Sunday Sanctuary with Petra Bagust

The role of fathers in our lives can be a mixed bag. There are, of course, tremendous examples of good fatherhood around and yet the brokenness of absent or abusive fathers casts a long shadow.
So what does that mean for our view of God, who is so often referred to as father?
Petra's first guest is John Cowan, a broadcaster, parenting coach, father and grandfather who's spent decades examining family dynamics and can happily provide a bit of encouragement to dads listening.
Sam Bloore also joins us with his thoughts on God as father, and how different framing of the devine can give fresh vitality to our unique spiritual journeys.
Music:
You are the Gold by Terrible Sons (theme music)
My Old Man by Mac DeMarco
Old Man by Neil Young
Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N' Roses

ADHD can make it harder to engage in many spiritual practices that we've been told we should do. What happens, though, when we embrace a more inclusive way of pursuing God? In this episode,
Petra's first guest is Mark Pierson, a worship curator. He has spent decades designing spaces for people to engage in worship that looks very different to a typical church service.
Later in the episode, Petra talks to Laidlaw College's Academic Dean, Rev Dr Maja Whitaker, about the research she began after some students came to her and said "hey, this spiritual formation course you're teaching isn't working for us, and here's why..." Maja's work since has lead to a book that will be coming out in November, so keep your ear to the ground for that one.
Music:
You are the Gold by Terrible Sons
Innerspace by The Apples in Stereo
Lalo o le Mauga by SANGUINE
I'm Only Sleeping by The Beatles
Free by Florence + The Machine
Low Tides by Christoph El Truento

We all have rituals. Some might have deep cultural significance, but some we do without realising – like clinking glasses when we meet for a drink. Why has ritual been a central part of every known human society? What do rituals do for us? Are we losing our connection with ritual? And do we need to rediscover it?
In this insightful episode, Petra and her guests ruminate on the richness of ritual. So light a candle, boil the kettle, take a few deep breaths… and enjoy!
Music:
You are the Gold by Terrible Sons (theme song)
Be Still and Know that I am God, Composition by Roman Hurko, Performed at Church of St. Francis Xavier, New York, Conducted by Michael Zaugg.
Lights Are On – Instrumental, composed by Tom Rosenthal, performed by Edith Whiskers.
Ritual Union by Little Dragon.
Sacred African Music | Ethereal Zulu Humming & Tribal Voices

Judging others is something we all do, and we all want to do less often! "But how!?" we hear you cry!
To begin our exploration of the root of judginess and what we can do tomove past it, Petra has spoken to a crack duo of guests. First up is former Stuff visual journalist, Abigail Dougherty. Abigail describes for Petra how she learnt the need to put aside judgement in her job as a journalist and how her faith has allowed her to keep a more open mind. Next up is Dr Graham Redding, the Douglas Goodfellow lecturer in Chaplaincy Studies at the University of Otago. Graham explores God's judgement of people and whether His character is actually different between the Old Testament and the New Testament of the Bible.
If you're interested, here is Abigail's portfolio
Sacred texts:
This scene from Ted Lasso where Ted plays darts against former AFC Richmond owner, Rupert.
Music:
You are the Gold by Terrible Sons (theme song)
Grazing in the Grass by Hugh Masekela
Peace Blossom Boogie by Babe Rainbow
You're So Vain by Carly Simon
Tumutumu Mauga by SANGUINE
Changes by David Bowie
Equipoise by Max Roach

"Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It is a covenant between equals." - Father Gregory Boyle. This is the quote that guided this episode of Sunday Sanctuary. Petra gets into the history behind this quote, and along the way, talks with social worker Aaron Hendry of Kick Back and Sr Margaret-Anne of the Sisters of Compassion in Wellington.
Sacred Text:
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan (The 2024 film adaptation with Killian Murphy is well worth watching!)
Music:
You Are The Gold by Terrible Sons (intro song)
A Message Especially from God by Robert Vanderbilt and the Foundation of Souls
Girl by Jamie xx
Talk by Coldplay
Zionsville by Khruangbin
Rescue Blues by Craig Finn
Oh My God by Kevin Morby
Slider - Lorenzo Saxophone Dub by This Is The Kit