Welcome to Worship
This Sunday 18 January at 10am.
+ Worship Leader: Lorraine MItchell. Preacher: Geoff Pound.
+ Scripture: Isaiah 61:1-4
+ Theme: ‘Questing for Beauty in Difficult Times.’ Third and final in the ‘Beauty That Saves’ series.
+ Your Input: Geoff would love your input for this Sunday’s sermon. What song do you play (or hum) to lift your spirits when you are going through difficult times? Send your reply to him asap at geoffpound@gmail.com or text to his phone at 0417 485 200. He won’t quote you by name but he is interested to know how a piece of music can keep you afloat. Accompany your choice of song with a brief explanation if you wish.
Order of Service
- Call to worship
- Hymn 121: For the beauty of the earth
- Prayer
- Song: Colourful Creator
- Welcome & Community News
- Offering
- Bible reading: Isaiah 61:1-4
- Song: Daring Dancing Trinity
- Sermon
- Pastoral Prayers
- Song: Beauty for Brokenness
- Benediction
Community News
+ Church member, Raymond Chow, has advised that his REJOICE Chinese Christian Communication Centre has recently moved to the new address of Unit 1&2, 20 Station Street, Nunawading 3131. From this base, Raymond and his team will continue to support Chinese migrants in Australia through various events, the publication of an online newspaper-Sameway, the sale of books, radio broadcasts and more, in seeking to address not only spiritual needs but the social, economic and cultural challenges new Chinese migrants face in Australia. Pray for Raymond and his team in this new chapter.
+ Do keep in your prayers, Jim and Jane Barr, (Jim is a former Box Hill pastor and they are still members of Box Hill Baptist), who live in Walkerville by the waters of Bass Strait in South Gippsland. Jim has taken up a position as Supply Minister for two days a week with the Corner Inlet Uniting Church and Jane is serving on the Church Council. This involves three congregations meeting at Foster, Fish Creek and Tarwin Lower. The Fish Creek and Tarwin Lower congregations are “Union Churches” with members from many different denominations and pastoral leadership from Uniting Church and Anglican clergy (and one stray Baptist “in UCA clothing”!)
“It’s a tough gig,” says Jim. “We are very small and ageing congregations and I have to drive 20-30 kilometres from home through rolling green hills and magnificent seascapes to get to any of the churches. A round trip to all three is about 100 km on the road, but there are excellent cafés scattered through the region to host pastoral encounters.”
+ On another matter, Jim writes: “The Gippsland Camino from April 16-19 involves a pilgrim walk along the Great Southern Rail Trail. If you would like to be involved with the Camino, or make your own personal pilgrimage in one of the most beautiful corners of the state, or share in other ways in the ministry of these Christian communities, please contact Jim (042 546 2277, jimbarr55@gmail.com ).”
+ Annually, Aboriginal Sunday is celebrated the Sunday before January 26 (this year the 25th January), as an opportunity for individuals and congregations to stand in solidarity and pray for justice and the flourishing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Check out resources from Common Grace to foster deep listening and learning.
+ World Leprosy Day (on Sunday 25 January 2026) is recognised around the world as an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and celebrate progress. Check out the Leprosy Mission Australia website to learn about progress in the fight to end leprosy, to donate and to discover projects you can support. Some things to pray for:
- People still waiting for diagnosis or treatment — that they may find healing and hope.
- Those living with stigma and rejection — that they may experience acceptance and love.
- Community workers and health staff — that they may serve with strength and compassion.
- The Leprosy Mission’s work worldwide — that it may be effective, loving, and guided by God’s wisdom.
- Churches and prayer partners — that together we may continue to bring God’s healing and justice to life.
+ Every Sunday, our Sound & Video volunteers work to make sure that everyone can hear, see, and participate in our worship services – both in the church building and at home. We’d love to have a few more volunteers who could learn some new skills and share that responsibility – So if you’re keen, speak to Eddie as we’ll be organising some training sessions early in the year.
This Week
Monday
+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)
Thursday
+ 11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: The Social Chat Gathering continues at this time.
+ 1.30pm-2.30pm Bakehouse in the Barn coordinated by Lynne Dyer: Saving bread, fruit and vegetables from waste by giving food to those wanting to ease their weekly budget.
Friday
+ 4.30-8.30pm: Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)
Saturday
+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn coordinated by Lynne Dyer: Saving bread, fruit and vegetables from waste by giving food to those wanting to ease their weekly budget.
Small Groups @ BHBC
Box Hill Baptist Church runs a number of small groups which create opportunities to build friendships, study the Bible and other resources, pray and strengthen our spiritual journeys.
If you are interested in any of the groups below, feel welcome to contact the convenor, or speak to one of our pastors. (And if you’d like to be part of a group but these don’t work for you, come and speak to us and we’ll see if we can start something new!)
- Bible & Chat: Currently each Tuesday, 7:15pm for 7.30pm start at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The group normally reflects on a Scripture passage for the following Sunday service. Convenor: Geoff Pound
- KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)
Next Sunday 25 January at 10am.
+ The Last Breakfast: Eating breakfast or brunch around the tables (bring food to share); A great opportunity to discuss with others.
+ Led by Eddie Chapman.
Worship Roster
An inclusive community at the heart of Box Hill 