Each week while not all of us could meet in person, for most of 2020 and early 2021, our Sunday Church Reflections were posted to Youtube. You can view them on our YouTube channel here.
Being lifted up. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on the alienation of the human condition through Numbers 21.4-9, John 3.14-21, and Ephesians 2.1-10.
The Jesus of your imagination. Jess Lyons reflects on our perceptions of God, and the impact they have, through John 2.13-22, and 1 Corinthians 1.18-25.
Losing your life to save it. Byron Smith reflects on Mark 8.31-38, Jesus’ challenge to those who put themselves first, and to unjust authority.
The relationship that God wants with us. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on not giving up on people, through the story of Noah and the flood in Genesis 9.8-17.
The importance of prayer. Rev David Crain reflects on Mark 1:40-45.
Making space for God. Rev David Crain reflects on Jesus’ experience of prayer through Mark 1.29-39.
Speaking for God. Joanna Hayes reflects on the potential for abuse of authority based on Deuteronomy 18.15-20, 1 Corinthians 8.1-13, and Mark 1.21-28.
Baptism. From the baptism of Jesus, to our own “turning around and going in a new direction”. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on new beginnings through Acts 19.1-7, Mark 1.4-11.
Wise men. Is God revealed only through Christianity? Rev Philip Bradford reflects on Matthew chapter 2, Isaiah 60.1-6, and Ephesians 3.1-12.
The Extraordinary in the midst of the ordinary. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on Luke 2:22-40.
Disruption at Christmas. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on subversion of the authorities of this world, based on Luke 1-2, Matthew 2.
The disruption of a baby at Christmas. Byron Smith reflects on Luke 1.26-38,46-55, a baptism, and a God who has scattered the proud in their conceit, casting down the mighty and lifting up the lowly.
Witnessing is not about us. Do our lives point to God? Rev Philip Bradford asks “who are you?” and reflects on John 1.6–8, 19–28, as well as the origins of Christmas.
Finding Jesus in the Wilderness. Naomi reflects on the feelings of helplessness, loss of control, and even loss of coping mechanisms, that many have experienced in 2020; based on Isaiah 40.1–11, 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Mark 1.1–8.
What does it mean to wait for the coming of Jesus? Rev Philip Bradford reflects on Isaiah 64.1–9, 1 Corinthians 1.1–9 and being alert while waiting for the return of a God who comes to live among us.
How will our lives be judged? Byron Smith reflects on Matthew 25.31-46 and judgement, not just for personal actions, but also for collective self-deception and the harm caused by social justice failures.
When religions fail the vulnerable. Is the church prepared to respond to authorities heading for destruction. Byron Smith reflects on Matthew 25. 1-13 and 1 Thessalonians 4. 9-18.
All Saints – the morning after Halloween. For All Saints Day (All Hallows Day), Rev Philip Bradford reflects on those past and the life to come, based on the words of Revelation 7.9-17.
Loving God and our neighbour. Christianity is not only frequently a challenge to authority, but challenges us to love even the outsider. Byron Smith reflects on Matthew 22.34-46.
The life to come. How do you choose between obeying God and obeying the state? Rev Philip Bradford reflects on Matthew 22. 15-33.
The invitation. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on the challenge of responding to, or rejecting, God’s invitation, in Matthew 22.1-14.
God our creator. Rosemary Bradford reflects on Jesus, as the Word of God, speaking through the beauty of our Creation; as illustrated through Genesis 1.14-28a, Psalm 50.1-15, Colossians 1.25-2.3, and Luke 10. 1-12, 23,24.
Having the mind of Christ. True humility, and seeing through the eyes of others, in stressful times. Barbara Booth reflects on Philippians 2.1-13.
The value of work. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on the meaning of work, and meaningful work sharing in the care of creation, based on Matthew 18. 1-5; 10-14.
Should Christians submit to authority? Byron Smith reflects on Romans 13:1-10 and Matthew 18. 1-5; 10-14.
What it means to have a suffering saviour. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on loosing ones life to save it in Matthew 13.44-58.
Living as part of the body that is the Church. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on Romans 12.1-8 and Romans 12.1-8.
Did Jesus ever have a bad day? Rev Philip Bradford explores the troubling aspects of Matthew 15.10-28.
Recognising and meeting Jesus in the storms that threaten to overwhelm us. Byron Smith reflects on Matthew 14.22-36.
Wrestling with God. Jessica Carroll Smith explores spiritual reality and prayer when we are afraid and don’t know what is going to happen to us, reflecting on Genesis 32.22-31 and Matthew 14.13-21.
God’s faithfulness, despite all our failings, and the problem of predestination. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on Genesis 29.15-28 and Romans 8.26-39.
God’s blessing in the midst of groaning. In the midst of a life of grasping for more, we can become aware of God’s presence, receive God’s blessing, and through grace receive an invitation to join with God in seeing the potential in the world and seeking the good of all. Byron Smith on Genesis 28.10-19a and Romans 8.12-25.
God blessing the powerless, weak, and the barren woman in her grief, rather than those who assume it their privilege. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on Genesis 25.19-34, and being In Christ from Romans 8.1-11.
Learning about prayer from the first formal prayer in the bible. Rev Philip Bradford reflects on the love story between Rebekah and Isaac in Genesis 24.34-67.
Creation groans waiting for our future glory. Jasmine Wrangles from TEAR on Romans 8:18-30
Clearer audio, without the slides, is also available following and on Apple Podcasts, etc.
How could Jesus say “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Byron Smith on Matthew 10:24-39.
Is anything not possible with God? Rev Philip Bradford reflects on the promise to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18. 1-15 and on Matthew 9.35-10.8.
Trinity Sunday: the complicated God we need for a complicated time. Barbara Booth reflects on Exodus 34.1-8, 2 Corinthians 13.11-13, Matthew 28:16-20 and Andrei Rublev’s the Trinity.
Pentecost, the coming of the spirit, while black lives are at risk. Byron Smith on Acts 2.1-21 and John 20:19-23.
Ascension day: is this the time? Can there be renewal on earth? Rev Philip Bradford on Acts 1:6-
How does your culture fit with your Christianity? Brooke Prentis reflects on our first peoples culture and faith in the context of Acts 17.22-31.
What would we be willing to die for? – Rev Philip Bradford.
The death of Steven – Acts 7.54-60.
Church is weird, so how did we get here – Byron Smith.
Acts 2.42-47 and the beginnings of the early church.
Third Sunday of Easter – Rev Philip Bradford. As on the walk to Emmaus, Jesus joins us on our journeys, and is known in the breaking of bread.
Second Sunday of Easter – Rev Philip Bradford. In the midst of fear and grief, we find forgiveness and peace. (John 20:19-31)
Easter Sunday
Good Friday