cession|community Podcast

The season of Advent is a time of excitement and anticipation for the birth of Christ, when we celebrate and look toward the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness.  In this series we’re exploring promises fulfilled, the fullness of the Kingdom that is coming and us, as disciples, learning to live life in all its fullness. This week Melissa concludes our series as we embrace LOVE alongside the people of God for thousands of years!

The season of Advent is a time of excitement and anticipation for the birth of Christ, when we celebrate and look toward the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness.  In this series we’re exploring promises fulfilled, the fullness of the Kingdom that is coming and us, as disciples, learning to live life in all its fullness. This week Brett continues our series as we long for JOY alongside the people of God for thousands of years! *This special message was Brett's last with us as our Lead Pastor. 

The season of Advent is a time of excitement and anticipation for the birth of Christ, when we celebrate and look toward the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness.  In this series we’re exploring promises fulfilled, the fullness of the Kingdom that is coming and us, as disciples, learning to live life in all its fullness. This week Kristen Jones shares with us for the last time in her role as our Community Life Pastor as we long for PEACE alongside the people of God for thousands of years!

The season of Advent is a time of excitement and anticipation for the birth of Christ, when we celebrate and look toward the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness.  In this series we’re exploring promises fulfilled, the fullness of the Kingdom that is coming and us, as disciples, learning to live life in all its fullness. This week Melissa kicks off our series as we wait with HOPE alongside the people of God for thousands of years!

What happens when we find ourselves face to face with Truth?  Sometimes the discovery is exciting and  joy filled, our whole self is filled and fuelled by the excitement of discovery. Sometimes, truth is painful, it reveals deep wounds and longings. Other times, truth is uncomfortable, even shocking and leaves squirming. Whenever we encounter truth, there is always an invitation to transformation, we have a choice, lean into the invitation or reject it. When truth comes knocking, how will you respond? In this series we’ll be exploring  stories of obedience from the scriptures, and from within our community which demonstrate lives encountering truth in profound ways. Rev Melissa Powell + Community Sharing Due to the personal nature of some of the sharing the community sharing section has been edited to protect privacy.

What happens when we find ourselves face to face with Truth?  Sometimes the discovery is exciting and  joy filled, our whole self is filled and fuelled by the excitement of discovery. Sometimes, truth is painful, it reveals deep wounds and longings. Other times, truth is uncomfortable, even shocking and leaves squirming. Whenever we encounter truth, there is always an invitation to transformation, we have a choice, lean into the invitation or reject it. When truth comes knocking, how will you respond? In this series we’ll be exploring  stories of obedience from the scriptures, and from within our community which demonstrate lives encountering truth in profound ways. This week Rev Melissa Powell explores some new ways of seeing as we open up Isaiah 6:1-8 and Luke 22:39-46 followed by some kōrero from our wider community sharing about the ways God has been challenging and leading them into deeper obedience.

This week we are joined by the newly Rev Denise Barrington who will be sharing with us about listening and responding to where the Spirit leads us. Denise is a minister from our wider Wesleyan Methodist whānau who was ordained at this years WMCANZ Conference. 

We're continuing our new series and its all about us!  We'll be testing for the DNA of the church in the scriptures and getting in touch with our roots of the past 18 years.  This Sunday, Melissa is sharing on a core part of our Vision life encountering truth as we reflect and offer Christ: Reflect

We're continuing our new series and its all about us!  We'll be testing for the DNA of the church in the scriptures and getting in touch with our roots of the past 18 years.  This Sunday, Brett is sharing on a core part of our Vision life encountering truth as we reflect and offer Christ: Encounter

Have you ever wondered how cession got its name? Greg Buckley and Jacob Powell have a conversation about an old wound, what could have been, and how we came to be called cession|community.

We're starting a new series and its all about us!  We'll be testing for the DNA of the church in the scriptures and getting in touch with our roots of the past 18 years.  This Sunday, Brett is sharing on the distinctive character of our name with: What's in a Name?

We're heading back into our gospel for 2022 as we discover some searching parables from the Gospel of Luke.  LOST is a series where we widen our worldview, open our eyes to those around us and search for what has been lost. This Sunday, Brett is shares about the art of losing the deal...

We're heading back into our gospel for 2022 as we discover some searching parables from the Gospel of Luke.  LOST is a series where we widen our worldview, open our eyes to those around us and search for what has been lost. This Sunday, Brett is sharing about getting lost...

We're heading back into our gospel for 2022 as we discover some searching parables from the Gospel of Luke.  LOST is a series where we widen our worldview, open our eyes to those around us and search for what has been lost.   This Sunday, Kristen is sharing about losing and finding...

In this series we're asking a key question that has only been amplified by the past 2 years of lockdowns, disruptions and opportunities to reflect: What does it mean for us to understand every aspect of our everyday lives - our work, our play, our rest as an expression of God’s call on our lives? We are ordinary people, living out God’s call in our everyday lives, every day.  Each week we'll be hearing from some different voices exploring their own sense of calling and how they live that out as everyday people. Teaching: Rev Rob Reynolds   (0:00 - 24:50) Panel Discussion: Rob Reynolds + DaNae Reynolds + Melwyn Le Comte (24:50 - 44:30)

In this series we're asking a key question that has only been amplified by the past 2 years of lockdowns, disruptions and opportunities to reflect: What does it mean for us to understand every aspect of our everyday lives - our work, our play, our rest as an expression of God’s call on our lives? We are ordinary people, living out God’s call in our everyday lives, every day.  Each week we'll be hearing from some different voices exploring their own sense of calling and how they live that out as everyday people. Teaching: Rev Brett Jones   (0:00 - 18:37) Panel Discussion: Brett Jones + Jerome Edwards + Kristen Jones (18:37 - 42:33)

In this series we're asking a key question that has only been amplified by the past 2 years of lockdowns, disruptions and opportunities to reflect: What does it mean for us to understand every aspect of our everyday lives - our work, our play, our rest as an expression of God’s call on our lives? We are ordinary people, living out God’s call in our everyday lives, every day.  Each week we'll be hearing from some different voices exploring their own sense of calling and how they live that out as everyday people. Teaching: Rev Melissa Powell (0:00 11:28) Panel Discussion: Melissa Powell + Vania Dunn + Jacob Powell (11:28 - 37:41)

In this series we look In the Mirror that the epistle of James provides to us. James is a provocative, "hit you where you live" part of the Bible that offers wisdom for the everyday journey of life. It's a favourite for many, so looking forward to journeying together.   'Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.' In week four Brett explores living with Wise Humility.

In this series we look In the Mirror that the epistle of James provides to us. James is a provocative, "hit you where you live" part of the Bible that offers wisdom for the everyday journey of life. It's a favourite for many, so looking forward to journeying together.   'Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.' In week three Brett unpacks Wise Speech.

In this series we look In the Mirror that the epistle of James provides to us. James is a provocative, "hit you where you live" part of the Bible that offers wisdom for the everyday journey of life. It's a favourite for many, so looking forward to journeying together.   'Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.' In week two Melissa unpacks what it looks like to live a life shaped by Wise Faith.

We kick off a new series this Sunday as we look In the Mirror that the epistle of James provides to us.  James is a provocative, "hit you where you live" part of the Bible that offers wisdom for the everyday journey of life.  It's a favourite for many, so looking forward to journeying together.   23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. This week Brett kicks us off with "Wise Listening".

The story of Joseph (the one with the fancy coat) is an epic tale of reversal and redemption.  From riches to rags and back again.  In REPEAT STORY we journey with Joseph and discover echoes with our own stories and the story of Jesus who is flipping the script in our lives.  This week Brett concludes the story with a Plot Twist.

The story of Joseph (the one with the fancy coat) is an epic tale of reversal and redemption.  From riches to rags and back again.  In REPEAT STORY we journey with Joseph and discover echoes with our own stories and the story of Jesus who is flipping the script in our lives.  

The story of Joseph (the one with the fancy coat) is an epic tale of reversal and redemption.  From riches to rags and back again.  In REPEAT STORY we journey with Joseph and discover echoes with our own stories and the story of Jesus who is flipping the script in our lives.  

What does it mean to be free?  Free of the past, free of mistakes, free of the addictive habits in life, free of the grind of proving yourself.  The letter to the churches in Galatia offers some answers to this question.  We're taking some time to allows ourselves to explore freedom.  We're free roaming.  Getting to grips with the gameplay in Galatians. In Week Four Rev Brett Jones leads us through into Galatians 6.

What does it mean to be free?  Free of the past, free of mistakes, free of the addictive habits in life, free of the grind of proving yourself.  The letter to the churches in Galatia offers some answers to this question.  We're taking some time to allows ourselves to explore freedom.  We're free roaming.  Getting to grips with the gameplay in Galatians. In Week Three Dave Pitman takes us on a deep dive into Galatians 5:13-26.

What does it mean to be free?  Free of the past, free of mistakes, free of the addictive habits in life, free of the grind of proving yourself.  The letter to the churches in Galatia offers some answers to this question.  We're taking some time to allows ourselves to explore freedom.  We're free roaming.  Getting to grips with the gameplay in Galatians. In Week Two Rev Melissa Powell unpacks Galatians 5:1-12. NB: This sermon was preceded by a short video clip which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/Y3etdH06Llc

What does it mean to be free?  Free of the past, free of mistakes, free of the addictive habits in life, free of the grind of proving yourself.  The letter to the churches in Galatia offers some answers to this question.  We're taking some time to allows ourselves to explore freedom.  We're free roaming.  Getting to grips with the gameplay in Galatians. In Week One Rev Brett Jones unpacks Galatians 3 as we reflect on what it means to live life beyond the grind.

As Term 2 gets underway, we're taking the opportunity to remove the filters and reset our worshipping life together with some help from the Psalms.  Unfiltered will take us on a journey through the Psalms as we discover postures and language for worship that meet us in the present moment.  Gratitude, Anger, Joy and Lament are the dialects we will learn in this season of transition and challenge. This week Rev Jo Verkerk leads us through the Psalms of Lament as we ask: How long oh Lord?

As Term 2 gets underway, we're taking the opportunity to remove the filters and reset our worshipping life together with some help from the Psalms.  Unfiltered will take us on a journey through the Psalms as we discover postures and language for worship that meet us in the present moment.  Gratitude, Anger, Joy and Lament are the dialects we will learn in this season of transition and challenge. This week Rev Brett leads us through the Psalms of Praise as we discover language for joy, wonder and awe.

As Term 2 gets underway, we're taking the opportunity to remove the filters and reset our worshipping life together with some help from the Psalms.  Unfiltered will take us on a journey through the Psalms as we discover postures and language for worship that meet us in the present moment.  Gratitude, Anger, Joy and Lament are the dialects we will learn in this season of transition and challenge. This week Rev Brett leads us through the Imprecatory Psalms as we explore what it means to be seen and heard even in our darkest moments.

As Term 2 gets underway, we're taking the opportunity to remove the filters and reset our worshipping life together with some help from the Psalms.  Unfiltered will take us on a journey through the Psalms as we discover postures and language for worship that meet us in the present moment.  Gratitude, Anger, Joy and Lament are the dialects we will learn in this season of transition and challenge. This week our newly "minted"  Community Life Pastor, Kristen Jones leads us through the Psalms of Thanksgiving as we explore what it means to live with a gratitude attitude.

In our LIVE series we’ll be in Luke’s gospel engaging with Jesus’ appearances then (and now) as we reflect on a life lived with Jesus.  How do Jesus’ appearances call us to life with him that is captured by the same sense of wonder and gratitude that emerged progressively in the disciples through the narrative of chapter 24?   Their sadness, fear and anxiety is replaced by a vibrant, confident realisation: Jesus is (a)LIVE.  Their lives will never be the same. In week three Rev Melissa Powell leads us through Luke 24:36-53.

For our LIVE series we’ll be in Luke’s gospel engaging with Jesus’ appearances then (and now) as we reflect on a life lived with Jesus.  How do Jesus’ appearances call us to life with him that is captured by the same sense of wonder and gratitude that emerged progressively in the disciples through the narrative of chapter 24?   Their sadness, fear and anxiety is replaced by a vibrant, confident realisation: Jesus is (a)LIVE.  Their lives will never be the same. In week two Nigel Webb leads us through Luke 24:13-35.

Our Easter Sunday Service marks the beginning of a new series. We’ll be in Luke’s gospel engaging with Jesus’ appearances then (and now) as we reflect on a life lived with Jesus.  How do Jesus’ appearances call us to life with him that is captured by the same sense of wonder and gratitude that emerged progressively in the disciples through the narrative of chapter 24?   Their sadness, fear and anxiety is replaced by a vibrant, confident realisation: Jesus is (a)LIVE.  Their lives will never be the same. In week one Rev Brett Jones leads us through Luke 24:1-12.

On GOOD FRIDAY we gathered for a contemplative service of prayers and readings. This is the full audio recording from that service.

Each week during our Lent series ‘Tables in the Wilderness,’ we are going to actively engage some spiritual practices. This week Rev Jo Verkerk walks us through a guided meditation of an artwork. You can find the artwork we used here: https://grottonetwork.com/stations-of-the-cross/first-station/

In Psalm 78, the psalmist relates the people of God railing against God in the wilderness, saying: “Can God really     spread a table in the wilderness?   True, he struck the rock,     and water gushed out,     streams flowed abundantly, But can he also give us bread?     Can he supply meat for his people?” As the psalmist relates, though God was angered by their lack of faith, God answered their longing with manna from heaven, feeding their souls and bodies with nourishment. As we continue to walk through our own wilderness season, how does God meet us with tables in the wilderness to nourish us and meet our deepest needs? This week Rev Jo Verkerk leads us through Luke 18:15-17.

Each week during our Lent series ‘Tables in the Wilderness,’ we are going to actively engage some spiritual practices. This week Vania Dunn walks us through a guided prayer of silent union with God.

In Psalm 78, the psalmist relates the people of God railing against God in the wilderness, saying: “Can God really     spread a table in the wilderness?   True, he struck the rock,     and water gushed out,     streams flowed abundantly, But can he also give us bread?     Can he supply meat for his people?” As the psalmist relates, though God was angered by their lack of faith, God answered their longing with manna from heaven, feeding their souls and bodies with nourishment. As we continue to walk through our own wilderness season, how does God meet us with tables in the wilderness to nourish us and meet our deepest needs? This week Rev Brett Jones leads us through Luke 12:22-34.

In Psalm 78, the psalmist relates the people of God railing against God in the wilderness, saying: “Can God really     spread a table in the wilderness?   True, he struck the rock,     and water gushed out,     streams flowed abundantly, But can he also give us bread?     Can he supply meat for his people?” As the psalmist relates, though God was angered by their lack of faith, God answered their longing with manna from heaven, feeding their souls and bodies with nourishment. As we continue to walk through our own wilderness season, how does God meet us with tables in the wilderness to nourish us and meet our deepest needs? This week Rev Brett Jones leads us through Luke 11:1-13.

Each week during our Lent series ‘Tables in the Wilderness,’ we are actively engaging spiritual practices. This week Rev Melissa takes on a journey with a guided prayer walk. If you’re isolating at home, unwell, or have mobility issues – do not fear. This meditation aims to build our awareness of God’s presence with us in our bodies and creation. While it’s designed for walking, we’ve put it together to allow you to engage it in your home if you need to. So we can still do this together; it just might look a little different. But we encourage you, if you are able, to put on your walking shoes. And get ready to go on a journey. The meditation will take about 15 minutes, but you can go for much longer if you would like to. It includes an exercise to help you prepare for walking, a walking meditation guide, and a reflection exercise at the end. There will be opportunities for you to pause the audio or video while you respond and then hit play again when you’re ready to move to the next section of the meditation. So the total length of time you take is in your hands. Episode Outline: 0:00  Introduction to Guided Practices 2:30  Meditation Part One: Preparing to Walk 5:29  Meditation Part Two: Walking 17:27 Meditation Part Three: Reflection on Walking

Each week during our Lent series ‘Tables in the Wilderness,’ we are going to actively engage some spiritual practices. This week Rev Brett Jones walks us through a guided reflection on what the foundations of fasting might be for us in this season. Traditionally, the practice of fasting was intended to focus us and call us deeper into scripture and prayer. It invites us to ask ourselves: What are we living for instead of receiving healing and forgiveness? 

In Psalm 78, the psalmist relates the people of God railing against God in the wilderness, saying: “Can God really     spread a table in the wilderness?   True, he struck the rock,     and water gushed out,     streams flowed abundantly, But can he also give us bread?     Can he supply meat for his people?” As the psalmist relates, though God was angered by their lack of faith, God answered their longing with manna from heaven, feeding their souls and bodies with nourishment. As we continue to walk through our own wilderness season, how does God meet us with tables in the wilderness to nourish us and meet our deepest needs? This week Rev Brett Jones leads us through Luke 5:17-25.

Each week during our Lent series ‘Tables in the Wilderness,’ we are going to actively engage some spiritual practices. This week Kristen Jones walks us through a guided journaling reflection and meditation exercise as we explore the work in the waiting. You'll need a pen and paper for this exercise.

In Psalm 78, the psalmist relates the people of God railing against God in the wilderness, saying: “Can God really     spread a table in the wilderness?   True, he struck the rock,     and water gushed out,     streams flowed abundantly, But can he also give us bread?     Can he supply meat for his people?” As the psalmist relates, though God was angered by their lack of faith, God answered their longing with manna from heaven, feeding their souls and bodies with nourishment. As we continue to walk through our own wilderness season, how does God meet us with tables in the wilderness to nourish us and meet our deepest needs? This week Kristen Jones leads us through Luke 5:12-16; 22:39-46

Each week during our Lent series ‘Tables in the Wilderness,’ we are going to actively engage some spiritual practices. This week Rev Melissa Powell walks us through a guided Prayer of Examen. The Prayer of an Examen is an ancient tool used in Christian tradition to reflect on what God is doing in us. It helps us see where God is present and moving in our lives. It also reveals to us where we might be falling short of all that God has called us to be so that we can offer ourselves to God for restoration and healing.

In Psalm 78, the psalmist relates the people of God railing against God in the wilderness, saying: “Can God really     spread a table in the wilderness?   True, he struck the rock,     and water gushed out,     streams flowed abundantly, But can he also give us bread?     Can he supply meat for his people?” As the psalmist relates, though God was angered by their lack of faith, God answered their longing with manna from heaven, feeding their souls and bodies with nourishment. As we continue to walk through our own wilderness season, how does God meet us with tables in the wilderness to nourish us and meet our deepest needs? This week Rev Melissa Powell leads us through Luke 5:1-11

With all the livestream action of the past 2 years we decided to GO LIVE with some next level streaming: Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. (John 7:38) LIFESTREAM  is a 3 week series where we get aligned as a village around how God is meeting us in this season.  God's GOING LIVE in our lives as we drink from the stream. A Community overflowing with streams of living water:  In my life.  In our life together

With all the livestream action of the past 2 years we decided to GO LIVE with some next level streaming: Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. (John 7:38) LIFESTREAM  is a 3 week series where we get aligned as a village around how God is meeting us in this season.  God's GOING LIVE in our lives as we drink from the stream. A Community overflowing with streams of living water:  In my life.  In our life together

With all the livestream action of the past 2 years we decided to GO LIVE with some next level streaming: Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them. (John 7:38) LIFESTREAM  is a 3 week series where we get aligned as a village around how God is meeting us in this season.  God's GOING LIVE in our lives as we drink from the stream. A Community overflowing with streams of living water:  In my life.  In our life together

We're kicking off the year with the NOVA series. Drawing from stories in the gospel of Luke, we'll be exploring how the arrival of Christ in human form had a supernova effect, exploding the old order and seeding the raw materials of the kingdom of God. In week three Dave Pitman leads us through Luke 3:1-22.

We're kicking off the year with the NOVA series. Drawing from stories in the gospel of Luke, we'll be exploring how the arrival of Christ in human form had a supernova effect, exploding the old order and seeding the raw materials of the kingdom of God. In week two Rev Brett Jones leads us through Luke 2:39-52 as Jesus is lost & found.

We're kicking off the year with the NOVA series. Drawing from stories in the gospel of Luke, we'll be exploring how the arrival of Christ in human form had a supernova effect, exploding the old order and seeding the raw materials of the kingdom of God. In Week One Rev Melissa Powell leads us through Luke 2:22-38 as Simeon and Anna experience close encounters with the new-born Messiah.

The season of Advent is a time of excitement and anticipation for the birth of Christ, when we celebrate and look toward the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness. This year’s Advent series will draw from the Gospel of Luke. “The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79 Mauria mai te haeata E tāwhanga nei mātou (Let the new dawn come - We lie in wait) A season of waiting with hope. In week four Rev Brett Jones invites us to celebrate the joy of first light as we explore Luke 1:57-80.

The season of Advent is a time of excitement and anticipation for the birth of Christ, when we celebrate and look toward the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness. This year’s Advent series will draw from the Gospel of Luke. “The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79 Mauria mai te haeata E tāwhanga nei mātou (Let the new dawn come - We lie in wait) A season of waiting with hope. In week three Rev Brett Jones sends us into the Blue Hour before dawn as we explore Luke 1:39-56.

The season of Advent is a time of excitement and anticipation for the birth of Christ, when we celebrate and look toward the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness. This year’s Advent series will draw from the Gospel of Luke. “The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79 Mauria mai te haeata E tāwhanga nei mātou (Let the new dawn come - We lie in wait) A season of waiting with hope. In week two Rev Melissa Powell usshers us into the predawn twilight as we explore Luke 1:26-38. NB: We apologise for some issues with the sound quality this week. We've made some changes to how we gather and stream our services to create more opportunities for participation and connection in this season and we are still working out the kinks. Thanks to everyone for their patience as we navigate new systems and platforms and everyone on our team who have been doing the mahi to make it happen.

The season of Advent is a time of excitement and anticipation for the birth of Christ, when we celebrate and look toward the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all its fullness. This year’s Advent series will draw from the Gospel of Luke. “The rising sun will come to us from heaven to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”  Luke 1:78-79 Mauria mai te haeata E tāwhanga nei mātou (Let the new dawn come - We lie in wait) A season of waiting with hope. In week one Rev Brett Jones walks with us in the dark as we explore Luke 1:5-25.

It's a pretty turbulent time in our society right now.  Lots of diverse opinions and some really tough issues to wrestle with.  How will we, as cession|community, navigate this together?  It will require us to (lovingly) deal with The Elephant in the Room!  Tonight, Pastor Jo Verkerk (Papakura Wesleyan) joins Brett as they explore the nature of the Body of Christ.  Is there room for elephants and mice?

It's a pretty turbulent time in our society right now.  Lots of diverse opinions and some really tough issues to wrestle with.  How will we, as cession|community, navigate this together?  It will require us to (lovingly) deal with The Elephant in the Room!  Tonight sees the return of Frank Ritchie to cession|community who is sharing with our own Rob Reynolds.  A perfect paring for the opinionated.

It's a pretty turbulent time in our society right now.  Lots of diverse opinions and some really tough issues to wrestle with.  How will we, as cession|community, navigate this together?  It will require us to (lovingly) deal with The Elephant in the Room! This series aims to provide support and resources for our people as we encounter increasing tension and conflict within families, communities, and our social media worlds. We're looking to create space for biblical reflection and real-world tools to resource us as the cultural storm buffets us.  This week we're addressing the tension between Risk & Inclusion that is a part of our wrestling as families, communities and even churches.

We're going on a "Bare Hunt" and we're packing the Bare Essentials.  In this series, we go deep into spiritual practices that help us get real with God.  We'll be challenging our barriers to spiritual rhythms, learning fresh ways of thinking and packing some new tools for the journey.   Each week a panel of ordinary people will unpack what's in their bag as we reflect on prayer, engaging with the Bible, embrace the power of people and examine the seasons. This week's panel discussion features, DaNae Reynolds, Rev Brett Jones & Melwyn Le Comte.

We're going on a "Bare Hunt" and we're packing the Bare Essentials.  In this series, we go deep into spiritual practices that help us get real with God.  We'll be challenging our barriers to spiritual rhythms, learning fresh ways of thinking and packing some new tools for the journey.   Each week a panel of ordinary people will unpack what's in their bag as we reflect on prayer, engaging with the Bible, embrace the power of people and examine the seasons. This week's panel discussion features, Rob Reynolds, Rev Brett Jones & Dave Pitman.

We're going on a "Bare Hunt" and we're packing the Bare Essentials.  In this series, we go deep into spiritual practices that help us get real with God.  We'll be challenging our barriers to spiritual rhythms, learning fresh ways of thinking and packing some new tools for the journey.   Each week a panel of ordinary people will unpack what's in their bag as we reflect on prayer, engaging with the Bible, embrace the power of people and examine the seasons. This week's panel discussion features, Greg Buckley, Rev Brett Jones & Kristen Jones.

We're going on a "Bare Hunt" and we're packing the Bare Essentials.  In this series, we go deep into spiritual practices that help us get real with God.  We'll be challenging our barriers to spiritual rhythms, learning fresh ways of thinking and packing some new tools for the journey.   Each week a panel of ordinary people will unpack what's in their bag as we reflect on prayer, engaging with the Bible, embrace the power of people and examine the seasons. This week's panel discussion features, Jacob Powell, Rev Melissa Powell & Sarah Smith.

Ever felt like you're living at full stretch?  In this series, we explore what it might look like  to live out of a place of wellbeing.  We're in Matthew's gospel drawing on the richness of Jesus' approach to living life and how we can be freed to love heart, mind, soul, body (strength) and socially (neighbour). This week Brett continues the series from Matthew 23. He is joined by Juanita Masunu.

Ever felt like you're living at full stretch?  In this series, we explore what it might look like  to live out of a place of wellbeing.  We're in Matthew's gospel drawing on the richness of Jesus' approach to living life and how we can be freed to love heart, mind, soul, body (strength) and socially (neighbour). This week Brett continues the series from Matthew 23 and uncovers the harm that comes from stingy living and is joined by Jerome Edwards.

Ever felt like you're living life at full stretch?  In this series, we explore what it might look like for us to live out of a place of wellbeing.  We're in Matthew's gospel drawing on the richness of Jesus' approach to living life and how we can be freed to love heart, mind, soul, body (strength) and socially (neighbour). This week Brett is joined by Greg Buckley as they explore the perils of mistake free living, the culture of criticism and what it means to live into a culture of grace.

Ever felt like you're living life at full stretch?  In this series, we explore what it might look like for us to live out of a place of wellbeing.  We're in Matthew's gospel drawing on the richness of Jesus' approach to living life and how we can be freed to love heart, mind, soul, body (strength) and socially (neighbour). This week Brett opens the series with a how not to stretch moment from Matthew 23.  He's joined by Health Coach and founder of Studio 35, Vania Dunn as they explore getting started with wellbeing.

We're in lockdown with Daniel as we start a new series ONLINE on ZOOM and Facebook LIVE from 5pm on Sundays. We're journeying with Daniel through the Babylon exile as faithfulness to God comes under pressure. Along the way we discover the TRUTH of living in alignment with God, the DARE of living out of time with the culture and the PROMISE of the coming Kingdom. (Preacher: Rev Melissa Powell)

We're in lockdown with Daniel as we start a new series ONLINE on ZOOM and Facebook LIVE from 5pm on Sundays.  We're journeying with Daniel through the Babylon exile as faithfulness to God comes under pressure. Along the way we discover the TRUTH of living in alignment with God, the DARE of living out of time with the culture and the PROMISE of the coming Kingdom. (Preacher: Rev Brett Jones)

We're in lockdown with Daniel as we start a new series ONLINE on ZOOM and Facebook LIVE from 5pm on Sundays. We're journeying with Daniel through the Babylon exile as faithfulness to God comes under pressure. Along the way we discover the TRUTH of living in alignment with God, the DARE of living out of time with the culture and the PROMISE of the coming Kingdom. (Preacher: Rev Brett Jones)

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is one of the greatest teaching moments in the history of humanity. A moment where Jesus turns the tables on conventional wisdom and ushers in a fresh way of being and doing life with God. A moment to pay attention, to wake up and smell the coffee.  A moment to stay WOKE. (Preacher: Rev Brett Jones)

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is one of the greatest teaching moments in the history of humanity. A moment where Jesus turns the tables on conventional wisdom and ushers in a fresh way of being and doing life with God. A moment to pay attention, to wake up and smell the coffee.  A moment to stay WOKE.

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is one of the greatest teaching moments in the history of humanity. A moment where Jesus turns the tables on conventional wisdom and ushers in a fresh way of being and doing life with God. A moment to pay attention, to wake up and smell the coffee.  A moment to stay WOKE. This week we're looking at how not to get away with murder, as Dave Pitman continues our series.

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is one of the greatest teaching moments in the history of humanity. A moment where Jesus turns the tables on conventional wisdom and ushers in a fresh way of being and doing life with God. A moment to pay attention, to wake up and smell the coffee.  A moment to stay WOKE.

What if we could experience the reality of God in the everyday? Get to know his voice, his presence, his comfort. What if we could experience some real traction in dealing with stuff in our life that we'd prefer wasn't part of who we are? We're going back to basics with Element-ary and learning to experience the Holy Spirit: Wind, Fire, Water & Oil. The elements of Element-ary. This week we encounter the Holy Spirit who is both Gift Giver and the gift that keeps on giving... (Preacher: Rev Brett Jones)

What if we could experience the reality of God in the everyday? Get to know his voice, his presence, his comfort. What if we could experience some real traction in dealing with stuff in our life that we'd prefer wasn't part of who we are? We're going back to basics with Element-ary and learning to experience the Holy Spirit: Wind, Fire, Water & Oil. The elements of Element-ary. This week Kristen explores the Spirit as transforming fire.

What if we could experience the reality of God in the everyday? Get to know his voice, his presence, his comfort. What if we could experience some real traction in dealing with stuff in our life that we'd prefer wasn't part of who we are? We're going back to basics with Element-ary and learning to experience the Holy Spirit: Wind, Fire, Water & Oil. The elements of Element-ary. This week Brett allows his flowing locks to be blown by the Wind that blows where it wants...

In this series, we're undertaking a scene examination of the Book of Acts and witnessing first hand the lives of the first Christians.  We're taking testimony from Peter, one of Jesus' closest followers, who takes the stand in 5 speeches in Acts.  As we do so, we're contemplating the possibility of moving from bystander to eye witness in our own lives with Jesus. This week Brett is putting together a line up as we canvas possible suspects in Identity Parade.

In this series, we're undertaking a scene examination of the Book of Acts and witnessing firsthand the lives of the first Christians.  We're taking testimony from Peter, one of Jesus' closest followers, who takes the stand in 5 speeches in Acts.  As we do so, we're contemplating the possibility of moving from bystander to eye witness in our own lives with Jesus.  This week Dave Pitman opens up the story of the lame beggar in Acts 3.

This is our final instalment in our series on the Beatitudes found in Matthew's gospel.  In #BLESSED we've been exploring what life lived with Jesus looks like.  Along the way we're discovering that the #BLESSED life is not always what we think.  This week Rev Brett Jones is sharing some tips from the Beatitudes for improving your #HASHTAG game.

Week two of a three week series on the Beatitudes found in Matthew's gospel.  In #BLESSED we'll be exploring what life lived with Jesus looks like.  Along the way we'll discover that the #BLESSED life is not always what we think.  This week Rev Brett Jones explores what makes for a life of bliss.

We're starting a new 3 week series tonight on the Beatitudes found in Matthew's gospel.  In #BLESSED we'll be exploring what life lived with Jesus looks like.  Along the way we'll discover that the #BLESSED life is not always what we think.  Brett kicks off tonight with #unblessed.

This week we conclude our Re:Woven series with Kristen and Brett Jones leading us through Matthew 15:1-20. Join us as we consider how to live life with the tension just right, under rule not rules.

This week in Re:Woven Brett Jones gives lessons on fighting as we explore Matthew 5:9 & Romans 12:9-21.

This week in re:woven Dave Pitman notices he's wearing his life inside out. Dave takes us on a journey through Galatians 2:11-14 and explores what it means for us to true to ourselves and accept others differences.

This week in re:woven Rev Melissa Powell leads us through James 1:19-27 as we explore what it means to listen incarnationally and discover the art of living as Intarsia.

What sank the Titanic was not the iceberg that was visible above the surface. What sank the Titanic was everything that happened below the surface.  This week in re:woven Rev Brett Jones leads us through John 4 as we go below the surface and begin Unravelling...

Ever felt a little frayed at the edges? Like who you are is coming apart and unravelling relationships with family and friends? re:woven is an 8 week series aimed at reweaving who we are across the fabric of life in all its threads. Emotional, spiritual, physical and social. In week three Rev Brett Jones & counsellor Sarah Smith explore the complicated dynamics of family relationships and the importance of understanding our histories, drawing insight from 2 Samuel 12:1-10. (This sermon was preached at cession|community on 14 Mar 2021) NB: Due to an interruption in our livestream a small segment of this recording has been edited back. As a result there are a few sudden changes in volume and sound quality.

Ever felt a little frayed at the edges? Like who you are is coming apart and unravelling relationships with family and friends? re:woven is an 8 week series aimed at reweaving who we are across the fabric of life in all its threads. Emotional, spiritual, physical and social. In week two Rev Melissa Powell unpacks Exodus 20:16 and Matthew 7:1-5 as we consider how we move past false assumptions and judgement in our relationships with others. (This sermon was preached at cession|community on 7 Mar 2021) NB: As part of this weeks sermon we talked about physical and verbal harm. If you or someone you know are a victim of family violence or in a relationship that makes you fearful for your own or anyone else's safety, please reach out for help. Everyone has a right to be safe. If you need pastoral support you can contact our pastoral team confidentially by emailing: support@cession.org.nz  We've also provided a list of other support providers on our website which you can find here.

Ever felt a little frayed at the edges? Like who you are is coming apart and unravelling relationships with family and friends? re:woven is an 8 week series aimed at reweaving who we are across the fabric of life in all its threads. Emotional, spiritual, physical and social. In week one Rev Brett Jones leads us through 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 & Matt 22: 37-40 as we explore our identity as God's unique children, woven together as one community. (This sermon was preached at cession|community on 28 Feb 2021)

They say, "it takes a village".  In this series we explore what it takes to live as a village that offers Jesus' life in all its fullness (spiritual, emotional, physical, social).  This week Rev Brett Jones asks "What do the Villagers look like?" (This sermon was preached at cession|community on 21 February 2021)

They say, "it takes a village".  In this series we explore what it takes to live as a village that offers Jesus' life in all its fullness (spiritual, emotional, physical, social).  This week Rev Brett Jones asks "What does the Village look like?" (This sermon was preached at cession|community on 14th February 2021)