Dom Crossan, the well-known New Testament scholar, posits that the multiple appearance accounts after Jesus’ death reflect the struggle in the early church about who were the rightful leaders of the new movement." The full text of this excellent sermon is at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=919.

A Personal Bubble

Clay Nelson — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 07:21:46 GMT

In her Epiphany 6 sermon Denise Kelsall looks at the problems of control versus vulnerability. "Control becomes a notion – a notion that is real, yet is also so very open and vulnerable to being utterly shattered. Nothing it seems is absolute, nothing is complete, nothing stays the same, nothing is reliable except unreliability maybe." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=500&id=917.

Jesus' Socio-Economic Stimulus Package

Clay Nelson — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:59:00 GMT

In his Epiphany 5 sermon Clay Nelson, inspired by a recent interaction with a bigot, reflects on the importance of symbolic action in confronting dysfunctional society. ""Last week and this week Mark’s Gospel tells the story of Jesus’ public inauguration of his ministry. It is full of symbolic action to set the tone of his future work, much like Obama’s signing an executive order to close Guantanamo and giving his first interview as President to Arabic TV were clear signs that the Bush years are over. Jesus is announcing it is new day in Palestine by his exorcism in the synagogue last week and his healing of Peter’s mother-in-law this week. The old corrupt order will no longer go unchallenged. Hope is now in the air. The rules are changing." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=916.

Visitors, Demons, and Rattlesnakes

Clay Nelson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:31:54 GMT

In his Epiphany 4 sermon Glynn Cardy shares his encounter with Michael the Archangel last Sunday before the service to examine the grace those who are possessed and dispossessed offer the rest of us. "Violence and brokenness surround St Matthew’s. The dealers and the dealt to, rough sleepers and rough livers, the whacked and the whackos, the pissed and those who piss on the Church… They speak a truth that is difficult to hear. It’s a simple truth though: our beautiful, blessed and lovely society doesn’t work for the un-beautiful, un-blessed, and unloved. It is hard, cold, and lonely on the outside." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=915.

Discovery of the Soul

Clay Nelson — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 09:14:53 GMT

In his Epiphany 3 sermon Glynn Cardy looks at conversion of heart and head. It seems to have something to do with love. It all has to do with discovering your soul, essential to changing the world. "To be inspired by a great teacher, a Jesus, Ghandi, Obama..., to drop the ‘nets’ of our daily concerns in order to follow, to adopt the teachers vision and preach it, is not enough. It is a good start but it’s not enough because someone else is telling us what to do, what to dream, what to believe, and who we are." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=498&id=913.

Sitting under a Fig Tree

Clay Nelson — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:01:21 GMT

In her Epiphany 2 sermon Denise Kelsall uses a fig tree against the side of the head of Israel and her US ally to condemn their disproportionate actions in Gaza. "Gaza is a concentration camp and that this is a shoa, the holocaust promised by Israel’s Deputy Defence Minister Matan Vilnai just last year. And the world sits by seemingly impotent and strangely muted against this ongoing tyranny, this horror, this immeasurable butchery, this – to use a Jewish word, this pogrom." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=500&id=914.

The Theory of God

Clay Nelson — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:54:27 GMT

Being a little thick Clay Nelson has trouble identifying with the kind of God portrayed in the Genesis creation story or the creation-like story of Jesus' baptism, so turns to another source for creation to sort it out. "The god in these two stories is not one you will hear much about at St Matthew’s. This is an external, objective, supernatural deity. This is a personal god that walks with us and talks to us in the cool of the evening. This god is not attached to creation but beyond it and yet able to intervene within it. This is an unknowable god beyond our reach but who still reaches down from heaven to bless or curse us at will. This god is the divine parent able to see all and know all about us and is intent on rescuing us from ourselves." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=912

The Power of One

Clay Nelson — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 02:10:34 GMT

What do dinosaurs have to do with the Slaughter of the Innocents? Clay Nelson finds dinosaurs change our whole understanding in his Christmas 2 sermon. "But as more and more fossils were discovered in more and older geological strata it became clear that there had been many, many extinctions of countless species. With this knowledge the prevailing view of divine providence had to evolve. A mere 150 years later we read the story of Herod’s slaughter of the innocents and the holy family’s flight to Egypt with a whole new perspective than all those who read it prior to the discovery of dinosaurs." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=503&id=910.

The Wisdom of Following A Star

Clay Nelson — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:19:47 GMT

What made the three kings the wise men? This question under girds Glynn Cardy's first Sunday of Christmas sermon. "The exotic entrance of the mysterious Magi adds colour and class to the manger scene. Our imaginations are fired. We love to conceive the wise ones, adorned in sparkly splendour, riding the hills on humps, then alighting to offer their obscure gifts to the wee babe. Have you ever wondered why they were called “wise”? You don’t hear, for example, about the wise shepherds, or wise angels, or the wise Mary or Joseph? Why are the Magi considered to have a monopoly on wise?" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=909.

The Battle for Control of Christmas

Clay Nelson — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 08:07:34 GMT

With wishes for a Merry Christmas Clay Nelson acknowledged that he was a pacifist in the Christmas wars. In a sermon where he questioned whether or not Jesus would think he was the reason for the season, he explored the history of Christmas as a history of class conflict. "There are plenty of preachers, however, who do take up the standard. You will know them by their insistence that Jesus is the reason for the season while chastising those in their congregations who come only once a year to hear about him. They will rant about consumerism and the commercialisation of Christmas, as if boosting the economy wasn’t the modern reason for the season. They even go so far as “dissing” Santa. These soldiers for Christ view the culture as a threat to the true spirit of Christmas. But I do wonder if the true spirit of Christmas really requires bashing others for not celebrating it the way we do?" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=907.

The Spirituality of the Common Good

Clay Nelson — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 17:46:25 GMT

On the Advent 4, St Matthew-in-the-City, celebrated St Thomas' Day in honour of a former Anglo-Catholic parish in the Freeman's Bay neighbourhood of Auckland. Our guest preacher was Sir Paul Reeves, former Governor-General on New Zealand and Archbishop of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=454&id=906.

Rabbit-Hole Sunday

Clay Nelson — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 21:27:24 GMT

The Third Sunday of Advent brings us joyfully closer to Christmas by turning our self-understanding upside-down. Clay Nelson challenges us to acknowledge and live out our calling. "Listening to the Baptiser and Isaiah, I feel a little like Alice falling through the rabbit-hole into Wonderland. She was convinced that she had fallen right through the earth and was destined to come out where people would be upside down. The world is definitely upside down when God is no longer only beyond us, but discovered within and between us. The world is definitely upside down when the world’s rejects are found not to be the cursed of God but the ones through whom God shows us new possibilities for abundant life. The impossible is now not only possible but plausible." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=900

The Vision of John the Baptist and the Vision of Jesus

Clay Nelson — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 03:34:06 GMT

In his Advent 2 sermon Glynn Cardy compares and contrasts John the Baptist's vision as a first century revolutionary fomenting rebellion versus Jesus' view that God's domain was here, Romans or no Romans. "John the Baptist believed that an avenging warrior messiah would come from the clouds with blade and fire to smite the Romans and establish the kingdom of God. Jesus didn’t share that belief. He didn’t believe in swords and fire and descending saviours. Rather he believed God’s domain was among us already, if only we had eyes to see. In the first century after Jesus’ death however the Church rekindled the message of John the Baptist and developed an end-time theology whereby Jesus would ‘come again’, descending in glory and power to rule the world." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=899

The Man Who Wouldn’t Be King

Clay Nelson — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:41:03 GMT

In this outstanding sermon Glynn Cardy examines how proclaiming Jesus as king is not only wrong but how power has co-opted his good news that would transform this world. "If there is one thing that every scholar agrees on about Jesus it is this: he was no king, had no pretensions to kingship, and would have been absolutely dumbfounded and dismayed by the Church’s regal elevation of him in the centuries after his death. ‘Christ the King’ is stirring stuff in Handel’s Alleluia Chorus, but it hardly fits with the gospel picture of Jesus the man who wouldn’t be king. Instead of singing “King of Kings, Lord of Lords”, it would be much more accurate to sing ‘Rebel of rebels, misfit of misfits’." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=898.

Rewriting the Past

Clay Nelson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:13:56 GMT

On the Sunday following the week the world changed with the election of Barack Obama, Clay Nelson wonders what might the relevancy of Matthew's parable of the Ten Virgins be? He suspects if Jesus had the chance to edit Matthew's Gospel he would probably toss it and write another that matched his vision and not Matthew's. "However, as happy as I am, I wish I wasn’t the preacher this morning because I’ve drawn another of Matthew’s (quote) parables (unquote) to preach on. With the world a very different place than it was last week, it is a little difficult to get excited about ten virgins worrying about a first century energy crisis while waiting for the same bridegroom. In such times, how irrelevant can the Gospel be? When was the last time anyone here lit an oil lamp? For that matter when was the last time you went to a wedding that had even one virgin? Frankly, it sounds a little like the beginning of a bad joke: 'Ten virgins walk into a bar…'" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=888.

Saints in Progress

Clay Nelson — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 03:05:59 GMT

In her All Saints' sermon Denise Kelsall proposes that the beatitudes are about the attitude adjustment required by all saints. "A long time ago I cut a pithy saying out of a newspaper. I can’t recall the exact words but the central message was that we are shaped by our attitudes. It said that we are 90% attitude and 10% talent and that people who succeed in life have an abundance of the right attitude. Talent, beauty, strength, brilliance – all take a back seat to attitude in the way our lives develop." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=453&id=889.

The Ingredients of Heaven and Happiness

Clay Nelson — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:19:06 GMT

Glynn's Pentecost 24 sermon explores the metaphor of heaven as the companion piece to his recent sermon "Hell No." "Artists over the centuries have had a grand time with heaven. Usually there are lots of white fluffy clouds, cherubic figurines in Greco-Roman garb, and a male God, aged and chubby, lounging about. As a 14 year old once remarked: 'Who’d want to live there!!?'" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=886.

A Progressive Pathway

Clay Nelson — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:41:12 GMT

Guest preacher, Barry Gosper, a member of St Matthew's and a former Salvation Army officer reflects on his journey into progressive Christianity in light of Jesus message to his synagogue, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=454&id=885.

No Shirt, No Shoes, No Salvation

Clay Nelson — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:17:07 GMT

Clay Nelson in his Pentecost 22 sermon is grumpy and cranky, just like McCain, about the church's dependence on Matthew's "parable" of the wedding banquet. He has never heard a good sermon on it and doubts this will turn the tide. "n the US many restaurants have a sign on the front door: “No shirt, no shoes, no service.” Matthew’s parable posts a similar sign on the pearly gates: “No shirt, no shoes, no salvation.” It certainly doesn’t sound heavenly to me. This parable an example of all that is wrong with religion. Because I can’t remember ever hearing a good sermon on it I went online to see if I had just been unlucky. After reading half a dozen more, I had to stop. I was having trouble controlling my gag-reflex. I wish I could assure you that this sermon will turn the tide, but I fear as I grow older I’m becoming more like McCain—grumpier and crankier about the institution I’ve devoted my life too. I see in this parable the seeds of my church’s demise." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=884.

Meltdown

Clay Nelson — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 04:06:30 GMT

Denise Kelsall in her Pentecost 21 sermon looks at the challenges of dating as a single priest. "On a personal level and as a single woman some rather hilarious experiences have happened to me since becoming a Priest. There I am looking sharp at a party and this guy and I get chatting and we laugh over common points of interest and everything is hunky-dory. Then I casually mention I am a priest and – all of a sudden he starts talking about moral issues and gets all righteous about things……….amazing! But I also realize that his perspective on Christianity is the old-school control/fear/judgement/hell stuff that our more fundamentalist brethren tend to promote. So instead of yawning next time I am going to give him or her a blast." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=453&id=883.

Hell No

Clay Nelson — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 03:56:17 GMT

Glynn Cardy takes on hell in this sermon. He argues that it is a theological idea that is the anti-Gospel. "Then there are some theological ideas and doctrines that over time prove to be plainly silly. They are examples of ancient ‘common sense’ or metaphors wrapped in God language that now in hindsight and with greater scientific knowledge make no sense. And then there are some theological ideas and doctrines that are just plainly dangerous. Like asbestos they need to carefully extricated from all teaching and preaching and destroyed. Tolerance is not an option. Hell is one such doctrine." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=880.

Blowing the Gospel

Clay Nelson — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:15:12 GMT

In his sermon for the patronal feast of St Matthew's Glynn Cardy brushes away the blow flies to take a look the church. "Like blowflies to a carcass of raw meat, religion always attracts an unsavoury element. Ideologues, legalists, and the narrow-minded swarm in turning ancient sayings, customs, and understandings into ecclesial laws and moral dictates, submerging the spiritual beneath their own needs to control and be controlled. Reformers like Jesus spend a lot of their time trying to swat them away. It is amazing that the carcass of religion survives and can be taken, cleaned, prepared, cooked, and served to feed the spiritual desires and hopes of normal people." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=879.

Until the day break and the shadows flee away

Clay Nelson — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 02:06:18 GMT

In her Pentecost 18 sermon Denise Kelsall reflects on our journey through life and need for self-reflection. "We grow up and life bites and kisses, satisfies and infuriates, challenges and stabs, and along the way we find out a bit about ourselves. Quite a lot if it is our intention to live what is called the “examined life.” We learn that not everybody is like us and that they can do mean and horrible things that hurt us, make us cry and we never want to see them again, and maybe we dream that something really awful will happen to them. Then they’ll be sorry! Good job – they had it coming we might think secretly." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=453&id=878.

One More Hypocrite...

Clay Nelson — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 01:46:53 GMT

In his Pentecost 17 sermon Clay Nelson explores Matthew's conflict resolution techniques for the church. "Scholars make a compelling case that Jesus never intended to create the church. Apparently they don’t think he was that stupid to ask for that much trouble. But just two weeks ago we heard the opposite. Matthew’s gospel tells us Jesus made Peter the cornerstone on which he would build his church. While Jesus would roll his eyes at this self-serving claim, the assertion did succeed in giving Matthew’s gospel prominence over the others in the church’s eyes. That’s why it comes first in the New Testament. This week we hear why Jesus would’ve scorned the idea of having a church. Apparently it is already in conflict. We know this because Matthew already has Jesus teaching the church conflict resolution techniques. The irony is not lost on us. An institution founded on a gospel of peace and love is rift with disagreement right from the start." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=872

Being and Becoming

Clay Nelson — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 02:15:07 GMT

In her Pentecost 16 sermon Denise Kelsall focuses on the Moses' encounter with the burning bush and reflects on how we are we always being called into becoming by the source of our being. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=453&id=868.

Upon This Flawed Rock I Will Build My Church: A tribute to Peter

Clay Nelson — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:57:02 GMT

In this sermon tries to take Peter back from the church and let us see a man of faith we can identify with. "St Peter of course was a fisherman. And I, as you would expect, bring to his stories both my respect and my reservations. I respect his endurance, his skill, his passion, and the patience of his family and friends. My reservation is that passion, talents, and the presumptions that often accompany them can lead to much good but also can harm. They can lead to an inflated self-importance and the pushing of others into obscurity. This was Peter’s shadow side, to use that Jungian phrase, and a side that the New Testament was not shy in revealing." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=869.

Journey in Aotearoa

Clay Nelson — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:31:38 GMT

St Matthew's continues its efforts at liturgical renewal with the introduction on this Sunday of it Aotearoa Liturgy. In his sermon Glynn Cardy focuses on the theology that undergirds it. Full text of the sermon and liturgy is available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=870.

Lazarus At Lambeth

Clay Nelson — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:05:06 GMT

In his Pentecost 13 sermon, Glynn Cardy reflects on the recently concluded Lambeth Conference that valued unity over the Gospel. He finds a similarity between Lazarus in the parable of the Rich Man and Bishop Gene Robinson: " Outside the gates of Lambeth sat one uninvited bishop, Gene Robinson. His election was, unlike the election of English bishops, the popular choice of the parishioners and clergy of his diocese. Unlike English bishops his election was also confirmed by his Province’s General Assembly, the majority of who were democratically elected. His crime though in the eyes of Rowan Williams was that he dared not only to publicly declare his sexual orientation but also his commitment to his same-gender partner, Mark. His diocese and General Assembly knew this. He is an honest man who is paying a big price for honesty. He was shut out of Lambeth, out of the collegiality, out of the indaba huddles, and out of the rich banquet of interchange and fellowship. In the Bible there is a story of a poor man, Lazarus, sitting, excluded, at a rich man’s gate. Bishop Robinson was the Lazarus of Lambeth." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=867

Blinded by the Bible

Clay Nelson — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:04:52 GMT

In his Pentecost 10 sermon Glynn Cardy focuses on how we read the Bible. Is it a rule book or a collection of spiritual stories that serve as a heart guide? One way can blind us, the other can lead us to abundant life. "Spiritual stories, like those contained in the Bible, are not of course written by God. They are written by pilgrims like us. Some stories endure through generations, and time and again valuably point to the presence of God. These stories come to be collectively labelled as ‘inspired’. Sometimes whole collections of stories, like the Bible, are so labelled. Yet we need to be careful about how we use the word ‘inspired’. What might be inspirational for one person might be destructive for another. Even collective wisdom can in another time and culture be collective nonsense. Worse it can become a tool for fear, and fear’s child: oppression. There is no guarantee that so-called wise words will last the test of time." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=865

Can you hear what I am saying?

Clay Nelson — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:15:35 GMT

Pentecost 9 featured guest preacher, Linda Murphy, who works as the Verger at St Matthew's and is in her first year of preparation for the permanent diaconate. Her inaugual sermon focuses on both the challenges and necessity of active listening to following a Christ-like path. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=454&id=864

Spiritual Paths

Clay Nelson — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 07:43:50 GMT

In his Pentecost 8 sermon Glynn Cardy wanders the world in search of paths to spirituality. "I like to think of spirituality as footpaths through the forest. There are a variety of footpaths one can take on the search for meaning. Some paths end in disaster. Some are unsafe. Some have unhealthy consequences. Others offer a range of beauty, adventure, and satisfaction. Not everyone has to walk the same footpath. Nor is the end point the same for all." He looks at four of the paths. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=863.

I know I am a priest, but am I a Christian?

Clay Nelson — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:33:12 GMT

In his Pentecost 7 sermon, Clay Nelson shares a blog that states that Glynn Cardy and he are not Christians. He goes on to look at what defines a Christian. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=855.

Heartening Actions and Reflections

Clay Nelson — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:23:14 GMT

In her Pentecost 6 sermon Denise Kelsall uses the story of Ishmael to explore conflict as exemplified by the seemingly hopeless Israeli-Palestinian impasse. In the face of tragedy she offers a couple of heartening examples for hope. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=453&id=852.

The Impossible Dream

Clay Nelson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:52:28 GMT

In his Pentecost 5 sermon examines why Jesus sent the disciples only to the lost sheep of Israel. He points out they were the Anawim, the powerlesss, dispossessed and impoverished, trapped in their circumstances by Roman oppression and the enforcers of purity in their faith. The are also God's remnant. Today, in the church, it is the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community who number amongst the Anawim. Clay looks at our mission to them. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=851

The Valley of the Shadow

Clay Nelson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 04:46:26 GMT

In his Pentecost 4 sermon, Glynn takes a close look at the absence of God in our lives. Yes those times exist. "The word ‘God’ is a way to construct meaning. Some would say we create God in order to have meaning. God becomes a piece of slate onto which we write our assumptions and understandings of life and the world. As the slate metaphor implies this is a fixed, static, compliant God – one who is assumed to be understanding and predictable. But then something happens. Maybe we move, or maybe God does. Or, as is often the case, trauma comes smashing into our lives extinguishing the light. The slate shatters… maybe replaced by cloud or fire or a wrestling of the soul... but not by anything we’ve known previously as God. With the shattering of the slate that God is gone." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=850

Confirmation Reflections & Remembrances

Clay Nelson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:51:30 GMT

On June 1, the Rt Revd John Paterson visited St Matthew's for confirmation. In this podcast the confirmands, Caitlin Gunasekara, Reece Davis, Patricia Gosper and Barry Gosper share why they are seeking to be confirmed and Bishop John and Glynn remember their confirmations.

A Sneaky Outside Hope

Clay Nelson — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 01:38:30 GMT

In her Pentecost 2 sermon Denise Kelsall takes on globalisation, greed and injustice and offers some anti-dotes to worry and anxiety.

Fluid Not Fixed

Clay Nelson — Sat, 24 May 2008 01:20:32 GMT

In his Trinity Sunday challenges both ancient and modern understandings of the Trinity which he begins by suggesting that "in any literal sense depicting God as a trinity is nonsense." His primary concern is that any attempt to put God in a trinitarian box is like putting God into cement filled gumboots. We need a more fluid understanding of God that moves like a dance challenging our faith. Read full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=840

A New Hat for Pentecost

Clay Nelson — Mon, 12 May 2008 07:31:50 GMT

The progressive movement would like to rebrand Pentecost Sunday as Pluralism Sunday. While a worthy goal, the church will never participate. If it is going to happen it is up to us. "Luke’s story is just as unseemly. His is a story of chaos and disorder. God is running amok. Boundaries are crossed. Taboos are broken. The young’s visions and their elders’ dreams are being voiced in confrontational language to the established order. The old order is slipping through the fingers of power faster the harder they cling to it. The unpredictable new is in the ascendancy." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=838.

The Liturgy of Protest

Clay Nelson — Mon, 12 May 2008 06:06:05 GMT

In support of an act of civil disobedience by ANZAC Ploughshares protesting New Zealand's support of the US War on Terror and the war in Iraq by puncturing a balloon covering intelligence-gathering equipment at Waihopai in the South Island, Glynn speaks to the importance of Christians walking their faith. "Ploughshares differ from other types of protest in that they are liturgies, intentionally sacramental. A sacrament is a ‘window into God’. It is an action that helps us see into the nature and meaning of the Divine. The pouring of blood [sometimes the protesters own blood], the hammering of weapons of war into implements of peace, the use of sickles… all these are symbolic theatrical acts that point to a God who loves all, who desires peace, and who is prepared to confront the powers that be to achieve it. The God of this liturgy is not a couch potato but an activist intent on change." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=835.

Can God Be Disguised As A Prostitute?

Clay Nelson — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:09:42 GMT

Does God break the rules? Glynn Cardy in his look at Tamar's seduction of Judah, suggests the answer is, "All the time!" When was the last time you heard a sermon on Tamar, who disguised herself as a prostitute to make sure her father-in-law carried out his responsibilities? "The story of Tamar [Genesis 38] is about rights, responsibilities, oppression, and God. The context is patriarchy, maybe as early as 10th century BCE. Men rule. Women serve, and are breeders. If you don’t serve and you don’t breed your worth is minimal. So on one level the story is not about Tamar at all, but about the patriarch Judah and Tamar’s male offspring." Read full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=834

The Way of the Samaritan

Clay Nelson — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 01:05:52 GMT

Because of anti-immigrant sentiments expressed by New Zealand politician, Peter Brown, Glynn chose to use the Good Samaritan as his text for this Easter 4 sermon. It is a strong prophetic sermon calling people everywhere to confront their fears of the stranger. "Peter Brown, the Deputy Leader of NZ First, articulated ‘anti-Samaritan’ sentiment last week when he warned of the “real danger we will be inundated with people who have no intention of integrating into our own society. They will form mini-societies… that will lead to division, friction and resentment.” This is the politics of suspicion and fear. It persists through every age and nation like a virus that won’t go away. Ironically it foments the division, friction, and resentment Brown and his ilk allegedly want to avoid. Fear is the motivation that justifies the powerful pushing the racially, and often economically, less powerful into prescribed roles and functions. Prejudice and racism are the gates that keep them there." Read full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=833.

Where is Emmaus Anyway?

Clay Nelson — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 19:23:59 GMT

In his Easter 3 sermon Clay looked behind Luke's story of the Road to Emmaus to examine the character of Jesus. What he finds is empathy which he argues is at core of our faith. He draws from the US Democratic primary and a speech by Barach Obama to share a modern version of Luke's story. "While the story is just that, a story, I believe it reflects the collective memory of Jesus’ followers about Jesus himself. It reflects a core truth about the character of Jesus, even if the words he uses are not his but those of the early church. What is at his core based on this story? Jesus listens actively. Listening is a caring response. He is not defensive in his response to these disciples who still don’t understand. Nor is he coercive by arguing for who he is, subtly or overtly. Instead he draws out of them what they already know, respecting their autonomy and capacity. And lastly, he does not pull rank. He is non-authoritarian. He does not make them sit down to eat with him; he patiently waits to be invited to join them at their meal. When they finally discover for themselves how to leave the hopeless road they have been travelling, he gets out of their way." Full text is at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=826

Where is Emmaus Anyway?

Clay Nelson — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 07:48:26 GMT

In his Easter 3 sermon Clay looks at the character of Jesus as revealed in Luke's story of the Road to Emmaus. The essential quality to his character is empathy. Clay suggests that empathy is at the core of what it means to be a Christian and uses a story by Barach Obama in his speech "A More Perfect Union" to demonstrate that Emmaus is anywhere empathy can be found. "While the story is just that, a story, I believe it reflects the collective memory of Jesus’ followers about Jesus himself. It reflects a core truth about the character of Jesus, even if the words he uses are not his but those of the early church. What is at his core based on this story? Jesus listens actively. Listening is a caring response. He is not defensive in his response to these disciples who still don’t understand. Nor is he coercive by arguing for who he is, subtly or overtly. Instead he draws out of them what they already know, respecting their autonomy and capacity. And lastly, he does not pull rank. He is non-authoritarian. He does not make them sit down to eat with him; he patiently waits to be invited to join them at their meal. When they finally discover for themselves how to leave the hopeless road they have been travelling, he gets out of their way." Full text of his remarks at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=826.

The Truth of Easter

Clay Nelson — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:57:36 GMT

Glynn focuses on the story of the resurrection as a container that contains a mystical truth, but sadly we confuse the container with the truth that we have all experienced. "Once someone approached a disciple of the Muslim mystic Naqshband said, “Tell me why your Master conceals his miracles. I have personally collected data that shows beyond doubt that he has healed and helped people by the power of his prayers. Why does he conceal this?” 'I know exactly what you are talking about,” said the disciple, “for I have observed these things myself. And I think I can give you the answer. First, the Master recoils from being the centre of attention. And secondly, he is convinced that once people develop an interest in the miraculous, they have no desire to learn anything of spiritual value.' " Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=824.

The Concrete Cracks

Clay Nelson — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 08:25:55 GMT

Glynn reflects on his days laying concrete and its apparent permanence until the cracks show and then the flowers growing through them. "Flowers are fragile, to be handled with tenderness and care. Unlike concrete you don’t have to be physically strong to hold a flower. Although, sometimes, the strength to be different is needed. Flowers are visually and fragrantly beautiful. They are often riotous in their colour and gaiety. Concrete doesn’t do beautiful. It doesn’t do riots, colour, or gay either." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=823

Season of the Shadow

Clay Nelson — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 20:17:17 GMT

What is it about the cross that redeems the darkness of violence in our lives? Clay questions that it is the traditional explanations the church has offered. "Someone who studied physics recently told me darkness doesn’t really exist. Darkness is simply the absence of light. An interesting notion as darkness seems so very real. We resist the notion because darkness gives evil a place to reside. It is a place of fear from our earliest childhood memories and why parents invest in cute little nightlights for the nursery. As young children it is the place of 'ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night.' " Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=821.

Feet

Clay Nelson — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 19:20:44 GMT

In her Maundy Thursday meditation Denise focuses on just how radical Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet was. She wonders if we get it. "I look at the long history of the church and the societies we have built and wonder how different we really are. Have we learned or really understood? Do we live this understanding?" See full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=453&id=820.

Hell Week

Clay Nelson — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 23:14:16 GMT

In his Palm Sunday sermon Clay begins with Jesus' reflection on his last week. He turns to looking at the three threads that run through scripture of bondage, exile and guilt that Jesus shows us how to deal with by his life and example. "I understand that the institution that has based its legitimacy and power more on my suffering and death than my life and ministry calls my last days Holy Week. I think of it more as Hell Week." See full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=819

Dem Dry Bones

Clay Nelson — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:04:13 GMT

Denise Kelsall, the singing curate, begins with a rousing chorus of "O Dem dry bones" to lead into an exploration of resurrection as being hope and liberation as seen in the metaphor of the unbinding of Lazarus. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=453&id=818

The Heart of a Leader

Clay Nelson — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:38:26 GMT

In his Lent 4 sermon Glynn looks at Samuel's anointing of David over his brothers to be Saul's successors and remarks on how timely a 2500 year old passage of scripture can still be today. He goes on to explore what is leadership we can believe in. "1 Samuel 16:7: “But Yahweh [God] said to Samuel, “Do not look on one’s appearance or on the height of one’s stature… for I do not see as mortals see. They look on the outward appearance, but I look on the heart.” "It’s a great verse for the ugly, fat, and impotent! Power and looks are something that we are all meant to aspire to and never quite be satisfied with. Wouldn’t it be great if Hollywood chose its stars on the state of their hearts? "The context of the verse though is leadership – it is part of the ‘Rise of King David’ legend. " Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=817.

Haunted by Waters

Clay Nelson — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 05:14:57 GMT

On Lent 3, Larry Rasmussen, the Reinhold Niebuhr Professor of Ethics Emeritus from Union Theological Seminary, used the imagery of water to speak of wilderness and journey on our fragile ark, earth.

Fasting In Lent

Clay Nelson — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 22:21:53 GMT

In his sermon on Lent 2 Glynn explores the history, challenges, and benefits of self-constraint. "Anglicans generally don’t favour self-denial. We have preferred a theology that affirms the good things in life and our participation in them. Instead of abstinence Anglicans have prepared for Easter by trying to be generous towards others. This Lent, for example, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York encouraged their followers to “help to make our communities, local or global, clean and secure places of generosity.” Yet at its best the ancient admonition to fast for Lent invites Christians to question what we need and why. There is a deep truth that the more we depend on possessions the greater the danger that we will worship them." See full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=805

Light A Candle: a new liturgy for Lent

Clay Nelson — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:03:15 GMT

On this First Sunday of Lent St Matthew-in-the-City inaugurated a new liturgy fundamentally different from traditional liturgy. Glynn's sermon explains its radical nature and why it is time for a change. "There are some major differences between this liturgy and what you may have experienced in the past. Primarily this liturgy seeks commitment from you. It asks us to metaphorically ‘light a candle of hope’. It challenges us to do something – to act, to change – to plan, petition and protest - to dream, pray and work together to build a world of peace and justice for all. Most church liturgies involve praising God, asking forgiveness for our sins, creedal recitation, remembrance of the salvific actions of Jesus, and a petite post-Communion mention of service to others. These liturgies are lightweight in demanding too much of us. This new liturgy begins by acknowledging the reality of suffering and the belief that we can make a difference. God is pictured not as a benevolent supreme being who is hamstrung by our freewill, but as the sparks that ignite our commitment to making a difference." To view entire text and download the liturgy go to http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=447&id=804

An Oxymoron Sunday

Clay Nelson — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:31:02 GMT

In his Epiphany 3 sermon Clay Nelson focuses in on the oxymoron of "Christian Unity." He doesn't have much fire in his belly for the Ecumencial Movement but the issue of what is unity catches his interest because of what is happening in American politics and the Anglican Communion. He argues with the notion the unity means conformity. "Some words just shouldn’t be put together in the same sentence. We call them an oxymoron. All the same I get a kick out of them and so does anyone who enjoys irony. Some of my favourites are “military intelligence,” “compassionate conservative,” “civil servant,” and “religious tolerance.” This Sunday is dedicated to one of the best of all oxymorons, “Christian Unity.” This year is the 100th anniversary of praying for Christian Unity. In 1908 an Anglican priest and nun in a Franciscan order in a small New York town set aside the 8 days between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul to pray for Christian Unity. Unfortunately for their movement they later converted to Catholicism and the Protestants were no longer interested." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=448&id=802

Wonder Lost

Clay Nelson — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:41:07 GMT

This Christmas Clay wonders about the wonder of Christmas. Can we overcome our familiarity with the story and our memories of Christmas past to hear the story as if for the first time. "There is only one time a year that I miss the King James Bible. Somehow the Christmas story only sounds right in 16th century Elizabethan English (the way God said it). When I hear it I know where I am and what day it is. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.”" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=799.

The Real Star of Christmas

Clay Nelson — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 08:22:46 GMT

Glynn begins his Christmas sermon with a story about two rough sleepers he awakes one morning while opening the church who tell him they are following a star. "I asked the two travellers a little more about the star and the direction it was pointing in. They told me: ‘Stars don’t point’. They also told me, with an eye of suspicion, that it was their star and I needed to find my own. The conversation ended shortly afterwards. But the point was taken. I, we, need to find our own star, our own guide, into the mystery of the night." Full text at I asked the two travellers a little more about the star and the direction it was pointing in. They told me: ‘Stars don’t point’. They also told me, with an eye of suspicion, that it was their star and I needed to find my own. The conversation ended shortly afterwards. But the point was taken. I, we, need to find our own star, our own guide, into the mystery of the night.. Full text at I asked the two travellers a little more about the star and the direction it was pointing in. They told me: ‘Stars don’t point’. They also told me, with an eye of suspicion, that it was their star and I needed to find my own. The conversation ended shortly afterwards. But the point was taken. I, we, need to find our own star, our own guide, into the mystery of the night. Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=798.

Shovelling Muck: A Christmas Tale

Clay Nelson — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 07:56:27 GMT

In his Advent 4 sermon the day before Christmas Eve Clay Nelson focuses on the messiness of life and finding the divine in the muck. Just as Joseph was Matthew's literary device, Clay looks at Joseph's situation as a righteous person in an unrighteous situation and how he might have come to a compassionate choice. Clay's Joseph is informed by three wise men from the east: Confucius, Mahavira and Gotama and one from the west, Socrates. "Being older he may have been pleased to be betrothed to a young woman. He may have felt it was a dream come true. Being righteous he must have felt his Christmas present was ripped from him just after being unwrapped when she turned out to be pregnant, and not by him. As a righteous man he was obliged to decline the gift. Otherwise he would have been unclean by association. It would have been unthinkable for a faithful person to do otherwise, but apparently not for God. In the first of several difficult dreams an angel explained that he should not reject Mary. Her situation was due to the Holy Spirit having conceived a child in her. When he awoke he must have sounded a little like a Tui beer ad – “Yeah, right. If I had a shekel for every time I heard that one.”" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=797

Advent Hope

Clay Nelson — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:59:38 GMT

Glynn Cardy in Advent 2 sermon looks for hope in a broken world. "The hymns and readings of Advent speak of destruction, pain, and the hope of a divine rescuer swooping in from somewhere above the clouds. This rescuer will sort out the good from the bad, the “wheat from the chaff”, rewarding the former and barbequing the latter. The super saviour has long been the hope of communities weighed down and oppressed by savage governments and their policies. While destruction, pain, and oppression are unfortunately a part of our global reality, a spaceman saviour is not. " Read full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=791.

Pregnant and Left Behind

Clay Nelson — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:05:11 GMT

In her first sermon as priest, Denise Kelsall, fearlessly takes on Matthew, Isaiah, Yahweh as a war god, the rapture, American foreign policy, apocalyptic literature and offers a softer view of Advent as we wait pregnant with the Christ within. "In spite of the popularity of the “Left Behind” series of books, most of the Americans I have met are rational and reasonably aware, pretty much like you and me. Live and let live you could say. Often they are people I like to talk and eat and share ideas with. I even work with a couple. However, it appears that the views carried in these books may encourage or perhaps have emerged alongside misguided conservative policies. Bernard Shaw said; “A nation armed for war can no more help going to war than a chicken can help laying an egg.” If he is right, then America, an avowedly Christian nation, with all its massive military might is a nation predicated on war, further legitimised by this lethal and aggressive fundamentalism. This might help to explain why the powerful, in that potentially and sometimes magnificent country, continue on what is seen by much of the world as a course of intimidation, violence and domination." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=328&id=788.

Rope Weaving

Clay Nelson — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 04:35:40 GMT

This was a Sunday that Clay's sermon needed to weave a variety of events and themes into a single sermon: the end of the church year, Aotearoa (New Zealand) Sunday and the ordination of our curate, Denise Kelsall, as priest. What keeps us from ending up in the middle of nowhere on our individual and corporate journeys? Where do we find our power to reach our goal? A glossary for those who live outside New Zealand: Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand with means "land of the long white cloud." Te Taura Tangata means plaited rope of the land. It is a reference to the people of the land who make the land. Pakeha refers to New Zealanders of European descent. Tikanga means stream. There are three interdependent streams running throught the Anglican Church in this land, Pakeha, Maori and Pacific Islander. Maui, a forbear of the Maori who according to myth fished New Zealand up from the sea. Kupe, one of his descendants who discovered it while chasing an octopus. Wheke is the octopus.

What Christians can learn from Islam

Clay Nelson — Sat, 24 Nov 2007 06:19:48 GMT

The Revd Bruce Keeley, Co-Chair of the Christian-Muslim Interfaith Council and Co-Vicar of All Saints, Howick spoke on the common ground Christians and Muslims share and the challenges they face. Full text available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=377&id=784

Ignoring Jesus

Clay Nelson — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 20:52:14 GMT

In his Pentecost 24 sermon challenges us to sometimes ignore Jesus. Sometimes Jesus was wrong. "If we don’t believe what Jesus and/or his editors believed does that make us non-Christians or heretics? When it comes to Jesus are some of his beliefs optional for us? Did he get it wrong about some things? Are there central beliefs of his that every Christian should hold to, and peripheral beliefs that can be ignored?" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=782.

The Problem with Saints

Clay Nelson — Sun, 04 Nov 2007 22:48:43 GMT

On All Saints' Sunday Clay Nelson focused on the challenge of understanding the idea of saints when the idea of an external personal God in heaven no longer makes sense. He concludes with a position description for saints that could make sense to progressive Christians. "Ultimately my problem with saints is that they perpetuate the idea that the church is a club. The concept of sainthood feeds our inclination to be exclusive. Who are named saints says a lot about who is a member. I might change my mind if Gene Robinson is ever given a feast day in our lectionary, but until that day I will maintain my position that venerating people as saints is divisive." Read entire text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=781

The Long Road to Justice

Clay Nelson — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:15:50 GMT

In his Pentecost 22 sermon, Glynn Cardy speaks eloquently regarding the struggle for justice and St Matthew's commitment in particular for human rights of gays and lesbians. " In the end, I believe, it comes down to us making a choice. We can choose to follow a God who wants us to conform to one particular way of being human, as defined by heterosexual norms. This God stands opposed to the direction of Western democracies as they seek to acknowledge the human rights of all their citizens. There are a number of biblical passages and preachers that will endorse this choice. Or we can choose to follow a God who in the name of love breaks through the barriers of prejudice and leads us on the road to justice. There are a number of biblical passages and preachers that will endorse this choice too." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=779

A Right Pain In the Neck: The Widow and Judge

Clay Nelson — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 19:06:50 GMT

In his Pentecost 21 sermon on the the widow and the judge, Glynn Cardy examines how justice is rooted in understanding our connection to one another. When one suffers, we all suffer. "It’s a familiar story. Poverty is not just something that happened in the first century, in Palestine. It is something that happens in every century and in every place. It happens because we don’t feel intimately connected with each other. If our left arm was freezing or malnourished we would do something about it. We would do something about it because our whole body would be affected by the state of our arm. We don’t care for those who are cold and hungry because we see them as separate from us, needing to stand on their own two feet. We don’t see our physical and spiritual health stitched together with that of the whole community." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=773.

Nine to One Odds

Clay Nelson — Sun, 14 Oct 2007 21:08:05 GMT

In his Pentecost 20 sermon explores through Luke's story of curing the ten lepers issues surrounding the challenge of how to respond to being a stranger in a strange land. Do we attack or adapt, separate or embrace? Our response may not be clear or always the same. "Back in 1961 a book entitled Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein became a cult classic overnight. It was controversial because of its challenge to the standard mores of the day particularly regarding sexuality and gender. Today it hardly raises an eyebrow. But that wasn’t why it took hold of my generation and has never been out of publication since. Its popularity is due primarily to identification with being a stranger in a strange land. It wasn’t until much later when studying the Bible I learned that Heinlein had nicked the title from Abraham, although at the time I wasn’t sure if it wasn’t the other way around. Kiwis with their fondness for having an Overseas Experience are quite familiar with the feeling, but even those who have not had an OE know the experience of feeling out of place in their own land. I felt it in the US after 9/11 when most of my fellow Americans seemed to think Osama attacked our country when in truth he attacked all of humanity. It is often forgotten that people from around the world died that day and the world grieved with us. When Bush ignored this to justify a pre-emptive, immoral war and then was re-elected, I never felt more alone in an alien land." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=768.

Questions & Answers to Bishop Spong's address Jesus the God Experience

Clay Nelson — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 04:42:56 GMT

Bishop Spong takes on questions from the Crucifixion to the Second Coming to the Gospel of John.

Bishop Spong speaks on Jesus the God Experience

Clay Nelson — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 02:47:30 GMT

In his final talk at St Matthew's Conference for Progressive Christianity articulates passionately and movingly the divinity he finds in Jesus' humanity.

Beyond the Club

Clay Nelson — Sun, 07 Oct 2007 20:39:12 GMT

On the Sunday nearest the Feast of St Francis, critters were Glynn Cardy's opening into a sermon. Using A. Lobel's children's story "The Grasshopper on the Road," Glynn explores the parable of the mustardseed as a story about the inclusive nature of the kingdom of God and the club nature of the church. "Every community places boundaries around itself. It creates a sense of identity and belonging. It delineates between insiders and outsiders. Even the most inclusive community in the world has boundaries. The art of inclusion though is to recognize that your community does not have a monopoly on truth, love, God, beauty, and knowledge, and neither does any other community; and to keep the boundaries you have as porous as possible so that the challenge and love of God may freely flow through." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=765

Questions & Answers to Bishop Spong's address Jesus the Jew

Clay Nelson — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:26:21 GMT

Bishop Spong answers wide ranging questions after his address on Jesus the Jew.

Bishop Spong speaks on Jesus the Jew

Clay Nelson — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 08:17:39 GMT

In his second talk at St Matthew-in-the-City's Conference for Progressive Religion Bishop Spong demonstrates that the Gospels were written from the Jewish perspective with Matthew viewing Jesus the Jew as the new Moses and Luke showing him as the new Elijah and Elisha.

Questions & Answers to Bishop Spong's address Jesus the Man

Clay Nelson — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 09:40:28 GMT

Following Bishop's Spong's address on Jesus the Man were a wide ranging set of questions to which he offered insightful answers.

Bishop Spong speaks on Jesus the Man

Clay Nelson — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 08:52:59 GMT

After a welcome to the Conference for Progressive Christianity by Glynn Cardy and an introduction by Clay Nelson, Bishop Spong gives his first of three talks on Rescuing Jesus from the Church. In his first address he looks at Jesus the man. He begins by establishing that he was historical person and not a myth, although myth has been imposed upon him.

Spong preaches on "The 17 Most Boring Verses in the Bible"

Clay Nelson — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 02:39:06 GMT

On its patronal feast, Bishop John Shelby Spong uses the first 17 verses of Matthew's Gospel to preach to St Matthew-in-the-City about a very human Jesus as revealed in his scandalous family tree. No text is available.

Bishop Spong takes on the Bible

Clay Nelson — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 08:22:38 GMT

After a welcome by Glynn Cardy and an introduction by a former priest in his diocese, Clay Nelson, Bishop Spong takes to his topic with humour, passion, and a lifetime of scholarship. While holding a deep love of scripture he challenges the church's label that it is "The Word of God."

Scumbags for Jesus

Clay Nelson — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 03:23:17 GMT

In his Pentecost 17 sermon on Luke's parable of the Unjust Steward Clay Nelson explores how such a deplorable parable calling us to be like a scumbag ever made it into Scripture. "Haidt argues that because of evolution and our social nature we each contain two moral systems within us. In evolutionary time, one developed before humans had language and one after. Simplifying greatly his arguments, the one before language is our gut response, controlled by our primitive brain. The second system that required language was moral judgement. In our day-to-day lives we have gut responses immediately and then the second moral system kicks in to offer a plausible rationalization for why we feel that way. His scientific way of trying to differentiate the two systems was to probe the emotion of disgust. He would propose situations that caused a reaction of disgust in his subjects. He was looking for situations that his subjects knew were wrong, but couldn’t say why. He calls it moral dumbfounding." Read entire text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=764.

O Sinner God Where Ya Goin' Run To

Clay Nelson — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 20:27:47 GMT

In his Pentecost 16 sermon on the Lost Coin and the Lost Sheep, Glynn Cardy asks who is to repent, certainly not a coin or a sheep? These stories tell us more about God and who she is drawn to and it isn't the respectable people in church listening to them. "The missing sheep and coin haven’t sat down and thought how bad they are, or how they miss the other sheep and coins, or even how they could possibly have got lost. Rather these stories are of an unlikely God seeking them out, finding them, cherishing them, and reconnecting them to the whole community. The strays aren’t asked to change their ways or confess their wrongdoings." Read entire text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=763.

The Potter and the Clay

Clay Nelson — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 02:08:38 GMT

In his Pentecost 15 sermon, the Rev Dr Philip Culbertson, lecturer in Pastoral Theology at Auckland University School of Theology, explored the relationship between the potter and the clay. He offers a view that the clay is less submissive and pliable and uninvolved in the creative process than is suggested by Jeremiah and favorite old time hymns. The clay has a say. "I suspect that the potter metaphor wouldn’t be quite so popular in the Bible if you and I hadn’t started off as Dirt. That’s what the word Adam means: Dirt. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all three tell the traditional story that we human beings started out as dirt, or dust, and God spit into us, making us into clay, and then moulded us as male and female. It’s only a short leap from God’s moulding us out of dirt and spittle, to a potter at the potter’s wheel, shaping a lump of clay. But a potter can’t make just anything out of clay; the potter can only make what the clay allows. As Biblical scholar John Bright points out, “The quality of the clay determines what the potter can do with it, so the quality of a people determines what God will do with them.”[3] Who we are as individuals, and communities, depends both on God’s intention, and the raw material God has to work with. " See complete text at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=377&id=762.

Dying Laughing

Clay Nelson — Sun, 02 Sep 2007 22:37:25 GMT

This Pentecost 13 sermon by Clay Nelson is preceded by a reading of Luke 14:1-14 by a parishioner, Love Chile. The sermon requires recent familiarity with the passage as it retells the story of the man cured of dropsy outside a dinner party as a joke. "I first learned about our national obsession with humility while still in the States reading up on my soon to be adopted country. Like Jesus, we consider it bad manners to exaggerate our own importance. From far away it seemed quite charming. Certainly it was egalitarian. It wasn’t until I got here that I understood that humility wasn’t a self-imposed Kiwi discipline. Anyone getting too full of themselves can expect a joke at their expense to cut them down to size. An example of Kiwi humour would be the farmer who when his donkey died called his local councilman, who told him he would have to bury it himself. He said, “Oh, I know that, I’m calling to offer my condolences to his relatives.”" Read entire text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=752.

Holiness is Out and About

Clay Nelson — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 03:05:33 GMT

In his Pentecost 12 sermon Glynn tackles the issue of what is holy and where do you find it? "What is holy? How do we know it to be holy? Are some places, words, actions and thoughts always sacred? Like most of us, I call it as I feel it. I can walk into a church and feel nothing holy. It’s just a big barn with a bunch of chairs. I can also walk into a barn and feel something holy. An arena of hay, animals, and dung was and can still be the nativity scene. The ordinary can be extraordinary." Full text at www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=751.

Five Smooth Stones

Clay Nelson — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 01:21:12 GMT

In his Pentecost 11 sermon Glynn Cardy looks at the five smooth stones David took with him to slay Goliath. He names them as wisdom, courage, imagination, gratitude and compassion. "There is little actual, factual history in the account of David and Goliath. David and his band of terrorists after many years of sniping from the wilderness eventually overthrew the king of Israel, Saul, and installed David as the new monarch. They then set about justifying this seizure of power by rewriting both religious and secular history. Those histories found in our Bible tell us that David was attractive to women, men, and religious alike. He was strong, brave, musical, artistic, and, of course, chosen by God. They are 10th century BCE spin doctoring." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=749

Chasing Wind

Clay Nelson — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 01:25:07 GMT

In his Pentecost 10 sermon Clay follows up on Chicken and Barley Soup by asking how do we know the divine we seek in prayer? "It’s a challenge because we don’t have a picture of the divine. But that has not stopped human ingenuity from trying to create one that we can wrap our limited minds around. We do it by separating the world into sacred and profane: Things or people that are of the divine and things or people that are not. That sounds easy enough on the face of it: Mother Theresa sacred, Paris Hilton not; the parish church sacred, the local casino profane. We consider knowing what is sacred a little like distinguishing art from pornography? We know it when we see it." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=748

Chicken and Barley Soup

Clay Nelson — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:03:59 GMT

In his Pentecost 9 sermon Clay challenges the conventional views of prayer as being more about magic than faith. "So contrary to what I think is common belief, prayer is not about being consoled or finding relief from life’s difficulties for others or ourselves. Prayer doesn’t give us security and assurance. It is not a tool for climbing the ladder of success or escaping life’s trials and tribulations by appeasing God. It is not about having our heart’s desire answered, no matter how selfless and well meaning. If prayer was about answers every little girl in New Zealand would have a pony and every little boy would become an All Black and every grown-up would win the lotto. If prayer was magic, hospitals would be empty, undertakers would be unemployed, and relief workers would have no hungry to feed or refugees to house." View full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=747.

The Power of the Devil

Clay Nelson — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 01:37:06 GMT

Glynn devotes his Pentecost 8 sermon to the questions of devils. Horny guys with pitchforks he questions, but he does acknowledge the reality of the demonic. "I can understand the power and seemingly tangible presence of evil. I can also understand why some have moulded their feelings about evil into a supernatural being. But in any literal or ontological sense the Devil doesn’t exist. When we read that Mary Magdalene, whom we celebrate today, was afflicted by demons we need to understand them as code for things and circumstances that restrict our spirit’s freedom. Such ‘demons’ might have been abusive men, societal sexism, or religious intolerance. The important thing is that Mary emerged from her past as a powerful woman and one of pre-eminent apostles of the early Church. " Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=744

God is irrational, and wants us to be the same

Clay Nelson — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:50:24 GMT

Joan Chittister, OSB, former prioress of the St Benedictine convent in Erie, Pa; internationally celebrated author and speaker on spirituality, and strong advocate for women and peace, used the three lessons to challenge us to be transfigured into people of love working for compassion, peace and justice in the world. Video of this sermon is available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/news.php?nid=105&sid=88.

Joan Chittister visits St Matthew's, Questions & Answers

Clay Nelson — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 04:58:50 GMT

Following the service where she preached, Joan Chittister, took questions from the congregation. Video of of this session is available at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/news.php?nid=105&sid=88

Winter Soup

Clay Nelson — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 02:41:28 GMT

In this sermon Glynn how the authoritative God represented by the Trinity and defended vigorously by the church, or at least its ordained members, is dying, while for him a God of hospitality grows in importance and substance. Bishop J.A.T. Robinson once talked about faith having a firm centre and open edges. The debate that rages across the Anglican world, and even infiltrates my computer, is what constitutes the centre. Some want to put sexuality, morals, and the Bible there. Maybe it comes with age, but I find that what I want to affirm in the centre is getting less and less. Yet the less and less I am affirming is becoming more and more important, and I more and more strident. Simply, God is in the centre. Not the full-blown Christian creedal and dogmatic package, but just one word: hospitality. Hospitality summarizes the life of Jesus. It is generous, boundary-breaking, transformative love." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=738

Land of Lakes Choir Boys @ St Matthew's

Clay Nelson — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 02:51:01 GMT

This pocast is a sample of music sungy by the Land of Lakes Choir Boys from Minnesota, USA who sang at the July 1 service. The choir, lauded as one of the best boys’ choirs in the world is directed by New Zealander Frances Stockwell, who has worked with the Vienna Boys’ Choir. Winner of the 2004 International Trebby Award for “Best Boys’ Choir Album” with its CD “Steal Away” and winner of the 2006 Cruise Festival Overall Grand Championship Award, critics marvel at the choir’s hauntingly beautiful sound, a unique combination of richness, clarity, depth and power. http://www.lolcb.org/home.shtml

Shock and Awe

Clay Nelson — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 02:20:11 GMT

In his Pentecost 5 sermon Clay attempts to show you Jesus before the Trinity made him a tribal God. His premise is that theism deprives us of the abundant life Jesus sought to offer us. "While it is my deepest desire to show you Jesus, it is an impossible task in one sermon. To do so, I first have to scrape away countless coats of ecclesiastical dogmatic varnish concealing him. Ah, what I wouldn’t give to have the luxury of introducing you to Jesus before he was welded permanently to that fourth century understanding of the Godhead we call the Trinity. Is it still possible to see him as a man who revealed the nature of God instead of being God, disguised as a man, on a heavenly rescue mission? Is the image of God dying on a cross to atone for our sinful and weak nature too ingrained to show you the Jesus I know?" Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=737

The Rattle of Chains

Clay Nelson — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 06:11:39 GMT

In his Pentecost 4 sermon on the Gerasene Demoniac Glynn fronts up for the pigs. Yes, they are consumers but they too seek to be free. "The saga of the Gerasene demoniac is far removed from the quick-fix, individualized Benny Hinn miracle cure that enables the supposedly insane to re-enter the ranks of supposedly sane society. Instead this is a symbolic story about being consumed, being colonized, not only in your land but also in your mind and theology. The demoniac is symbolically both a prisoner and mentally ill, externally and internally fettered. The exorcism, the duel with demons so beloved of Hollywood scriptwriters, is about a struggle for the heartland. " Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=736.

To Forgive is Human

Clay Nelson — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 04:04:52 GMT

In his Pentecost 3 sermon Clay takes on how we get forgiveness, challenging the church's notion that Jesus death on the cross had anything to do with it. Neither does God. God doesn't forgive us. Listen as to why. "This understanding reduces the crucifixion to an accountant’s ledger. The balance sheet of our souls is out of whack. Our debts have to be reconciled. We couldn’t do it, so God made payment in full with Jesus’ life. Considering their context it was a reasonable leap for those first Christians to make. Yet, I can’t help thinking it’s too bad they didn’t have Luke’s story of Simon and the woman of ill repute to reflect on. We might have been spared two millennia of blood sacrifice and Christian imposed guilt." Read full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=327&id=735,

Barnabas

Clay Nelson — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 04:09:49 GMT

In his sermon on Barnabas, Glynn explores the differences between Paul and Barnabas. "There is a different way to think of fire though. An old friend of mine, married for 60 years, one day spoke to me about love. He said, “Glynn, too many people mistake the blaze of the kindling, the passionate bright fire, for something more than it is. Of course the powerful heat is in the embers.” Barnabas was an ember sort of guy – reliable, quietly powerful. Paul was driven. Barnabas drove himself. The incident in chapter 9 introduces this Barnabas. Daring to differ from all the wise ecclesiastical celebrities he risks his reputation in supporting Paul. Barnabas goes out on a limb for someone who is a worry to everyone else. He recognised Paul’s potential, but there was no guarantee it could be utilised." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=733

High Up And Almost Hidden

Clay Nelson — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 04:42:48 GMT

In his Trinity Sunday sermon Glynn Cardy reflects on the carving of three hares high in the ceiling of old English country church and what it might have to say about God in light of the Trinity. "The medieval nave was dark and wooden, inviting mystery and intrigue. Sitting down I lazily leant my head back and searched the ceiling. Vaulted wooden beams rose above me, the rib cage of the ancestors, the crafting of a former age. The intersection of interior timber is called a boss and can be augmented with a particular design or motif. High up and almost hidden from view, I found what I was looking for: the Three Hares. Three hares in a circle. Three ears cleverly arrayed so that each hare looks like it has two. Three entities individually incomplete but finding their completeness in each other. The hares are a holy symbol, found in holy places, like on the Dart Moor." Full text at http://www.stmatthews.org.nz/nav.php?sid=322&id=732.