Sermon Podcasts at St Thomas' Moonee Ponds

What does courage really look like?We often imagine heroic one‑time acts. But for refugees, courage is quieter – and harder. It’s leaving everything behind. Learning a new language while grieving a lost home. Standing before officials who hold your future in their hands. And somehow, still moving forward.In this special Refugee Week episode, we open Matthew 9:35–10:23 – a passage where Jesus sees the harassed and helpless, sends his followers out with almost nothing, and commands them to flee when rejected.We explore:the bravery of refugees and hows that speaks to witnesses seeking those that need help or are harassed. what it means for those forced to flee today and what it means for witnesses to go into areas where people flee from.How sharing the gospel begins not with words, but with compassion that acts.Whether you’ve walked a refugee journey yourself or want to stand alongside those who have, this episode will change how you see courage – and the road.No one travels alone.🎧 Listen now. Share with a friend. And this Refugee Week, discover the courage that’s already walking beside you.

What does the healing of a bleeding woman and a dead girl have to do with caring for our planet? More than you might think.In this episode, we dive into Matthew 9:9–13 and 9:18–26 – a passage where Jesus declares, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” On the surface, these verses are about outcasts being restored to community. But when we listen with World Environment Day in mind, a surprising connection emerges.We explore a simple but profound idea: the natural world is given to us for the fulfillment of our sustenance and need, not as a commodity to be used up. It keeps us connected to God.From that starting point, we ask:How does treating creation as a “sacrifice” damage our own souls?What would it mean to offer the earth mercy instead of exploitation?Why your home environment – your room, your yard, your local stream – is actually liturgical space that shapes your relationship with God.Using the vivid images of the bleeding woman touching Jesus’ cloak and the dead girl being raised, we reframe environmental care as an act of restoration, not guilt. Whether you’re passionate about creation care or feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental problems, this episode offers a gentle, spiritually grounded way forward. No politics. No shame. Just a call to touch the “fringe” of God’s presence – starting right where you live.“She touched the fringe of his cloak – and was healed. Perhaps the earth is that fringe.”

What does it mean to go “All In” – with God, and with the First Peoples of this land?This Trinity Sunday, we sit at a holy intersection. The church celebrates the God who is community – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and Reconciliation Week calls us to total commitment, not half-hearted gestures.In this episode, we walk through three powerful scriptures:Exodus 34 – The God who cuts new tablets and stays faithful, even after we break covenant.Matthew 28 – The risen Jesus with all authority, sending us to all nations with his enduring presence.2 Corinthians 13 – The Spirit’s koinonia (fellowship) that draws us into a dance of mutual giving.Together, these readings reveal a Triune God who is utterly “All In” – and an invitation for the church to follow suit. No holding back. No Sunday-only faith. Just a deep, covenant-shaped walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, grounded in truth, presence, and hope.Whether you’re preaching, praying, or simply listening for a fresh word, this episode offers biblical depth, practical reflection, and a closing prayer to send you out.🎧 Press play – and come all in.

Today's reading was done in a number of languages including English,Croatian, Bazaar, Spanish, Cantonese, Italian and Mandarin.Listen in to hear the reading in the languages of the world.

What if the Holy Spirit isn’t primarily interested in making you a better volunteer? What if the real Pentecost moment is when your natural ability gets overtaken by supernatural testimony?This week on the podcast, we explore a powerful convergence: Pentecost Sunday and Volunteer Sunday. Drawing from Numbers 11:24–30, Acts 2:1–12, and John 20:19–23, we unpack a critical transition:Natural capacity = good people doing good things with their own gifts, energy, and training.Supernatural testimony = disciples releasing the kingdom of God through the Spirit’s unexpected, uncontainable presence.You’ll hear how Moses wished for all God’s people to prophesy (even the ones who stayed in the camp), how the first Pentecost turned a language barrier into a witness of “God’s deeds of power,” and how the risen Jesus breathed the Spirit into fearful disciples – not to make them nicer, but to send them as the Father sent Him.Whether you serve on a roster, lead a ministry, or are just trying to figure out where you belong, this episode will challenge you to stop asking “Can I do this task?” and start asking “Is God’s reign becoming visible through me?”Listen in as we move from natural capacity to supernatural testimony – because the Spirit doesn’t fill resumes. The Spirit fills witnesses.

You don’t need a pulpit to release the kingdom – just a kettle, a kind ear, and a willingness to go to the hard places. We unpack two powerful scriptures from our lectionary today:John 17 – Jesus prays for you before you’re sent into drought, isolation, or a neighbour’s crisis.1 Peter 5 – The practical how‑to: lead like a shepherd, cast your anxiety, and find joy again.We particularly kept the CWA members in our thoughts but this is for all people connecting with others in the hard places, and anyone who’s ever felt tired from caring. Pour a tea, press play and put your feet up for a little while. ☕

Bishop Alison spoke at out 10am service today about our desire  and longing to be with God. She spoke about being in a culture that offers us a lot of stimulation, yet fails to satisfactorily fulfil the deeper desire for meaning. Jesus offers that meaning in times that are going well as well as our challenging times.

What does it really mean that God lives in you? And how do you actually stay there? In John 14:15–21, Jesus makes a staggering promise: the Holy Spirit will not just be with you—He will be in you. The Father and the Son will come and make their home inside your life. But this isn’t passive. Jesus ties this indwelling to a clear call: “If you love me, keep my commands.”In this episode, we explore the beautiful, demanding rhythm of the Christian life: God in us (by the Spirit) and us in God (through the disciplined practices of Scripture and prayer). The cross made the first possible—Jesus died utterly alone so we would never be alone. But experiencing His constant presence requires our intentional response.We’ll cover:Why “God in us” is the central promise of the New Covenant—and what it actually feels like.Why discipline (not legalism) is the pathway to remaining in God: regular time in Scripture, prayer, and obedient trust.Practical steps to cultivate the “mutual abiding” – God living in you as you live in Him.Key insight: The same Jesus who cried out alone on the cross now offers to live inside you. But the door of that indwelling swings open on the hinges of love, obedience, and the daily, disciplined choice to be in His Word and in His presence.If you’ve ever felt spiritually distant or wondered why the presence of God feels inconsistent, this episode will help you see the connection between God’s promise to dwell in you and your discipline to dwell in Him. Let's get disciplined about being with God to have a consistent relationship.

What happens when the Vicar has lived the text before he ever preached it?Today we looked at Domestic Violence and looked to raise awareness about this in our community.Karen, our parishioner and boardmember of GenWest, shared her information about what is happening on the front line of those that support domestic violences. She also shares some important statistics which make the information very real.As well as this, our Vicar does something rare and holy: he steps into the pulpit not as a distant Bible teacher, but as a survivor of domestice violence. Growing up in a home marked by domestic violence, he knows the sound of a slammed door, the terror of unpredictable rage, and the silence that shame demands.He uses the gospel of the day to speak into this situation. John 14:1-14 are words read at funerals or whisper to anxious hearts: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… In my Father’s house there are many rooms.”But what if “home” is the very place that troubles you?What if the only room you know is a prison of control, fear, or fists?Our Vicar walks through John 14:1–14  — not to offer cheap comfort, but to tell the truth:The many rooms of God’s house are a promise of safety — not a cage of false unity.Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life — exposing every counterfeit “way” of coercion and gaslighting.The “greater works” Jesus promises are not magic tricks; they are a church that stops pretending and starts protecting.With vulnerability and pastoral wisdom, he shares his own story of childhood survival — not for sympathy, but for freedom. He names the lies that kept him silent. He offers a vision of faith where leaving an abusive home can be an act of discipleship, not betrayal.And he asks the hard question: What will our church do to become a safe house for the next survivor?If you know of anyone who is in a domestic violence situation, it might be helpful to listen to this with them in a non-confrontational way. You might start the conversation with "Hey I heard this talk at church. Want to listen to it with me and tell me what you think??"

Archbishop Ric at St Thomas' 5pm service 26th April 2026

We all know what it’s like to walk away. From a grief too heavy to carry. From a prayer that went unanswered. From a hope that shattered.But many of us are also walking away from church—quietly, painfully, and for real reasons. Hypocrisy. Judgment. Hurt from a leader. A gospel that felt false. The problem of evil that no one could explain. Or simply being too busy, too fine, or too tired to keep showing up.In this episode, we open Luke 24—the road to Emmaus—and discover something surprising: Jesus doesn’t wait for you to turn around. He joins you on the road away.We explore:Why walking away doesn’t mean you’ve outrun GodHow to name the real reasons you left (without shame)Why the communion meal—the breaking of bread—is the exact place where eyes openHow the table speaks directly to every wound: hypocrisy, doubt, irrelevance, hurt, false teaching, and moreWhat it means to return to worship with a burning heart—not because the church got perfect, but because you are changedWhether you’re still in the pews, standing at a distance, or haven’t set foot in a church in years—this episode is for you. No guilt. No pressure. Just bread, honesty, and the risen Christ on your road.Listen in. And let your heart burn again.

Are your children carrying fears you can’t see? Are you, as a parent, feeling locked in by anxiety, pressure, or uncertainty about the future?In this episode, we open up the familiar story of the disciples hiding behind locked doors after Jesus’ death – and discover how the risen Christ still walks through the locked rooms of our families today.We talk honestly about the pressures on our children: school stress, friendship struggles, anxiety about the world, and the weight of feeling “not good enough.” And we ask: How can we parent differently when everything feels unsettling?You’ll hear:Why the resurrection doesn’t just comfort us – it sends us out of hiding.How Psalm 16:8 (“He is at my right hand; I shall not be shaken”) becomes a simple, powerful prayer for kids and parents alike.Practical, gentle ways to help your child name their fears and invite Jesus into their “locked room.”Why your peace as a parent is the greatest gift you can give your anxious child.This isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about knowing the One who stands at your right hand – and your child’s.For every parent, grandparent, or carer who has ever felt stuck behind a locked door of worry: this episode is for you.

He walked alone so you would never be alone. On Good Friday, Jesus bore the curse God swore to carry in Genesis 15. On Easter Sunday, He steps out of the tomb as the first fruit—the guarantee that the whole harvest is coming. Discover why the empty tomb means you can stop striving and start living. Discover how you can be part of the emerging harvest.

In Genesis 15:4-16, God alone passed between the pieces, taking the curse upon Himself. In Matthew’s passion, Jesus walked the same solitary road—bearing our sin, crying forsaken, and rising as the first fruit of a new creation. Listen and rest in the God who did it all.

What do a woman freed from seven demons, the wife of a high-ranking government official, and a group of everyday women have in common? They bankrolled the ministry of Jesus.In this episode, we dive into Luke 8:1–3 and uncover a powerful, often overlooked truth: healed people help people. The women who followed Jesus didn’t just receive healing—they turned their gratitude into generosity. They gave out of their own “means” to fuel the mission of the Gospel, becoming silent partners in every miracle, every sermon, and every life changed.But this isn’t just ancient history. It’s a blueprint for us today.If you’ve been touched by the grace of God, you’re invited to be more than a spectator. Join us as we explore what it means to be a cheerful giver, why generosity is the natural response to grace, and how your own “means”—no matter how small—can partner with God’s work in the world.Whether you’re wrestling with what it means to give, or you’re ready to discover the joy of partnering in the mission, this conversation is for you.Key Scriptures: Luke 8:1–3, 2 Corinthians 9:6–8Theme: Generosity, healing, partnership, cheerful giving🎧 Tune in and discover why the most joyful givers are always the ones who’ve been healed the most.

What happens when everything you thought you knew is turned upside down?A man born blind. A miracle made of mud and spit. A confrontation with religious power. And a healing that nobody asked for—but everyone needed.This is the story of John chapter 9.But it's more than just an ancient miracle. It's a map for anyone standing in the middle of a transition. A new job. A broken relationship. A faith that no longer fits. A season you didn't choose but cannot escape.In this episode, we explore what happens when God gives us new sight—and why that new sight never fits into our old lives. We'll uncover the three first fruits of spiritual vision: Clarity that ends the guessing game, Confidence that stands when questioned, and Connection that draws us closer to the Source than ever before.And we'll ask the hard question: When the new wine comes, are you still holding onto the old wineskin?If you've ever felt like your world is shifting beneath your feet, this episode is for you.Blessings,Rev. Rob.

We are busier than ever, but are we truly present? In a world addicted to distraction, the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well offers a radical alternative.In this episode, we explore John 4:5-42 and discover that our God is not a distant deity—He is a God of time and space who enters our dusty roads and sits at our wells. We unpack what it really means to steward our time, how vulnerable presence can tear down walls, and the three "first fruits" that appear when we learn to simply show up for others.If you've ever felt too busy to pause, too rushed to notice, or too exhausted to love well—this episode is for you.Have a listen to discover:Why time and presence is a gift to us from God.The difference between managing time and stewarding itWhat happens when we finally leave our "water jars" behind

What if we want to help people have a spiritual breaktrhough, but haven't had one ourselves?That was Nicodemus. Teacher of Israel. Expert in Scripture. Respected leader. And completely clueless about the one thing that mattered most.In this episode, we sit down with the nighttime conversation that changed everything. We tackle the questions no one wants to ask:Why do we pour into others while neglecting our own souls?What does it mean to be "born again" anyway?How do we steward relationships with people who are still in the dark?And what does "first fruits" have to do with any of this?If you've been serving, leading, teaching, or parenting on fumes—if your tank is empty but you keep trying to fill everyone else's—pull up a chair. This conversation is for you.

 Is Your Comfort Killing Your Calling? 🛑The devil doesn't always look like he is coming to destroy you. Sometimes, he comes to “comfort” you.In this week's episode, we're looking at the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4 and the three traps outlined in 1 John 2. Today we reflected on the hard questions:When does self-care become the lust of the flesh?When does chasing a spiritual experience become the lust of the eyes?When does pursuing success become the pride of life?We live in a world that prioritises feelings over faithfulness, and the spectacular over substance. But Jesus shows us a different way. He faced the tempter, stood on the Word, and now offers us not just sympathy, but solidarity.We also tackle a practical application that might surprise you: how giving your first fruits is helping you with gather the Holy Spirits power in the spiritual warfare you face.If you're ready to stop being tossed around by your emotions and start walking in your God-given identity, hit play when the site loads up.

What if the mountain revealed more than just light—what if it revealed the truth about every god you've ever served?This week we ascend the mountain of Transfiguration to witness the moment Jesus pulled back the veil on His divine glory. Not just a shining face or dazzling garments—but a definitive declaration that He stands above every authority, every power, and every so-called god humanity has ever worshipped.Moses and Elijah appear, then vanish. The Father's voice thunders. And when the cloud clears, only one remains: Jesus only.If you've ever wondered whether Jesus is enough—whether He truly outshines every competing voice, every lesser loyalty, every fear that claims your attention—this episode is for you.Listen now to "The Unveiled Glory." 

This is a podcast about our shared story of belonging. Jesus tells his people, “You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world.” That “you” is plural. This is a group project!In our podcast this week, we explore how our collective belonging to Christ equips us to preserve what’s good, flavour our communities with hope, and illuminate dark places. Through thoughtful teaching and real conversations, we’ll discover how to live this out—in our neighbourhoods, workplaces, and families. Because together, we’re a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.Join the conversation. Find your purpose within the story.

The Epiphany light has dawned. Now what?In Matthew 4, Jesus moves from being the revealed Light to issuing a radical invitation: "Come, follow me." What if the Wise Men's journey didn't end at the manger? What if it was actually the beginning of a path that leads straight to your local church's baptismal font?This episode explores how that same journey—from revelation to response—happens every time someone steps into the baptismal waters.We'll unpack how:• Epiphany shows us WHO (the revealed Christ)• Baptism declares WHOSE (our answered "yes")• Mission sends us FOR WHAT (God's work in the world)Featuring powerful insights from a live baptism service, we explore what it means to leave your "nets" behind and step into the waters of new identity and purpose. This is the episode that connects the star over the manger to the water in the font—and to your daily life.

Explore a profound reflection for Australia Day. This episode re-examines the concept of a "blessed nation" through the lens of Jesus' Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12), moving beyond celebration to a thoughtful call for humility, mercy, and peacemaking in our national life.

The journey from witnessing a truth to living it out is everything. Join us as we unpack how biblical moments of revelation—like finding the Messiah—provide the blueprint for our own transformative encounters with God. Continue listening as we will be exploring how you become the "John the Baptist" to help others move from beholding to belonging.

The Magi had a star to follow and a scripture to obey. One without the other would have left them lost. What does their ancient journey teach us about hearing from God today? We’re breaking down Matthew 2:1-12 to discover how to move from just knowing the Bible to following the living God it reveals.

The Christmas story isn't all angels and shepherds. This week, it's nightmares, a political massacre, and a desperate sprint to Egypt. We're exploring how God speaks in dreams, why deliverance sometimes looks like becoming a refugee, and where to find Emmanuel when you're far from home. The first Christmas was more gritty thriller than silent night.

Hope, peace, joy—they’re not just solo candles on a wreath. On this Fourth Sunday of Advent, we see how they’re all gathered up and fulfilled in one thing: the revolutionary Love born through Mary and the Holy Family. We’re diving into Isaiah’s promise, Joseph’s crisis, and Paul’s proclamation to discover how God’s love gathers our fear, our obedience, and our very identities. This is the culmination of Advent: the totality of Love that changes everything.

Before Jesus' first miracle or parable, there was his mother's song. In Luke 1:47-55, Mary’s Magnificat isn't just a prayer—it's the blueprint for a disciple. She shows us radical trust in God's promise, declares a revolution that lifts up the humble and fills the hungry, and becomes the first person to proclaim the gospel.This podcast looks past the stained glass to meet Mary: the courageous theologian, willing revolutionary, and model for anyone who wants to follow God. Discover how her world-turning song defines what it means to be a disciple, then and now.

Ever feel like you're doing everything "right" but the joy is gone? You're in good company. In Matthew 11, John the Baptist—languishing in a literal prison—struggled with doubt. We unpack his raw question to Jesus and the revolutionary reply that redefines freedom. Discover how moving from performance to presence, and from doubt to the evidence of grace, is how we step out of spiritual prison and into durable joy.

The second Advent candle flickers for peace. But what if the peace we’re waiting for isn’t cozy or quiet? What if it’s a cosmic revolution?This week, we’re heeding the prophets’ disruptive cry. We’ll unpack the stunning vision in Isaiah 11, where wolves bed down with lambs and justice flows like a river. Then, we’ll feel the scorching challenge of John the Baptist in Matthew 3, who screams in the wilderness that this peace demands a gut-level overhaul. Finally, we’ll see in Romans 15 how this wild hope forces us to build radically welcoming communities now.This isn’t a gentle lullaby. It’s a urgent briefing on the true shape of God’s Shalom and what it takes to be ready for the return of the Prince of Peace. If you think you know what "peace" means… the prophets are here to expand your imagination.Listen. Seek the vision. Seek the change. Seek to be part of it.#Advent #Prophets #Peace #JohnTheBaptist #Advent2 #BibleStudy #ChristianPodcast #AdventPodcast #ReadyForJesus

What if the "thief in the night" isn't a threat, but an invitation? This Advent, we're reframing Jesus' jarring words in Matthew 24 through the lives of the Patriarchs. They were the original experts in waiting for a promise they couldn't see. Their journeys show us how to build, journey, and wrestle with hope as a community, ready for the light that is surely coming.Our light is surely coming!

In the gospel reading today, we find our King enthroned on a cross outside the city walls. The message on the Feast of Christ the King this year is simple. Like Jesus we need to go beyond our walls and into the community.  Jesus was forcibly taken out of the city and crucified. The first people he ministered to were two criminals and the Roman guards. Today reminds us that we need to move beyond a mere celebration of Christ's authority and release the reality of His kingdom into our broken world. We need to be deliberate and intentional and placing our cross to where we are called to be and allow ourselves to be enthroned on it. This isn't a call to just do more; it's an invitation to do what we are called to do in places that make us feel uncomfortable or might not be savoury. Let’s make this a year where we move beyond the walls and into our community with a view to sharing testimony that helps the Holy Spirit convict others so we too can say to those we are ministering to, “Today you are in paradise with me.” Listen now and be equipped to carry the revolutionary love of our Servant-King into your everyday world.#ChristTheKing #Sermon #Podcast #FaithInAction #BeyondTheWalls #KingdomOfGod #Lectionary #YearC #ChristianMission #CommunityEngagement

Feeling overwhelmed by the news? Anxious about the future? You're not alone. Two thousand years ago, Jesus sat with his friends and gave them a framework for living in a world that feels like it's falling apart. This podcast takes that framework and applies it to our modern lives. This reflection explores how to move from fear to endurance, from idleness to purposeful work, and from despair to a hope rooted in the unshakable promise of redemption. Your journey toward a resilient and meaningful faith could start here.

For our intergenerational service we were considering our legacy right now. Jesus's words in Luke 6 about blessings and woes are a urgent checklist for parents and mentors. This episode explores a challenging idea: our children are following the path we blaze with our own attitudes and actions. Are we showing them the way to contentment, kindness, and love, or are we inadvertently leading them toward a life of spiritual "woe"? Tune in for a reflective and empowering look at how to become an intentional example of faith.

In reconnecting with Lowther Hall Anglican Girls School, we looked at this as being a greater glory project. The foundation is laid. The work has begun. After a long season of separation, our church and school are reuniting to build something new. Follow along as we use the ancient blueprint from the prophet Haggai to guide our modern mission. We're believing the best is yet to come, and the future glory of our partnership will far surpass the past. Listen to The Greater Glory Project using the link below.

What happens when the most hated man in town has a life-changing encounter with Jesus? This is the story of Zacchaeus—a wealthy, corrupt tax collector who thought money was the answer, until he climbed a tree to see Jesus and found himself seen, known, and called by name.In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful transformations in the Bible. We'll unpack how Jesus' scandalous grace turned a greedy taker into a generous giver, and what that means for us today. If you've ever felt lost, overlooked, or wondered if real change is even possible, this story is your invitation to come down from the sidelines and discover the God who came "to seek and to save the lost."

What if everything you think about achieving success for God’s Kingdom is wrong? We often operate on a formula of our own resources plus our best strategies. But in Luke 18:15-30, Jesus completely dismantles this model and reveals a shocking, counter-intuitive path to true empowerment.In this episode, we explore one of the most hope-filled statements in Scripture: "What is impossible with man is possible with God." We'll break down three pivotal scenes:Jesus and the Children: Why the key to the Kingdom isn't accomplishment, but humble, childlike reception.The Rich Young Ruler: How our greatest strengths—like wealth, morality, and influence—can become our biggest spiritual barriers.The Astonished Disciples: The liberating truth that frees us from the burden of "making it happen" and plugs us into God's limitless power.Join us as we uncover the new equation for missional living and learn how to trade the pressure of self-sufficiency for the peace of divine possibility. This message is for anyone who has ever felt they weren't "enough" to make a difference for God's Kingdom.

Feeling discouraged in sharing your faith? In a climate of opposition, indifference, and suffering, it’s easy to believe the gospel isn’t advancing. We often measure success by numbers, influence, and immediate results, leading to burnout or bitterness.But what if we’re using the wrong metric?In this powerful episode, we explore the counter-intuitive path to true missional success as defined by Scripture. We’ll dive into Luke 18, where Jesus tells two startling parables—one about a persistent widow and another about a humble tax collector. These stories reveal the two essential postures for anyone participating in God's work: dependent persistence and radical humility.Then, we see these principles come to life in the gritty, real-world ministry of the Apostle Paul. In his final charge to his protégé Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-4:5, we find a model for enduring hardship, rejecting pride, and staying faithful even when no one seems to be listening.Today's podcast is a message for every weary warrior, every discouraged evangelist, and every Christian who wonders if their faithfulness matters. Discover how the path of persistent prayer and self-emptying humility isn’t a detour—it’s God’s intended highway for His mission to move forward in power.

What if your faith could give you more than just a solution to your immediate problem? What if it could give you deep, lasting wholeness?In this powerful episode, we dive into the story of the ten lepers from Luke 17, where Jesus makes a stunning distinction that changes everything. While ten men were miraculously healed, only one was told his faith had made him well.We'll unpack the crucial difference between the Greek words katharizō (cleansed) and sōzō (saved/made whole), and explore how this same truth applies to us today. Discover how moving from a transactional faith that just asks God for things, to a transformational relationship built on gratitude and worship, is the key to unlocking wellness for your spirit, soul, and body.You may have felt that your prayers stop at the ceiling, or that a breakthrough didn't bring the lasting peace you expected. Today is an invitation for you to walk the road back to Jesus, not just for a healing in the moment, but for a wholeness that lasts a lifetime.

How do we pass on a vibrant, living faith to the next generation? In this powerful message from our intergenerational service, Wayne explores the timeless wisdom of 2 Timothy 1:1-14. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's heartfelt charge to his young protégé, Timothy, we uncover what it truly means to empower our youth.Wayne delved into themes of spiritual inheritance, the importance of "fanning into flame" the gifts God has given, and the courage to step into a faith that is both received and personally owned. His reflection is a challenge and an encouragement for every generation—to faithfully pass the baton and to confidently pick it up. Join us as we look at committing to building a church where young people are not just the future, but are empowered leaders in the present.

What if you didn't need more faith? What if the faith you have right now is enough to handle the impossible challenges you're facing?And what if the secret to avoiding burnout in your service to the church wasn't more recognition, but less?This week, we're diving into Luke 17:5-10, where Jesus confronts our deepest misconceptions about faith and work. We'll explore His startling claim that faith the size of a mustard seed is powerfully sufficient, and His challenging parable that redefines our relationship with God as "unworthy servants." This episode will change how you view your discipleship, your daily life, and your role in the mission of your parish.

Why are Michael and all angelse considered the patrons of police, firefighters, and paramedics? today we explored the powerful—and surprising—biblical connection between the work of angels, the calling of emergency workers and ourselves as those who are "Christ" in the world today. Discover how first responders embody the same roles as divine messengers: as protectors in the face of danger, comforters in moments of crisis, and warriors against chaos and destruction. If you’ve ever heard a siren and felt a sense of hope, this reflection reveals the sacred link between heaven’s helpers and the heroes who walk among us.Our service today honours their service through a spiritual lens that’s as timely as it is timeless.

A dishonest guy gets fired for cheating, cheats even more to save his skin, and then gets commended for it? What is Jesus really saying here?This isn't a parable about embezzlement. It’s a parable about urgency, wisdom, and what we do with what we’ve been given. And for us, as a church, it’s a powerful statement on how we see our mission right in our parish.God calls us to use our temporary, earthly resources with urgent, creative wisdom to build eternal, relational bridges to our community.This parable ends with a vision of welcome. The manager wanted to be welcomed into homes and other jobs. Jesus commands us to live in such a way that people will welcome us into eternity and in today’s parable asks us to use the things we have to build relationship that give life. Our wisdom in Christ is to use the things that are not eternal to help build the things that are eternal. It means the money in the offering plate isn’t just for the light bill; it’s a tool for eternal friendship. This building isn’t just our holy space; it’s a gift to be used for our community. Your time and talent aren’t just for serving your family or being on a committee; they are for serving a person Jesus loves. Let’s be shrewd. Let’s be wise. Let’s be as passionate about building God’s kingdom as the world is about building its own. Let’s use all that we have, all that we are, to make friends for eternity. To make relationships that show our love and point to Jesus Christ and make the cross the place where the whole world unites in love of God and of each other in Jesus Christ" Call to Action: "Lord God, what one resource do we have – time, skill or possession – that I can use this week to creatively show your love to someone in my world? Make us shrewd for your mission and courageous in my manifestations. Amen.”

Now that we have had our parish mission conference we are formally in the process of putting the mission action plan together. The them for use in the next little while is revealing God’s mission. As a parish we are part of God’s amazing plan to redeem all of creation, but we need to be clear that this is not a mere administrative task, but it is a serious intentional commitment to costly discipleship.There was a wonderful spirit—a sense of excitement, holy imagination, and a palpable feeling of God’s presence among us yesterday. We did a quick Christian based meditation and it was clear how in the space of a 3 minute song we were able to transcend what we were doing and in some ways feel God’s peace that is beyond all understanding. We’ve shared ideas, dreamed dreams, and felt that nudge from the Spirit to step out in faith for God’s kingdom. Now we start moving  from the *inspiration* of the conference to the *implementation* of a plan. And into this precise moment—the fragile space  between a holy dreaming and a practical plan—the words of Jesus in Luke’s Gospel today land with a powerful, and perhaps unsettling, clarity.Today’s passage, as adapted to our mission planning, isn’t meant to scare us. It’s meant to strengthen us. It’s meant to set us on a firm foundation, so that the work we do will not be our work, but His. So that the tower we build will stand. So that the mission we undertake will be fruitful, lasting, and gloriously salty. 

As we start to look at doing a few things and doing them well, who is on our "guest list"? Do we only invite people who are like us, who can fit in, who can serve on a committee or tithe? A healthy church is not a country club for saints; it's a hospital for sinners. It's a family that actively seeks out the overlooked, the broken, the messy, and the new—not as projects, people who are created in God’s image and have a place of honour. We are called to be a community of inviters, not exclusives. You can only truly take the lowest seat (Luke 14:10) if you know you are poor in spirit (Matt 5:3). When you understand your acceptance by God is a gift of grace, you stop trying to prove your worthiness to everyone else. You are free to take the low seat.You can only truly welcome the outcast (Luke 14:13) if you know you were once an outcast. When you know God welcomed you in your brokenness, you lose all condescension. You see the marginalized not as "them," but as "us." We are all beggars who have found the bread of life.Let our church be a place where no one fights for the spotlight because we're all amazed we're in the light of Christ at all.A place where the most important people aren't the ones up front, but the ones in the back praying, the ones in the kitchen cleaning, the ones welcoming the newcomer.A place where the guest list is as wide as the arms of Christ on the cross—open to everyone, especially those who have nothing to offer but their need.Maybe you've never taken that lowest seat before God. Maybe you've been trying to earn your place. Today, Jesus invites you to rest. To admit your spiritual poverty and receive the rich grace of God. The kingdom of heaven is yours.