Last Sunday, we watched many of our kids and youth being brave and embracing our church’s focus on “give it a go!” One of the privileges of my role in Kids Church over the past year has been watching our children being brave at family services, speaking, singing and presenting publicly about faith in Jesus. As we look to refresh … Read More
Partnering for the Gospel
Over many years of serving in God’s kingdom plans, I have learnt God invites people together, not just individuals, into His work. At our coming Member’s meeting on Sunday 22 March, our Church Members will consider a proposed partnership with Flinders Street Baptist (FSBC) that provides part-time pastoral leadership to establish a sustained gospel church presence in the CBD. This … Read More
Pressure Testing Faith
Lent Readings Pressure exposes what we trust most. In Exodus 17:1–7 the people hit breaking point. Thirsty, tired, unsure. Instead of turning to God, they tested Him. They questioned His love for them. They pushed the blame outward rather than looking inward. Lent invites us to a different path. It is a season to strengthen devotion rather than test it. A time to take responsibility for our heart … Read More
What if Opportunity is just down the road?
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
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
International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted
Revelation 6:9,10 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Each … Read More
what do we expect this sunday?
When we gather as a church on Sunday, what are you expecting? Mike Mills preached a wonderful sermon from Exodus 25:8-9 about God’s intention to dwell among his people. He highlighted how the Apostle Paul wrote that ‘the church, the followers of Jesus, have become Gods holy dwelling place’: 1 Cor 3:16 – 17 Don’t you realize that all of … Read More
Message from Church Treasurer
At our next church members meeting on June 22, the church Council will present our 2025–26 church budget. Papers will be sent out this weekend. This summary is provided for the church by our treasurer Glenn Dixon. Budget Key Points: Our challenge: Our response: Our hope: With thanks, Glenn Dixon, Church treasurer. Photo: https://www.firstreformedvolga.org/
Greater Love Wins
This week we are between 2 solemn occasions, Easter and Anzac Day. These occasions are connected by powerful themes such as love, faith, sacrifice, death, hope, life. Both occasions story out the inhumanity of humanity. They speak of the evil powers present in our world that bring death and destruction, always at the cost of innocents. At Easter we recall … Read More