Refresh
Journal of Contemplative Spiritulity
Refresh - Journal of Contemplative Spirituality
Published twice-yearly by Spiritual Growth Ministries since 2001, Refresh nourishes those seeking deeper spiritual formation and connection to contemplative perspectives and practices. Contributors offer articles, reflections, poetry and imagery, offering sustenance for the spiritual life of the Christian community and beyond. Printed copies of Refresh can be posted to your home anywhere in New Zealand. You can access the current issue below online and browse our archive to read past issues.
Current issue: Pilgrimage
Refresh Summer 2025 | Volume 27, Issue 2
The December issue of Refresh, Pilgrimage, is out now — inviting readers to contemplate the spiritual practice of pilgrimage. Katrina Tulip - lead editor for this issue - writes:
In this issue, writers reflect on their experiences of pilgrimages overseas, across Aotearoa New Zealand, and within daily life. Encounters, the connection between the outer and inner journey, and transformation are some emerging themes. Special thanks to Jenny Boyack and John Hornblow, authors of the unique guidebook Pilgrimage Aotearoa, for providing our feature article.
Col Salisbury and Katherine Opie invite us on multi-day pilgrimages in our own country, giving us a taste of what our own beautiful whenua and precious waterways have to offer us. Adrienne Thompson explores hīkoi as pilgrimage, with her personal journey intertwined with associated landmark events.
In this season of Advent, Fran Francis directs our attention to Mary the mother of Jesus, who made several journeys throughout her lifetime. Along with her husband and son, she knew first-hand what it was like to be a refugee. For those feeling burdened or overwhelmed, I invite you to draw strength and solace from accompanying Shannon Mawdsley as she walks a labyrinth in mid-winter England. May you encounter God afresh in the centre of your journey, just as she did.
Psalm 84:5 reminds us that we are blessed when we draw our strength from God and set our hearts on journeying towards God. May this be our experience today.
Receive Refresh - Journal of Contemplative Spirituality in your letterbox
We warmly invite you to receive the print edition of Refresh Journal of Contemplative Spirituality twice each year.
Each issue explores a particular theme evoking contemplation and stimulating thought, prayer and spiritual growth.
Whether you are a seasoned pilgrim on the contemplative path or a curious explorer, Refresh is for you.
Printed copies of Refresh can be posted to your home anywhere in New Zealand.
“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