Author: eddie

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday, Owen Lim and some members of the Cambodian Christian Church, will be present to enjoy breakfast with us and share an update on what their church is doing in the way of mission in Australia and Cambodia..

Community News

+ A Church Member’s Meeting will follow the worship service on Sunday 1 June.

+ A successful grant from the Burwood Rotary Club will pay for a new large refrigerator for the Bakehouse. Thanks to Lynne and Keith who went to the Club on Tuesday and spoke of the work of the Bakehouse in our community.

+ We sent a letter from our church this week to congratulate Pastor Sue Westhorp and the people of the St Paul Lutheran Church in Box Hill on Sue’s historic ordination and installation as pastor. Read more: ‘Lutheran Church in Australia and NZ ordains first women pastors,’ Living Lutheran, 15 May 2025. This landmark decision was reported in the Lutheran’s global news as ‘Breaking Barriers.’

+ Exploring Faith is a brand new, Australian-designed course for people who are curious about Christianity — or unsure where they stand. No pressure. No clichés. Just honest conversation, good company, and space to ask real questions.

Starts June 11 (7:30pm, and then every Wednesday for 10 weeks)

Want to find out more or register?

Visit exploringfaith.org.au or email office@boxhillbaptist.org.au

Pointers for Prayer

+ Raelene Lilies is expected to return home on Friday (23^rd) after a time in hospital. Glennys Williams continues having tests in the Box Hill Hospital and is happy to see visitors. Don Timms was to go on Friday (23^rd) to Epworth—Box Hill Hospital for surgery and be there for five days. Pray for Don and Helen in these challenging times.

+ A feasibility study of our buildings is being conducted this year. Thanks God for the resources and gifts of the people who are making this possible. Pray for God’s discernment when we receive their report.

+ Last Sunday a new season of Care Groups was launched. Pray for creativity in connecting and thoughtful care as we journey with those in our groups.

+ This Sunday we’ll get an update from those in the Cambodian Christian Church in Melbourne and there will be matters that they report for our interest and prayer.

+ Continue to pray for Kate (Diane Harrison’s niece) following a stroke, that she may fully regain movement in her body and clarity in her speech.

+ God, please bring peace to Palestine, an end to the killing, access for food and aid workers to move through Gaza with freedom.

+ We pray for the many residents affected by the floods (property damage and livestock losses), the evacuees and the SES personnel in their rescue missions.

This Week

Monday

+ 2pm-5pm Bike Restoration and Rescue Session at the Community Shed: (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill).

Tuesday

+ 9.30am – The Box Hill Community Choir meets in the Church Sanctuary and Gallery.

+ 7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat group is an open group that is eager to welcome new participants. We will be studying this Scripture passage: John 17:20-26—Jesus’ prayer for his disciples (a lectionary passage for Sunday 1 June 2025). Convenor: Geoff Pound.

Thursday

+ 10am-12 midday The English Language Group meets in the Barn.

+ 11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

+ 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

+ 10am-11.30am A Playgroup meets in the Barn for children 0-5 years of age and their parents and carers.

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

+ Sunday 1 June – Church members meeting (after the service @ the Barn).

+ Wednesday 11 June – Launch of Exploring Faith study series (Village Well, 7:30pm)

+ Saturday 21 June – Winter Solstice Bonfire & Games night.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Do yourself a favour and go and watch the film ‘Ocean’ narrated by 99-year-old, David Attenborough. The main 95-minute documentary and the short one (about the making of the film) that follows show the wonder of the seas. It is a call to care for this amazing part of God’s creation, to stand up for climate control measures and to protest against industrial fishing including the damage caused by bottom trawling.

+ The singer, Bruce Springsteen, spoke prophetically this week about the damage being done in his country and he courageously called his audiences to stand up for truth, love and justice.

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.

Next Sunday 1 June at 10am.

+ Worship Service including our monthly celebration of The Lord’s Supper.

+ Scripture: John 17:20-26.

+ Theme: Jesus’ Prayer for His Disciples is an Important Prayer for His followers today.

+ Worship Leader: Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Being the first Sunday of the month our offering will include non-perishable food items for the needy in our area.

+ A Church Meeting in the Barn will follow our worship service and morning tea and coffee.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This morning we are joined by special guest Paul Manning, who represents Baptist World Aid as Church Partnership Manager for Victoria and Tasmania. He lives in Northwest Melbourne and is an ordained-accredited minister with the Baptist Union of Victoria.

Please make sure you join us for a casual BBQ in the Barn after the service!

Order of Service

• Call to Worship
• Song: As we contemplate our mission
• Opening Prayer
• Community News
• Prayer
• Offering
• Interview with Paul and Geoff on the work of Baptist World Aid
• Bible Readings (Proverbs 31:8-9, Luke 16:1-13, Micah 6:8)
• Song: Act Justly
• Sermon (Paul Manning)
• Pastoral Prayers
• Hymn: For the healing of the nations
• Benediction

Community News

Supporting the Middle East Crisis Appeal Will:

1. Help deliver much-needed medicines, medical supplies and equipment to local clinics, hospitals, and to healthcare workers providing essential services in Gaza and the West Bank, such as treating malnutrition in children.

2. Help establish and maintain mobile health clinics our Partners have already setup to address the non-functioning hospitals and medical centres.

3. Help our Partners in Lebanon provide emergency food packages, mattresses, blankets, feminine products and diapers to displaced families in need.

4. Assist our Partners as they prepare shipments of medical aid while exploring safe options for delivery and distribution to where the need is greatest.

What is Baptist World Aid Advocating for?

Along with other Christian aid and humanitarian organisations, we are advocating for:

1. Protection of civilians and respect for international humanitarian law,

2. Negotiation for the safe release of hostages,

3. Humanitarian access to ensure the provision of lifesaving medical care, food and water to those caught in the crossfire,

4. A ceasefire to end rapidly escalating conflict, and

5. Renewed efforts towards a long-term diplomatic solution.

Here is the link from where this information was sourced, which provides further details and opportunity to give:

Middle East Crisis Appeal – Baptist World Aid Australia

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+ A Church Member’s Meeting will follow the worship service on Sunday 1 June.

+ Exploring Faith is a brand new, Australian-designed course for people who are curious about Christianity — or unsure where they stand. No pressure. No clichés. Just honest conversation, good company, and space to ask real questions.

Starts June 11 (7:30pm, and then every Wednesday for 10 weeks)

Want to find out more or register?

Visit exploringfaith.org.au or email office@boxhillbaptist.org.au

+ Recently, a number of people have said, “Please ask the church to pray for…. (them, their loved one etc.) It has made us reflect on how we can better encourage specific prayer. Consequently, we have decided to discontinue the Wednesday night Prayer Link via Zoom. Only a few people have attended this on a regular basis. In the future, when people ask for prayer, after seeking and gaining their permission, we will send out an email, text or a Whatsapp note so you can pray when you receive this request or at a time and in a place that is most convenient for you.

+ We’ve rejuvenated and reformed our church’s Care Groups, which create smaller networks where we can keep an eye out for, pray for, and connect with each other. These will be distributed this morning at the BBQ, and we’ll email them out next week, so make sure you find out who’s in your new groups!

+ Diane Harrison has asked our church to pray for her niece, Kate, who after an operation at St Vincent’s Hospital suffered a stroke, leaving her paralysed down one side. It has also affected her speech. With therapy Kate is improving. Please pray for Kate and her husband, Adam, who is at the hospital and their children at home in Swan Hill, being looked after by grandparents, Bronwyn and George.

This Week

Monday

+ 2pm-5pm Bike Restoration and Rescue Session at the Community Shed: (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill).

Tuesday

+ 9.30am – The Box Hill Community Choir meets in the Church Sanctuary and Gallery.

7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat will be studying this Scripture passage: Acts 16:9-15 (a lectionary passage for Sunday 25 May 2025). Convenor: Geoff Pound.

Wednesday

+ 8pm: The Prayer Link via Zoom is now discontinued but prayer is being fostered in other ways.

Thursday

+ 10am-12 midday The English Language Group meets in the Barn.

+ 11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

+ 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

+ 10am-11.30am A Playgroup meets in the Barn for children 0-5 years of age and their parents and carers.

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

+ Sunday 1 June – Church members meeting (after the service @ the Barn).

+ Wednesday 11 June – Launch of Exploring Faith study series (Village Well, 7:30pm)

+ Saturday 21 June – Winter Solstice Bonfire & Games night.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Video Series—Aboriginal Spirituality & Culture: A conversation with Rev Garry Worete Deverell; Three videos with a Discussion Guide. This could be interesting content for an upcoming discussion group.

+ Prayer by Marie Howe (winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, 2025)

Every day I want to speak with you. And every day something more important

calls for my attention – the drugstore, the beauty products, the luggage

I need to buy for the trip.

Even now I can hardly sit here

among the falling piles of paper and clothing, the garbage trucks outside

already screeching and banging.

The mystics say you are as close as my own breath.

Why do I flee from you?

My days and nights pour through me like complaints

and become a story I forgot to tell.

Help me. Even as I write these words I am planning

to rise from the chair as soon as I finish this sentence.

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.

Next Sunday 25 May at 10am – Last Breakfast service

+ Owen Lim and possibly other members of the Cambodian Christian Church, will be present to enjoy breakfast with us and share an update on what their church is doing in Australia and Cambodia.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

Self-Sacrifice – An outmoded ideal or a radical alternative? ‘The good shepherd’, says Jesus, ‘lays down his life for his sheep’.

In an age when self-interest seems to rule, what are we to make of Jesus’ teaching? Is it a noble but impractical ideal? Or could it be the key to a good life?

Order of Service

• Acknowledgement of Country, Aunties and Mothers
• Call to Worship: singing Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my shepherd’
• Prayer of gathering and confession
• Welcome and community news
• Song: ‘You are my shepherd’
• Offering and prayer
• Bible reading: John 10: 1–18 (Wendy)
• Song: ‘Come and find the quiet centre’
• Sermon: ‘Shepherds, sheep and sacrifice’ (Graeme)
• Pastoral prayer
• Hymn: Gather us in.
• Benediction

Community News

+ Sad news this week as we were informed that Christine Mason, prior member of our church and one of the key people behind the Chapel on Station Gallery, passed away Thursday morning after a short battle with cancer. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers in the weeks and months to come.

+ It is good that the new Open Baptists Association has been established after Canberra Baptist and Hamilton Baptist (NSW) have been expelled from the Baptist Churches of NSW and ACT. The ABC News published this report and this video on this action with Canberra Baptist. The Newcastle Herald published this story in relation to Hamilton Baptist. Letters to these churches from Box Hill Baptist Church expressing sorrow, solidarity and support in prayer have been appreciated.

+ Whitley College is sponsoring ‘Global Baptist Identities: A Conversation with David Bebbington on 14 May (in person and streamed on Zoom)

This Week

Monday

+ Join in our bike restoration and rescue session at the Community Shed: 2pm-5pm (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am – The Box Hill Community Choir meets in the Church Sanctuary and Gallery.

7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat will be studying this Scripture passage: Luke 16:1-13 (the passage that Paul Manning will be reflecting on). Convenor: Geoff Pound.

Wednesday

+ 8pm: The Prayer Link connects people online for about 20 minutes of prayer. Here is the link

Thursday

+ 10am-12 midday The English Language Group meets in the Barn.

+ 11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

+ 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

+ 10am-11.30am A Playgroup meets in the Barn for children 0-5 years of age and their parents and carers.

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

+ 18 May – Church BBQ (after the service @ the Barn).

+ Sunday 1 June – Church members meeting (after the service @ the Barn).

+ Wednesday 11 June – Launch of Exploring Faith study series (Village Well, 7:30pm)

+ Saturday 21 June – Winter Solstice Bonfire & Games night.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ A free e-book with 35 articles on the situation in Palestine is available from this link on Pearls and Irritations.

+ Is the manna harvested in Sicily the same ‘manna from heaven’ that fed the Israelites through the desert? Link to this BBC report.

+ It can be a bit nebulous to pray for the whole church or the whole conclave— all 133 Cardinals. So, a website has been created where people can ‘Adopt a Cardinal’. You put in your email address, you’re encouraged to pray for guidance and you submit your request. Read more.

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 18 May at 10am

+ Paul Manning from Baptist World Aid will be speaking about Palestine and preaching about ‘Seek and Act Justly’.

+ A BBQ is planned to follow our worship service.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday morning at BHBC, we look at the different ways God got through to Saul and Ananias – a mix of spiritual sensitivity and blinding lights!

Don’t forget that it is also Communion Sunday, where our offering will include non-perishable food items for the needy in our area.

Order of Service

• Call to Worship
• Hymn 391: Tell out my soul.
• Prayer
• Hymn 621: For the healing of the nations.
• Community News
• Offering
• Scripture: Acts 9:1-20
• Song: Christ is Alive, and the universe must celebrate
• Sermon
• Hymn: Amazing Grace
• Communion
• Pastoral Prayers
• Song: Like a candle burning brightly
• Benediction

Community News

+ This Saturday is World Labyrinth Day! If anyone is interested to visit and walk Mary’s wonderful labyrinth before or after voting (perhaps to express a politically engaged spirituality of God’s kingdom), she’d love to have you join her. Please let Mary know if you’re interested.

+ Pope Francis demonstrated in his life and death, the positive influence that leadership can contribute. Pray for discernment for the conclave of cardinals as they get to work next Thursday (7 May).

+ Let’s heed the Biblical urging (1 Tim. 2:1-4) to pray for “all who are in high positions” of leadership as MPs are elected at Saturday’s federal election.

This Week

Monday

+ Join in our bike restoration and rescue session at the Community Shed: 2pm-5pm (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill)

+ 7.30pm – Monthly meeting of the Box Hill Baptist Deacons.

Tuesday

9.30am Why not join the Box Hill Community Choir in the Church Sanctuary and Gallery as it meets for the new term to sing and enjoy morning tea together?

7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat will be studying this Scripture passage: John 10: 1-18. As this will be the passage in focus for the next Sunday, Graeme Davison will be present on Tuesday to share in the group discussion. Convenor: Geoff Pound..

Wednesday

+ 8pm: The Prayer Link connects people online for about 20 minutes of prayer. Here is the link

Thursday

+ 10am-12 midday The English Language Group meets in the Barn.

+ 11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

+ 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

+ 10am-11.30am A Playgroup meets in the Barn for children 0-5 years of age and their parents and carers.

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

+ Church BBQ – 18 May (after the service @ the Barn).

+ Winter Solstice Bonfire & Games night – Saturday 21 June.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ This Sunday, as we reflect on the dramatic conversion of Saul, Natasha Moore writes, “Not a month goes by, it seems, without reports of some high-profile conversion to Christianity — or at least, a new-found interest in it.” Natasha asks, “It’s suddenly become trendy to be a Christian—as a Christian, should I find this cheering or chilling?” Religion and Ethics, 17 April 2025.

+ ‘Pope Francis’ simple funeral choices set a moral standard also reflected in Judaism,’ Ranana Dine, Religion News Service, 28 April 2025.

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 27 April at 10am

+ Worship Leader: Keith Dyer; Preacher: Graeme Davison.

+ Scripture: John 10: 1-18.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

On this Anzac Day weekend, we take the opportunity to gather over breakfast, share stories, and reflect on themes of peace and sacrifice.

Community News

+ ‘May Mission Month’ is a tradition among Baptist churches in Australia so each of our services this month will have a mission focus including guests, Paul Manning from Baptist World Aid, who will speak on 18 May of the challenges in Palestine and Owen Lim will be joining us at the Last Breakfast on 25 May to update us on mission among Cambodians in Cambodia and here in Melbourne.

+ Exploring Faith: A Journey of Discovery is coming to Box Hill Baptist in June. More information at this link.

+ Our annual Church Camp is planned for 15-17 August at Anglesea.

+ We’re celebrating the 100^th anniversary of our church building on Sunday 24 August. The first of our ‘Back to Box Hill Baptist’ celebratory events.

+ People from all churches are invited to join in prayer for our city and state at St Paul’s Cathedral on 1 May at 7pm. More information from this email.

+ Rev Dr Ken Manley is speaking on ‘Becoming a Church Historian: A Personal Odyssey’ at the Victorian Baptist Historical Society when it meets at the Ashburton Baptist Church at 11am on 17 May.

+ Learn more about the Baptist World Congress and see if you’d like to attend when hundreds of Baptists from around the world meet in Brisbane, 7-12 July 2025. More information at this link.

This Week (Many of our regular programmes resume this week after School holidays).

Monday

+ Join in our bike restoration and rescue session at the Community Shed: 2pm-5pm (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill)

Tuesday

9.30am Why not join the Box Hill Community Choir in the Church Sanctuary and Gallery as it meets for the new term to sing and enjoy morning tea together?

7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat will be studying this Scripture passage: Acts 9:1-20. Convenor: Geoff Pound.

Wednesday

+ 8pm: The Prayer Link connects people online for about 20 minutes of prayer. Here is the link

Thursday

+ 10am-12 midday The English Language Group meets in the Barn.

+ 11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

+ 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.

+ 7.30pm-9pm A Study Group meets in the Gallery. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.

Friday

+ 10am-11.30am A Playgroup meets in the Barn for children 0-5 years of age and their parents and carers.

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ An Australian version of Christianity Today has gone online.

+ Chris Tomlin’s new song resurrects the world’s oldest known hymn, Religion News, 15 April 2025.

+ Garry Worete Deverell posts an aboriginal meditation called: Communion in Country, Uncommon Prayers, 14 April 2025.

+ Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, was taught this seven-word prayer by his grandmother: “Jesus make my heart more like yours.”

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 27 April at 10am

+ Worship Leader: Lorraine Mitchell; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Scripture: Acts 9:1-20

+ Communion

+ Our offering will include non-perishable food items for the needy in our area.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This morning we are reflecting on the events of Sunday in the final of our series on The Last Week in the life of Jesus.

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Order of Service

• …continuing the women’s story…
• Song: Christ is Risen, Shout Hosanna!
• Litany
• Song: Christ is Alive
• Prayer
• Welcome and Community news
• Offering & prayer
• Bible reading: Mark 16:1-8
• Hymn: At the dawning of salvation
• Sermon:  ‘An Unfinished Easter’ — Geoff
• Pastoral prayer 
• Song:  Jesus Christ is Risen Today.
• Benediction 

Community News

+ Exploring Faith: A Journey of Discovery is coming to Box Hill Baptist in June. More information at this link.

+ Our annual Church Camp is planned for 15-17 August at Anglesea.

+ We’re celebrating the 100^th anniversary of our church building on Sunday 24 August. The first of our ‘Back to Box Hill Baptist’ celebratory events.

+ Garry Worete Deverell facilitates the first of the Lomandra workshops on ‘The Dreaming and Christian Traditions’.

+ The Autumn edition of TOGETHER (e-magazine) contains stories from other Baptist churches around Victoria.

This Week (Many of our regular programmes are not meeting due to School holidays).

Monday

+ Join in our bike restoration and rescue session at the Community Shed: 2pm-5pm (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir is not meeting today and during the holidays. It resumes on 29 April.

+ 7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat group is taking a break over the holidays and it will resume again on Tuesday 29 April.

Wednesday

8pm: Prayer Link: The Prayer Link will not be meeting this night and during the holidays. It will resume on Wednesday 30 April.

Thursday

10am-12 midday The English Language Group is on a holiday break and classes will resume on 1 May.

11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

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.

Saturday

7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Andrew Thayer, Palm Sunday was a Protest Not a Procession, New York Times (unlocked gift article), 13 April 2025.

+ Rod Benson (Baptist and Uniting Pastor) gave this speech at a rally on Palm Sunday.

+ Bishop Philip Huggins reflects on 11 April at the Victorian State Parliament on ‘Building Peace through Contemplation, Compassion’.

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 27 April at 10am

+ Last Breakfast Service.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This morning we recognise that this day is Palm Sunday, but we’ll also be reflecting on the events of Saturday in our series on The Last Week in the life of Jesus. What was happening and how did people feel on the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday? How do we face such Saturdays in our life?

Scripture: Mark 15:42-16:2

Order of Service

Call to Worship 

• Acknowledgement of Country and Call to Worship
• Song: Riding a Donkey
• Prayer of gathering and confession
• Welcome and community news
• Song/Hymn: ‘In a byre near Bethlehem’
• Our offering and prayer
• Bible reading: Mark 15: 42–16:2
• Song/Hymn: ‘Be still for the presence of the Lord’
• Sermon:  ‘Holy Saturday’ — Geoff
• Pastoral prayer — Geoff 
• Hymn:  ‘Wait for the Lord’
• Benediction 

Community News

+ Stand with Myanmar: Thanks to those who have donated to the Myanmar relief appeal following the earthquake. Donations can be made through Baptist Mission Australia via this link. Baptist World Aid is receiving donations at this link. Or you can put money in an envelope marked ‘Myanmar’ and place your gift in the offering.

+ Need an affordable bike, or help maintaining yours? Pop into our Community Shed (rear, 470 Station St), to see our selection of ‘pay-what-you-feel’ bikes and get basic maintenance help from our team of friendly, talented amateurs. Every Monday, 2-5pm.

This Week

Monday

+ Join in our new bike restoration and rescue session at the Community Shed: 2pm-5pm (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir is not meeting today and during the holidays. It resumes on 29 April.

+ 7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat group is taking a break over the holidays and it will resume again on Tuesday 29 April.

Wednesday

8pm: Prayer Link: The Prayer Link will not be meeting this night and during the holidays. It will resume on Wednesday 30 April.

Thursday

10am-12 midday The English Language Group is on a holiday break and classes will resume on 1 May.

11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

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.

6:30pm – Fellowship Meal and Maundy Thursday Reflection (in the Barn)

The Study Group that normally meets on Thursdays will not be meeting tonight to enable participants to join in the Maundy Thursday meal.

Friday

9.30am Good Friday Service. Worship Leader: Shueh Wah Kennedy; Preacher: Eddie Chapman.

Saturday

7.30am-8.30am NO Bakehouse in the Barn this Saturday due to Easter.

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Max Jeganathan asks, “I’ve been here for 40 years. When do I stop being an immigrant?” Public Christianity, 28 March 2025.

+ Common Grace invites us to sign up to join the Prayer Vigil on Tuesday 29th April, 7:30-8:30pm AEST for the upcoming election.

+ Evangelical pastor in North Carolina calls ‘Trump Bible’ blasphemous and the video goes viral, MSNBC.

+ The Yoorrook/Truth Commission hears of atrocities committed by early settlers in Victoria towards indigenous people. How do we reckon with our colonial past and move toward truth, healing and justice? Four Corners, ABC iview.

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 13 April at 10am

+ Worship Leader: Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Scripture: Mark 16: 1-8

+ Reflecting on the Sunday in our series on The Last Week in the life of Jesus.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday we’ll be reflecting on the events of Friday in our series on The Last Week in the life of Jesus, with them theme of “Learning to Live in the Dark”.

Being the first Sunday of the month our offering will include non-perishable food items for the needy in our area.

Scripture: Mark 15:33-41

Order of Service

Call to Worship 

• Opening Prayer
• Song – Who will carry the Cross with me
• Welcome and Community News
• Offering
• Song – O come and mourn with me awhile (Tune: ST. CROSS (Dykes))
• Reading – Mark 15: 33-41
• Sermon – Learning to Live in the Dark
• Song – Were you There (v1 2 3) 
• Communion
• Prayers for Our World
• Sung Benediction – Wait for the Lord

Community News

+ We convey our sympathy to Chris Kennedy on the passing of his mother in Hamilton earlier this week and assure Chris, Susan and the family of our love and prayers. The funeral is to be held on Friday 11 April.

+ Meriel Barber is now in aged care at Surrey Hills Garden Care Community, 9-17 Broughton Rd, Surrey Hills. She is in Room 6 on the second floor. Phone: 0402 550 690

+ Stand with Myanmar: As rescuers seek to save lives in Myanmar following the earthquake, the military junta is dropping bombs from the sky. Church leaders report a growing loss of life, huge property damage and urgent humanitarian needs. ‘Baptist Mission Australia’ has a tax-deductible fund to support ongoing, urgent humanitarian needs in Myanmar. Donations can be made via this link. Baptist World Aid is receiving donations at this link.

+ Baptist Mission Australia wants you to see their new, resourceful website.

This Week

Monday

+ Join in our new bike restoration and rescue session at the Community Shed: 2pm-5pm (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill)

+ The Deacons are meeting for their April meeting.

Tuesday

+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir is not meeting today and during the holidays. It resumes on 29 April. The choir will sing at our Last Breakfast on 30 November (the first Sunday in Advent).

+ 7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat group is taking a break over the holidays and it will resume again on Tuesday 29 April.

Wednesday

10am-1pm: The Community Shed for women and men to do general woodwork. The Shed is located behind the Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill. Contact Eddie for more details.

8pm: Prayer Link: The Prayer Link will not be meeting this night and during the holidays. It will resume on Wednesday 30 April.

Thursday

10am-12 midday The English Language Group is on a holiday break and classes will resume on 1 May.

11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

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.

7.30pm-9pm Discussion Group meets in the Gallery. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.

Friday

10am-11.30am The Playgroup is taking a break over the holidays and will also not meet on Friday 25^th due to it being a public holiday (ANZAC Day). It will resume on Friday 2 May.

Saturday

7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn.

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ How in God’s Name Should I Vote? This and a swag of other resources on the importance of our vote and the role of faith in politics is available from this link at Common Grace. These resources were amassed for an earlier election but they are still pertinent as we approach the Australian federal election on 3 May.

+ Check out some of the stories of mission and faith from other Baptist churches in Victoria.

+ An Introduction to Addiction and Addiction Management seminar was held in October 2024 for Baptist pastors. It can be viewed at this link.

+ Daylight Saving Time ends at 3am on 6 April (the first Sunday in April) when clocks go back to 2am (otherwise you will get to church one hour early).

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 13 April at 10am

+ Worship Leader: Keith Dyer; Preacher: Geoff Pound.

+ Scripture: Mark 15: 42-47.

+ We’ll be reflecting on the events of Saturday in our series on The Last Week in the life of Jesus. What was happening and how did people feel on the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday?

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Worship Roster

All are welcome as we enter the season and celebration of Easter with a range of diverse, meaningful and engaging services, designed to help you connect with the meaning of Easter, and each other.

• Palm Sunday, 13 April at 10am – Together we join in celebration and anticipation as Jesus enters into Jerusalem for the last time.
• Maundy Thursday, 17 April at 6:30pm – Fellowship Meal and Last Supper Reflections in the Barn. Tonight we will gather around the table with the community, just as Jesus did, and share in the anxiety and pain of those final hours. (Please contact office@boxhillbaptist.org.au if you are planning to attend to help us plan for catering).
• Good Friday Service, 18 April at 9:30am – This morning we focus on the symbol and sacrifice of the cross – and from the perspective of the women in the story!
• Easter Sunday Last Breakfast Service, 20 April at 10am. Join us as we celebrate new life and the hope of the resurrection!

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday it’s a combination of Breakfast and Betrayal, as we journey with Jesus through the Thursday of his last week, and consider the experiences of that turbulent day at our monthly informal Last Breakfast service.

Scripture: Mark 14:12-16

Community News

+ Last Monday night we had a very well-attended gathering at the ‘Understanding Trans Lives’ event. The speakers, Sally Goldner and Matt Glover, took a story-telling approach and were insightful. Showing kindness was a central theme. Even before we had gathered there were many words of thanks expressed to Box Hill Baptist for hosting the event. A good core of people came from our own church while some came from other churches. It was very pleasing to see the large number of people from our local community. The questions asked seemed genuine and positive. Exploring and discovering that one is a trans person can be extremely painful and tinged with grief for them and their loved ones. Some people took the contact details of counsellor, Matt Glover, with the thought of having counselling conversations with him. Here is a link to Matt’s MGA Counselling Services.

+ Daylight Saving Time ends at 3am on 6 April (the first Sunday in April) when clocks go back to 2am (otherwise you will get to church one hour early).

+ Our first Bike Restoration session went off well last Monday at the Community Shed, as Eddie and a couple of new members repaired and restored a bunch of bikes! The Box Hill community has been generous and helpful in finding and amassing a haul of second-hand bikes! The ‘ready to go’ bikes’ will soon be available on a ‘pay what you feel’ principle so get ready to go down to the shed to pick up the bike of your choice. Feel free to join this Monday experience of community building.

+ Whitley College is keen to inform you of their new developments and opportunities.

+ Do you drive to church? Do you have a spare seat?? We’re putting together a network of people who might be able to help offer others in our church a lift to church on Sundays – either regularly or occasionally. If you think you can help, let Eddie know.

This Week

Monday

+ Join in our new bike restoration and rescue session at the Community Shed: 2pm-5pm (rear 470 Station St, Box Hill)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am The Box Hill Community Choir is practising in the church before enjoying morning tea. Newcomers are welcome and there is no audition to join the choir.

+ 7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat group meets in the Village Well and will be studying and discussion the events of Friday in the last week in the life of Jesus. Our Scripture focus will be Mark chapter 15.

Wednesday

10am-1pm: The Community Shed for women and men to do general woodwork. The Shed is located behind the Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill. Contact Eddie for more details.

8pm: Prayer Link: Some moments via Zoom to pray together. Here is the link.

Thursday

10am-12 midday The English Language Group is held in the Barn. It runs from 10am to 12 midday and includes morning tea. Gold coin donation. Convenor: Lynne Dyer.

11am-1pm upstairs in the Village Well: Social Chat Group—basic English language and Aussie culture, table tennis, Tai Chi, tea/coffee, friendship-making.

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.

7.30pm-9pm Discussion Group meets in the Gallery. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.

Friday

10am-11.30am Playgroup in the Barn for children, 0-4 years of age and their parents, grandparents and carers.

Saturday

7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn.

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Collins Street Baptist pastor, Simon Carey Holt, has been listening to people as a pastor for 40+ years. Recently he has been detecting a different mood in those he is connecting with. He blogs about this in ‘Trauma, Resilience and Listening,’ on Simply Simon.

+ The Centre for Public Christianity has a range of new articles and podcasts that relate to understanding how our faith connects to the issues of our day in Australia.

+ You can ask Australian musician, Nick Cave, any question and he answers honestly on the Red Hand Files. This week he was asked, “How do you manage your creative life with your family commitments?”

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)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 23 March 2025 at 10am

 [Remember that Daylight Saving Time ends early this morning]

+ Our monthly Communion Service.

+ Preacher: Geoff Pound.

+ Scripture: Mark 15 (selected verses)

+ We’ll be reflecting on the events of Friday in our series on The Last Week in the life of Jesus.

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Worship Roster