In our 'Called by Name' series we take time each Sunday AND on the Wednesdays in between, to look at what the Bible teaches us about discovering and living out God’s purpose for our lives.

This Lent journey explores themes of identity, surrender, and mission. Each week focuses on a different aspect of our calling, drawing from Scripture and stories of biblical figures.

Recorded from the Lent Gatherings on Wednesday 19th March 2025

Readings: John 1:35-41; Luke 5:1-11; Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Philippians 1:6; John 14:12-14

Speakers: Kathy and Brian de Smidt

Questions we discussed in Small Groups:

1. Jesus’ call to us to ‘follow him’ is a personal one. How have you responded to that call?

2. What have you had to leave behind in order to follow Jesus? Is there anything currently that you may need to let go of, to follow Jesus wholeheartedly?

3. Being a disciple of Jesus really means to be trained by him, to be an intern/apprentice of his. Our works and our lives are a display of the trustworthiness of Jesus. What do these verses tell us about what God is wanting to do in us and through us? 

4. Takeaway Question: Jesus invites us all to actively engage in bringing others to him - this is our assignment. Pray about how you will do this more effectively. What is one commitment you will make in this regard?

Prayer Pointers

1. Following Jesus – express your willingness to follow Jesus wherever he will lead you.  

2. Ask God to show you if you are hampered in your journey of obedience by anything that is interfering with following Jesus wholeheartedly. Pray about these. 

3. Pray for someone you know who you can introduce to Jesus the way Andrew did. 

In our 'Called by Name' series we take time each Sunday AND on the Wednesdays in between, to see what the Bible teaches us about discovering and living out God’s purpose for our lives.

This Lent journey explores themes of identity, surrender, and mission. Each week focuses on a different aspect of our calling, drawing from Scripture and stories of biblical figures.

Recorded: Recorded at the 9:30am service on Sunday 16th March 2025

Reading: Matthew 4:18-22

Preacher: René August

In our 'Called by Name' series we take time each Sunday AND on the Wednesdays in between, to look at what the Bible teaches us about discovering and living out God’s purpose for our lives.

This Lent journey explores themes of identity, surrender, and mission. Each week focuses on a different aspect of our calling, drawing from Scripture and stories of biblical figures.

Recorded at the 7pm Lent Gathering on Wednesday 12th March 2025

Reading: Acts 9:1-19

Speaker: Jeremy Jobling

Questions we discussed in Small Groups:

1. How is Saul described before his encounter with Jesus? (v.1-2)

2. What do Saul’s actions before his conversion teach us about our own need for transformation? (v.3-6)

3. What role does Ananias play in Saul’s transformation? (v.10-17)

4. How does Saul’s experience show that God’s grace is greater than our past? (v.17-19)

5. What steps did Saul take after his conversion to grow in his faith? (v.19-22)

6. What does this passage teach us about the role of community in our transformation? Can you think of an example where this has been true at St John’s?

7. Takeaway Question: This week ask a mentor or friend who you know will be honest with you: “What is one thing in my life that needs to change?” Listen and act.

Prayer Pointers

Romans 12: 2 - Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

1. Pray for transformation – Ask God to reveal areas where we are resisting change and give us courage to surrender.

2. Pray for community – That we would be an Ananias to others, welcoming and encouraging those new in their faith.

3. Pray for each other - are there any particular needs in the group?

Closing Thought: Transformation is not just a moment; it’s a journey. As we continue to follow Jesus, we are called to become more like Him.

In our 'Called by Name' series we take time each Sunday AND on the Wednesdays between, to see what the Bible teaches about discovering and living out God’s purpose for our lives.

This Lent journey explores themes of identity, surrender, and mission. Each week focuses on a different aspect of our calling, drawing from Scripture and stories of biblical figures.

Recorded: Recorded at the 7:45am service on Sunday 9th March 2025

Readings: Acts 9:1-19; Romans 12:1-2

Preacher: Jeremy Jobling

In our 'Called by Name' series we take time each Sunday AND on the Wednesdays between, to see what the Bible teaches about discovering and living out God’s purpose for our lives.

This Lent journey explores themes of identity, surrender, and mission. Each week focuses on a different aspect of our calling, drawing from Scripture and stories of biblical figures.

Recorded: Ash Wednesday (6pm) Service on 5th March 2025

Readings: Exodus 3:1-12; Isaiah 43:1-2

Preacher: Jeremy Jobling

The world tells us 'an eye for an eye' - take revenge - that power, dominance, and self-preservation are the way to change your situation.  But the way of Jesus is so radically different -  a way that seems upside-down to human wisdom.

"Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:27 (NIV)

Recorded at the 7.45am Service on Sunday 23rd February 2025

Readings: Luke 6: 27-38

Preacher: Jeremy Jobling

In a world full of uncertainty, economic struggle, political instability, personal hardships - we all place our trust in something. When life gets tough - where do you place your trust?

"Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him." Jeremiah 17:7 (NIV)

Recorded at the 7.45am Service on Sunday 16th February 2025

Readings: Jeremiah 17:5-10, Luke 6:17-26

Preacher: Jeremy Jobling

In the second of two Sundays looking at the our heart and attitudes towards giving.

Recorded at the 7.45am Service on Sunday 9th February 2025

Reading: Matthew 6:19-34

Preacher: Rene August

In the first of two weeks of sharing a vision for building God's church together, Jeremy shared from Nehemiah on how when we all play our part and work together in unity for a common purpose - we can do so much for God.

We also heard from ministry leaders their vision, 2025 plans and how you can get involved: Worship, Prayer, Youth, Alpha.

Recorded at the 7.45am Service on Sunday 19th January 2025

Reading: Nehemiah 3

Preacher: Jeremy Jobling

New Year! New beginnings! But what is it that you need God to do for you? In the story of blind Bartemaeus, Jesus asks the question: "What do you want me to do for you?"

Recorded at the 7.45am Service on Sunday 12th January 2025

Reading: Mark 10:46-52

Preacher: Jeremy Jobling