This section contains a sample of the sermons, devotionals and reflections offered by some of our pastoral staff. The material here will be expanded on and changed from time to time.
Advent 2005 Study Notes
by Ken Luscombe
Ken has prepared a series of bible study notes
on the lectionary readings for advent. These notes would be ideal as a basis
for small group discussions and personal devotions:
First Sunday of Advent (134kb)
Second Sunday of Advent (107kb)
Third Sunday of Advent (103kb)
Fourth Sunday of Advent (75kb)
Stepping into Hagar's Shoes Amid Global Violence
by Fiona Hill
"None of us are exempt from the pervasive reality of global violence.
Our fears are constantly fuelled by media images. As we watch TV within our
comfortable lounge rooms, or listen to the radio as we drive to work, we struggle
for reassurance that we are distanced from the bomb blasts - but we never
quite manage to block out the horrific reality that is now part of human life..."
Preached by Fiona in August 2005. (Download
"Dialoguing with Hagar", 23kb)
Mothering the World
by Fiona Hill
"Where there is a need to share what we have with others, we are called
to share. Where there is a need to speak out against prejudice and injustice,
we must speak. Where there is a need to rectify wrong that has happened, or
relationships that have been damaged, we must work for healing and reconciliation."
Preached by Fiona on Mother's Day 2005. (Download
"Mothering the World", 22kb)
Palm Sunday 2005
by Fiona Hill
This is the sermon that Fiona preached on Palm Sunday in 2005. It is based
on Matthew 20: 17-34 and Matthew 21: 1-17. (Download
"Palm Sunday", 26kb)
World Day of Prayer & Reflection 2005
by Fiona Hill
This is the sermon that Fiona preached at the World Day of Prayer & Reflection
at Ashburton early in 2005. (Download
"World Day of Prayer & Reflection", 22kb)
The Micah Challenge
by Mark Brett
This sermon was presented by Mark Brett on November 14, 2004 to launch the
Micah Challenge here at Ashburton. Mark is the Professor of Old Testament
at Whitley College. (Download
"Micah Challenge", 91kb)
Daring to Hope
by Stacey Aslangul
Based on Luke 21: 25-37, this sermon was presented by Stacey Aslangul (our
former Youth Pastor) during our 2003 Advent season. Stacey suggests to us
that perhaps quietly, under His breath, Jesus lovingly whispers: "I dare you…I
dare you, despite what is happening in the world around you, despite what
you see and hear and don't understand, despite the world slowly being torn
down around you…I dare you to stand up and lift your heads. For you are a
chosen people, the people of God. I dare you to hope in me…Me the Messiah,
the One sent for you." (Download
"Daring to Hope", 16kb)
Jesus: The Conflict Begins
by Rev Ron Ham
This sermon by Ron, based on the temptations of
Jesus (Luke 4: 1-13), encourages us that: "The strength of Jesus Christ in
His temptations reveals Him to be the Saviour of the world who was not
overcome, and to be our Saviour when we are overcome." (Download
"Jesus: The Conflict Begins", 15kb)
This Mixed World
by Rev Ron Ham
Another sermon by Ron, based on Luke 13: 1-9: "The
warnings of God and the judgement of God are always to be understood in the
context of the incredible patience of God, which we commonly call the grace
of God. We are the recipients of that grace, and the messengers of it in this
mixed world!" (Download "This
Mixed World ", 15kb)
Mother's Day 2004: Remembering Our Sacred and Silent
Stories
by Fiona Hill
In this sermon, Fiona explores the fragmented history we have of Priscilla,
and invites us to remember our own stories of faith. "This morning I
would also like to light some candles as a way of remembering and valuing
those sacred and silent stories that we have all brought with us into worship
- the stories that define who we are and determine how we interpret the gospel
message in our own situations - Stories about how we live out our faith amongst
those who are closest to us - and those who are further away." (Download
"Remembering Our sacred and Silent Stories", 18b)
