Refresh
Te hautaka hoatu ora
Refresh JOURNAL OF CONTEMPLATIVE SPIRITUALITY
Te hautaka hoatu ora
Refresh is Spiritual Growth Ministries' journal of contemplative spirituality in Aotearoa, New Zealand. It is published in July and December each year. Contributions of prose, poetry and imagery are offered by people who seek to live contemplatively amidst the particularities of their everyday lives. Each issue plays with a theme that evokes contemplation and stimulates thought, prayer and spiritual growth.
Matariki
Volume 26 Number 1 July 2024
The July 2024 issue of Refresh ‘Matariki’ is out now.
Kathryn Overall-Cass, who edited this issue (assisted by Katrina Tulip) writes:
Our ancient texts remind us that God created the heavens. In this issue of Refresh, our contributors invite us to lift our gaze skywards as we explore the contemplative possibilities and dimensions of Matariki.
The Matariki Advisory Committee offers three principles to guide the people of Aotearoa, New Zealand in celebrating Matariki.
Remembrance: Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.
Celebrating the present: Gathering together to give thanks for what we have.
Looking to the future: Looking forward to the promise of a New Year.
You’ll find these themes, and more, explored in this issue. We are pleased to include a number of new writers, along with seasoned contributors.
May you find inspiration that invites contemplation in this issue of Refresh.
PS: Want to make a submission for our December issue? Click HERE for theme and contributor guidelines.
Prefer a Print Version?
Printed copies of Refresh can be posted to your home (if you live in New Zealand). Simply fill out the form to join the SGM Mailing List. You can receive a printed copy of Refresh twice a year, and digital contemplative content and retreat information via the SGM e-newsletter.
We invite you to consider making a regular annual koha to SGM of $30-$50 to support the publication of this unique journal presenting an Aotearoa, New Zealand perspective on contemplative Christian spirituality.
~ Bruce Maden, SGM Workgroup Convenor
“Refresh is where people can read what God is doing in the hearts and lives of other contemplative Christians; how they are responding to the issues of the day. The articles, pictures, poems, and photos connect me to our growing contemplative community in Aotearoa. They often rekindle my love for this whenua and its unique spirituality.
— Trish O’Donnell
Appreciation for Refresh
“Refresh spurs us on in our deepening practice, exposes us to other creative and knowledgeable sources as well as giving us a sense of belonging to a loosely held movement. It also provides tangible form that can be given to others who are searching for ways of connecting to something beyond or deeper.”
— Bruce Maden
“Refresh is where people can read what God is doing in the hearts and lives of other contemplative Christians; how they are responding to the issues of the day. The articles, pictures, poems, and photos connect me to our growing contemplative community in Aotearoa. They often rekindle my love for this whenua and its unique spirituality.
— Trish O’Donnell
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