God in Ordinary Life
What if God showed up not on a throne or wearing a crown, but in the everyday moments of kindness, friendship, and beauty all around us? The Gospel of John tells us that's exactly what happened.
Rob Hanks
Rob is a Minister of the Word at the Hamilton Uniting Church in The Hunter Presbytery, with a background of 30 years in ministry with young people and a focus on the church’s participation in God’s mission. Rob’s interests include: stories, sport, movies and music.
The Word Became Flesh and Lived Among Us — Are We Paying Attention?
God is not remote but woven into our ordinary lives. The challenge of John's prologue is whether we will recognize and welcome the Divine presence right in front of us.
4th January, 2026 (Year A – Christmas 2) “What if – GOD WAS ONE OF US?”
God comes close not in power but in human life. He took on flesh and blood in Jesus and is close by. In our busy, noisy lives it is easy to miss seeing this astonishing truth, that we see what God is like by seeing who Jesus is. God makes a home for everyone. Those who trust in Jesus are children of God by grace. The challenge is to expect the breathe of God in unexpected places.
4th January, 2026 (Year A – Christmas 2) “What if – GOD WAS ONE OF US?”
God comes close not in power but in human life. He took on flesh and blood in Jesus and is close by. In our busy, noisy lives it is easy to miss seeing this astonishing truth, that we see what God is like by seeing who Jesus is. God makes a home for everyone. Those who trust in Jesus are children of God by grace. The challenge is to expect the breathe of God in unexpected places.
1st September 2024 (Year B -Season of Creation – “Earth Sunday”) “Hope and Action: Begin Again”
God’s dream for the world, is woven into the world where we live. Some would argue we need to ‘begin again!’ Will the earth be scorched or flourish? Might hope be found in re-creating a world of shared wealth, appreciation of other cultures, and global harmony instead of conflict, and a long term view of what makes life liveable? Jesus offered restoration and hope in life, live differently – hope and action! Today is not about people fighting but about fighting stuff that is spiritual. Making us want to live well and the qualities needed as followers of Jesus. What we need to cut through all the stuff in life that directs us away from Living the Jesus way.
1st September 2024 (Year B -Season of Creation – “Earth Sunday”) “Hope and Action: Begin Again”
God’s dream for the world, is woven into the world where we live. Some would argue we need to ‘begin again!’ Will the earth be scorched or flourish? Might hope be found in re-creating a world of shared wealth, appreciation of other cultures, and global harmony instead of conflict, and a long term view of what makes life liveable? Jesus offered restoration and hope in life, live differently – hope and action! Today is not about people fighting but about fighting stuff that is spiritual. Making us want to live well and the qualities needed as followers of Jesus. What we need to cut through all the stuff in life that directs us away from Living the Jesus way.
19th February 2023 (Transfiguration of Jesus) “What Does it Look Like?”
We are reminded that our mission is to be shaping and being good news for our neighbours according to their hurts and hopes.We are called to be prophets now, joining God in the neighborhood and not to be following our own agendas.
19th February 2023 (Transfiguration of Jesus) “What Does it Look Like?”
We are reminded that our mission is to be shaping and being good news for our neighbours according to their hurts and hopes.We are called to be prophets now, joining God in the neighborhood and not to be following our own agendas.
11th September 2022 Year C – Pentecost 14 “Rattle and Hum”
SE ASON OF CREATION For the month of September, we generally follow the Season of Creation, now celebrated worldwide and the brainchild of Normal Habel, a Lutheran minister based in South Australia. The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together….
11th September 2022 Year C – Pentecost 14 “Rattle and Hum”
SE ASON OF CREATION For the month of September, we generally follow the Season of Creation, now celebrated worldwide and the brainchild of Normal Habel, a Lutheran minister based in South Australia. The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion, and commitment together….
19/09/21 “A Sky Full of Stars”
We observe moral challenges as we consciously impact the world. Created in God’s image, can we find Theologian, Paul Tillich’s idea, “God is the Ground of our Being.”
19/09/21 “A Sky Full of Stars”
We observe moral challenges as we consciously impact the world. Created in God’s image, can we find Theologian, Paul Tillich’s idea, “God is the Ground of our Being.”