Welcome to Worship this Sunday
We continue our series on the Letters to the Seven Churches this week, turning to the letter to the church in Smyrna. Where last week’s letter (to Ephesus) focused on identity, this week we look at the Sender: the vision John receives of the risen Jesus as “the First and the Last, who was dead and came to life.”
+ Worship Leader: Andy McCulloch; Preacher: Geoff Pound.
+ Scripture Readings: Revelation 1: 9-20, and Revelation 2: 8-11 (the letter to the church in Smyrna).
+ Theme: Continuing our series, ‘Listening to the Spirit.’ Geoff will finish the sermon by inviting us to reflect on the aspect of Jesus most needed at Box Hill, completing the line “From the One who…” — watch out for a QR code and follow-up email during the week.
+ A Church Meeting (open to all) will be held after Morning Tea, in the Barn.
Order of Service
- Call to Worship — Man of Sorrows
- Welcome & Community News
- Reading 1: Revelation 1: 9-20
- Offering & Offering Prayer
- Song: Blessed Be Your Name
- Reading 2: Revelation 2: 8-11
- Sermon
- Song: Holy Spirit, Living Breath of God
- Pastoral Prayer
- Benediction: Holy Spirit, Living Breath
Community News
+ Church Meeting papers: this Sunday’s meeting has a hefty agenda, to keep the meeting manageable, the Budget will be the main item for full discussion and adoption on the day; the Constitution Summary, Grievance and Complaints Policy, Eco Church Action Plan and Ellingworth Project report will be tabled and introduced, with adoption to follow at a later meeting. If you spot gaps or have questions on any paper, please speak with the person who prepared it.
+ Seeking AV/tech volunteers: we’d love a small core group to share the load of putting together the slides and other audio-visual materials that enrich our worship each week. If you have a knack for this (or want to learn), have a chat with Eddie.
+ Exploring Faith: A Journey of Discovery — a new 10-week course exploring the foundations of the Christian faith begins Fridays at 7pm from 11 September. You don’t need any prior knowledge — it’s designed for every level. Anyone interested, or wanting to know more, is welcome to have a chat with Eddie or register interest at office@boxhillbaptist.org.au.
+ Community Musicale: our next musicale (supporting local live classical music) is coming up on 20 September.
+ The next Member’s Dinner for the Baptist Union will be held at the Newhope Church on 16 October.
+ Check out the latest spirituality events at WellSpring, including a gathering with Steve Biddulph.
Upcoming Events
+ Church Meeting — 23 August, after Morning Tea, in the Barn.
+ Community Shed Bicycle Workshop — Saturday 29 August, 9am-12pm. Refurbished bikes will be on sale, and it’s a chance to bring your own bike along to get it checked, serviced or fixed up.
+ Exploring Faith course begins Fridays at 7pm, from 11 September.
+ Baptist Union Member’s Dinner — 16 October, Newhope Church.
+ Save-the-date: 125th Anniversary — Sunday 18 October: Service of Thanksgiving at 10am, morning tea/lunch at 11.30am, book launch at 12.15pm. All former members and friends invited.
This Week
Monday
+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)
Tuesday
+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir. Newcomers are welcome to join — no audition needed.
+ 7.15pm The Bible & Chats Group meets for a cuppa, and at 7.30pm a study begins on Revelation 2: 12-17, The Letter to the Church at Pergamum.
Thursday
+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) — learning basic English, playing table tennis and other games, drinking tea and coffee and making friends.
+ 1.30pm-2.30pm Bakehouse in the Barn: saving bread, fruit and vegetables from waste by giving food to those wanting to ease their weekly budget.
Friday
+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)
Saturday
+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn: saving bread, fruit and vegetables from waste by giving food to those wanting to ease their weekly budget.
+ 9am-12pm Community Shed Bicycle Workshop: refurbished bikes on sale, plus servicing and repairs for your own bike.
Food for Thought, Prayer and Action
- Rod Benson, ‘Archaeology, Theology and the Search for an Australian Christian Imagination,’ All Told, 5 August 2026.
- The saying, ‘What is learned in song is remembered long,’ applies to much learning — but for a church it’s important to ensure our songs in worship are teaching us well and true.
- Lindsay Branham, ‘Writing as a Potent Spiritual Ecological Practice,’ Aspen Times, 12 August 2026.
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, 30 August 2026
+ 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.
+ Scripture: Revelation 2: 12-17, The Letter to the Church at Pergamum.
+ Theme: Looking at words of strength in the seven churches and asking, ‘What are the good things and strengths of the church at Box Hill?’
Offering details
BSB: 704-922
Account name: Box Hill Baptist Church
Account number: 100005657
Please use the reference ‘Offering’ in the reference line
If you have any issues making an offering, please contact office@boxhillbaptist.org.au
Box Hill Baptist Church 