Sermons by Rev Phil Swain
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Sermons by Rev Phil Swain

Pentecost 2022

Pentecost 2022 Readings: Acts 2:1-21Preacher: Rev Phil Swain This Sunday is Pentecost – the day where the church celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit! The church will be dressed up in red, orange and yellow and we encourage you to come dressed in something of those colours too! Phil will helping us to understand the context in which the day of Pentecost occurred and how this can speak into the context the current day church finds itself. Click here Read more

Around the Table

Around the Table (Creative Worship Experience) Reading: Matthew 26:20-29Lead by Phil Swain and Cam Giacometti A more intimate and relaxed time of worship focused on the imagery of tables. Phil will share a little about the importance of tables for gathering and sharing and Cam will read us a kids book and lead a discussion about our experiences of tables before summing up. Click here to download PowerPoint Slide PDF Questions for reflection or small groups   Our own experience of Read more

EHC#4 – The Rhythm of Sabbath

“Emotionally Healthy Church”The Rhythm of Sabbath Reading: Exodus 20:8-11, Hebrews 4:1-11Preacher: Rev Phil Swain If we want to be able to care for other people we must start by caring for ourselves, and in this next instalment of our “Emotionally Healthy Church” series we are exploring the Biblical principle of “Sabbath” and how stopping, resting, delighting and contemplating can bring us life. The rhythms of the Sabbath is more than just about taking “me time” but finding ways to renew Read more

EHC#2 – Looking Back in order to go forward

“Emotionally Healthy Church”Looking Back in order to go forward Reading: Genesis 45:1-15, Hebrews 12:1-3Preacher: Rev Kevin Kim We are continuing our series on exploring what it means to be an emotionally healthy church and addressing some of the issues that lie below the surface (a bit like an iceberg). This week Phil will be looking at how our past experiences, upbringing and the example and wisdom past down to us shape the people we are today. For some people this Read more

Palm Sunday & Songs behind the Hymns

Palm Sunday & Songs behind the Hymns Contains Kevin’s Palm Sunday mini-sermon and Phil’s two mini-sermon “Story behind the Hymns” … When I survey the Wondrous Cross and Thine be the Glory. Enjoy! Isaac Watts wrote “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” in preparation for a communion service in 1707. Originally, the hymn was named “Crucifixion to the World by the Cross of Christ,” following the practice of the day to summarize a hymn’s theme in the title.   Isaac Read more

Lent #5 – Loosening the Chains of the Spiritually Poor

Loosening the Chains of the Spiritually Poor Bible Reading: Isaiah 1:13-20 Preacher: Rev Phil Swain In the last of our Lenten Series on Loosening the Chains we are looking at how we can help the spiritually poor. What does it mean for a person to be spiritually poor and how does the upcoming Easter message speak to this. A powerful ending for our series on injustice and a great way to prepare for Holy Week and Easter. Click here to Read more

Lent #3 – A Broken world and broken people

A Broken World and broken PeopleBible Readings : Micah 6:6-8 / Luke 7:36-50Preacher: Rev Kevin Kim As our Lent journey brings us closer to the cross, this week we are considering the injustice and oppression that arise from “morally poor” decisions – issues such as racism, climate change, corporate greed and more. What does Jesus and the Bible say about these issues and how can we as Christians begin to loosen the chains of the injustice that morally poor decision Read more

Lent #2 – Eradicating Extreme Poverty, Hunger and Preventable illnesses

Loosening the Chains of the Materially PoorEradicating extreme poverty, hunger and preventable illnesses Bible Readings : Luke 19:45-47, Luke 8:43-48Preacher: Rev Phil Swain Last Sunday we were given a Lenten challenge to pray more, to give to those in need and to fast in the spirit of Isaiah 58 – to loosen the chains of injustice. But when the issues of extreme poverty, hunger and preventable illnesses are so large and complex, it can be overwhelming to know what to Read more

Lent #1 – Transforming Lives and Communities

Transforming Lives and CommunitiesBible Readings : Isaiah 58:1-12 / Luke 4:16-21Preacher: Rev Phil Swain We stand, between two seasons. Behind us is Epiphany, the period in which We begin our Lenten journey towards Easter with a world which is full of hardship and difficulties. The European war, East coast floods, and the heating up of politics before an election are wanting to dominate our thinking. But Lent traditionally is a time for prayer; fasting; and almsgiving (helping others). Lent is Read more