28 September 2025

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Bible readings for today

• Jeremiah 32:1-3,6-15
• Psalms 91:1-6,14-16
• 1 Timothy 6:6-19
• Luke 16:19-31

Collect

God of resurrection, 
where there is death, you bring new life; 
challenge our attachment to wealth and power, 
so that we may release others 
from the chains of poverty, hunger, and injustice, 
and the whole earth live to praise your name; 
through the Risen Christ, 
who is alive and reigns with you, 
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
​Amen.

The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)

Is Lazarus in today's gospel passage the same as Lazarus in John 11? Quick answer - no. The Lazarus in John 11:43-44 refers to the brother of Martha and Mary. Jesus visited the sisters, Mary and Martha, and resurrected their dead brother, Lazarus. The Lazarus in today's story is a poor man who sat outside the city gates. 

Gospel Conversations

Another great video from the Diocese of Dunedin, especially for those who are preaching on the gospel passage this week. There should possibly be a warning attached to this discussion: do not listen if you're not ready to be faced with Jesus at his most challenging! The parable under consideration is that of the nameless rich man and the beggar, Lazarus. Jerry, Trish and Esther tackle it with courage and honesty and the recognition that Jesus did not tell stories for our entertainment, but to transform us and the way we live. Go on - give it a go.

Visio Lectio

Thanks to Visio Lectio for sharing this image today. Copyright Rev Sarah West, shared here with permission. 
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The Love of Money (1 Timothy 6:6-19)

Teaching Kids About Money

This passage in Timothy is a great launchpad to talk to your kids about money and finance. As they grow up, they will have choices to make about how they spend their pocket money, who they spend it on (themselves or others) and what they save for. Kids who have a healthy understanding of the value of money will become good stewards with all that God gives them. 
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An interesting Infographic from makeuseof.com which looks at how you can help teach your kids about finance. 

Sermons4kids

Sermons4Kids has some resources for the Rich Man and Lazarus See here

Opportunities for giving

As we head towards the end of the year and with Christmas looming on the horizon in a few months time, it could be a good time to think about how you are going to approach the festive season. For some, Christmas can be a financially crippling time of year, when it is meant to be a celebration of God's grace and redemption. 
You might like to think about 'doing christmas differently' with one of the following:

• Angel Tree -- an initiative from Prison Fellowship, NZ
• Advent Conspiracy -- with the 4 aims of worship fully, spend less, give more, love all
• Create a Reverse Advent Calendar

How can we be a church that is marked by our extravagant generosity? 

Activities

• Role play the story. Give some kids lots of treats, and some kids no treats. Watch their reactions, then discuss their feelings. Connect it to the story and to real world justice issues.
• Raise some money for a charity, or donate to a charity
• Food for the Hungry Activities 
• Classroom resources (World Vision)
• Tearfund resources (Tearfund)
• Anglican Missions Resources (Anglican Missions)

Media