When our life with Jesus helps others—sometimes it is just down the road. Over the past few years, we’ve watched God grow a healthy, hopeful culture at UPBC. People have stepped up. Ministry has expanded. New partnerships have flourished. And now, another invitation has arrived—right on our doorstep. Flinders Street Baptist Church (FSBC) is a historic sister church in the … Read More
Am I a Mentor?
What were you doing when you were six? Playing with friends, learning new letters, trying to tie your shoelaces? How about when you were nine? Writing more complex sentences, dodging hands in chasey, working on that difficult maths problem? Did you experience these moments throughout your childhood? More importantly, did you have positive role models supporting and encouraging you along … Read More
in God’s Power and Presence
Have you noticed how life challenges tend to focus us on what we have to do, rather than our God who is with us? A friend shared something with me this week that encouraged me. We were sitting with the Great Commission in Matthew 28: Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has … Read More
lent and 40 days of Prayer
Lent is a time Christians from many different traditions prepare for Easter by fasting and giving up something for Lent. To fast means we don’t eat something we like or don’t engage in some activity we prefer. Fasting can be a way of saying ‘no’ to something important to us, so we can say ‘yes’ to God who we love … Read More
What can God do when we ‘Give It a Go’?
What are you like when it comes to trying new things with faith and trust in God? Many of us find this hard, especially as we get older. That’s surprising, given how often we’ve seen God come through for us. As we look ahead at Unley Park Baptist Church, one simple question is shaping our prayers and plans: what can … Read More
Where Is our hope?
Lent readings: First reading: Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm: Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 Second reading: Romans 15:4-13 Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12 Where Is our hope? It’s easy to lose hope today. Wars, rising costs, global tensions, mental health struggles, culture wars—the list goes on. Optimism feels like it has disappeared. When I was younger, people believed science would solve everything. Now, it seems science … Read More
Who are your 3 by 3?
Who do you invite to church and our events? We want to encourage you to invite your friends and family to our opportunities. Alpha has this wonderful idea which can help: have 3 by 3 invitations. Invite 3 people who will probably say yes, 3 people who might say yes, and 3 people who will probably say no. Its easy … Read More
the king is coming
Lent readings: First reading: Isaiah 2:1-5 Psalm: Psalm 122 Second reading: Romans 13:11-14 Gospel: Matthew 24:36-44 “This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to … Read More
A Prayer Before Shopping…
This week, we will be bombarded with catalogues, emails, social media urging us to take advantage of the annual Black Friday sales. Black Friday was originally so called by US police to refer to the crowds and chaos of the first business day after Thanksgiving. Over time, helped by online shopping, Black Friday has become a global phenomenon. It’s hard … Read More
move at the pace of change
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” … Read More