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

September has been declared St Michael's month! As Kate reminds us in this sermon, remaining faithful often means resisting cultural norms and enduring challenges. Drawing on inspiring examples both biblical (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) and local (Kate Sheppard and Michael Jones), we are assured that discernment in community and trust in God's presence is the equipping we need.

Gospel reading:

Matthew 5:13-16

Key text:

Daniel 3

Part eight and our final sermon in the series on the book of Philippians. Rosie Fyfe of NZCMS shares a refreshing understanding of 'koinonia' or partnership as it appears in Paul's letter.

This message invites us to reflect on the value of global partnerships, building grace-filled communities that support and uplift one another through all circumstances.

Gospel reading:

John 1:45-51

Key texts:

Philippians 1:1-11

Philippians 4:10-23

Part seven of our sermon series on Philippians. With a little inspiration from Wendell Berry but mostly drawing on Paul's letter to the Philippians, Anya shares three keys for living out joy as Christians: prayer, thought and embodiment.

Gospel reading:

John 16:16-24

Key text:

Philippians 4:1-9

Rev. Dr Sam Wells visiting us from St Martins-in-the-Fields, London, explores six moments of inspiration and what they tell us about the theology of the Holy Spirit.

Part six of our sermon series on Philippians. On a rainy day in Wellington, Tim challenged us to live as citizens of heaven right where we are, in work, at home and in community.

Book mentions:

Practising the way by John Mark Comer

The Other Half of Church by Jim Wilder and Michel Hendricks

Gospel reading:

Luke 12:32-40

Key text:

Philippians 3:12-21

Tragically, part 4 of this series failed to record, sorry people.

However, here in Part V, Sam Jackson compares the life of Paul with the life of King Saul. Paul, we learn, is compelled to give up his status as one of the religious elite, to serve a crucified master.

Readings:

1 Samuel 9.1-2

Philippians 3.1-11

Matthew 11.25-30

Philippians 2.1-11 are among the most discussed verses in the New Testament. They include the stunning poem in verses 6-11, which celebrate Jesus' journey from glory to a cradle in the dirt, and then a cross beside criminals. In this sermon, Chris Marshall walks us through the beauty of this poem, and its extraordinary portrait not just of Jesus, but therefore of God.