Church Talk
'An unexamined life is not worth living'
Friday 24 January 2014 | Published in Church Talk
A philosopher or a wise man once said, “An unexamined life is not worth living”.
New year's church check-up
Friday 24 January 2014 | Published in Church Talk
In the Catholic Church, each diocese annually has to send into Rome its recent statistics.
Exciting time to know and serve God
Friday 17 January 2014 | Published in Church Talk
Firstly let’s give honour and glory to God for His love, grace and mercy over us.
Finding your spiritual GPS
Friday 17 January 2014 | Published in Church Talk
Spiritual GPS (Global Positioning System) makes it possible to always know where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re headed sort of the past, present, and future of your life from a visual and geographic perspective.
Want to live perfect this New Year?
Friday 10 January 2014 | Published in Church Talk
“Keep perfection and choose integrity, because there is a good end for men of peace,” (Psalm 37:37) When a new year begins, many people look back to tally their experiences: challenges and victories, losses and gains, adventures and relationships.
How to live above mediocrity – part 1
Friday 3 January 2014 | Published in Church Talk
It has been two days since we left 2013 behind us and we start our journey into 2014.
Welcome 2014 with full confidence in the Lord
Friday 27 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
As this is the last Church Talk article for this year, I thought why not briefly reflect on the past year and reflect on what has happened – changes made, challenges, new directions and resolutions for the coming year.
Home for Christmas –a season of rejoicing!
Friday 20 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Christmas time is a wonderful and beautiful time of the year. Trees are draped with sparkling lights, the stores glitter with dazzling decorations and the streets bustle with crowds of shoppers seeking gifts for those they love. All of these spectacular displays and decorations that compete for our attention can be beautiful and uplifting. We […]
Xmas in the Market a big success
Friday 20 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Hundreds of people turned out for a fairy tale-themed Christmas fundraiser event at Punanga Nui market wednesday night, which raised about $13,000. Rotaract Club’s annual Christmas in the Market offered the crowd a smorgasbord of different food stalls, plus face-painting, entertainment, fireworks and a visit from Santa Claus. Vice President Pauline Dean said the event […]
Confirmation on Mauke draws everyone together
Friday 13 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
It was my privilege to travel to the island of Mauke on the first Sunday of December for confirmation. Confirmation in the Catholic Church is normally administered by the Bishop and from the two churches on Mauke, St Michael’s and St Mary’s, 15 candidates were presented for confirmation. This sacrament is prepared over a number […]
Christmas is about a present from God – Jesus!
Friday 13 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
A statement by a Jewish rabbi goes like this: “When one truth tries to imitate another, it is not a truth anymore”. This statement seems to have relevance in regards to the taking over of Christmas by the business world. The Christian feast of Christmas, commemorating the birth of the Messiah, has been imitated by […]
412 – serving the community
Friday 6 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Serving the community was the drive behind the Celebration on the Rock church in Nikao jumping on the Vaka Eiva canoe to host the junior programme of the weeklong paddling event. The Mapu Oe Vaka was a huge success on the water and off the water – the youngsters enjoyed a prize giving that included […]
When it comes to truth, tolerance is a travesty
Friday 6 December 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Q: Why are Christians so judgmental and unloving? A: Because we live in an age of tolerance where almost anything goes, openly questioning or criticising other people’s belief systems can quickly get you labelled as judgmental, narrow-minded, bigoted, hateful, and even ignorant. With regard to Christianity, Matthew 7:1 is often quoted (or should I say […]
Bishop reflects on UNESCO address
Saturday 30 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Education and tourism minister Teina Bishop recently returned from France, where he made a historic address at the 37th UNESCO General Conference held earlier this month. The Paris conference – which dealt with education, health, and gender issues – saw Bishop become the first Cook Islander to make a national address at the forum. Speaking […]
'The love of God is revealed on the cross'
Friday 29 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
“For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in […]
Disappointment in Diwali celebration
Saturday 23 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Dear Editor, I’m writing this letter to express my thoughts on the Diwali celebration that took place on November 9 at Avatea School Hall.
Does faith in Jesus Christ matter?
Friday 22 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Does faith in the Lord Jesus Christ really matter anyway? Let me pose another question that may bring a better focal point: “What makes Jesus Christ the most unique figure in history?” Was it because of his teachings, his miracles, the devotion of his followers, his sacrifice and the outrageous claims that baffled his listeners? Certainly, he was not the first to have disciples of His own, nor was He the first teacher to use parables or to die an ignominious death such as death on the cross, or to make many startling claims either! Emperors were worshipped as gods, heroes were called sons of god, Alexander the great claimed to be the son of Zeus, and Julius Caesar had similar sentiments of being divine.
Religious festivities restricted in the Cooks
Wednesday 20 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
Permission and approval of the religious advisory council and the Minister of Justice are required in the Cooks for religious gatherings, according to legislation. The Religious Organisations Restrictions Amendment Act 1994 states that the minister cannot withhold approval for the establishment of any religious organisation unless satisfied that such establishment would be contrary to local […]
Kiwi reporter hits ground running
Saturday 16 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
From concrete to coconuts, the latest addition to the Cook Islands News team is coming back to his roots – sort of. Reporter Ben Chapman-Smith joined the paper on May 4, and brings strong reporting experience and fascinating life experience to the newsroom. Born on a dairy farm in Morrinsville – a small town in […]
Sacrament of Reconciliation
Friday 15 November 2013 | Published in Church Talk
The Matavera Sacred Heart Catholic Church community celebrated the first Holy Communion for 18 of its young congregation members. Here Koekoe Mokotupu shares the joys of the event. “Many thanks to Ana Makara and her team of volunteers coming forward offering free service teaching basic catechism and rules as stipulated by the Catholic Church. They […]