Tina unpacks the the real meaning of 'Peace' this Advent by walking us through the concept of 'Shalom' - A deep sense of real peace as revealed in the Bible, and found in Christ's birth, His life, death and resurrection. Tina provides intentional ways for us to practice 'Shalom' this Christmas and throughout the holiday season.

The Bible Project video that is mentioned in this sermon can be found here: https://youtu.be/oLYORLZOaZE?si=WnTbIcP3VU4y8jdu

Sean opens up a discussion on the gender of God. He looks at passages of Scripture that describe God in feminine terms and explores the limitations of language when we contemplate the enormity, as well as the personal nature, of our loving Creator.

Robin shares, with realness, how the thought of memorising scripture can seem daunting. However, the rewards are life-giving. That is, we can rest in God's promises by tucking His word within our hearts, knowing our need for it, for Him.

Robin encourages us to look Page 59 from ‘The Scripture Practice’ workbook for some 'how tos' of memorising scripture: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cb1P0bD1KPuW0VA7BO6u-6HtkL4qYx8A/view

Tony shares on why the study of Scripture is so important as followers of Jesus. He unpacks 2 Timothy 3:16 and the role Scripture plays in forming our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. He invites us to tread carefully as we come to these ancient writings, from a different culture, told through numerous authors to numerous people groups, but also to expect to find our study of Scripture life-giving, as we discover that 'what God says is good, is actually good for us.'

[Please note that the intro of Tony's message was cut off due to technical difficulties.]

The Scripture Practice exercises for 'Study':

• First, choose a passage or theme of Scripture...
• Study it in a thoughtful, loving, and prayerful way.
• Start your own library.

As you study, here are a few tips:

• Study with your whole heart, not just your left brain.
• Take notes. Write down what you learn.
• Share what you learn with someone else.

More details on these exercises are found on page 71 of the Scripture Practice booklet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cb1P0bD1KPuW0VA7BO6u-6HtkL4qYx8A/view

Tina unpacks what it means to mediate on the Scriptures, providing a number of practices to do this. She shares how these practices help us to enter into the fullness of life that Scripture promises.

We also hear from Adam on his journey with reading the Bible in one year using this reading plan from The Bible Project: https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/22273

The practice this week, as we continue through "The Scripture Practice", is Lectio Divina:

• Like last week, begin by becoming aware of God’s presence.

• Pray for the Spirit of Jesus to come and meet you.

• Choose a short passage to meditate on...

• Follow the four movements to Lectio: Read. Meditate. Pray. Contemplate.

• Let this be a slow, unhurried portion of your day. Try to give it at least 20 to 30 minutes.

*full details on this practice can be found on page 53 of the booklet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cb1P0bD1KPuW0VA7BO6u-6HtkL4qYx8A/view

Libby speaks on the inspired word of God, the Bible, and inspires us to 'Read' it and meet Jesus within the pages.

Practices to carry us forward for 'Read' from 'Practicing the Way - The Scripture Practice':

The daily reading of Scripture

• Find a good place that is quiet and distraction-free. Ideally, choose a spot that makes you happy to be in and that is free of things that might pull at your attention.
• Find a good time. Choose an unhurried time that feels right for you, allowing space for intentional connection with God.
• Make a plan for what to read. Consider what passage to read. Will you explore a gripping narrative from the Old Testament, such as Exodus, Esther, or Jonah? Perhaps you’ll reflect on a chapter from the Psalms or Proverbs each day this week. Or maybe you’ll begin with one of the New Testament Gospels or one of Paul’s letters. See the four recommendations on page 32 and 33.
• Begin by settling your body in God’s presence. Focus your attention on the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit within you. As Jesus said, “I in you and you in me.”
• Open in prayer: “As I open the Scriptures now, I pause to be still; to breath slowly; to reset my scattered senses upon the presence of God.” Remember the author is in the room with you.
• Read: Take in the words slowly. Notice phrases that catch your attention or connect emotionally. God may be highlighting these for your life or the day ahead.

Rod Edwards speaks on Lamentations 5:1-22 and invites us to reflect on this in the context of present day Aotearoa NZ. Rod unpacks how (with the many pressing issues facing our nation) we might seek God’s mercy and restoration, and a renewed relationship with Him.

We tend to want to rush through or deny our grief and sadness. Tina shares how the scriptures (Psalms 42 and 43) show us the importance of making space to sit with our sadness (when it is safe to do so). There is transformative work that can happen through God, through our suffering, when we do.