Central Church Port Kembla

September marks the beginning of the Season of Creation in the liturgical calendar. In previous years, we have explored creation around us - as healer, teacher and reminder of God’s presence. This year, we turn our attention inward and consider the creation taking place within ourselves. In this message, Oran explores the Season of Creation not in isolation, but as part of the rhythms and cycles of life that we all move through. Along the way, he reflects personally on his own experiences of change, growth, loss and new life.

Becca speaks on how important it is for our bodies, and other people's bodies to be truly consenting to our participation in God's work in the world. Unfortunately the church has colluded with governments around the world through colonisation, but there are alternative ways to practice that are integrous to ourselves and deeply respectful to others.

For many Christians, the idea of walking up to a stranger in the supermarket and telling them that Jesus loves them can feel daunting. In this message, Oran explores four alternative approaches to evangelism that place relationship, rather than quick conversion, at the centre. Important questions are discussed such as: Is action without words enough? If we focus purely on relationships, are we simply being nice? And how, if at all, do we find the balance of relationship and sharing the Good News we have found in Christ?

Becca shares about walking the bright path together and experiencing ‘salvific resources’ along the way, drawing on the experiences of folks from Central who have been pilgrims on the Camino.

Adam and Lisa Gowen share some of their experience with Indigenous Spirituality and reflect on what salvation means through an Indigenous lens.

In this gathering we engaged with the idea of spiritual practice as paying attention. Our practices included: a time of paying attention to something from creation; praying an examen; and confession. Background music to use: https://karlverkade.bandcamp.com/track/db-pad-base

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of Jesus' most well-known and beloved stories. In this episode, Oran explores what this parable might reveal about salvation, the heart of God, and the radical nature of divine love. This message opens the doors to discussion on how God's grace might extend even beyond the grave, and what this means for how we understand the Father's relentless pursuit of his children.

Caro explains the framework of 'theological worlds' which goes a long way to explaining the different beliefs and worldviews that sit under the umbrella of Christianity. It can help explain why we can feel very different to other Christians and think differently about key issues while still following the same God.

Steff Fenton is a writer, speaker and pastor who spent an evening with us at Central sharing about their journey of finding a faith outside of the gender binaries, both of self and God. It was an absolute delight to listen to Steff share their story with us.

Do you have a memory of being held by God, in grief or joy? On Sunday we explored two contemplative practices around being held by God. We were guided in a meditation by Lynda and we also looked at Scriptures where God is described as holding or carrying God's people, like a parent carries a child. Ambient background music is by https://karlverkade.bandcamp.com/

Reimagining John 15:1-9 in the context of Jesus’ prior teaching can help us to remain without fear. Bryony shares how questions and embodiment have helped her remain in Jesus’ love.

How do ruptures in our faith and life shape us? How can we reimagine survival together? And what are considerations for being a church that takes trauma seriously?

In our gathering we look at two different metaphors for resilience and consider what wisdom they might have for us, and we finish with a lectio divina on the steadfast love of God. Ambient background music is by https://karlverkade.bandcamp.com/

Caro explores Jesus' unusual words to Mary in John 20 to consider how following God invites a regular letting go of old ways of thinking.

In the Gospel of John, we encounter the beautiful account of Jesus restoring Peter after his three denials on the night of His arrest. This story is rich with layers that reveal the true heart of Christ—the incarnate God. In this message, Oran explores these layers of Peter’s redemption and reflects on how God, in perfect love, restores us as well.

Drawing the series on Colossians to a close, Bryony explores the subversive instructions to slave masters in a letter being carried by a freed slave.

The Practice of Community (feat. Dorothy Day) by Central Church Port Kembla

Continuing our Colossians series, Becca explores themes in chapter two, around survival in the shadow of Empire, the lure of 'secret knowledge' and how community is the way that we know God.

The stories we are told shape our lives. They influence how we see ourselves—and how we understand the world around us. Today, as in the days of Paul, the dominant story is often one of peace through violence, where might makes right. Paul, however, proclaims a better story: one in which violence is not passed on, but absorbed through Christ on the cross. In this message, Oran explores this transformative narrative by unpacking the centrepiece of Colossians 1—the Messiah Hymn.

What if real change requires more than good intentions? In this New Year sermon, Oran explores Jesus’ parable of new wine and new wineskins, and what it reveals about growth, frustration, and transformation. Jesus is not calling us to despise the old, but to discern when a season has ended and to make room for the new work God is doing among us. A reflection on change, grace, and the courage it takes to trust that God is still making all things new.