Nourishing Faith: Food for the Journey
On this page we have Gospel Conversations, links to resources for all ages... plenty to nourish and inspire.
Gospel Conversations
"Gospel Conversations" are informal discussions about the Gospel reading coming up the following Sunday in our lectionaries. We gather (usually) a range of people to take part, from around our diocese, our Province, and the wider Anglican Communion: clergy, laity, theologians, explorers. We are not all experts, we don't all agree with everything that is said, but we hope that by putting a range of ideas out there for you, this might aid your personal devotions, your sermon preparation, or your home group. In 2026 we are going to branch out into the Old Testament readings and explore the gospel there. Watch this space!
This week's Gospel Conversation: Advent 3, Matthew 11:2-11
Joy! That's the candle we light on the 3rd Sunday of Advent. And yet the reading is a tough one. John the Baptist, whom we met courageously proclaiming the Kingdom of God last week, is now in prison and unsure. Where is the joy in that? Lisa Emerson, Simon Martin, and Anne van Gend join Michael this week to puzzle it out together.
Watch the Conversation here
Last week's Gospel Conversation: Advent 2, 7 December, Matthew 3: 1-12
We have a bevy of bishops as we explore Advent 2 this week! The present, immediate past, and past-past bishops of Dunedin gather with Michael to ponder the place and message of John the Baptist within our Advent story. What is the core of his message? Repent? The Kingdom of God is here? Is it a message of warning or promise? Join Kelvin Wright, Steve Benford, Anne van Gend and Michael Godfrey to think about these things today.
Watch the Conversation here
Josh Garrels "Shepherds Song"
Tuesday 9th December has the following gospel reading from Matthew 18:12-14:
What do you think? If a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is not the will of your Father in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost.
Have a listen to a contemporary (2016) song from Josh Garrels that explores the shepherd theme ... or listen (and read the lyrics) in Pray As You Go.
Church Year Seasonal Resources
Check our our Advent and Christmas resources.
Resources for Children
Check out the Children, Young People and Family Resource Hub that we add resources to as they come to hand.
Explore Our Shared Google Drive for Children & Youth Ministry Resources
If you're involved in ministry with children, youth, or families, don’t forget to check out our shared Google Drive—packed with resources to inspire, equip, and support you in your work. Click the "Leaders Resource" red banner on the webpage.
A final reminder of our latest Diocese of Dunedin Resources:
Nourishing Faith Hub – resources to support your faith journey, including material for children, young people and families.
Seasonal Resources Hub – updated for the church year, with material for children, young people and families.
Deepening Faith – including Anne Gover’s extensive study notes (Dropbox folder HERE).
Gospel Conversations – weekly reflections and discussions (website link).
Faith Communities Videos – music, seminars and parish stories on our refreshed website.
About Nourishing Faith – videos and supporting resources
We update this article each fortnight with new resources, and the Nourishing Faith mailing list sends a weekly email summary.
If you have a resource worth sharing, please contact John Graveston or Andrew Metcalfe.
Subscribing to Nourishing Faith
Click the large “Sign Up” button on the article page. Enter your email, then choose Nourishing Faith from the subscription options and click Subscribe.
Or email us and we can subscribe you.
