As we gather together for the first time, combined with our sisters and brothers from St Hilda's Anglican and Island Bay Presbyterian, we reflect on the purpose of the church that Paul states, being our participation in Christ's ministry of reconciliation.

Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

We reflect on the expression of love through hospitality and presence, sitting with the story of the Pharisee and woman who had been judged as a sinner. How does Jesus respond to both characters and how might that inform who we are and how we engage in our neighbourhood as a faith community going forward?

Passage: Luke 7:36-50Speaker: Steven Goulstone

What does it look like to have peace in the midst of uncertainty? Our church has some big questions ahead of us that could leave us feeling a lack of peace. As our Advent journey continues, we are invited to seek God’s peace no matter the season.

Passage: Colossians 3:12-17

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

Trigger warning: this message deals with topics of abusefound in Whanaketia, the report from the Royal Commission of Inquiry into abuse in state and faith-based care.

In October 2025, the Baptist Union of New Zealand issued anapology to the survivors of abuse in the care of our churches and associated ministries. We reflect on the need to be intentional going forward as a local church as the truth of the abuse has been “unveiled” and sit with the words of the apology.

Passage: Daniel 9:1-16

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

This week we were visited by Jeff from Barnabas Aid. Jeffshares a passionate reflection on global Christian persecution, sharing stories of faith, forgiveness, and hope as well as calling us to prayer, solidarity and action.

Passage: Romans 8:18-22Speaker: Jeff Woollett

In light of recent protests and strikes, we retell the story of how Labour Day came to be and relate it to the story of Hebrew oppression in Exodus 1. What is God's posture in situations of oppression and exploitation, and how might we respond?

Passage: Exodus 1:8-22; 2:23-25

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

In our latest 'Who Are You?' slot, we hear Roger's story of encountering Jesus throughout his life.

Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27

Speaker: Roger Miller

We’re not just here to keep things running — we’re called to dream with God and participate in the building of the upside-down Kingdom. Through a story about drill bits and the wisdom of Ephesians, this message reminds us that God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, calling us to live with purpose, unity, and love.

Passage: Ephesians 3:14-4:6

Speaker: Steven Goulstone

We were joined by people that we at WSBC have supported in mission for many years. Rick now works with CMS and in this sermon, he shares insights from their decades in mission and his current work with the ATA, a network equipping over 70,000 Christian leaders across Asia and the Middle East. Rick explores how the cross reveals God’s powerful foolishness triumphing over the world’s foolish power. Through stories of Desmond Tutu, Dame Cicely Saunders, and the courageous Afghan church, listeners are invited to rediscover the truth that small is beautiful—and that when we take up our cross daily, even the smallest acts can carry eternal significance.

Passage: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Speaker: Rick (CMS)

We were joined by Ben Carswell, director of Tertiary Students Christian Fellowship (TSCF) to share about some of the work that he and the team are doing with students through TSCF. Reflecting on the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, Ben invites us to consider our place in the mission of God.

Passage: Luke 24:13-35

Speaker: Ben Carswell