The outdoor Mass at Green Hope High School is informal. People dressed casually in shorts and sandals stand or sit in folding camp chairs. At 8:30 a.m., it’s already hot outside. But this hardy group of Catholics is not a second-wave COVID-19 workaround. Mother Teresa Catholic Church, technically still a mission church, has been meeting Read more
The Gathering evolved a few years ago from a handful of like-minded friends who used to meet and share their common belief in their homes. The Gathering, which meets in a hall the South Canterbury town of Temuka has no leader, no service plan and just a couple of acoustic guitars. About 30 people attend Read more
In a semi-rural Marlborough town, St Luke’s Church is welcoming its loyal parishioners; as it has done since Queen Victoria was head of state. While the number of regular attendees for Sunday morning service fluctuate from 25 to 30, St Luke’s is a vital part of the community Continue reading
I like the idea of small churches. But if they’re so great, why do I see so many more unhealthy small churches than unhealthy big churches? A small church pastor asked me that question recently. Not from cynicism or unkindness. It was out of genuine concern for a reality he saw. To be honest, it’s Read more