Category Archives: Sermons

Sermon: God’s motherly love

Posted on March 18, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

In times of difficulty, post-Royal Commission, during congregational change, grieving the Christchurch massacre, as we walk with Jesus on the road to his death during Lent, we can rely on the God who loves us as a mother and protects us as a hen protects her chicks Continue reading →

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Sermon for Carlynne’s Ordination

Posted on March 16, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

Carlynne, it is absolutely vital that you preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in opposition to the deadly hatred we see spewed by so many. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Imitating God

Posted on February 23, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

We are to love our enemies because they too are God’s beloved; we are to do good to those who hate us because they share our humanity; we are to bless those who curse us because they are created from the same dust as us; we are to pray for those who abuse us because they, like us, will one day die and be judged by Jesus. Continue reading →

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Sermon: The value of a human life

Posted on February 16, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

This is not because the poor are worthy and deserving and so will be rewarded in heaven. Jesus is not doing a Scott Morrison and saying that ‘there is a fair go for those who have a go’. Continue reading →

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Sermon: The Glory of God

Posted on February 9, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

These three stories of encounters with the absolute holiness of God, which all emphasise the feelings of unworthiness of the humans to whom they happen, end, somewhat paradoxically, with calls to mission and ministry. Continue reading →

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Sermon: A LOT of wine

Posted on January 26, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

There is nothing sensible or moderate about the amount of wine that the guests are now able to enjoy. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Day of Mourning

Posted on January 19, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

We cannot celebrate everything that Australia has become without acknowledging the shadow side of our history. Continue reading →

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Reflection: For Bill

Posted on January 17, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

We are gathered here to commend Bill to God, certain that God will receive him with love. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Loving ‘white supremacists’

Posted on January 12, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

In the baptism of Jesus God acted in solidarity with all humanity; following his example let us stand in solidarity with each other. Continue reading →

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Sermon: Be careful when choosing your lodestar

Posted on January 5, 2019 by Avril Hannah-Jones

There are the obviously sinful lodestars: wealth; power; consumption, but the most dangerous lodestars are those that seem benign: knowledge; family; faith. Continue reading →

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