For sermons after 16th January 2022, refer to the videos of services posted under Worship>Church Online>Online Services or https://www.ststephenswgp.org.nz/online-services
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Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: John 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11]
Jesus' first sign displayed his glory. The use of the spiritual gifts is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit. When we use them are we like pots of water now holding the wine - transformed and showing God's presence? 
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Luke 33::15-17, 21-22; John 1:29-34]
The next stage of revelation of Christ is to Israel as he comes to be anointed. Anointing is required for a priest and a king. Washing was mandated in the law for the priests and the sacrifice. John the Baptist clearly states his purpose was to reveal Christ to Israel. Has the revelation that Jesus is God reached you? Has it changed your life?
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Matthew 2:1-12; Isaiah 60:1-6; Ephesians 3:1-12]
The Magi travelled from an eastern country possibly for 4 months with the intention of "worshipping" the new born King of the Jews. What commitment! What zeal! What hope they held and yet how their message was met with fear. As the carol puts it, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight." They gave gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. What does our worship look like? Can we learn from them?
Here are the two Christmas talks. Helen preached at Midnight and 8am; Wendy gave a "Godly Play" talk for the 10am Family Service.
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Luke 1:39-45; Hebrews 10:5-10; Micah 5:2-5a]
As Advent rolls on, today's readings take us up to six months before the birth of Christ. We hear of messengers from heaven, wonderful prophecies and miraculous events. Through it all we are encouraged to trust God and his promises.
Preacher: Peter Lloyd [Mark 13:1-8]
BUT GOD - Do not be afraid - You can have joy. If you remember nothing else, remember this: BUT GOD!
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:2b-6]
The third Advent candle is associated with peace. What can we understand about peace, where it comes from, how we get it and spread it?
Download the PDF of the sermon:
Preacher: Bishop Ross Bay [Text: Luke 21:25-36]
Bishop Ross considers the appropriateness of the word 'perseverance' both for Advent and for the pandemic times in which we are found.
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Ruth 3 & 4, Leviticus 25:25, 47-49; Deuteronomy 25:5-6]
As we move into Chapter 3, a plan develops. It depends on some provisions in the Law which we see in the Leviticus and Deuteronomy readings. In Jewish culture there was a Kinsman-Redeemer in families who had the responsibility to buy the freedom of family members in trouble. Maybe Boaz could do that for Naomi and Ruth. The story of Boaz fleshes out the provision of the Law. But we find the same buying of our freedom by Jesus who is the great redeemer. The sermon portion of the service can be watched below although the puppet show at 11:02 is rather fun to watch. PDF of sermon
Preacher: Helen Hardcastle [Texts: Ruth 2; Leviticus 19:9-10]
With Naomi and Ruth back in Bethlehem, Ruth needs to find food for them both. She goes out to glean - to gather grain missed by the harvesters and that brings her to a fateful meeting...
Download the PDF of this sermon here:
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Ruth 1; Judges 2:6-19]
This is the start of a series of three sermons on the Book of Ruth. It is a delightful story of love and loyalty, commitment and loving kindness in the face of need and loss. A theme which stands out is Hezed the loving-kindness of God. In the first chapter we meet the women in need and are shown an example of selfless commitment.
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Ps 23; Ps 16; Rev 21:1-6; Mark 12:26-27]
Today, Ian brings to a close the series on Psalm 23 as we consider God's name: Yahweh my Portion and my Cup. We find that David had confidence in God for all he needed in this life and an inheritance in the afterlife. In the New Covenant we have the same hope in Christ. Today is All Saints Sunday and the theme from Ps 23 flows into a consideration of the Communion of Saints and what that means for us.
Preacher: Siew Mei Ng [John 4]
"Did you know that you carry an invisible bucket with you all the time? Yep. That's right, an invisible bucket. The bucket is full of water. When the bucket is full, you feel good about yourself and you feel happy and have good thoughts. But when your bucket is empty, you feel sad, mad and maybe lonely." Although Siew Mei intended this as a children's message, we thought it is so good, that we could all benefit from it. Now do listen to Siew Mei on the video below.
Preacher: Bishop Ross Bay [Text: Mark 10:35-45]
Jesus told his disciples that leaders in the kingdom would serve those they lead and that he came to seek and save the lost. Bishop Ross considers this in the light of our current pandemic. Here you can watch the video of him reading the gospel and preaching. The written copy of his sermon is available below the video.
Preacher: Helen Hardcastle [Ps 23:5; Ezekiel ; Hebrews 12:7-14, 28-29]
In the Psalm, David sings of the LORD anointing his head with oil - sanctifying him. This relates to one of the titles of God: Jehovah-inKaddesh. Holiness is a big topic, but Helen tackles it in the sermon and gives us positive application for ourselves.
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Texts: Jeremiah 23:1-6; Genesis 15:1-6; Romans 4:1-5, 22-25]
Psalm 23 speaks of the Lord leading us in paths of righteousness. This relates to one of his titles: The Lord our Righteousness. Ian explores this Divine/Messianic title and how we come to understand the righteousness which comes through faith.
Downloadable PDF copy
Preacher: Peter Lloyd [Esther 7:1-6,9-10; 9:20-22]
The story of Esther and her bravery is inspirational. Peter digs down with us to explore our response of courage based on the faithfulness of God.
Preacher: Ian Hardcastle [Exodus 15:22-26 and Psalm 23]
We continue to explore the wealth in Psalm 23 and look at four names of God: Yahweh-Rapha, Yahweh-Ezer, Yahweh-Shamma and Yahweh-Nissi. Our healer, our help, the one who is there and our Banner.
Preacher: Bishop Ross Bay [Text: Mark 8:27-35]
When Peter answers Jesus question, "Who do you say that I am?" Jesus affirms that he is correct but goes on to say that he must suffer and die. His disciples, too, are to take up their cross daily. Bishop Ross challenges us to consider how we might take up our cross in lockdown.
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