Author: eddie

The Record – 23 March 2025

eddie

Welcome to Worship

This morning’s service is led by Keith Dyer with Geoff Pound reflecting on the happenings of Wednesday in The Last Week in the life of Jesus.

Order of Service

  • Acknowledgment of Country and Call to Worship
  • Song: Galilee Song.
  • Prayer of gathering and confession
  • Welcome & Community News
  • Song: Act Justly, Love Tenderly
  • Offering & Prayer
  • Bible Reading: Mark 14:1-11
  • Song: The Love of God Comes close
  • Sermon: Kindness amidst cruelty
  • Hymn: Beauty for Brokenness
  • Pastoral Prayer
  • Benediction

Community News

+ Andy McCulloch, our church representative to keep in touch with developments related to the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), reports that the Planning Scheme Amendment to implement a new Structure Plan for Box Hill is now on exhibition. This link contains details of information sessions. Andy is happy and available to assist anyone with an interest in the proposals. The Premier wants you to have your say about the SRL housing plans.

+ Seventy-five people attended the Open Baptists Gathering last weekend (14-16 March 2025) in Canberra. Steve Frost gave two reflections and the links are here and here.

+ Thanks to members of the Box Hill Community Choir for putting on a wonderful performance outside Box Hill Central last Tuesday morning. The weather was fine, the music stopped many people who wanted to listen, hum along or join it.

+ 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)

+  ‘Understanding Trans Lives’: A community information forum in the church at 7.15pm for 7.30pm to learn more, build understanding and support trans people and communities. An open invitation not only to people of the church but people in our community. Special guests are trans advocate Sally Goldner, and counsellor Matt Glover, who will share stories, experiences and respond to questions. Refreshments to follow in the Gallery.

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. Singing together boosts our mental health, brings joy to listeners and creates friendship and a sense of belonging.

+ The regular Bible & Chat group in the Village Well is not meeting next Tuesday because we are wanting to attend the ‘Understanding Trans Lives’ forum on Monday night.

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

+ If you would like the opportunity to ‘walk through’ the new constitution, or if you are new to the Baptist denomination and would like to gain a better understanding of the way Baptist decision making works, there will be an information session after church Sunday, March 23 (provided there is sufficient interest).

Please let Lorraine know if you plan to attend. If you have questions about any specific section of the new draft constitution you would like discussed, please submit them to Lorraine prior to the meeting.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ ‘God grant me the serenity…’ Scott Paeth says, “You’ve Likely Heard the Serenity Prayer—but not its Backstory,” Religion News, 17 March 2025.

+ Baptist Mission Australia says, “Join with us in changing lives and communities around the world and make an eternal difference.” BMA.

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

+ The Last Breakfast led by Eddie Chapman. Bring some food to share for the breakfast/brunch. We’ll be reflecting on the events of Thursday in The Last Week in the life of Jesus.

+ Scripture: Mark 14: 12-16.

Worship Roster

The Record – 16 March 2025

eddie

Welcome to Worship

This week we follow in our series on The Last Week of Jesus with Eddie leading and Geoff reflecting on the events of Tuesday, from Mark 11:20-25.

Order of Service

  • Opening Psalm
  • Song: Gather us in
  • Community news
  • Song: Autumn comes in all its fullness
  • Offering
  • Bible Reading (Mark 11:20-25)
  • Sermon
  • Song: Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah
  • Community Prayers
  • Sung Benediction: Father God In Heaven

Community News

+ People from Australian states and territories are gathering this weekend for the gathering of Open Baptists to discern “how is the Spirit calling us to open our table, hear God’s heart and spread our wings?” Sue Mcdonald from Box Hill Baptist is planning to attend.

+ On Monday 24 March 2025 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm ‘Understanding Trans Lives’: An opportunity to hear stories, gain insights about the variety of transgender people and issues and ask questions of counsellor Matt Glover and trans person, Sally Goldner. Venue: The church with refreshments to follow in the Gallery. This meeting has been advertised in our local community and it is not billed as a religious event. The hope is to grow in understanding of the experience of transgender people and helping the community to be more informed, affirming and supportive.

+ 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

Tuesday

+ 10am-11am The Box Hill Community Choir will be performing in the Box Hill Mall in the red pod activation (corner of Main and Market). Come to support them, enjoy the music and have coffee together afterwards.

+ 7.15pm Coffee/tea for a 7.30pm start: Bible & Chat in the Village Well. Reflecting on Figs & Faith in The Last Week of Jesus with a focus on Wednesday as described in Mark 14:1-11. Convenor: Geoff Pound.

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

+ If you would like the opportunity to ‘walk through’ the new constitution, or if you are new to the Baptist denomination and would like to gain a better understanding of the way Baptist decision making works, there will be an information session after church Sunday, March 23 (provided there is sufficient interest).

Please let Lorraine know if you plan to attend. If you have questions about any specific section of the new draft constitution you would like discussed, please submit them to Lorraine prior to the meeting.

+ On 24 March 2025 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm ‘Understanding Trans Lives’: An opportunity to hear stories, gain insights about the variety of transgender people and issues and ask questions of counsellor Matt Glover and trans person, Sally Goldner. This is an open invitation to all who would like to learn more.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Palestine: With the war in Gaza, it is helpful to hear the thoughts and views of Palestinians who are telling their own stories on the web site, We Are Not Numbers. The film, No Other Land, shows the destruction of a Palestinian community in the West Bank. It was recently judged the best documentary feature film at the Academy Awards and can be seen via the DocPlay web site.

+ AI: An AI-created church service in Finland was quirky and fun but lacked human warmth, worshippers say, AP News, 11 March 2025.

+ Caring for the Earth: Thomas Reece believes it makes more sense to spend money on saving the Earth from climate change, ecological destruction and international conflicts than it does going to Mars in ‘No Elon, We Should Not Go to Mars,’ Religion News, 10 March 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 23 March 2025 at 10am

+ Service led by Keith Dyer and Geoff Pound reflecting on the happenings of Wednesday in The Last Week in the life of Jesus.

+ Scripture: Mark 14:1-11.

Worship Roster

The Record – 9 March 2025

eddie

Welcome to Worship

This week we follow in our series on The Last Week of Jesus with Shueh Wah and Eddie helping us to reflect on the events of Monday, from Mark 11:12-19.

Order of Service

  • Call to Worship 
  • Opening Prayer
  • Song – Come as you are
  • Welcome and Community News
  • Offering
  • Song – Beauty for Brokenness
  • Reading – Mark 11:12-19
  • Song – How can we live as Christians
  • Sermon – What Would Jesus Throw?
  • Prayers for Our World
  • Song – Peace from Justice
  • Benediction

Community News

+ The Church Member’s Meeting following the service last Sunday, 2 March, resulted in the proposal to run a forum for people to discuss the new draft church constitution and understand it better. Some helpful questions about the Open Baptist’s documents which may lead to greater clarity and refinement. Church finances are good but offerings are slightly below budget.

+ Earthen Vessels Church (The Vietnamese Church) that has met in our premises over recent years has secured their own buildings—the facilities at South Yarra after the South Yarra Community Baptist Church continued to have online worship and daily prayer. EVC has taken ownership but they want to do some refurbishing before they meet there for weekly worship. They plan to move by the end of 2025 but they hope they will be at South Yarra by June or July.

This Week

Tuesday

+ The Box Hill Community Choir practices.

+ 7.15pm Coffee/tea for a 7.30pm start: Bible & Chat in the Village Well. Reflecting on Figs & Faith in The Last Week of Jesus with a focus on Tuesday as described in Mark 11: 20-25. Convenor: Geoff Pound.

Wednesday

10am-3pm 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 Glenn Campbell for more details.

7-10pm Midweek Jams: live music practice and networking sessions at the church. These are aimed to help support our local musicians and artists, and help contribute to a vibrant local live music scene. Make sure to share this event with any musicians you know!

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.

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

+ The Box Hill Community Choir will be performing in the Box Hill Mall on Tuesday March 18 between 10am and 11am. Plan to come to support them, enjoy the music and have coffee together afterwards.

+ On 24 March 2025 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm ‘Understanding Trans Lives’: An opportunity to hear stories, gain insights about the variety of transgender people and issues and ask questions of counsellor Matt Glover and trans person, Sally Goldner. This is an open invitation to all who would like to learn more.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ If you are a teacher or you know of a teacher being drawn to a new, global teaching experience, contact the Baptist Mission Australia team for more information.

+ Read about the towns in Syria that speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Link.

+ Gutting USAID is throwing Australian aid programmes into chaos. “What they’re doing is cruel and lethal,” says Tim Costello. Link: SMH and Public Christianity.

+ ‘My Problem Was Not With Grief With a Capital G. My Problem Was That Eric Was Dead,’ Nicholas Wolterstorff, New York Times (unlocked article), 2 March 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 9 March 2025 at 10am

+ Service led by Eddie Chapman and Geoff Pound reflecting on the happenings of Tuesday in The Last Week in the life of Jesus.

+ Scripture: Mark 11:20-25.

Worship Roster

The Record – 2 March 2025

eddie

Welcome to Worship

This week we celebrate our monthly Communion Service with a reflection on the first Sunday in The Last Week in the life of Jesus (Mark 11:1-11)

Our offering for this week includes the contribution of non-perishable food items for the needy in our area, so please come prepared if you are able.

After the service we will be moving to the Barn for a church meeting and lunch – Everyone is welcome!

Order of Service

  • Call to Worship : Psalm 118 
  • Song:  In a byre near Bethlehem
  • Prayer
  • Welcome, Community News
  • Offering
  • Song : Ride on, ride on in Majesty 
  • Scripture Reading: Mark 11:1-11
  • Sermon – Geoff
  • Song : Jesus calls us here to meet him
  • Communion  – Geoff
  • Pastoral Prayers – Geoff
  • Song/Benediction : Go out to the world in peace

Community News

+ A Church Member’s Meeting will follow the service this Sunday, 2 March. The main items on the agenda will be discussion on the proposed new BHBC constitution and a recommendation that BHBC joins the Open Baptists Association. The draft constitution and information about the proposal to join the Open Baptists has been emailed out.

+ Check out the current worship roster at this link.

+ Got any old bikes lying around? Our Community Shed is soon going to commence Monday afternoon sessions focused on restoring and rebuilding bicycles to sell and share with the community (as well as supporting the community with basic bike maintenance and skill sharing). Speak to Eddie if you can help.

+ If you’d like to know more about any of the basic steps in following Jesus such as believing, baptism, church membership or if you’re curious to know how things happen in a Baptist church, do have a chat with Eddie or Geoff.

+ The Baptist Union of Victoria is inviting people to attend their upcoming consultations.

+ The City of Whitehorse is offering a range of activities for enjoyment and to foster creativity.

This Week

Monday:

Monthly meeting of the Deacons.

Tuesday

+ The Box Hill Community Choir won’t be meeting as the leaders are on holiday.

+ 7.15pm Coffee/tea for a 7.30pm start: Bible & Chat in the Village Well. Eddie will be getting your good ideas on The Last Week of Jesus with a focus on Monday as described in Mark 11: 12-19.

Wednesday

10am-3pm 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 Glenn Campbell 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 Study and 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

+ From Wednesday March 12, we will be hosting a new series of Midweek Jams: live music practice and networking sessions at the church, from 7-10pm. These are aimed to help support our local musicians and artists, and help contribute to a vibrant local live music scene. Make sure to share this event with any musicians you know!

+ The Box Hill Community Choir will be performing in the Box Hill Mall on Tuesday March 18 between 10am and 11am. Plan to come to support them, enjoy the music and have coffee together afterwards.

+ On 24 March 2025 at 7.15pm for 7.30pm ‘Understanding Trans Lives’: An opportunity to hear stories, gain insights about the variety of transgender people and issues and ask questions of counsellor Matt Glover and trans person, Sally Goldner. This is an open invitation to all who would like to learn more.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ ‘A Strategy for Christian Witness Against Trump’s Autocracy,’ Sojourners, 20 February 2025.

+ ‘Michael Leunig-a rare genius who re-enchanted our world.’ The eulogy to Leunig given by Emeritus Professor, David Tacey with link to recording of Leunig’s Memorial Service, The Living Water, 23 February 2025.

+ Imagine a worship service at Box Hill Baptist where there is a live translation from English to Mandarin, Khmer, Farsi or 120+ other languages. A number of churches are using machine translation whereby people can read the text on their phone or use an earpiece attached to their phone to receive an audio in their preferred language. Peter Bates has compiled a report on churches in England, the platform they are using and their assessment. Check out Peter Bate’s article, ‘How to Decide Whether to Use Machine Translation in Church service’ and let us know your comments.  

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 9 March 2025 at 10am

+ Service led by Keith Dyer and Eddie reflecting on the events of Monday in The Last Week in the life of Jesus.

+ Scripture: Mark 11: 12-19

Worship Roster

The Record – 23 February 2025

eddie

Community News

This Sunday 23 February 2025

+ The Last Breakfast at 10am led by Eddie Chapman. Breakfast together with worship on the side. Please bring food to share with others.

+ The monthly quiet and short service—‘Worship Beyond Words’—takes place in the church at 7pm.

Next Sunday 2 March 2025 at 10am

+ Our monthly Communion Service.

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

+ Scripture: Mark 11: 1-11.

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

This Week

Tuesday

Normally the Box Hill Community Choir meets each Tuesday morning but this Tuesday and the next, the choir won’t be meeting as the leaders are on holiday.

7.15pm Coffee/tea for a 7.30pm start: Bible & Chat in the Village Well. Join us for the new Lenten series as we look at The Last Week of Jesus. This week we’ll focus on Sunday as described in Mark 11: 1-11.

Wednesday

10am-3pm 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 Glenn Campbell 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.

Friday

10am-11.30am A 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.

Notices and News

+ Our next Church Member’s Meeting will follow the service on 2 March. The main items on the agenda will be discussion on the proposed new BHBC constitution and a recommendation that BHBC joins the Open Baptists Association. The draft constitution and information about the proposal to join the Open Baptists has been sent out this week to church members. Let us know if this email didn’t reach you.

+ We commence a new Lenten series on Sunday 2 March entitled ‘The Last Week’. Over the next seven weeks we’ll be taking a closer look at the events of that first ‘Holy Week’ which was the last week in the earthly life of Jesus. We’ll be focusing each Sunday and on the preceding Tuesday at the Bible & Chat group, on the readings in Mark’s Gospel suggested by Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan in their book, The Last Week. This is a good resource for people wanting to go deeper.

+ Check out the current worship roster at this link.

+ As we welcome Eddie back on deck this week, we express grateful thanks to those who picked up different tasks in his absence.

+ Box Hill Baptist joins with many churches in the City of Whitehorse (under the banner of ‘Whitehorse Churches Care’) to do things like running a Community Space at the Forest Hill Chase. Read about the many events of the WCC, including the farewell to Kerryn Pell and a welcome to Karen Breen (new coordinator at the Chase).

+ If you’d like to know more about any of the basic steps in following Jesus such as believing, baptism, church membership or if you’re curious to know how things happen in a Baptist church, do have a chat with Eddie or Geoff.

+ The Box Hill Community Choir will be performing in the Box Hill Mall on Tuesday March 18 between 10am and 11am. Plan to come to support them, enjoy the music and have coffee together afterwards.

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Check out the latest articles at the Centre for Public Christianity (CPX)—about Conclave, Death, anti-Semitism, Tim Winton’s lecture and more—without hitting a paywall.

+ The BUV website has posts about the latest stories from around the churches, forthcoming events, resources and training opportunities and 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.

Worship Roster

The Record – 12 January 2025

eddie

Order of Service

  • Call to Worship
  • Prayer
  • Song: Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty.
  • Welcome & Community News
  • Offering & Offering Prayer
  • Reflective Worship
  • Song: God in heaven, Lord most high.
  • Sermon: “Hallowed by your name”.
  • Song: Bring Many Names
  • Pastoral Prayer
  • Song: Immortal, Invisible, God only wise.
  • Benediction

Community News

+ We talk about Halloween but what does it mean when Jesus taught his disciples to pray: Hallowed be Your Name? Eddie is reflecting on this phrase this Sunday in the second sermon in our new year series on The Lord’s Prayer.

+ Like to get the weekly ‘Record’ (the Box Hill Baptist online newsletter)? It’ll keep you up to date with what’s happening in our church and community, forthcoming events, some people news and links to some interesting articles. Speak to Eddie or send him a note with your email to: office@boxhillbaptist.org.au

+ Being a member of Box Hill Baptist means “This is my community of faith. You can count on me to be involved and serve according to my time and gifts and I look forward to counting on you for support and care.” Talk to Eddie or Geoff to learn more of what membership involves, what Box Hill Baptist is on about and how a Baptist church operates.

+ News from Jim and Jane Barr at Walkerville.

Jim and Jane continue as (non-resident) members of Box Hill Baptist and we are glad to announce that Jim has just been appointed a ‘Long Term Supply’ Minister with the Uniting Church, working with the Foster Uniting Church Congregation. The appointment will be for the calendar year of 2025 and is for 1 day per week. It is a small church in the Parish of Corner Inlet. Part of our Parish is a National Park called Wilsons Promontory and we are also on the Great Southern Rail Trail so Jim says, “It’s worth coming to visit us!  We have a hymn service on the first Sunday of each month and a preaching/communion service on the third Sunday of each month.” Jim is also doing some long-range planning and he adds:

“On Easter Day we have a Dawn Service right where the Rail Trail crosses over the Hoddle Range. We worship as the sun rises behind Wilsons Prom and Corner Inlet – one of the most beautiful ways to celebrate the mystery of Resurrection. Contact Jim on 042 546 2277 if you would like to be part of it.”

+ Thanks for the wonderful response to Eddie’s request for help in picking up some of his responsibilities when he is on holiday from 23 January to 18 February. Some outstanding tasks for you to consider include……. Speak to Eddie asap if you can help.

+ Our church has had a long and rich relationship with Whitley College (currently located in Box Hill). If you’re thinking of doing some serious study of the Bible and theology, check out the subjects being offered this semester. If you want to enliven your spiritual life, check out the offerings at WellSpring. This Spirituality Centre is based in Ashburton.

Food for Thought & Action

“Most adults I know aren’t looking for a religion that answers all of their questions, but rather a community of faith in which they feel safe to ask them.” Rachel Held Evans.

Someone penned these New Year Resolutions: This year I want to be more like Jesus.

  • Hang out with sinners
  • Upset religious people
  • Tell stories that make people think
  • Choose unpopular friends
  • Be kind, loving and merciful
  • Take naps on boats

+ Jimmy Carter Applied His Faith to the Messiness of Politics. We Should Too.

Upcoming events at Box Hill

Regular Weekly Events

  • Monday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Thursday:
    • 11am-1pm. Social Club (upstairs of the Village Well)
    • 1:30-2:30pm Community Bakehouse (in the Barn)
  • Friday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Saturday
    • 7:30-8:30am Community Bakehouse (in the Barn)
  • Sunday
    • 9am-1pm Community Shed session (rear 470 Station St)

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!)

  • Explorers, & Bible Chats: Tuesdays, 7:30pm at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The groups undertakes studies on a diverse range of topics including scripture, books, videos, and other resources.
  • KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)

Bible Readings for this week

First reading

Isaiah 43:1-7

Psalm

Psalm 29

Second reading

Acts 8:14-17

Gospel

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

Worship Roster

The Record – 5 January 2025

eddie

Order of Service

  • Call to Worship
  • Prayer for the Gathering
  • Song – Take this moment Time and Space
  • Welcome and Community News
  • Offering
  • Reading Matthew 6: 5-13 and Luke 11: 1-4
  • Song – Lord let me see
  • Sermon – Lord, teach us to pray
  • A moment for Reflection
  • Song – Make me a channel of Your peace
  • Communion
  • Prayers for Community
  • Song – One More Step
  • Benediction

Community News

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

+ Also, on this first Sunday of the month we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper.

+ As we commence a sermon series on The Lord’s Prayer this Sunday our hope is that it will energise our personal prayer as well as our prayer as a congregation. We could:

1-Make the Lord’s Prayer a framework for our regular prayer, taking each clause at a time and allowing those words to suggest people and issues we want to pray for.

2-Repeat the words slowly and meditatively allowing new insights and thoughts to arise.

3-Make each clause your ‘prayer of the day’—Sunday: Our Father, Monday: Hallowed be your Name, Tuesday: Your Kingdom come, Your Will be done, Wednesday: Give us this day our daily bread, Thursday: Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us, Friday Deliver us from evil, Saturday: The Kingdom, the power and the glory.+ Being the first Sunday of the month our offering will include non-perishable food items for the needy in our area.

+ With Eddie taking some leave in late January-early February, there are opportunities for you to help out with some small jobs to help things going – There’s a huge range of different things from watering the garden, putting out and returning the church bins, helping out with putting the worship presentation together, or sending out the regular emails. Plus, we’ll need someone to help out with cleaning over those few weeks. If you think might be able to help out, please speak to Eddie this week.

Food for Thought & Action

David Brooks, Opinion Columnist, writes about his spiritual journey in ‘The Shock of Faith: It’s Nothing Like I Thought It Would Be,’ New York Times (Gift article), 19 December 2024. [Thanks to Graeme Davison for this recommendation]

Sarah Kassim celebrates Christmas and New Year with Christian friends in Syria and discovers that Christians are experiencing a new freedom to express their faith in this new era. Aljazeera.

Vale Jimmy Carter, US President, Baptist church member, Sunday School teacher, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, human rights campaigner… Jimmy Carter was once introduced as someone who used his Presidency as a stepping stone to greatness. When most would view the presidency as the pinnacle of achievement, Carter saw it as merely a platform to launch his most meaningful work – decades of humanitarian service, peace-making, and advocacy for the world’s most vulnerable people… Columnist Nicholas Kristof writes that his admiration for the former president came after traveling with him to Africa as part of a campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease. He told me of seeing patients in agony from Guinea worm, which looks like a long white thread of spaghetti and can grow three feet long under the skin. “Little 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children were screaming uncontrollably with pain,” Carter told me. “I cried, along with the children.” Kristof writes, “I admire a man who seeks out suffering children, weeps unashamedly with them — and then does his utmost to eradicate the parasite that torments them.” Another article and this one.

Upcoming events at Box Hill

Regular Weekly Events

  • Monday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Thursday:
    • 11am-1pm. Social Club (upstairs of the Village Well)
    • 1:30-2:30pm Community Bakehouse (in the Barn)
  • Friday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Saturday
    • 7:30-8:30am Community Bakehouse (in the Barn)
  • Sunday
    • 9am-1pm Community Shed session (rear 470 Station St)

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!)

  • Explorers, & Bible Chats: Tuesdays, 7:30pm at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The groups undertakes studies on a diverse range of topics including scripture, books, videos, and other resources.
  • KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)

Bible Readings for this week

First reading

Jeremiah 31:7-14 

Psalm

Psalm 147:12-20

Second reading

Ephesians 1:3-14

Gospel

John 1:(1-9), 10-18

Worship Roster

The Record – 25 December 2024

eddie

Order of Service

  • SONG: Come and join the celebration
  • Opening Litany
  • Passing of the peace
  • SONG: O Come all ye faithful (Combined with the Advent candle lighting)
  • Welcome, notices, etc.
  • Bible Reading
  • Musical interlude – Away in a Manger
  • Reflection
  • SONG: Hear How the Bells (All Creatures of Our God and King) – see below
  • Prayer & Benediction
  • SONG: Joy to the World

Community News

We wish everyone a peaceful, renewing, joyful Christmas as we gather together there this morning, and with friends and family over today and days to come.

We feel privileged to have shared the journey through Advent with you, and the many events and experiences through which we’ve experience God, and engaged with and supported our local community.

For those who are travelling and journeying, we wish you all safe travels and look forward to welcoming you back in 2025.

+ This morning our retiring offering will go to support victims and communities impacted by the Vanuatu earthquake on the 17th of December, through CARE. We invite you to place your offering in the plates before you leave, or you can donate online at: https://www.care.org.au/appeals/vanuatu-earthquake-appeal/

Food for Thought & Action

For some Christmas listening, check out the final 2024 edition of Life & Faith, by the Centre for Public Christianity – featuring Tim Costello & Mark Stephens.

Upcoming events at Box Hill

Last Breakfast service – 29 December @ 10am

Worship without Words – A Year in Reflection – 29 December @ 7pm

Regular Weekly Events

  • Monday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Thursday:
    • No events this week, including Bakehouse and the Social Group.
  • Friday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Saturday
    • 7:30-8:30am Community Bakehouse (in the Barn)

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!)

  • Explorers, & Bible Chats: Tuesdays, 7:30pm at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The groups undertakes studies on a diverse range of topics including scripture, books, videos, and other resources.
  • KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)

Bible Readings for this week

First reading and Psalm

Isaiah 62:6-12

Psalm 97

Second reading

Titus 3:4-7

Gospel

Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20

Worship Roster

The Record – 22 December 2024

eddie

Order of Service

  • Call to Worship
  • Opening Prayer
  • Song – In Bethlehem 
  • Passing of Peace and Love
  • Lighting of the Advent Candle
  • Silent Night Performance
  • Welcome & Community News
  • Offering
  • Song – Little Town of Bethlehem 
  • Bible Reading
  • Sermon
  • Song – Every Star
  • Decorating the Christmas Tree
  • Prayers for the World
  • Song – Angels from the Realms of Glory
  • Benediction

Community News

“Thank you to all those who provided gifts for the children of Jubilee Housing. We received a wonderful variety of gifts for those in our Box Hill and Burwood housing complexes. They were distributed and received with joy and excitement. One young girl was jumping up and down when we gave her the gift, a beautiful moment. Please know you have made a big difference to these families at a time when life is challenging for so many. Thank you to the Box Hill Baptist Church Community for your ongoing support of our program. We wish you all a wonderful Christmas filled with joy and celebration. Meredith Beaton (Pastoral Care Worker)

+ An immense thanks to Lynne and Keith Dyer and the entire team of volunteers who supported Wednesday’s first Nandos Community Christmas meal taking place in the Barn, which served about 160 people from our local community.

+ Check out the new 10 week in-person course at the WellSpring Spirituality Centre (Ashburton) on Meditation and Mindfulness in the Christian Tradition.

+ Thanks to Mary Edgar who is happy to share the labyrinth on her Blackburn property for quiet half-days or to be used informally.

+ On the first Sunday in January we will commence a new sermon series on The Lord’s Prayer.

Food for Thought & Action

James White writes about ‘AI Jesus’, Church & Culture, 16 December 2024.

Pope Francis, “There is Faith in Humor,” New York Times (gift article) 17 December 2024.

Upcoming events at Box Hill

Christmas Day Service – 9:30am (finishing about 10.15am)

Last Breakfast service – 29 December @ 10am

Worship without Words – A Year in Reflection – 29 December @ 7pm

Regular Weekly Events

  • Monday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Thursday:
    • No events this week, including Bakehouse and the Social Group.
  • Friday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Saturday
    • 7:30-8:30am Community Bakehouse (in the Barn)

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!)

  • Explorers, & Bible Chats: Tuesdays, 7:30pm at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The groups undertakes studies on a diverse range of topics including scripture, books, videos, and other resources.
  • KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)

Bible Readings for this week

First reading and Psalm

Micah 5:2-5a

Psalm 80:1-7

Second reading

Hebrews 10:5-10

Gospel

Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)

Worship Roster

The Record – 15 December 2024

eddie

Order of Service

  • Call to Worship
  • Song: Joy to the World
  • Prayer of Gathering and Confession
  • Welcome & Community News
  • Song: Infant Lowly
  • Offering & Prayer
  • Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-24
  • Song: Carry me to Bethlehem
  • Sermon: ‘Ordinary Joe or Holy Joe?’
  • Reflection & adding to our Christmas Tree
  • Hymn: Where do Christmas songs begin?
  • Pastoral prayers
  • Sung Benediction

Community News

+ A wonderful opportunity to gather over dinner and music last night at our Carols Dinner. Thanks to everybody who joined in and shared in preparing food, cleaning up, and especially making our many visitors feel welcome.

+ Many regular activities—Community Choir, Bible Study Groups, Prayer Link, English Language Group, Playgroup—have finished for the year. The Thursday Social Chat Group (11am-1pm) and the Thursday and Saturday Bakehouse will continue throughout the holiday period except on Boxing Day.

Food for Thought & Action

Shalailah Medhora asks, ‘Why More Australian Gen X Men are Finding Meaning in Organised Religion, ABC News, 6 December 2024.

Did you ever read ‘The Late Great Planet Earth’ (the best-selling nonfiction book of the 1970s)? The author, Hal Lindsey, has died but the ideas he popularized will continue to shape evangelicalism. Religion News Service, 5 December 2024.

Upcoming events at Box Hill

Christmas Day Service – 9:30am (finishing about 10.15am)

Last Breakfast service – 29 December @ 10am

Worship without Words – A Year in Reflection – 29 December @ 7pm

Regular Weekly Events

  • Monday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Thursday:
    • 11am to 1pm Social Chat: Coffee, tea, ping pong, gardening activities, simple English language, Tai Chi, friendship making. (Venue: upstairs above the Village Well.)
    • 1.30-2.30pm Community Bakehouse food distribution (in the Barn.)
  • Friday
    • 6pm-9pm. Social Table Tennis (upstairs of the Village Well)
  • Saturday
    • 7:30-8:30am Community Bakehouse (in the Barn)

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!)

  • Explorers, & Bible Chats: Tuesdays, 7:30pm at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The groups undertakes studies on a diverse range of topics including scripture, books, videos, and other resources.
  • KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)

Bible Readings for this week

First reading and Psalm

Zephaniah 3:14-20

Isaiah 12:2-6

Second reading

Philippians 4:4-7

Gospel

Luke 3:7-18

Worship Roster