I came across a book the other day in my local library. It was called, The Perfectionists: How Precision Engineers Created the Modern World. Now, I’m not very mechanically minded, but it was a fascinating account of how much human ‘progress’ relies on ultra-precise, machine-made and technologically-flawless engineering. What a blessing this has been in so many ways. But, the author also highlights the challenges our striving for perfection brings in an inherently imperfect world. Perhaps it’s only now that we are becoming more conscious of those challenges with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, as we allow machines not only to perform tasks, but to think for us. Is it possible that in our quest for (God-like?) precision and perfection, we lose not only some of our humanity, but also a real appreciation of the divine?

~ Pastor John

In 2019, Sarah Wise broke her spinal cord which left her with quadriplegia. She was 24 years old. Although doctors said she would never walk again, Sarah was determined to prove them wrong. Over many agonising months she did! With the help of physiotherapists, she taught herself to walk again. Of that experience she writes:

“I would try not to think too hard about the fact that before my injury, walking was something I didn’t even have to think about; it was automatic.

But at every physio session I went to, I had to think about it, and I had to think about it hard. It wasn’t just remembering to put one foot in front of the other anymore. I had to remember eight things at once! “Walk on train tracks, lift the leg, don’t snap back, lift your toes, tuck your bum under, tense your abs.”*

She had to go through that process for every step! Imagine having to do that every time you wanted to take a step? How blessed we are when those basic tasks can be done without thinking about every step, when they are done automatically.

Now, imagine what a better place the world would be if the task of being kind to other people was automatic, for everyone!

~ Pastor John

Beginnings are important. Anyone who’s ever started a new year with a bold resolution (and quietly abandoned it by February) knows that how you begin often sets the tone for what follows.

The start to Jesus’ ministry is anything but predictable: he starts his ministry in unexpected places, in unexpected ways, and with some very unexpected people. He doesn’t head straight for the spotlight but turns up in overlooked places—reminding us that our own streets, workplaces, and neighbourhoods might be exactly where his light is meant to shine.

And when Jesus starts calling people, he doesn’t put out an application form for the “best and brightest.” He walks straight up to ordinary fishermen, calls them by name, and says, “Follow me.” Shockingly, they do—dropping nets, boats, and career plans on the spot. This isn’t about their confidence or capability; it’s about the power of Jesus’ call, which creates the faith it asks for.

As we step into a new year, we’re reminded that we don’t lead the way—Jesus does. He comes to us first, calls us forward, and equips us for what’s ahead. So, the question for this new year is a simple one: what might Jesus be calling you to next?

~ Ryan Kennealy, Lay Reader