St Basil's Church

We are called, like John the Baptist, to stand on the frontier of the in-breaking kingdom and watch for signs of Jesus’ arrival in our midst. To be a people that live in solidarity with those in darkness, but are characterised by a hope of those who expect the dawn.

Our visiting speaker, Pete Portal, shares insights into being a community of prophetic hope in the world as we begin our advent journey.

Pete takes us through a reflection on the lives of David and Mephibosheth from 2 Samuel 9 and what they teach us about justice, mercy and kinship whilst offering a beautiful reflection on the role of betrayal in the process

Pete unpacks the connection between contemplation, revivalism and activism in Philippians 3 and calls us to hold the three together in order to be a prophetic presence in the world.

Jude concludes our series with Peter’s closing thoughts in chapter 5 - as citizens of heaven we’re invited to cast our anxieties onto God, called to ‘put on’ humility, and warned to stand firm in our faith.

Pete James guides us through chapter 4 and three particular threads in Peter's reflections on how to be citizens of heaven: don't waste your time on emptying things; prioritise prayer; and love and serve one another.

Dan unpacks Peter’s advice in chapter 3 to sit under societal structures so that we might see their redemption. And then explores how we can live distinct and proximate lives in an ‘age of authenticity’ that provoke questions about the living hope we carry. 

In week 2 of our series on 1 Peter, Pete James encourages us to live lives in line with our identity as citizens of heaven: co-operating with grace; being alert to what either fills or empties our souls; and living confidently distinctive lives.

Jonah Horne opened our new series on 1 Peter by calling us to place our trust in the “living hope” of Jesus. He invited us to reflect on stories from within the church that show people living alternative lives in the kingdom of God. Jonah asked us, how can we orientate our lives to be one defined by holiness, formed by the Kingdom of God rather than the competing kingdoms of the world? Please note...

Pete James concluded our pastoral series "depth in a time of growth" by looking at how important it is for our depth to be in Jesus. He described the biblical invitation to spiritual maturity and how that is contested in daily life. He outlines the risk of unintentional spiritual formation and the need for us to therefore be highly intentional to be formed in the way of Jesus.

In the penultimate talk in our series on “depth in a time of growth” Pete James highlights the need for us to retain a sustained hunger for a move of God in our time and not succumb to apathy as the church gets more established.

Dan explores the dangers of convenience, security and comfort, and how the practice of being faithfully present to those who Jesus calls ‘the least’ can enable us to become the church we are called to be - a family on a mission.

Pete James continued our series on "depth in a time of growth" by looking at the risk of consumerism as a church grows and how we can subtly swap church as "a people" for church as "a product"

Pete James kicked off our latest teaching series called "Depth in a time of Growth" on Sunday. It is a pastoral series naming the opportunities and challenges of the season we are in as a community. He spoke about the need for depth and not just growth and how important curious faith will be as we face uncertainties and questions as a community moving forward.

Dan reflects on Peter’s denial and reinstatement. Jesus doesn’t dwell on Peter’s failure but loves him in his brokenness; he gives Peter a fresh opportunity to trust in his love and reaffirms his calling to share the love he’s received with others.

Pete James closed out our series on the parables of Jesus by looking at the story of the Prodigal Son. His short reflection looked at the relational inheritance we have through Jesus; the radical nature of the Father's Love; and the risk of remaining "outside" the Father's House despite pursuing moral purity.

Bex shares how God has been speaking to her through the parable of the Good Samaritan. Instead of prescribing who we need to love as our neighbour, Jesus challenges us to become neighbours - to be those who share the mercy we’ve received with others.

Dan unpacks the parable of the wise and foolish builders - we enter the kingdom of God and build our lives on a secure foundation by trusting in Jesus and putting his words into action.

Si Topliss continues our series The Words and The Way of Jesus by looking at the parables of the lost sheep. Si outlines how we all have the capability to get lost and the ease at which this happens but the extraordinary loving grace that is extended to us in our ‘lostness’.

Bill Birdwood continues our series The Words and The Way of Jesus by looking at the parables of the hidden treasure and pearl of great price. Bill unpacks how the treasure is Jesus and tells stories of lives changed by discovering him.

Pete James wraps up our series on Ephesians by looking at chapter 6 and Paul’s encouragement to be on the front foot in the spiritual battle for your soul.

Pete James continues our series looking at the warning in Ephesians 5 that the enemy works in "footholds and hints" and how the counter-formative life in the way of Jesus involves being filled with the Holy Spirit; declaring worship; and giving thanks constantly.

To mark Pentecost Sunday, Pete James speaks about how the breathe of God brings life to dry bones and invites us to be a community that goes on being filled with the Spirit

As we look at the fourth chapter of Ephesians, Jonah Horne articulates a vision for distinctive Christian unity founded upon the grace of God and living out of the true self.

Pete James continues our series on Ephesians with chapter 3. Pete looks at how Paul's identity gave him clarity of purpose; how we are called to steward God's grace that flows to us; and how everything we do externally flows from whats going on internally. Paul's invitation is to grasp the magnitude of the love of God and to be filled with "dynamite" power for life