Sunday Sanctuary is back for 2025! It is such a privilege to make this show and we are stoked to be returning for another year. This episode is just a small one to say hi, check in, and to be a moment for reflecting on 2024 and think ahead about the year to come.

If you like the show, we would love it if you could tell your friends and family. One way to do this is by recommending a specific episode that you think someone you know might appreciate.

Music:

• Stormy by Gábor Szabó (played during community life)
• Big Old Blue by Mess Esque (played during contemplative practice)
• Space is the Place by Ezra Collective (played during benediction)

The benediction in this episode is called A Blessing for the Summer We Actually Had by Kate Bowler

In what is becoming something of an annual tradition, join Petra Bagust for a mini Sunday Sanctuary episode made specially for Christmas Eve. Petra is joined in this episode by Michael Frost (church leader and host of the podcast In The Shift). The two talk about how Michael has changed from being "an Easter guy" to being able to embrace Christmas again, in amongst whatever life might be like at the time. Michael also wrote the benediction for the episode, which he shares at the end.

Music:

• O Tannenbaum by The Vince Guaraldi Trio (played during the candle lighting)
• Meri Kirihimete by Erny Belle (played at the end)

You've made it to the end of the year! However you are feeling about the current Advent season and the coming of Christmas, you are welcome to join Petra and producer Sam to reflect on and wrap up Sunday Sanctuary for 2024. Petra and Sam create a mixtape of interview clips that have stuck with them this year, as well as music for your Christmas and summer. There is some space for reflecting on this year and Petra and Sam hear what episodes stuck with listeners this year. Haere mai (come along)!

Music:

• Unforgettable Memories by Mei Dai (first song of the sacred text)
• House of the Rising Sun by The Animals (second song of the sacred text)
• Something on Your Mind by Karen Dalton (played to end Belle's clip)
• Cruisin' to the Park by Durand Jones & The Indications (played to end Jenny's clip)
• Christmas Time is Here by Khruangbin (played to end Malcolm's clip)
• Muramura by Aro (played just after the ad break)
• Christmas Time is Here by The Vince Guaraldi Trio (played during the time for contemplation)
• Love Will Work it Out by Durand Jones & The Indications (played to end Glenn's clip)
• Take Your Time (Do It Right) by The S.O.S Band (played to end James' clip)
• Marilyn by Mount Kimbie (played to end Te Karere's clip)
• Follow My Voice by Julie Byrne (played to end Peter's clip)
• Magic Spell by This is The Kit (played to end Spanky's clip)
• The Light by Group Listening and Cate Le Bon (played to end Ann's clip)
• O Come O Come Emmanuel by Sufjan Stevens (played during the benediction)

Petra and Sam's recommendations:

Books - The Mermaid Chronicles by Megan Dunn and Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Albums - Blue Dreams by Holly Arrowsmith and Midday Prayers by The Fuzzy Robes

Films - Never Look Away by Lucy Lawless and Calypte: A Sailing and Surfing Voyage by Torren Martin and Ishka Folkwell

Places to explore - the North Island town of Waipu and Dublin Bay outside of Wānaka