<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Awaken Church]]></title><description><![CDATA[Awaken is a church for all people. We aim to help everyone to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/resources</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2026 09:35:18 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.awakenchurch.nz/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[If My People ]]></title><description><![CDATA[God is calling all His people to humble themselves, pray, seek His presence and turn back to Him. As we respond to that call, He can bring spiritual renewal that flows into our families, communities and nation.]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/if-my-people</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a866fd76c395e7dcc3a5804</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 20 Aug 2026 03:11:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_31bbda7ae540444989f81585be97fc33~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emma Kalin </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[AWAKEN PEOPLE]]></title><description><![CDATA[Discover how God awakens His people to His purpose, fills them with the Holy Spirit, and calls every believer to reveal Jesus and live on mission wherever He has placed them.]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/awaken-people</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a715503d9c2f27b9b13d5dd</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 03:03:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_e1e8ac45a5434fbfa0444394f80f0743~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Jones </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Jesus is a Leader Worth Following]]></title><description><![CDATA[Jesus is a leader worth following because He alone gives us a new heart, teaches us to live with an undivided devotion to God, and leads us into true life. As we surrender our hearts to Him, He transforms and refines us, helping us recognize His presence and faithfulness until the day we see Him fully.]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/jesus-is-a-leader-worth-following</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a455de83214e4dcf9ed8</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2026 22:02:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_c58e9ae5a2624740b2e908ff2d1ae8c8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Matt Kowalewski</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Agents of Mercy]]></title><description><![CDATA[In this session of The Beatitudes, we explore what it means to become “Agents of Mercy” — people who reflect the compassion, forgiveness, and heart of Jesus in a hurting world. Together, we will discover how mercy transforms both our relationships and our walk with God.]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/agents-of-mercy</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e14</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 19 May 2026 02:36:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_14c2358bd14447bbb9296db9bde0e9d5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Jones </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Choose Life]]></title><description><![CDATA[This study explores how God sets before us the choice between life and death, revealing that true life is found not in temporary things, but in Jesus Christ Himself. As Moses urged Israel to “choose life,” Jesus extends the same invitation today: to follow Him, walk with Him daily, and discover Him as the true source of life]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/choose-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e17</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2026 21:26:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_76379a0b90e8479f86dec3e29950fc2b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nicola Jones </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Heart of Habit ]]></title><description><![CDATA[This study explores Matthew 5:6, unpacking what it means to truly hunger and thirst for righteousness in a way that goes beyond outward behaviour to a transformed heart. Together, we’ll reflect on how God invites us into genuine relationship with Him—where lasting fulfilment is found not in habits or rules, but in being rightly connected to Him]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/heart-of-habit</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a455de83214e4dcf9ee2</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2026 01:39:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_64ca8cd7a3b94b46ba4ca61f15fdea39~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nick Jenkins </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Power of Meekness]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Power of Meekness (The Beatitudes – Part Four) explores how meekness is not weakness, but strength surrendered to God. Through Scripture, discussion, and practical application, it shows how living with humility, trust, and self-control leads to peace, spiritual growth, and the promise of God’s Kingdom]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/the-power-of-meekness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e53</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:03:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_8138cd2afc924f598f2e71a8a881406e~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_600,h_600,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Jones </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Upside-Down Kingdom ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Series: The Beatitudes – Part Two Pastor David Jones Sunday Morning Message – 5th April 2026Citywest Church YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/gCSsoHT_FzU   Objectives: To better understand that the foundation of life in God’s Kingdom is humility—recognizing our complete spiritual dependence on Him. To respond by living in repentance and grace, fully trusting God rather than self-sufficiency Leader: Please choose what best suits your group and fits the time well. You do not need to discuss...]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/the-upside-down-kingdom</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e3f</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 23:45:37 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_a84d035db9e240cb8f9098b260e86cc8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Jones </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Mistaken Gardener]]></title><description><![CDATA[Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus in the garden reveals how grief and confusion can blind us to God’s presence, yet also how deeply personal His love is. When Jesus calls her by name, everything changes—turning sorrow into joy and reminding us that the resurrection invites each of us into restored relationship and new life]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/the-mistaken-gardener</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e3b</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:06:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_bc272769782b477c91cb6a9fbe48772f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Jones </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Following Jesus]]></title><description><![CDATA[Walking with God means responding to Jesus’ personal invitation to follow Him daily—surrendering our old ways, embracing His purpose and new identity for us, and continually choosing to trust, obey, and grow in relationship with Him.]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/following-jesus</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a455de83214e4dcf9ed2</guid><category><![CDATA[Discipleship]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:27:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_6a7071d331c14129bb47d23025748941~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Jones </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Blessed Life ]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Blessed Life message by Pastor David Jones explores Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount, revealing that true blessing is not based on worldly success but on a deep, unshakable spiritual joy found in living under God’s Kingdom. It invites believers to align every area of life with God’s ways, discovering lasting fulfilment, growth, and purpose that far outweigh anything the world offers]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/the-blessed-life</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e30</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 02:24:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_016ad07c52894e71a538bf4688d94f97~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>David Jones </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[With God: Following Jesus]]></title><description><![CDATA[Walking with God means responding to Jesus’ personal invitation to follow Him daily—surrendering our old ways, embracing His purpose and new identity for us, and continually choosing to trust, obey, and grow in relationship with Him.]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/with-god-following-jesus</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e13</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2026 22:43:32 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_6a7071d331c14129bb47d23025748941~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>pip879</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Positioned in Prayer]]></title><description><![CDATA[“Positioned in Prayer” by Nikki Jones teaches that prayer is not a burden but an invitation to access God’s presence and strength, helping believers stand firm in faith. To stay spiritually positioned through prayer so they can remain resilient during life’s battles]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/positioned-in-prayer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e40</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 15 Mar 2026 21:31:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_83864ee6c3dd40938ad3207e3224a6f2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>pip879</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Fast? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6, reminding us that fasting is not a public performance but a private act of surrender done before our Father in the secret place. Rooted in the Sermon on the Mount, this call to fast is an invitation to humble, heartfelt intimacy with God — choosing hunger for Him over human approval]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/how-to-fast</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e1b</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:31:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_eb728e98297d4ec3a5a8d0cd4afc3852~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>pip879</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[WITH GOD ]]></title><description><![CDATA[With God is a group discussion from Pastor David Jones exploring Acts 2 and Peter’s transformation from failure to bold witness through the infilling of the Holy Spirit. This session encourages believers to stand with God—empowered by the Spirit, committed to prayer, united in community, and confident in proclaiming the gospel with purpose and courage]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/with-god</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a455de83214e4dcf9ec9</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 24 Feb 2026 00:38:53 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_34b62c4c8aa644708ef8c9c4092d555c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>pip879</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Sunday Morning Message – 15th February 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Citywest Church YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/4uVndY9FnB4 Objective This session explores why answers to prayer can sometimes seem arbitrary or confusing. We will examine the biblical understanding that prayer is both a partnership with God and a relationship with a loving Father. Even within life’s complexity and mystery, we will reflect on what prayer truly is, why it matters, and how we can remain faithful, persistent, and encouraged in it despite unanswered or delayed outcomes. Leader...]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/what-is-prayer</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e29</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2026 01:25:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_435f978109f0446a95f425d71c92fdfe~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Nick Jenkins </dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Household of God: Family]]></title><description><![CDATA[This session explores what it means to be full and equal members of God’s household, encouraging you and I to belong, serve, and grow together while embracing and valuing others as part of God’s family.


]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/the-household-of-god-family</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e25</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:05:59 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_9eb5505aff8447abb713dc3325c79f8b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>pip879</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Family of God]]></title><description><![CDATA[This message encourages believers to faithfully play their part in God’s family by continuing to do good, trusting God with the timing of the harvest. Rooted in Galatians 6:9–10, it calls the church to persevere in grace-filled service, love one another well, and actively do good to all as a witness to the world]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/the-family-of-god</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9dff</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 02:18:26 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_09facd2f8a3d4c95b4b1bda841a770bf~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>pip879</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Growing as Gods Family]]></title><description><![CDATA[Being part of a growing church means learning to embrace change, growth and God’s ongoing work, as we lean into the Father’s heart for His family and His kingdom. Growth can bring challenges, but when we choose unity, forgiveness and serving one another, God uses those challenges to strengthen us rather than divide us. As we welcome increase with open hearts, we don’t lose family — we become family.]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/growing-as-gods-family</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e26</guid><category><![CDATA[Connect Group Study]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 03 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_278f739a199a4aaaac001e445e9e35f9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>pip879</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Overflowing with Thankfulness]]></title><description><![CDATA[Ps David Jones  Sunday Morning’s message 14 th  December 2025 citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NOV1HuHHTM Leaders note: This study is a guide—use it flexibly. Adapt the questions and follow the flow of your group. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and create space for God to move as you grow together. Introduction: Thankfulness is more than a polite response or a personality trait — it is a spiritual posture. Scripture repeatedly links gratitude with faith, maturity, and...]]></description><link>https://www.awakenchurch.nz/post/overflowing-with-thankfulness</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28a454de83214e4dcf9e00</guid><pubDate>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/07864f_ca80d92333e341ef84cdf65de2c7710b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>pip879</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>