Author: eddie

Welcome to Worship

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

Scripture: Mark 16:1-8

Order of Service

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

Community News

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday

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

Tuesday

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

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

Wednesday

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

Thursday

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

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

1.30pm-2.30pm Bakehouse in the Barn: Saving bread, fruit and vegetables from waste by giving food to those wanting to ease their weekly budget.

Saturday

7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

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

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

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

Small Groups @ BHBC

Box Hill Baptist Church runs a number of small groups which create opportunities to build friendships, study the Bible and other resources, pray and strengthen our spiritual journeys.

If you are interested in any of the groups below, feel welcome to contact the convenor, or speak to one of our pastors. (And if you’d like to be part of a group but these don’t work for you, come and speak to us and we’ll see if we can start something new!)

• Bible & Chat: Currently each Tuesday, 7:15pm for 7.30pm start at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The group normally reflects on a Scripture passage for the following Sunday service. Convenor: Geoff Pound
• KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 27 April at 10am

+ Last Breakfast Service.

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

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

Scripture: Mark 15:42-16:2

Order of Service

Call to Worship 

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

Community News

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

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

This Week

Monday

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

Tuesday

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

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

Wednesday

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

Thursday

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

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

1.30pm-2.30pm Bakehouse in the Barn: Saving bread, fruit and vegetables from waste by giving food to those wanting to ease their weekly budget.

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

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

Friday

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

Saturday

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

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

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

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

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

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

Small Groups @ BHBC

Box Hill Baptist Church runs a number of small groups which create opportunities to build friendships, study the Bible and other resources, pray and strengthen our spiritual journeys.

If you are interested in any of the groups below, feel welcome to contact the convenor, or speak to one of our pastors. (And if you’d like to be part of a group but these don’t work for you, come and speak to us and we’ll see if we can start something new!)

• Bible & Chat: Currently each Tuesday, 7:15pm for 7.30pm start at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The group normally reflects on a Scripture passage for the following Sunday service. Convenor: Geoff Pound
• KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 13 April at 10am

+ Worship Leader: Eddie Chapman; Preacher: Geoff Pound

+ Scripture: Mark 16: 1-8

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

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Worship Roster

Welcome to Worship

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

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

Scripture: Mark 15:33-41

Order of Service

Call to Worship 

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

Community News

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

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

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

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

This Week

Monday

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

+ The Deacons are meeting for their April meeting.

Tuesday

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

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

Wednesday

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

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

Thursday

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

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

1.30pm-2.30pm Bakehouse in the Barn: Saving bread, fruit and vegetables from waste by giving food to those wanting to ease their weekly budget.

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

Friday

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

Saturday

7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn.

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

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

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

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

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

Small Groups @ BHBC

Box Hill Baptist Church runs a number of small groups which create opportunities to build friendships, study the Bible and other resources, pray and strengthen our spiritual journeys.

If you are interested in any of the groups below, feel welcome to contact the convenor, or speak to one of our pastors. (And if you’d like to be part of a group but these don’t work for you, come and speak to us and we’ll see if we can start something new!)

• Bible & Chat: Currently each Tuesday, 7:15pm for 7.30pm start at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The group normally reflects on a Scripture passage for the following Sunday service. Convenor: Geoff Pound
• KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 13 April at 10am

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

+ Scripture: Mark 15: 42-47.

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

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Worship Roster

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

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

Welcome to Worship

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

Scripture: Mark 14:12-16

Community News

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

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

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

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

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

This Week

Monday

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

Tuesday

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

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

Wednesday

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

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

Thursday

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

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

1.30pm-2.30pm Bakehouse in the Barn: Saving bread, fruit and vegetables from waste by giving food to those wanting to ease their weekly budget.

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

Friday

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

Saturday

7.30am-8.30am Bakehouse in the Barn.

Coming up

Food for Thought, Prayer & Action

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

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

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

Small Groups @ BHBC

Box Hill Baptist Church runs a number of small groups which create opportunities to build friendships, study the Bible and other resources, pray and strengthen our spiritual journeys.

If you are interested in any of the groups below, feel welcome to contact the convenor, or speak to one of our pastors. (And if you’d like to be part of a group but these don’t work for you, come and speak to us and we’ll see if we can start something new!)

• Bible & Chat: Currently each Tuesday, 7:15pm for 7.30pm start at the Village Well (5 Ellingworth Pde). The group normally reflects on a Scripture passage for the following Sunday service. Convenor: Geoff Pound
• KYB (Know Your Bible): Tuesdays fortnightly via Zoom. (Convenor: Helen Timms)
• A Small Group meets in the Gallery on the first and third Thursday of the month from 7.30pm-9pm. Convenor: Andy McCulloch.
• The Explorers Group is preparing for a restart in early May for people wanting to explore the Christian faith for the first time or take a refresher. This will be a 12-part series. Ask Eddie Chapman for more details.

Next Sunday 23 March 2025 at 10am

 [Remember that Daylight Saving Time ends early this morning]

+ Our monthly Communion Service.

+ Preacher: Geoff Pound.

+ Scripture: Mark 15 (selected verses)

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

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Worship Roster

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)

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.

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Worship Roster

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.

+ 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.

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Worship Roster

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.

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Worship Roster