St. Luke's in the City

Anglican Church of Aotearoa New Zealand and Polynesia

 St Luke's in the City
 

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Why people come to St Luke's in the city

This page shares something of the 'flavour' of St Luke's. People share what attracted or has meaning for them.

Jenni

"At a time when I had come to a spiritual crossroad and was searching for the Holy Spirit's guidance, I received an invitation to a service at St Luke's to commemorate the contribution of transvestites and gay Christians to the life of the church. This service opened my eyes to the grief people can feel as they wonder whether their highest emotions - worship and the loving service they render to others - is in fact acceptable to God. The people of St Luke's impressed me deeply with the Christ-like and mature acceptance, fellowship and love they showed. There have been other examples too.

Though I feel spiritually like a small fish in a big pond, the continuing challenge to grow is a sure sign to me that I'm in the right place.

I experience the Presence of God, in many different aspects. These range from the oneness we experience at the Eucharist, through to spiritual maturity and naturalness of the people, to the mute witness of 'Father Ted' that a child could understand, "Be kind" ".


Bill

"I moved into the Parish and wished to attend a place of worship and prayer with a singing and spoken emphasis. I like the tradition of the building as an expression of strong spiritual values, which I personally depend on in my life.

I come as an outer sign of inner commitment, to a creative God through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. He's taught us how to live in a violent, corrupt and evil world, in which in truth, everything we have and own is given by God. As an older person I demonstrate by my attendance that it is eminent that what the Lord gives, the Lord also taketh away.

The excellent organ music and the informal way we all place ourselves round the table for communion, thus renewing the Christian commitment in the strength required to proceed in life for the immediate future".


Valerie
"I was seeking a peaceful place to worship and once I entered St Luke's I knew I had found that space.

I keep coming because of the music, art and deeply moving experience of the liturgy which is reverent and rhythmic.

I enjoy the 'people' of St Luke's and their diversity, and the inclusiveness of this church".


Linda
"Having been 'away from the church' since a child, some thirty-something years later I wanted to return.

I didn't have a clue where to start and almost by accident found myself at St Luke's. I cannot begin to express the great sense of peace I felt, nor the warmth and acceptance that welcomed me.

I love the style of the liturgy and it is with delight that I continue to follow the steps on the path before me. Simply put - I feel I have arrived home".


Ian
The first time I came across St Luke's was when I saw a Jungian spirituality workshop being advertised there. I took that as a signal that I would probably find openness, warmth, acceptance and a deep spirituality in this place. And I was right!

The liturgy at St Luke's works for me at a deep level, and the beautiful, contemplative style is truly food and drink for my journey.


Barbara
When I first walked into St Luke's I felt at home. I love the worship and the reverence of the liturgy, and the awareness of being part of Christ's body when we are together.


Jenny
"From the first time I entered the doors, I knew that this was to be my spiritual home.  It was a real sense of "coming home" after a time of wandering. 

I recall sensing a mystical presence which  pervaded the space, and  a feeling of wonder, awe, and wholeness - but it was the warm, sensitive, welcome I received at the time, which confirmed that this was where I belonged. Despite taking time out to "go walkabout" on several occasions since, it is still true today, some 28 years later!

I love the grounded cycle of liturgy, and the incorporation of music, art  and creative energy, which flow through the worship in this place.  Having been brought up in a tradition outside the Anglican Church, I appreciate all the more being able to celebrate with all my senses - sight, sound, and smell. "


Heather
"For the first time I experienced grace in a church. I wasn't harangued from the pulpit and told what a bad person I am. I love the rhythm and space within the Liturgy."