What does it mean to build a home marked by safety, belonging and grace? In this sermon from the Renew Together series, we explore Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus and discover how salvation transformed not only one household, but the wider community. As we consider homelessness and housing insecurity, we are invited to build homes and communities where people can experience welcome, justice and restoration.

Passage: Luke 19:1-10

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Link to clip mentioned: Paddy Gower's night on the streets

In week 1 of Renew Together, the annual Arotahi appeal, we consider what it means to be Building Life' in partnership with God's work of reconciliation. We ask 'what is our yes to God?'

Reflecting on Mary’s courageous response in Luke 1, alongside the stories of Moses, Hagar, and Zechariah, this sermon explores how God invites ordinary people into the work of building life, renewal, justice, and peace. We also consider how our church community can become a transformational family of Jesus in our neighbourhood.

Passage: Luke 1:26-38

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

This week we are joined by Liz Eichler from Scripture Union. Liz explores the lifelong journey of faith through the metaphor of New Zealand’s 3,000km Te Araroa Trail. Much like a long-distance hike, walking with Jesus involves both challenging terrain and breathtaking views. Drawing on the stories of Zacchaeus and the travelers on the road to Emmaus, Liz illustrates three vital signposts for every believer: discovering Christ through personal encounter, following him with our questions and doubts, and serving others with integrity and compassion. Whether you are in a season of joy or walking through a rough patch of uncertainty, this message offers a framework for ministry and a reminder that Jesus meets us exactly where we are on the road.

Passage: Luke 19:1-10 and 24:13-35

Speaker: Liz Eichler

Howard from Love Your Neighbour explores Romans 12 and the beauty of God's church as a family on mission together. Through the inspiring story of members of Howard's community, and the picture of emperor penguins working together to survive, we're reminded that we are stronger together and called to be a transformational family of Jesus in our community.

Passage: Romans 12:3-16

Speaker: Howard Webb

We are joined by a previous WSBC pastor, Hayden Allen who reflects that we often think of biblical legends like Elijah as superheroes: calling down fire from heaven and standing alone against corrupt kings. But in this week’s message, we look at the raw, human side of Elijah’s story. We follow his journey from a spectacular victory on Mount Carmel to a lonely desert bush where, consumed by fear and ‘fake news’ from his own head, he asks God to end it all.

Through Elijah’s highs and lows, we explore the truth that "everybody needs somebody." Whether it is a friend to speak truth when we’ve lost our way, or a community to remind us of our value, God created us for connection. Most importantly, we learn that God doesn’t always show up in the dramatic wind or the earthquake; rather God is found in the gentle whisper, meeting us in our exhaustion and reminding us that we are never truly alone.

Passage: 1 Kings 17-19

Speaker: Hayden Allen

Redemptive Family Series - Week 5

The journey of faith was never meant to be a solo adventure. Considering Ephesians 4, we consider the biblical vision of the church as not somewhere we go, but a way of life that is foundationally about being together. How might practicing humility, patience, and mutual care allow every member of the body to play their unique part in God’s mission together, for the sake of building the body of Christ?

Passage: Ephesians 4:1-16

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Redemptive Family Series - Week 4

What is the role of friendship in our mission as a Redemptive Family. We dive into 2 Corinthians 5 to see why we are called to view others through Christ’s eyes rather than judgemental categories. We recognise that the antidote to judgment is curiosity, and how the simple act of being curious and sharing our own stories can turn our existing relationships into sacred spaces of reconciliation.

Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:2

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Redemptive Family Series - Week 3

We have been planted in a particular place, for a particular reason. Reflecting on faithful presence, and long-term commitment, we explore what this might mean and suggest a practice to prayerfully consider what being faithfully present looks like, beyond our Sunday worship gatherings.

Passages: Jeremiah 29:1-9 & Acts 17:22-28

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Redmptive Family Series - Week 2

What does it mean to be a Redemptive Family? In week 2 we consider the importance of belonging and using the gifts we have been given, particularly for the sake of the vulnerable.

Passage: Romans 12:1-18

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Redemptive Family Series - Week 1

What do you expect when you walk into church? Singing, a sermon, maybe a familiar routine—but what if we’ve been missing something essential?

What if the church was known first and foremost as a family?

In this opening message of our Redemptive Family series, we explore a deeper question: not just what kind of church we want to be, but what kind of church God is calling us to be. Considering the family of God as a people brought together by God’s transforming love; people who are no longer strangers, but are a family, devoted to one another, shaped by God's redemptive work and alive with God’s presence.

Passages: Ephesians 2L:17-2 & Acts 2:41-47

Speaker: Steven Goulstone