St Paul's Box Hill Podcasts

Martin Luther passionately reminded people to "Remember your baptism!" Today we remember the baptism of Jesus, and how that reflects on God's promises to us. Lay reader Cathy Beaton points out that Jesus' baptism was another key part of the revelation (or epiphany) of who he is. [Organ - Epiphany 1]

If we let Epiphany slide by in the aftermath of Christmas, we miss the shocking way God broke boundaries to welcome all believers and reveal his purposes. Since the earliest days, the church has recognized this as news that is truly worth celebrating. [Organ - Epiphany]

Lay reader Anthony Schulz explores the idea of business handed down from a father to his children. [Instrumental - Christmas 1]

Visiting Pastor Wilhelm Stern knows the ideal Christmas present he would like to give others - to take us on a trip to Africa to share his experience there of the joyful celebrations for the birth of our Lord. [Organ/Choir - Christmas Day]

The first Gospel, Mark, starts with the baptism of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew, for a Jewish audience, first traces his ancestry back to Abraham. The Gospel of Luke, written for Gentiles, traces his ancestry back to Adam, the common ancestor of all. But John, written last and focused on Jesus' full identity, goes back all the way: "In the beginning". [Special music - Midnight Mass]

For our two Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols services (always packed), Marlene Pietsch brought us extracts from a sermon prepared in 1521 by Martin Luther when he was in exile in Wartburg Castle. (This service provides the better music recording if you are requesting a CD.) [Organ/Choir - Christmas Eve]

For our two Christmas Eve Lessons and Carols services (always packed), Marlene Pietsch brought us extracts from a sermon prepared in 1521 by Martin Luther when he was in exile in Wartburg Castle. [Organ/Choir - Christmas Eve]

Our God is a God of big new beginnings, and when God intervenes, things are never the same again. Lay reader Stuart Manderson shares insights from Pastor Vince Gerhardy. [Organ/Choir - Advent 4]

Is Paul being realistic in his letter to the church in Philippi when he calls for them to rejoice ALWAYS? What is joy anyway? Does it mean more than happiness? Lay reader Brian Aherne explores these themes in a sermon adapted from Pastor Vince Gerhardy. [Organ/Strings/Choir - Advent 3]

Visiting Pastor Vernon Kleinig explores the impact of joyous thanksgiving as we prepare for Christ's coming. (Today's service recording includes parts of the 10:30 band service, where Pastor Vernon baptised his granddaughter.) [Organ/Choir/Band - Advent 1]

Visiting pastor Greg Pietsch uses the disciples' awe about the Temple to explore our habit of putting our confidence in the wrong places - that is, anywhere but in God and Christ. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 26]

Special Ministry Pastor Neville Doecke visits us today to baptise his granddaughter! He reflects on the widow's mite and the meaning of Christ's words about giving. The story is more subtle than sometimes taught. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 25]

This All Saints' Day, hospital chaplain Sue Westhorp unpacks the story of the raising of Jesus' friend, Lazarus. For those in power, this was the last straw: Jesus had to be stopped. Did Jesus realise this connection, and was that among the reasons why he wept? [Organ/Choir - All Saints]

Visiting pastor Matt Thomas (District Pastor for Youth and Young Adult ministries) delves into the Apostolic Blessing, and how it promises the fullness and favour we so desperately want. [Organ/Choir - Reformation]

Some people expect that Christianity is a place where we lead an easier life. Visiting pastor Tom Pietsch points out that we are following Christ, and Christ suffered. And strangely, it is through our sufferings that God makes us the servants and witnesses that we prayed to be. [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 22]

Visiting pastor Wilhelm Stern considers the rich young man who asked advice from Jesus, and got more than he bargained for. He walked away, sad. Would we have reacted any differently? Can we? [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 21]

Lay reader Marlene Pietsch presents this sermon written by national Bishop John Henderson in advance of the previous Friday afternoon's Synod vote that narrowly missed the required two-thirds majority to allow the ordination of women as well as men. [Organ - Pentecost 20]

Lay reader Sue Westhorp talks about the kinds of healing that we find in our community of ordinary, broken people. How is this possible? [Organ - Pentecost 19]

Lay reader Sue Westhorp ponders the thrust for power that seems so much a part of our human nature. Even the disciples walking with Jesus were discussing who was the greatest, and who would hold positions of honour in the coming kingdom. Is this part of our make-up, too? [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 18]

Visiting Pastor Brett Kennett probes the clash between Peter and Jesus about the nature of the Messiah's calling. But then he turns the question around, because it is so topic in today's selfie age. Who are we? Where is our worth? [Organ/Choir - Pentecost 17]