The Record – 26 April 2026

April 25, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship this Sunday

This Sunday 26 April at 10am

+ The Last Breakfast: Eating breakfast or brunch around the tables (bring food to share); A great opportunity to discuss with others.

+ Leader: Andy McCulloch.

+ Theme: What Does Love Look Like in Your Context? Also Andy is going to introduce the Peace Bridges Project which our Deacons are recommending we support. This project is sponsored by Baptist Mission Australia.

+ Scripture: 1 John 4: 7-19.

Community News

+ A brief Members Meeting will be held after the worship service on Sunday 10 May to hear reports on several people who are wanting to become members of our church.

+ Bill Firth-Smith was transferred to Epworth (Camberwell) where he has been undergoing rehab after surgery and several weeks of hospitalisation; Diane Heagney (AdventCare) is grieving the loss of her 47-year-old nephew, Michael, who died earlier this week in Brisbane after being diagnosed with a rare cancer. Michael leaves behind his wife and two children.

+ After writing to invite Anne and Richard Mallaby (former pastors at Box Hill) to return to Box Hill Baptist on 14 June (as part of our anniversary events), we received this lovely reply from Anne: “I trust you are well and I send warm greetings to the folk at Box Hill. Thank you for your email and kind invitation. Life has changed significantly for me personally, and the expectations I can make of my body are diminished. With that in mind, I’m afraid I will be an apology for a service, but I understand Richard will be happy to attend on the 14/6…For me, our time at BHBC was one of the richest times of life, with the creative expression of church life engaging wider community in so many ways. I felt we were able to live into the principles of hospitality, as welcome and generosity many times over. This took shape in the meals offered, Spring festivals integrating story, music and theological reflection, the gallery and others. They’re lovely memories and I hope they will continue to find shape in the current expression.”

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ In a new book, Graham Joseph Hill, tells his story about unsuccessfully managing his addiction to alcohol while serving as a pastor in New South Wales. Now reaching the milestone of being 20 years sober, Graham writes this book of theology, honesty and hope especially for anyone who longs for freedom from addiction. He tells more in Unshackled, The Graham Joseph Hill Substack, 15 April 2026.

+ Trump and Other Top Republicans Read Passages in a Marathon Bible Event, AP, 22 April 2026.

+ God’s Eye is on the Sparrow. John Stott, well known Bible teacher and Vicar of All Souls (London) wrote: “It was Jesus Christ himself in the Sermon on the Mount who told us to be birdwatchers (Matthew 6: 26) …We have the highest possible authority for this activity.” A Rocha is organising a John Stott memorial birding day for people around the world.

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir meets in our sanctuary for practice and morning tea.

+ 6.30pm The Bible & Chats Group will be studying the Scripture reading for next Sunday morning viz. Acts 7: 55-60; 8:1-3 but they’re encouraged to start reading at Acts 6: 1.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) will be 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

+ 4.30-8.30pm: 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.

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 3 May at 10am.

+ Communion Service (usually held on the first Sunday of the month).

+ Offering: On each first Sunday we bring non-perishable food items that are given to support needy people in our community.

+ Worship Leader: Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Scripture Reading: Acts 7: 55-60; 8:1-3.

+ Theme: The first in a new post-Easter series in the book of Acts. We look at the way a problem with the management of a food distribution programme led to the appointment of the first deacons. Stephen, the first deacon in the early church, becomes the first Christian martyr. To learn about him and why he lost his life, please read about Stephen and his sermon from Acts 6: 1-Acts 8:3.

Worship Roster

The Record – 19 April 2026

April 18, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship this Sunday

This Sunday 19 April 2026 at 10am

+ Worship Leader: Lorraine Mitchell; Preacher: Geoff Pound.

+ Scripture Reading: Romans 6: 1-11.

+ Theme: Walking in Newness of Life: Final in our series “Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter.”

Order of Service

Call to worship
Hymn 242 – At the dawning of salvation
prayer
Hymn 356 – One more step
Welcome./Community News
Offering
Scripture reading – Romans 6:1-11
Hymn 586 – We’ve a story to tell to the Nations
Sermon:Geoff
Pastoral Prayers
Song: God gives us a future
Benediction

Community News

+ Walk On: Our series on walking as a metaphor for faith concludes this Sunday but you’re invited to keep stepping out in one or more of these ways:

👣 Join the Box Hill Community Choir that starts again this Tuesday at 9.30am in our church.

👣 Talk with Eddie or Geoff about the step of baptism and/or becoming a member of our church.

👣 Help bring food to the Bakehouse from a nearby supermarket or bakery. Talk with Lynne.

👣 Join the weekly Bible & Chat Group that starts for the new term this Tuesday. Talk with Geoff.

👣 Discover some new area of service that aligns with your gifts and availability.

👣 Plan to be at the Church working bee on 15 June.

+ Executive Pastor, Eddie Chapman, is away from Box Hill this week, on annual leave.

+ Our Deacons met this week and they:

Reflected on the Dust to Dawn preaching series with various walks.
Reviewed our events through Holy Week and Easter and thought of ideas for next year. Please share your thoughts and ideas.
Expressed appreciation for the way our people gave $10k to pay for the unexpected plastering and painting needed for the front wall of the church.
Acknowledged the very generous giving of our people who attend online and in person but recognised that we are not quite meeting budget in recent months.
Noted that we are seeking more income through the hire of our facilities.
Planned a church working bee for Saturday 13 June.
Expressed gratitude for the life and service of Pat Paul who died earlier this month.
Expressed joy at the number of younger adults who are attending our church.
Were heartened by the people wishing to formalise their commitment to Box Hill Baptist in membership.
Planned to have a brief Member’s Meeting after Communion on 3 May to hear reports and agree to accept people as members. A Welcome into Membership is planned for 7 June.
Expressed concern and prayer for those ill, in hospital and in various forms of need.
Reflected on the recent meeting to hear of possibilities for our property and noted that an action plan is being created for where we go on our property feasibility journey.
Heard an inspiring report on recent happenings with our Bakehouse ministry.
Noted that our Jubilee Housing ministry is going smoothly and well.
Recognised that the Australian Baptist ‘May Mission Month’ (see Baptist Mission Australia’s latest video showing many different forms of mission) is approaching and the decision was taken to make as our focus this year the Women Protecting the Forest project in Cambodia as a way of developing our commitment to Cambodia, caring for creation, empowering women and building bridges of peace.
Ask any of our deacons (Shueh Wah, Lynne, Lorraine, Teang, Andy) and pastors (Eddie, Geoff) for more information and share your questions and thoughts.

+ Due to travel uncertainty arising from the war and fuel crisis, the Open Baptist Conference has been changed from an in-person event to an online conference on Saturday afternoon, 13 June—times to be arranged.

+ If someone in your circle or church was trying to leave an abusive relationship, would you know how to respond? Common Grace invites you to a webinar on the theme: ‘Healing after leaving domestic violence.’

+ The Community Art Gathering, led again by artists Joseph and Sarah Zhang are having their first meeting in 2026 (these could be monthly) on Saturday 2 May from 6:00pm-8:00pm in the Village Well, 5 Ellingworth Parade. Bring your own materials to work on in a gentle space for connection, encouragement and shared presence. $5 to cover venue hire, tea and coffee. More information and access to the What’sApp Group from Joseph.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Faith has always gone to space. Artemus II shows how much it has changed, Religion News Service, 7 April 2026.

+ What Seven Iranian footballers revealed about Australia’s refugee policy, Eureka Street, 9 April 2026.

+ St Peter’s Eastern Hill, in their Faith and Arts series, has a presentation by Michael McGirr on ‘Les less miserable: The poetic journey of Les Murray.

+ Inside the church of Pete Hegseth, the man who has been leading the US through war, ABC, 10 April 2026.

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir meets in our church to sing for an hour and then enjoy morning tea together.

+ 6.30pm The Bible & Chats Group is meeting at the home of Geoff & Lyn Pound for a shared meal. Ask Geoff for more details if you’d like to join this group.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) will be 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

+ 4.30-8.30pm: 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.

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.

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 5 April at 10am.

+ The Last Breakfast: Eating breakfast or brunch around the tables (bring food to share); A great opportunity to discuss with others.

+ Leader: Andy McCulloch.

+ Scripture: 1 John 4:7-19

Worship Roster

The Record – 12 April 2026

April 9, 2026April 10, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship this Easter Sunday

10am

+ Worship Leader: Keith Dyer; Preacher: Eddie Chapman.

+ Scripture Reading: Luke 24: 13-35.

+ Theme: Walking Towards Hope: Twelfth in our series “Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter.”

12.45pm Community Musicale taking place in the church – All are welcome to come and hear some wonderful live, local music. More info at https://events.humanitix.com/communitymusicale

Order of Service

Call to worship & acknowledgement of country (Psalm 146)
Opening hymn: ‘Early on Sunday’ (BPW 249)
Prayer of gathering
Announcements
Offering and prayer
Song: ‘Jesus is Alive’ (Jerusalem to Emmaus) (Digby Hannah)
Walking Away (Luke 24:13-24)
Reflection
Prayers of lament and confession
Walking With (Luke 24:25-29)
Reflection
Community/Intercessory Prayers
Song: Taize – ‘Stay with us, O Lord Jesus Christ’ (people are invited to light candles)
Walking Back (Luke 24:30-35)
Reflection
Song: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd and I want to follow’
Benediction

Community News

+ This Saturday (11th of April) you are invited to finish off our ‘Dust to Dawn’ walking series with a reflective Labyrinth at Mary Edgar’s home (31 Bessazile Ave, Forest Hill), starting at 2pm.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to have a short, reflective walk through Mary’s home-grown labyrinth in her garden, and join together for afternoon tea. Whether it’s your first walk, or you’ll be reflecting on the many walks of the weeks past, we’d love to see you there.

And if you’re new to labyrinths, you can see what they’re all about here!

+ A happy new year to members of the Cambodian community as they celebrate the Khmer New Year 2026 (Chaul Chnam Thmey) from Tuesday 14 April to Thursday 16 April.

+ Eversley Farnbach sends greetings to people of the Box Hill Baptist Church from the Albury Hospital; Bill Firth-Smith has been in the Epworth Freemasons Hospital for many days but is expecting to be transferred to the Epworth Hospital at Camberwell for rehab. Remember these people and their loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Melbourne artist, Michael Donnelly, has a free exhibition at the WellSpring Centre (Ashburton) of his art in which he brings the Gospel stories to life in a setting familiar to Melburnians. It is on Saturday, April 11 from 2pm to 4pm. The large pieces of art are likely to be hanging on the WellSpring walls for days after the Saturday launch with the artist. Link.

+ Simon Smart, sharing a personal story of loss with The Guardian, reflects on how God suffers with us as we experience the devastating challenges of life.

+ The Centre for Public Christianity has a variety of newly posted articles and podcasts on Holy Week and Easter themes.

+ The Baptist Union of Victoria has recently launched new stories in their Together online magazine.

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

+ 7.30pm Our Deacons are gathering for their monthly meeting. (Postponed from last week).

Tuesday

+ Both the Box Hill Community Choir and the Bible & Chats Group which normally meet on Tuesday are taking a two-week break over the holiday period.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) will be 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

+ 2pm: Service of Thanksgiving for Pat Paul in the Church followed by refreshments in the Barn.

+ 4.30-8.30pm: 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.

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.

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 5 April at 10am.

+ Worship Leader: Lorraine Mitchell; Preacher: Geoff Pound.

+ Scripture Reading: Romans 6: 1-11.

+ Theme: Walking in Newness of Life: Final in our series “Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter.”

Worship Roster

The Record – 5 April 2026

April 3, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship this Easter Sunday

10am (N.B. Daylight Saving Time ends this morning when clocks turn back one hour)

+ Communion Service (usually held on the first Sunday of the month).

+ Worship Leader: Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Geoff Pound.

+ Scripture Reading: Luke 24: 1-12.

+ Theme: Walking Towards Resurrection: Eleventh in our series “Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter.”

+ This Sunday you are invited to bring non-perishable food items as part of our offering, that will be given to support needy people in our community.

Order of Service

Call to Worship
Song: Lord of the Way
Opening Words
Community News
Offering
Bible Reading: Luke 24: 1-12.
Song: Now the Green Blade Rises
Sermon (Geoff)
Song: He came singing love
Communion
Pastoral Prayers
Song: Yours be the Glory
Benediction
Song: Christ is Alive.

Community News

+ It is sad to report that Pat Paul died early on Wednesday 1 April. While it hasn’t been confirmed, the family is hoping to have a funeral service to celebrate Pat’s life at the Box Hill Baptist Church on Friday 17 April at 2pm followed by refreshments in the Barn.

+ Viti Keys is home after surgery in hospital but is awaiting further procedures; Eversley Farnbach has left hospital in Melbourne and has been living with her son and daughter-in-law in Albury. Unfortunately, Eversley had a fall and is now in the Albury Hospital.

+ Daylight Saving Time ends this Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 3 am AEDT, when clocks are turned backward one hour to 2 am AEST. This means an extra hour of sleep.

+ On the 12th of April, we will be hosting a Community Musicale in the church, commencing at 12.45pm. Community Musicale is a welcoming and supportive performance space for musicians and music-lovers of all ages and level, and all proceeds go to support the new habitat box initiative! Tickets and more info at https://events.humanitix.com/communitymusicale

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ If a neighbour turned up on your doorstep, would you know them by name? Meredith Lake convenes a conversation on ‘No, really, who is my neighbour? with Nick Tebbey, Karina Kreminski and Roberta Kwan. Soul Search, ABC, 27 March 2026.

+ On Saturday 11am 2nd May at the Ashburton Baptist Church the Victorian Baptist Historical Society invites you to listen to Revs Garry Lock and David Enticott who will be the guest speakers. They will be talking about Baptists in Defence Force Chaplaincy, both from a historical and personal perspective.

+ Disclosures of Harm

When someone shares sensitive information with you for the first time, such as that they are experiencing abuse, this is called a ‘disclosure.’ Your role in that moment is to be a supportive listener to that person. This short video, created by the NSPCC in the UK, highlights how to listen carefully, respond calmly and ensure that concerns are passed on to the appropriate person or organisation. Responding to a Child’s Disclosure of Abuse.

Next Saturday at 2pm, you are invited to continue our Dust to Dawn walking series beyond Easter as we are all invited to the home of Mary Edgar to walk her Labyrinth.

This will be a wonderful opportunity to slow down after Easter, and spend some time reflecting – both individually and together – on what our many walks have meant to us.

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Tuesday

+ Both the Box Hill Community Choir and the Bible & Chats Group which normally meet on Tuesday are taking a two-week break over the holiday period.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm Judith Lim will be attending the Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) to teach and demonstrate CPR before attendees play table tennis, drink tea and coffee and develop friendships. Everyone is welcome to attend.

+ 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

+ 4.30-8.30pm: 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.

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.

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 5 April at 10am.

+ Worship Leader: Keith Dyer; Preacher: Eddie Chapman.

+ Scripture Reading: Luke 24: 13-35.

+ Theme: Walking Towards Resurrection: Twelfth in our series “Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter.”

Worship Roster

The Record – 29 March 2026

March 26, 2026March 26, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship

10am

+ It’s our Last Breakfast with food, talk with Eddie on the theme ‘Walking into Turmoil’ and conversation around tables. Please bring food to share.

+ Scripture: Matthew 21: 1-11.

Walk for Justice, Respect and Kindness for Refugees

1.00pm We’re invited to join thousands of walkers gathering at the Princes Bridge.

1.30pm Walk to Birrarung Marr, Lower Terrace.

2.00pm-3.30pm Speakers and Music.

Community News

+ At the time of writing, Eversley Farnbach is still in the Mulgrave Private Hospital but hoping to do a home-based rehab in Albury where her eldest son resides; Viti Keys has come through hospital surgery successfully, is staying now with her daughter for a day or two and hoping to be back home by Thursday. Viti has two more surgeries scheduled. Keep these and others facing challenging times in your love and prayers.

+ On Wednesday we had a good gathering of local community members interested in taking part in our new ‘Box by Box’ project – building habitat boxes for our local wildlife. Talk to Eddie if you’d like to stay connected to what’s happening with that project at the Shed.

+ A Photographic Exhibition on the theme, ‘Living with Young-Onset Parkinson’s’ is at the Box Hill Community centre on weekdays from 9am to 5pm until Monday March 30. Link: Eastern Melburnian.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ “At the moment I can think of a lot of people who say they feel closest to God in nature and none at all who say they feel closest to God in a picket line at a refugee detention centre. My concern is that if justice has to be beautiful to get our attention, justice will suffer.”

-Barbara Brown Taylor.

+ Shuttered stores, canceled pilgrimages: Can Bethlehem’s Christians Survive Another Easter? Religion News.

+ Benjamin Law meets people turning to AI to deal with personal and existential crises in ‘AI—Outsourcing Our Souls,’ Compass, ABC iView.

This Sunday the 29th our Dust to Dawn walk will be joining with thousands of others as we take part in the Walk for Justice, Respect and Kindness for Refugees.

We’ll be heading off after church to head into the city via public transport together.

Easter Services

Palm Sunday – 29 March

Our monthly Last Breakfast Service on the theme “Walking into Turmoil”. We will be putting this into practice as we head into the city afterwards to walk with other churches and people in the annual March for Refugees, commencing at Princes Bridge at 1pm.

Maundy Thursday – 2 April

Reflective dinner in the Barn at 6pm, and to be led by Lorraine. Let Eddie know if you are planning to attend so we can cater accordingly. All are very welcome, including friends and family.

Good Friday – 3 April

We will be “Walking the Way of the Cross”, in our Good Friday service, commencing at 9.30am, followed by hot cross buns and coffee in the Gallery.

Easter Sunday – 5 April

“Walking towards Resurrection” is our theme, and we are encourage everyone to take this literally and ‘walk to the empty tomb’ to celebrate the risen Christ together!

And if anyone would be keen to make their walking-distance home a starting point for others who live further away, we would strongly encourage that too!

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir meet in the church

+ 7.15pm for a cuppa and at 7.30pm the Bible & Chats Group meets in the Village Well. We will be pondering the theme, ‘Walking Towards Hope’ as we reflect on the meaning of Easter and study the Scripture for Sunday week: Luke 24: 13-35. This is the last gathering for the term before we take a two-week break.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) will be 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

+ 4.30-8.30pm: 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.

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.

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 5 April at 10am.

10am

+ Communion Service (usually held on the first Sunday of the month). On this Sunday we bring non-perishable food items as part of our offering, that are given to support needy people in our community.

+ Worship Leader: Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Geoff Pound.

+ Scripture Reading: Luke 24: 1-10.

+ Theme: Walking Towards Resurrection: Eleventh in our series “Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter.”

Worship Roster

Easter Services @ BHBC (2026)

March 25, 2026 eddie

Palm Sunday – 29 March

Maundy Thursday – 2 April

Reflective dinner in the Barn at 6pm. An opportunity to gather for a shared meal as we reflect on Jesus’ last hours with his disciples. (Please email office@boxhillbaptist.org.au if you are planning to attend)

Good Friday – 3 April

We will be “Walking the Way of the Cross”, in our Good Friday service, commencing at 9.30am.

Easter Sunday – 5 April

“Walking towards Resurrection” is our theme, and we will be taking this very literally as we create some opportunities for those who wish to gather at a few local homes, before ‘walking to the empty tomb’ to celebrate the risen Christ together at 10am!

The Record – 22 March 2026

March 19, 2026March 19, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship

10am

+ Worship Service led by Andy McCulloch; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10.

+ Theme: ‘Walking by Faith.’ A further study in our Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter series. Walking expresses our trust in God amid uncertainty and difficult circumstances. What does it mean to walk by faith, not by sight?

11am Morning Tea in the Barn.

2pm. A physical walk by sight and faith: You’re invited to walk with others, gathering by 2 pm at Schwerkolt Cottage in Mitcham. This is a 3-5 km loop through the Mullum Valley, ending at Lorraine Mitchell’s home for refreshments at about 4 pm.

Order of Service

Call to Worship: A Vision (Wendell Berry) – Andy
Song: Be thou my Vision – Chris/Andy
Welcome & Community News – Sheuh Wah
Responsive Reading: Psalm 23 – Andy
Offering & Offering Prayer: Andy
Song: In Christ Alone – Andy
Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10 – Graeme
Sermon “Walking by Faith” – Geoff
Song: How Deep the Father’s Love – Andy
Pastoral Prayer – Geoff
Benediction & Close: May the feet of God walk with you.

Community News

+ We continue with our wall restoration works this Sunday, but hopefully it will all be completed by next week. Many thanks for your patience, and generosity, as we undertake these much needed repairs to our hundred year old building!

+ We had a great session last Sunday exploring the outcomes of our Feasibility study into the Ellingworth Project – our potential to redevelop 3-5 Ellingworth Parade into new church facilities, and a new form of affordable housing. The presentation can be downloaded here, and the video of the session was recorded and can be watched here.

+ On Wednesday we had a good gathering of local community members interested in taking part in our new ‘Box by Box’ project – building habitat boxes for our local wildlife. Talk to Eddie if you’d like to stay connected to what’s happening with that project at the Shed.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ James Amadon and Forrest Inslee, talk about the crucial role of partnerships and a personal connection with nature as we care for God’s world. Earthkeepers Podcast.

+ Listen to some people communicate a Christian response to the global issue of climate change as it specifically relates to the climate-driven flooding of the Polynesian island of Tuvalu. Link: Goodfaith.

+ Last Tuesday evening (St Patrick’s Day) the Bible & Chat group reflected on the life and ministry of Patrick of Ireland. Here is one of his prayers:

Christ be with me, Christ within me,

Christ behind me, Christ before me,

Christ beside me, Christ to win me,

Christ to comfort and restore me,

Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,

Christ in hearts of all that love me,

Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

On Sunday the 22nd you’re invited to walk with others, gathering by 2 pm at Schwerkolt Cottage in Mitcham. This is a 3-5 km loop through the Mullum Valley, ending at Lorraine Mitchell’s home for refreshments at about 4 pm.

You can find more information about our other upcoming walks here.

Easter Services

Palm Sunday – 29 March

Maundy Thursday – 2 April

Reflective dinner in the Barn at 6pm.

Good Friday – 3 April

We will be “Walking the Way of the Cross”, in our Good Friday service, commencing at 9.30am.

Easter Sunday – 5 April

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir meet in the church

+ 7.15pm for a cuppa and at 7.30pm the Bible & Chats Group meets in the Village Well. We will be pondering the theme, ‘Walking into Turmoil’ as we study the Scripture for the following Sunday: Matthew 21: 1-11.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) will be 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

+ 4.30-8.30pm: 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.

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.

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 22 March at 10am.

10am

+ It’s our Last Breakfast with food, talk with Eddie on the theme ‘Walking into Turmoil’ and conversation around tables. Please bring food to share.

+ Scripture: Matthew 21: 1-11

+ Theme: Jesus rides into Jerusalem. Are the disciples still following? “When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?”

Walk for Justice, Respect and Kindness for Refugees

1.00pm We’re invited to join thousands of walkers gathering at the Princes Bridge.

1.30pm Walk to Birrarung Marr, Lower Terrace.

2.00pm-3.30pm Speakers and Music.

Worship Roster

The Record – 15 March 2026

March 12, 2026March 13, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship

10am

+ Worship Service led by Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Scripture: John 8: 12-20.

+ Theme: ‘Walking in the Light.’ A further study in our Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter series.

11am Morning Tea in the Barn.

12.30pm After Morning Tea there is an open invitation to return to the church for a presentation on the outcomes of the Ellingworth Project feasibility study into potential opportunities for the redevelopment of our properties.

Order of Service

Bible reading – Light
Call to Worship
Song: Today I awake, and God is before me
Prayer
Bible reading – Follow
Song: Will you come and follow me
Community News
Offering
Bible reading – Darkness
Prayer of Confession
Song: Nothing is lost on the love of God.
Sermon (Geoff) – Walking in the Light
Bible reading – Light
Pastoral Prayers
Song: Christ be our light
Benediction

Community News

+ The scaffolding has arrived and the wall is coming down! Thanks for everyone’s generosity and patience as we finally repair our front wall. This is likely to take a week or two, so expect there to be some minor disruptions to our services for this Sunday and next.

+ After church, at 12.30pm, there will be a presentation on the outcomes of the Ellingworth Project Feasibility Study into potential opportunities for the redevelopment of our properties. Everybody is welcome to join us, and the session will be recorded if you can’t make it.

+ This Saturday (14th) we are undertaking the most challenging of our ‘Dust to Dawn’ walks. We will gather at the Olinda Precinct carpark (75-77 Olinda Monbulk Rd) at 11:30am for coffee, before commencing the walk at 12. For those keen to join in but not interested in the long walk, there is the option to take a shorter walk through the Botanic Gardens just around the corner.

+ Want to give a bird, possum, or bee a home? Through our Community Shed we are working with some community members to explore the potential for a new project building habitat boxes for the local environment. We’ll be meeting at the Village Well at 7:30pm this Wednesday the 18th to discuss and explore what’s possible.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Andrew Hamilton asks, “Is Australia’s support for the Iran strike a retreat from principle?” Eureka Street, 4 March 2026.

+ Concert pianist Yirui Weng grew up an atheist, but found Christian faith after hearing Vivaldi’s Gloria. Listen to her story on Heart & Soul, BBC.

+ Are things going forwards for women or backwards? Justine Toh, of the Centre for Public Christianity, presented a special episode of God Forbid to mark International Women’s Day. ABC Radio National.

+ Feeling fearful? Tim Costello named the deeper question behind the repatriation of ISIS-linked Australian citizens.

Easter Services

Palm Sunday – 29 March

Maundy Thursday – 2 April

Reflective dinner in the Barn at 6pm.

Good Friday – 3 April

We will be “Walking the Way of the Cross”, in our Good Friday service, commencing at 9.30am.

Easter Sunday – 5 April

Coming soon

Sunday 22 March – 2pm- Dust to Dawn walk in Mitcham (see info above).

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am is the usual time for the Box Hill Community Choir to practice but owing to many of the choir members being away (due to the Labour Weekend Holiday) there will not be any choir next Tuesday.

+ 7.15pm for a cuppa and at 7.30pm the Bible & Chats Group meets in the Village Well. We will be pondering the theme, ‘Walking by Faith’ as we study the Scripture for the following Sunday: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) will be learning basic English, playing table tennis and other games, drinking tea and coffee and making friends.

+ 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.

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 22 March at 10am.

+ Worship Service led by Andy McCulloch; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5: 6-10.

+ Theme: ‘Walking by Faith.’ A further study in our Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter series. Walking expresses our trust in God amid uncertainty and difficult circumstances. What does it mean to walk by faith, not by sight?

11am Morning Tea in the Barn.

Worship Roster

The Record – 8 March 2026

March 6, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship

+ Worship Service led by Geoff Pound; Preacher: Eddie Chapman

+ Scripture: John 13: 30-35.

+ Theme: ‘Walking in Love.’ A further study in our Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter series.

+ Interview with Rev Kevin Purvis about the Purvis years at Box Hill. We look forward to welcoming back Kevin, Jenny and any other members of the Purvis family that visit.

+ 11.30am – You are invited to join a 6-8km walk from the Barn to Blackburn Lake ending with refreshments at the Pounds, 2 Anjaya Court, Blackburn. If you’re not up to walking such a distance do come for refreshments at approximately 1pm.

Order of Service

Call to Worship

Hymn 559 (BP&W) Love divine, all loves excelling

Prayer

Welcome

Notices/Announcements

Offering

Sung Offertory Prayer: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases

Interview with Kevin Purvis on the Purvis Years at Box Hill Baptist

Song: Now We are Leaving the Bay (Sea of Love)

Scripture Reading: John 13: 30-35 (Ian Parker)

Sermon: ‘Walking in Love’ (Eddie)

Song: Lord let me See, see more and more.

Prayers for the World

Sung Benediction: Go in Peace, Go in Love

Community News

+ Pat Paul has moved to Vermont Aged Care (770 Canterbury Rd, Vermont VIC 3133) in the temporary placement programme. This is an interim measure while the family investigate a permanent placement for her; Diane Heagney is currently in Knox Hospital as she has blood clots in her leg and lungs. Pray for a permanent home for Pat and good health for Diane.

+ ‘Welcome to a New Year at Whitley College.’ Read all the Whitley News.

+ On Sunday 15 March at 12.30pm there will be a presentation on the outcomes of the Ellingworth Project Feasibility Study into potential opportunities for the redevelopment of our properties. Everybody is welcome to join us, and the session will be recorded if you can’t make it.

+ Thanks to those who have already donated money to go towards the $10,000 needed to re-plaster and repaint the front wall in the church after some of it start to crumble. The works will be commencing this coming Tuesday so be prepared for a Sunday or two of scaffolding!

Food for Thought

+ Simon Holt reflects on his move from Melbourne to Canberra in, ‘The Beauty Under Our Feet,’ Simply Simon.

+ Rabbi Shai Held writes an essay on ‘One of the Bible’s Greatest Moral Revolutions,’ an open access article in the New York Times, 22 February 2026.

+ ‘Display of St. Francis of Assisi’s bones confirms enduring appeal of relics for [some] Christians,’ Religion News Service, 24 February 2026.

After a few weeks of shorter walks, next Saturday (14th of March) we will be taking on our most challenging walk – approximately 14km through the Dandenong Ranges.

We will gather at the Olinda Precinct carpark (75-77 Oinda Monbulk Rd) at 11:30am for coffee, before commencing the walk at 12.

For those keen to join in but not interested in the long walk, there is the option to take a shorter walk through the Botanic Gardens just around the corner.

You can find more information about our other upcoming walks here.

Coming soon

Saturday 14 March – 11.30am – Dust to Dawn walk through the Dandenong Ranges (see info above)

Sunday 15 March – 12.30pm – Presentation on the outcomes of the Ellingworth Project feasibility study into potential opportunities for the redevelopment of our properties.

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Tuesday

+ 7.15pm for a cuppa and at 7.30pm the Bible & Chats Group meets in the Village Well. We will be pondering the theme, ‘Walking in the Light’ as they study the Scripture for the following Sunday: John 8: 12-20.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) will be learning basic English, playing table tennis and other games, drinking tea and coffee and making friends.

+ 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.

+ 11.30am – You are invited to meet at Olinda and walk approximately 14 km through the Dandenong Ranges. There is an option to visit the National Rhododendron Garden for those not up to walking the full distance. (see info earlier on in the Record)

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.

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 1 March at 10am.

+ Worship Service led by Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Scripture: John 8: 12-20.

+ Theme: ‘Walking in the Light.’ A further study in our Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter series.

11am Morning Tea in the Barn.

Worship Roster

The Record – 1 March 2026

February 24, 2026 eddie

Welcome to Worship

+ 10am Communion Service; Worship Leader: Shueh Wah Kennedy; Preacher: Geoff Pound.

+ Scripture: Matthew 4: 12-23; Theme: Walking in ‘The Way.’

+ As part of our offering on Communion Sunday we will receive non-perishable food items to be given to needy people in our suburb.

+ 11.30am: A short Church Meeting will follow Morning Tea in the Barn.

+ 12.30pm You are invited to go on a Box Hill historical walk led by Andy McCulloch, a total of 4.3kms, with a shorter option of 2.3kms. The route passes Andy and Wendy’s house, where lunch can be enjoyed by the walkers! They should be able to accommodate most dietary requirements, but check with Andy and Wendy to be sure. Learn more from Andy about the route.

Order of Service

Call to Worship

Opening Prayer

Song Will you come and follow me

Community News

Offering

Song Make me a channel of your peace

Reading Matthew 4: 12-23

Sermon Walking in ‘The Way’

Song Come as you are

Communion

Prayers for the World

Song Be not Afraid

Benediction

Community News

+ Kevin and Jenny Purvis have been invited to attend our morning service at Box Hill at 10am on March 8 and Kevin will take part in an eight-minute interview as part of the service. This will focus on remembering and celebrating the ministry of the church while Kevin, Jenny and their family were at Box Hill from 1998-2002.

+ If you would like to ensure that certain former members and friends who attended BHBC receive a letter of invitation to this Back to Box Hill Baptist service on 8 March when Kevin Purvis will be present, please give the names and contact details to Eddie Chapman as soon as possible.

+ We extend our condolences to Raymond Chow (Wai Man Chow) and his family upon the death of his mother, Chan Fo Mui, on Friday, 20 February. A service of thanksgiving was held to celebrate her life last Wednesday morning.

+ Check out the range of events and resources being offered in 2026 by the WellSpring Centre in Ashburton.

+ Thanks to those who have already donated money to go towards the $10,000 needed to re-plaster and repaint the front wall in the church after some of it start to crumble. Here are the bank account numbers to use if you are going to transfer money from your account and deposit it with the Church.

BSB: 704-922
Account name: Box Hill Baptist Church
Account number: 100005657
Please use the word ‘Plaster’ or ‘Wall’ in the reference line. Please put one of these words on your envelope if you are giving through the offering bag.

Food for Thought

+ 400+ American leaders have written a declaration urging people to resist the current administration and take a stand on faith and justice. ‘A Call to Christians in a Crisis of Faith and Democracy.’ Link. A news report about this is posted on Religion News.

+ This year the dates of Ash Wednesday and Ramadan coincide. Andrew Hamilton reflects , ‘When Lent Meets Ramadan in a divided world,’ Eureka Street, 19 February 2026.

+ Jesse Jackson, who believed that his political life sprang out of his call to be a preacher, dies at 84. Valerie Bridgeman reflects on his life and service in Religion News Service.

+ Rosemary (Pastor and Chaplain) and Alex (economist and musician) are members of the Ponsonby Baptist Church in Auckland. They reflect on their journey after Alex was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, in ‘The Words are Still There, Dementia, NZ.

Our new ‘Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter” has commenced!

Not only will this series follow the theme of ‘walking’ as we journey through Lent, it will also create opportunities for us to literally walk into Easter through a series of weekly walks being organised by various members of the church.

Walks commence on the 22nd of February, and you can find more information as it comes to hand here.

Coming soon

Sunday 15 March – 12.30pm – Presentation on the outcomes of the Ellingworth Project feasibility study into potential opportunities for the redevelopment of our properties.

This Week

Monday

+ 4.30pm-8.30pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

+ Monday at 7.30pm Our Deacons have their monthly meeting.

Tuesday

+ The Box Hill Community Choir is meets on Tuesday at 9:30 am, in the church. (Cost is $50 per term.)

+ 7.15pm for a cuppa and at 7.30pm the Bible & Chats Group meets in the Village Well. We will be pondering the theme, ‘Walking in Love’ as they study the Scripture for the following Sunday: John 13:30-35.

Thursday

+ 11am-1pm The Social Chat Group (upstairs in the Village Well) will be hearing from Maggie Wang speaking about buying, selling and leasing apartments and homes in Australia.

+ 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.

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 1 March at 10am.

10am

+ Worship Service led by Eddie Chapman; Preacher: TBC.

+ Scripture: John 13: 30-35.

+ Theme: ‘Walking in Love.’ A further study in our Dust to Dawn: Walking into Easter series.

+ Interview with Rev Kevin Purvis.

11.30am

You are invited to join a 6-8km walk from the Barn to Blackburn Lake ending with refreshments at the Pounds, 2 Anjaya Court, Blackburn. If you’re not up to walking such a distance do come for refreshments.