Author: eddie

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday at 10am

+ It’s our Last Breakfast service again, and this month we continue in our Exploring Faith theme with ‘The Person of Jesus’.

+ Bring some breakfast/brunch food to share around the tables.

Community News

+ Our new multi-language translation service, known as Breeze, worked well last Sunday when it was launched at Box Hill Baptist. Our people used Italian, Maori, Khmer, Persian, Mandarin, Bahasa, Cantonese and most said it was very accurate and the delay was minimal. Bring your phones along, use the QR code or this link: https://boxhillbaptistchurch.breeze-translate.com/client then select your language. Would you also bring your headphones or ear buds so you can check the audio quality? These will also help us to keep our heads up so we can see the speaker and the pictures on the screen. Keep giving us your feedback.

+ You may have noticed the small bowl of sand and candles to the right of the pulpit. This is available at every service and it may be an aid to prayer as you light a candle at the beginning or anytime during a service.

+ Thanks to the five Box Hill Baptist people out of the thirty people who attended the Zoom meeting last Wednesday arranged by the board of the Open Baptists. We heard of the history of this new Association, the benefits of joining, a story of one church that has joined, the process of joining and this was followed by a Q&A.

+ On Thursday 10 July, 6pm, there is a book launch of Theology Matters, at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture.

In the twenty-first century, religion is often seen as divisive, church membership is in decline, and religious institutions have been forced to reckon with their own sins. Yet theology still speaks deeply to many people in Australia, both inside and outside the Christian churches. The launch will feature a panel discussion that includes Peter Sherlock, broadcaster and author Stan Grant, public theologian Robyn Whitaker, and former ACT Supreme Court judge Richard Refshauge, and will be moderated by Genevieve Jacobs. To register and find out more click here

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Pointers for Prayer

+ Give thanks to God for Pat Paul who turned 90 last Tuesday and who, with Barrie and their family and friends, is stretching out her celebrations over a few more days.

+ Diane Heagney has had several weeks in the Knox Private Hospital after being afflicted with bursitis. Pray that her medical team will be able to arrest the pain. Pray for Diane, mobility for her body and peace for her mind.

+ Eddie Chapman is taking leave next week. Pray for refreshment as he and his family spend time together.

This Week

Monday

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

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Tuesday

+ 9.30am – The Box Hill Community Choir meets in the Church Sanctuary to warm up before heading over to Box Hill Central for a performance for friends, family members and shoppers passing by. Come and enjoy the singing. Details:

Date: Tuesday, July 1; Time:10am-10.30am
Location: Corner of Market and Main Street opposite main entrance to Box Hill Central.
For more details call Ian Bunston 0416492173

Enjoy coffee with the choir afterwards at nearby Café Faducci, 25 Market Street.

+ 7.15pm for 7.30pm to 9pm: The Bible & Chat group meets in the Village Well for a cuppa and begins study at 7.30pm. The Scriptures for study this week are Isaiah 40:28-31; Matthew 7: 7-12.

Wednesday

+ 7:30 to 9pm – Exploring Faith – Session 4 – The Person of Jesus (5 Ellingworth Pde)

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.

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Tim Costello speaks of ‘A Profound Social Injustice: Gambling Victims Playing a Losing Game,’ in The Eastern Melburnian, 18 June 2025. 

+ Barbara Brown Taylor discusses and names a new spiritual practice in ‘Reverie Saves the Day,’ Coming Down to Earth, 25 June 2025. 

+ Check out Monday Matters with Ian Bunston: This Monday on the topic of identifying addiction in oneself and others! Addiction medical specialist, Dr. Ferghal Armstrong together with Dennis who has struggled addiction most of his life, will discuss approaches and strategies that can make a difference. Click on the zoom link below just before 8am on Monday June 30th to join the conversation.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88355416583

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.
• 
• Every Wednesday, (7:30pm) @ 5 Ellingworth Pde.
• Visit exploringfaith.org.au or email office@boxhillbaptist.org.au

Next Sunday 6th July at 10am.

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

+ Scriptures: Isaiah 40:28-31; Matthew 7: 7-12.

+ Service Theme: Our service themes are running in tandem with the Exploring Faith group that meets on Wednesdays so this Sunday we are ‘Exploring God’.

+ Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of the month. Box Hill Baptist has an open table where the invitation is extended to all and each person decides whether they will participate.

+ Our offering on the first Sunday includes an offering of non-perishable food items that are given for needy people in our community.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday at 10am

+ Topic: Interpreting & Applying the Bible (Study 3 in our Exploring Faith series)

+ Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-18

+ Worship Leader: Shueh Wah Kennedy; Preacher: Eddie Chapman

Order of Service

• Call to worship
• Opening Prayer
• Song: The Journey of the life we live
• Welcome & Community News
• Offering
• Song: There are no words
• Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18
• Sermon – Interpreting and Applying the Bible
• Song: People are language
• Prayers for our world
• Song: We limit not the truth of God
• Benediction

Community News

+ Box Hill Baptist Church has always been proudly multi-cultural, and at times bi-lingual… but as of this Sunday we’ll be truly MULTI-lingual! Thanks to amazing advances in technology and automatic translation, anyone attending our Box Hill Baptist Sunday services in person will now be able to click on a link and have all of the speaking in our service translated into any language they choose, right on their phones. Khmer, Persian, Cantonese, Hindi, Mandarin…. the list goes on! You can check out the options and connect here: https://boxhillbaptistchurch.breeze-translate.com/client

+ Open Baptists Forum: A Zoom forum is planned for Wednesday, 25 June, 7:15-8:30pm to talk about: How the Open Baptists Association came into being; The benefit of being part of two associations and the steps for joining the Open Baptists (and other churches’ experiences of taking these steps). There will also be time to ask questions. Here is the Zoom link:

Meeting ID: 819 2439 1424 Passcode: 823516

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Pointers for Prayer

+ Several members of the Box Hill Community Choir are either recovering from surgery or experiencing ill health. Pray for them as they prepare to perform in the Box Hill Mall on Tuesday 1 July.

+ Pray for the newly refreshed Care Groups as they each come together that friendships will be established and fostered and that meeting together will be a joyous experience.

+ Give thanks for the technology (and the technicians) such as the online streaming of services and the new multi-language platform that help us get a taste of the Pentecost Day experience when “they each heard in their native language.”

This Week

Monday

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

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

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 meets in the Village Well for a cuppa and begins study at 7.30pm. The Scripture for study this week is John 4:5-42.

Wednesday

+ 7:30 to 9pm – Exploring Faith – Session 3 (5 Ellingworth Pde)

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.

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Australian Author, Geraldine Brooks, soldiered on after the sudden death of her husband but later realised that she had to do the work of grief. Geraldine tells her story, Grief, a Love Story, on Compass via ABC iView

+ As Alcoholics Anonymous Turns 90, a Look at the Serenity Prayer’s Eternal Relevance, Religion News. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change…”

+ Public Christianity’s latest postings include articles on Bono and Tina (the film).

+ “We way underestimate how much the simplest text or call means to our friends, family members and colleagues.” Why You Should Check In, Axios.

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.
• 
• Every Wednesday, (7:30pm) @ 5 Ellingworth Pde.
• Visit exploringfaith.org.au or email office@boxhillbaptist.org.au

Next Sunday 29 June at 10am.

+The Last Breakfast led by Eddie Chapman. Bring breakfast/brunch food to share around the tables. We’ll be exploring with our series on our Exploring Faith series with “The Person of Jesus”

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday at 10am

+ Topic: Exploring Faith: Reading the Bible.

+ Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-12, Genesis 17:1-8, Exodus 6:2-4, Galatians 3:6-14

+ Worship Leader: Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Keith Dyer

Order of Service

• Opening Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12
• Call to worship
• Song: Praise with Joy the World’s Creator
• Community News
• Offering
• Song: Lord, you sometimes speak in wonders
• Bible Readings: Genesis 17:1-8, Exodus 6:2-4.
• Sermon (Keith)
• Song: People are Language
• Pastoral Prayers
• Song: We limit not the truth of God.
• Benediction

Community News

+ It is good to see our pastor, Eddie Chapman, profiled as a Sustainable City of Whitehorse Champion. This column reports on the Community Shed (woodwork and bike restoration & repair), encourages people to join the shed and probes into why Eddie and others are committed to such environmental ventures. It also notes the work of the Box Hill Community Bakehouse and its mission to save food waste and offer food to needy people.

+ Open Baptists Forum: A Zoom forum is planned for Wednesday, 25 June, 7:15-8:30pm to talk about: How the Open Baptists Association came into being; The benefit of being part of two associations and the steps for joining the Open Baptists (and other churches’ experiences of taking these steps). There will also be time to ask questions. If there are other areas you’d like to explore – please let Geoff know and he will relay these issues to the organisers. The Zoom link will be made available in the next week.

+ An Enneagram Workshop is being led by Dr Tim McCowan at Wellspring (Ashburton) this weekend. More information at this link.

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+ Our new Exploring Faith commenced last week – and if you missed it but would still like to be involved, we would love to have you join us!

Every Wednesday, (7:30pm) @ 5 Ellingworth Pde.

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

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Pointers for Prayer

+ People to Pray for: Glennys Williams is having a three week stay in Baptcare’s Hedley Sutton Aged Care Community. Unfortunately, a new outbreak of COVID has made visiting Glennys inadvisable; Don Timms has been at the Epworth Rehabilitation hospital in Camberwell this week and may come home this weekend; Kate Best (Diane Harrison’s niece) has returned home to Swan Hill following surgery and rehab after having a stroke. She is tired with headaches but Kate and her family, including Diane wish to thank people at Box Hill Baptist for their prayers and kindness.

This Week

Monday

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

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

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 meets in the Village Well for a cuppa and begins study at 7.30pm. The Scriptures this week are Psalm 119 and Ephesians 6: 10-20.

Wednesday

+ 7:30 to 9pm – Exploring Faith Week 1 (5 Ellingworth Pde)

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 Discussion 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.

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

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

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ Learn more about the situation in Gaza from the 27-minute ABC Compass programme entitled ‘Unsettled’ which tracks the journey of three Palestinian families who’ve fled the war and sought protection in Australia.

+ Melinda Cousins, Director of Ministries for Baptist Churches in SA and NT, writes of the influence of Hebrew Bible scholar, Walter Brueggemann, who died this week. Link.

+ ‘Consider the Lilies of the Fields’: A Rocha (USA), which calls people to care for and pay attention to God’s creation has published this reading list of books about land and sea, birds and beasts. What books have helped deepen your knowledge of the divine call to us to be caretakers of the planet?

+ The New Atheists ‘Attack a God I Don’t Believe in, Either’: A Q&A with Rowan Williams. An unlocked article from the New York Times, 8 June 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 early June 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 22 June at 10am.

+ Service Theme: Interpreting and Applying the Bible (as we follow the topics of the Exploring Faith series for the next couple of months)

+ Worship Leader: Shueh Wah Kennedy; Preacher: Eddie Chapman

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday at 10am

+ Pentecost Day Service: We join with churches around the world to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

+ Scripture: Acts 2:1-21.

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

Order of Service

• Acknowledgement of Country and Call to Worship 
• Song/Hymn: ‘Praise with Joy the World’s Creator’ (
• Prayer of gathering and confession
• Welcome and community news
• Song/Hymn: ‘Taking Shape in Your Creation’
• Our offering and prayer
• Bible reading: Acts 2:1–21
• Song/Hymn: ‘Spirit of God, Unseen as the Wind’
• Sermon:  ‘Flowing with the Spirit’ — Geoff
• Song: ‘Deeper River’
• Pastoral prayer: Geoff 
• Benediction: ‘Deep Stillness of the Silent Inland’

Community News

+ In recognition of Pentecost, will end this morning’s service with a simple Fire Drill! When the time comes, please follow the directions of the Deacons (who are our Fire Wardens), and move calmly down to the Barn which will be our assembly point today due to the weather.

If you need assistance with exiting the building, please raise your hand when asked to do so.

+ Andy McCulloch spoke at our Church Meeting last Sunday about Box Hill Baptist’s invitation from A Rocha Australia to participate in a pilot program called Eco Church. The programme is designed to help churches reflect on how their rhythms and practices demonstrate and promote care for creation. He asked for interested people to join him in a small group to contribute to workshops four times over the course of the year. If you are passionate about the environment and would like to know more, please contact Andy. And check out this video below…

+ Box Hill Baptist Church Directory: Did the 2024 directory arrive in your inbox last Wednesday? Please check to see if your names and contact details are correct and if you’re simply not in the directory and want to be, let Eddie know and he’ll provide an updated copy in the coming weeks. 

+ Last Sunday Geoff spoke at the Church Meeting about the newly refreshed Care Groups and encouraged people to get going with these new groups. There aren’t any rules but to be effective and get to know one another it might be good for the Care Group to meet fourtimes a year (once a season). It may be useful to start gleaning ideas from people in your group as to where and how your group might meet. Some groups in the past have met over a shared meal or a shared afternoon tea (with Christmas delicacies). One group has staged a musical gathering and invited others to join them. One group has met for a picnic in the park. Another group has always met in the home of a couple who find it difficult to get out and about.

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+ 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

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Pointers for Prayer

+ People to Pray for: Glennys Williams is having a three week stay in Baptcare’s Hedley Sutton Aged Care Community but is currently unable to have visitors because the Community has had an outbreak of COVID; Don Timms is likely to move to another hospital for rehab; Pray that Kate Best (Diane Harrison’s niece) may fully regain movement and speech following a stroke.

+ Pray for those leading and those exploring what it means to follow Jesus as the 10-week Explorers Group gets underway this coming Wednesday, 11 June. It will be led by Eddie Chapman and Keith Dyer.

This Week

Monday

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

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

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 meeting for a Potluck Dinner at Geoff & Lyn Pound’s home. Susan Kennedy is speaking on walking the Camino Português.

Wednesday

+ 7:30 to 9pm – Exploring Faith Week 1 (5 Ellingworth Pde)

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 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.

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

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

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

+ While we reflected on Jesus’ prayer for oneness (John 17: 20-26) last Sunday here at Box Hill, Diana Butler Bass was ruminating over the same prayer from Paris. Visiting Notre Dame and seeing the post-fire renovation illuminated her thinking which she wrote about in Sunday Musings.

+ Whitley College has some latest news on its website along with encouragement to think about enrolling in classes in the upcoming semester (see the offerings and timetable). Check out the conversation with Global Baptist Identity, Professor David Bebbington. Listen to Jason Goroncy’s heartfelt song entitled, ‘Write My Name on My Leg, Mama’ which he wrote after reflecting on the harrowing realities in Gaza.

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 15 June at 10am.

+ Service Theme: Understanding the Bible (as we follow the topics of the Exploring Faith series for the next couple of months)

+ Worship Leader: Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Keith Dyer

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

This Sunday at 10am

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

+ Scripture: John 17:20-26

+ Theme: Oneness is not Sameness.

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

Order of Service

• Call to worship
• Song: Come as you are
• Community News
• Offering
• Song: God is the One
• Reading: John 17:20-26
• Prayer
• Sermon
• Song: We are many, we are one. 
• Communion
• Pastoral Prayer
• Song: Sing a new church
• Benediction

Community News

+ A Church Meeting in the Barn will follow our worship service and morning tea and coffee. Agenda includes finance report, update on our developing church constitution, fire drill procedures and a proposal to establish a group with a view to being an Eco Church pilot (see note below)

+ Andy McCulloch asks, “Are you passionate about the environment?”

“Box Hill Baptist has been invited by A Rocha Australia to participate in a pilot program called Eco Church. The program is designed to help churches reflect on how their rhythms and practices demonstrate and promote care for creation. Based on the reflections, churches are encouraged to develop 1-3 goals to increase their participation in and promotion of creation care activities. Box Hill Baptist is already undertaking several initiatives that align with the program.  Participation would enable us to consolidate and celebrate our existing initiatives and look at new opportunities as part of our worship and witness to our community.”

“A Rocha Australia is part of an international network of Christian environmental conservation organisations. They focus on environmental science and research, practical nature conservation, environmental education, creation care and advocacy through a variety of programs and initiatives. I have been a member for several years and blessed by their resources and activities in my own spiritual formation and career.”

“The Deacons have agreed for Box Hill Baptist to participate in the pilot program, coordinated by myself, with a small group of people happy to contribute to workshops 4 times over the course of the year. If you are passionate about the environment and would like to know more, please make contact with me!”

“A video will be shown in the service this Sunday and a short presentation made at the Church meeting after the service.”

+ Earthen Vessels Church (EVC) has conducted its last service at Box Hill as this Sunday, 1 June, the Vietnamese church will be located at 12 Surrey Road, South Yarra (formerly known as the South Yarra Community Baptist Church, which is now largely meeting online). A letter has been sent to EVC from Box Hill Baptist conveying our congratulations and best wishes for this new chapter. A letter of thanks from EVC has been sent to Box Hill Baptist.

+ Lorraine Mitchell represented Box Hill Baptist at the recent Assembly of Victorian Baptist churches. Here is her report.

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+ 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

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Pointers for Prayer

+ People to Pray for: Raelene Lilies is glad to be home this week after three stays in hospital in the last month; Glennys Williams has been transferred from the Box Hill Hospital to Baptcare’s Hedley Sutton Aged Care Community for the next three weeks; Don Timms’ stay in Epworth Box Hill is taking longer than expected following surgery last week; Pray that Kate Best (Diane Harrison’s niece) may fully regain movement and speech following a stroke.

+ Pray for those exploring what it means to follow Jesus as the 10-week Explorers Group gets underway on 11 June, convened by Eddie Chapman and Keith Dyer.

+ 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 Week

Monday

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

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

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 studying this Scripture passage: Acts 2:1-21— (a lectionary passage for Sunday 8 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.

+ 7.30pm-9pm 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.

+ 5pm-9pm Social Table Tennis (upstairs, 5 Ellingworth Pde)

Saturday

+ 7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

+ 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

+ After two friends unexpectedly became Christians, Lamorna Ash discovered a new generation of young people turning to faith. As she investigated this phenomenon, Lamorna Ash asked, ‘Could I Become a Christian in a Year? The Guardian, 20 April 2025.

Praying

It doesn’t have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

a few words together and don’t try
to make them elaborate, this isn’t
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.

― Mary Oliver.

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.

+ Pentecost Day Service: We join with churches around the world to celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit.

+ Scripture: Acts 2:1-21.

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

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Worship Roster

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