Advertise on podcast: St Michael's talks & sermons

Competing with the sound of the rain, Vicar Tim has as rethinking the Emmaus story. As Jesus show ups incognito, interrupting ordinary lives rather than arriving in a blaze of glory - there's a lesson. God's grace often comes by way of interruption but are we too wedded to our own agenda? And we do notice, how do we respond? Gospel reading and key texts: Luke 24:13-35 1 Peter 1:17-23 Acts 2:14a, 36-41

Is 'Doubting Thomas' the right label for a man who volunteered to die with Jesus and was the first person in scripture to call Jesus 'my Lord and my God'? Guest preacher Lawrence challenges us that perhaps doubt isn't the enemy of faith - it's often the pathway to something much deeper. Gospel reading and key texts: John 20:19-31 Colossians 1:15-20 Psalm 16

In this discussion, Professor Dr. Cyril Hovorun analyses the religious dimensions of both Trump and Putin's self-projected mythologies. What do they have in common? And how do they differ? And how does religious myth making help us understand present global affairs? The book referenced is Political Orthodoxies: The Unorthodoxies of the Church Coerced by Cyril Hovorun. The Front Porch is a series of community-facing lectures hosted by St Michael's Kelburn that sits at the intersection of Christian faith and public life, with topics like (but not limited to) Aotearoa's bicultural identity, democracy and the pressing social questions of today.

In this sermon, Deborah takes a fresh 'look' at the Palm Sunday story, leading us on a meditation about vision - God's vision. Looking at Jesus' sorrowful yet redemptive sight of humanity, and our need to see the world with compassion rather than ambition. Palm Sunday challenges us to examine not only what we see, but how we see too. The book referenced is The Blurred Cross: A writer’s difficult journey with God by Richard Bauckham. The poem read is Palm Sunday by Malcolm Guite. Gospel reading and key texts: Matthew 21:1-11 Luke 19:28-40 Psalm 118

This recording starts with a reading from John 11:1-45. The mysterious and strangely moving narrative of the raising of Lazarus forces us to face death, and not hide behind either heavenly escapism or 'Christianity as social good.'  Tim ponders attitudes to the story of Jesus at Lazarus’ tomb as fully sharing our grief and yet uniquely able to conquer death.  As we draw nearer to Easter, there's a call to entrust our grief and our pain to Him, particularly when He goes down not for Lazarus, but for us. The painting referenced is Colin McCahon's Practical religion: the resurrection of Lazarus showing Mount Martha from 1969-70.

Getting closer to Lent, the Gospel episodes from the lectionary sequence show opposition to Jesus growing on the way to Easter. As a blind man is healed by Jesus, rather than compelling belief, an undeniable miracle seems to lead to dispute and reinterpretation. In this sermon, Tim argues that faith is not an intellectual conclusion you can reason from a safe distance, but it's a trust you act on step by step. Hear how each one of us is invited to believe in the Son of Man, not to claim we can 'see' better than others but to offer our lives to Him. Gospel reading: John 9:1-41

Matthew reflects on Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well - taking us through the historical and cultural context. As this marginalised woman became a witness to many, Matthew also challenged us to consider the difference between 'attractional ministry' and Jesus' model of going out and sharing faith. Who might we consider Samaritans in our own lives and how can we cross those boundaries with humility, truth and compassion? Gospel reading: John 4:5-26, 27-42

Tim explores the Transfiguration in this sermon, considering that strange moment when Jesus is revealed in full glory before three bewildered disciples and why it might exactly the vision we need in the sombre season of Lent. As Lenten practices clear the way to hear Jesus' voice and find courage to shine his light - we're invited to ask ourselves, 'what would it look like to go up the mountain and then have courage to go back down?' Gospel reading and key texts Matt 17:1-9 Romans 4:1-5, 13-17

The forty days of Lent in the church calendar echo Jesus' temptations in the wilderness as described in Matthew 4. In this sermon Rebecca investigates the meaning of Lent and why it matters. As temptation distorts good things sought apart from trust in the Father, we are encouraged into, "..allowing our habits and routines to be disrupted and reshaped, so that we are formed as disciples, rather than units of production or consumption." Consider: What ministry could God be preparing you for? What spiritual muscle could you start exercising? What Lenten practices might support your preparation? Gospel reading and key texts Mat 4:1-11 Romans 5:12-19

Tim takes on the next part of the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus takes God's law deeper from external rule keeping to an inner heart-level righteousness that reflects the character of the Father. As we move into the season of Lent the invitation to practical response is clear, and we know the goodness of the Jesus way, where our part starts with the heart. Gospel reading and key text Mat 5:21-48

Starting with Jesus' call to his followers to be salt and light in the Gospel of Matthew - in this sermon Tim contrasts an oftentimes bleak, cynical view of humanity with this charge to live visibly different lives shaped by the Spirit and his purposes. Listen for Bugonia spoilers, four practical cautions about living the Jesus way, and to be reminded of our lives as a chance to re-humanise others and draw them towards God's love. Gospel reading and key texts Mat 5:13-20 1 Cor 2:1-12 Isa 58:1-9

The Beatitudes from Sermon on the Mount contain both blessings and promises as Jesus establishes what the kingdom of God looks like and who is at its heart. Jachin explores and encourages our understanding with these three key questions: What does blessed mean? Who are the blessed? Why are these blessed? Gospel reading and key text: Mat 4:23-5:16

In the first week of Advent Tim takes us on the journey of Gus' (Saint Augustine) conversion and how intellectual understanding gave way to humility before Christ. Instead of rapture timelines and attempts to control the future, we are reminded that Advent's invitation is to a season of humility, as we orient our lives towards Christ's return with hope, active faith and a longing prayer, "Come, Lord Jesus." References: The meaning is in the waiting: The spirit of Advent by Paula Gooder Gospel reading: Matt 24:36-44 Key texts: Isaiah 2:1-5 Romans 13:11-14

On Christ the King Sunday, Jonathan leads us through a thoughtful reflection on the meaning and relevance of the kingdom of God in today’s world. Radically distinct from worldly power and political structures - we looked at what Jesus said about the kingdom, and its implications for politics and the signs of the times in Aotearoa in 2025. References: Dr Lamma Mansour's interview with Archbishop Justin Duckworth Gospel reading: Luke 1:68-79 Key texts: Colossians 1:9-20 Revelations 11:15-18 Philippians 2:9-11

In the last sermon of this three part series looking at what's involved in apprenticing to Jesus - Tim notes that in order to do as Jesus did, we need to ask, 'What is God up to in the world today?' and 'what role does the church play in what God is up to today?' The work of reconciliation Jesus began continues in a beautiful fractal-like pattern through his followers as we make space for the good news, announce the good news and demonstrate the good news! Book mentions: ⁠⁠Practising the way⁠⁠ by John Mark Comer Gospel reading: Luke 10:1-11 Key texts: Isaiah 61:1-6a 2 Cor 5:16-21