9 August 2026
Bible readings for today
Liturgical Colour: GREEN |
CollectJesus, Saviour in storm,
when the waters of the deep are broken up, when the landmarks are washed away or drowned, come to us across the water; for the glory of your holy name. Amen. E Īhu, te Kaiwhakaora i te tūpuhi, pakaru mai ai ngā ngaru o te hōhonutanga, ka ngahoro te whenua, ka waipuke, ka toromi rānei, whakawhiti mai ki a mātou i runga i te wai. mō te korōria o tōu ingoa tapu. Āmine. |
Jesus walks on water (Matthew 14:22-33)
This story, tells how Jesus sent the disciples by ship back to the "other side" of the Sea of Galilee while he remained behind, alone, to pray. Night fell and the sea arose as the ship became caught in a wind storm. After rowing against the wind for most of the night, the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water. They were frightened, thinking that they were seeing a spirit, but when Jesus told them not to be afraid, they were reassured. After Jesus entered the ship, the wind ceased, and they arrived at land. This story is also found in John 6.
Input for leadersGospel Conversation 2023 Matt 14:22-33 (Dio of Dunedin)
We all know the story of Jesus walking on the water, and of Peter's mixture of reckless faith and sinking doubt. (You are allowed a small groan at my choice of words). James, Lucy and Joel and Michael, all from the South Island, take this familiar story and look at it from multiple angles, from "living the metaphor" to the character of Peter, always bringing it back to what God might be saying to us, today, now. |
Sinking (Melanie Jean Juneau)
...Would you have even stepped out of that boat while the sea rolled beneath your feet? Could you have walked on water like Peter did, even if it was only for a few moments? 
The Hand of God - Yongsung Kim
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Intergenerational Worship
TalksJesus walks on water (Ministry Spark) - free grab and go lesson about strong faith.
Peter walks on water (Trueway Kids) - Full lessons plans & activities for a variety of ages. Miracles of Jesus: Matthew 14:22-33 (Missio Dei Communities) - full lesson plan but could use some activities. Peter sinks (Rfour) - the importance of focus! More for older kids but could be simplified if needed. Matthew 14:22-33 (Gary Neal Hansen) - paraphrased retelling with wondering questions. Jesus and Peter walk on water (Ministry to Children) - intro and talk. Jesus walks on water (Ministry to Children) - full lesson plan. Kids Talk
Do you find it easy to tell your friends that you are a Christian? (pause) In today’s story, Peter wanted to have faith in Jesus, but he got scared and started to doubt. Even though he knew that it was Jesus, and he had seen Jesus walk on water, Peter still started to sink when he got scared. I know that on a Sunday morning at church is the easiest time for me to be a Christian because most of the people at church are Christian as well. But outside of church I have friends who aren’t Christian and sometimes I struggle to talk to them about Jesus because I get scared of what they might think of me. So I can identify with Peter in the story, because even though I know Jesus, I still struggle sometimes to tell my friends about him. But here is the amazing thing, what does Jesus do when Peter doubts and starts to sink? Can you remember? (pause) Well, Jesus helps Peter up! That’s really important for us to remember, because Jesus understands that sometimes we struggle, and Jesus is still there for us even if we haven’t been there for him. So next time you are in a situation where you are trying to decide whether or not to share about Jesus, or invite a friend to church, try to remember today’s story and hopefully it will give you the strength to do the right thing. And don’t forget that you can always pray to Jesus about it. 
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Quick questions
Activities
Walking on Water (Housing a Forest)
As a fun activity, you can try 'walking on water' using cornflour and water (also known as oobleck). Oobleck can behave like both a solid and a liquid depending on how much pressure you apply. This is a fun activity to do with children, as they can 'walk over water' - and if they stand still, they start sinking into the goop. Basic oobleck recipe - 1 cup cornflour to 1.5cups water. Pour the cornstarch into a large mixing bowl and slowly add the water. Preschool PlayPeter walks on water (Trueway Kids) - Full lesson plan for babies & toddlers.
Create a leak proof blob! (Home Cleaning Family) - We haven't tried this, but it looks like it could be fun... Buy a plastic painters sheet, and seal the edges using baking parchment and an iron. On the morning, fill with water and tie a knot in the corner to seal shut. Use on a flat surface (like patch of grass) and let the children walk over the top of it barefoot. 
Pray it!If you did one of the 'walking on water' activities with oobleck or a water blob - why not encourage the kids to take turns walking and praying.
Talk about - is it hard to talk with God when you are walking on the wobbly surface? Why? What makes it hard for us to listen to God? Another easy option is to place a plank on the floor (like a beam) and get the kids to walk on this instead. Thank you Jesus that you are always paying attention to us. Help us to focus and remind us that when we take our eyes off you, you are always there stretching out a hand to help us. |
Media
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If you have some young musicians in your church, this could be a good opportunity for them to learn 'Oceans', by Hillsong United
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Joseph (Genesis 37:1-4,12-28)
In today's story, Joseph has a dream and shares it with his brothers. The brothers don't react well! They throw him into a pit and sell him off to travelling merchants.
Activities
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Intergenerational Worship
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Media
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Psalm 105
Psalm 105 is a song of praise and a joyful reminder of God's covenantal love with Israel.
Liturgy: call to worshipCome, let’s give thanks to God together,
for our God always keeps His promises! Let’s sing songs and make music together, for our God always keeps His promises! Let’s watch for signs of His presence among us, for our God always keeps His promises! Let’s remember all the wonderful things He had done, for our God always keeps His promises! |
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