In the first week of Advent Tim takes us on the journey of Gus' (Saint Augustine) conversion and how intellectual understanding gave way to humility before Christ.

Instead of rapture timelines and attempts to control the future, we are reminded that Advent's invitation is to a season of humility, as we orient our lives towards Christ's return with hope, active faith and a longing prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus."

References:

The meaning is in the waiting: The spirit of Advent by Paula Gooder

Gospel reading:

Matt 24:36-44

Key texts:

Isaiah 2:1-5

Romans 13:11-14

On Christ the King Sunday, Jonathan leads us through a thoughtful reflection on the meaning and relevance of the kingdom of God in today’s world.

Radically distinct from worldly power and political structures - we looked at what Jesus said about the kingdom, and its implications for politics and the signs of the times in Aotearoa in 2025.

References:

Dr Lamma Mansour's interview with Archbishop Justin Duckworth

Gospel reading:

Luke 1:68-79

Key texts:

Colossians 1:9-20

Revelations 11:15-18

Philippians 2:9-11

In the last sermon of this three part series looking at what's involved in apprenticing to Jesus - Tim notes that in order to do as Jesus did, we need to ask, 'What is God up to in the world today?' and 'what role does the church play in what God is up to today?'

The work of reconciliation Jesus began continues in a beautiful fractal-like pattern through his followers as we make space for the good news, announce the good news and demonstrate the good news!

Book mentions:

⁠⁠Practising the way⁠⁠ by John Mark Comer

Gospel reading:

Luke 10:1-11

Key texts:

Isaiah 61:1-6a

2 Cor 5:16-21

Identifying as a Christian is not a guarantee that you are becoming like Jesus. In this sermon, Tim looks at what Jesus was like, what it means to be a servant and the impact of unconscious formation.

Note: We take a brief pause at 3min40sec to watch a Diocesan safety video, but it was not recorded here.

Book mentions:

⁠Practising the way⁠ by John Mark Comer

Gospel reading:

Mark 10:35-45

Key texts:

Psalm 115:1-11

1 John 3:1-6

In this sermon, Tim encourages us to explore what it means to truly follow Jesus.

Exploring the questions, 'Where is Jesus?' and 'How can we be with Jesus?' we are invited to seek ways to foster intentional, daily closeness with Him as the foundation for spiritual growth and Christian living.

Book mentions:

Practising the way by John Mark Comer

Gospel reading:

Mark 3:13-19

Key texts:

Psalm 73:21-28

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

Using the lens of St. Francis' life, Steve invites us to reexamine our relationship to power, money and sex, to hold them loosely, rather than central to our identity.

As we reflect on the call to obedience and the example of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness (from the Matthew reading), we're prompted to trust that letting go of power and controls leads to spiritual armour and divine care.

Gospel reading:

Mat 4:1-11

Key texts:

1 Samuel 15:22-24, Ephesians 6:5-12

We welcomed Mo Morgan from the Christian environmental organisation A Rocha, who in this sermon, connects caring for the environment to faith in action.

Sharing local stories of hope and transformation, Mo reminds us that each faithful, persistent step, no matter how small, is significant.

Gospel reading and key text:

Luke 18:1-8

In this message Tim recounts St Francis’ a.k.a Frank’s conversion from wealthy youth to a life of simplicity, service, and devotion to Christ, highlighting that his call to ‘rebuild the church’ meant renewing people’s faith through action and love.

We are encouraged as listeners—married or single—to let our whole lives serve God’s kingdom. True freedom comes not from wealth or self‑gratification, but from wholehearted commitment to God’s purpose.

Gospel reading:

Mat 9:10-12

Key texts:

2 Timothy 2:8-15, 22-26

We welcomed Reverend Keri-Ann Hokianga, a Māori evangelist within NZCMS.

In this sermon Keri-Ann touches on the history of the gospel's arrival in Aotearoa and the ongoing journey of Māori Christian community and identity.

Gospel reading and key text:

Luke 2:8-14, 17:5-10

A week out from St Michael's Day and contemplating the example of our patron saint, Tim encourages us towards deeper engagement with both material and spiritual realities.

Gospel reading:

Matthew 12:43-45

Key text:

Daniel 10:4-6, 10-15