Our Message
We offer a range of resources including programmes and messages designed to help you on your spiritual journey.
Sunday Messages
We offer our messages from recent weeks’ services in numerous ways. You can:
- Come along and hear them live at a church service.
- Read them as a written resource.
- Download as an MP3 to listen to later.
- Find all our Video Messages here
Recent Messages
Happy Mother’s Day
Kia ora koutou, warm greetings, and ngā mihi nui This is the period in the Church calendar when we remember the 40 [...]
Contentment in a World of Distractions
Kia ora koutou, warm greetings, and ngā mihi nui Well, I don’t know about you, but have you ever been watching a [...]
Walking in the Light of Resurrection and Remembrance
Kia ora koutou, and warm greetings church family Last Sunday, we celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and signified this new life by [...]
Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Kia ora koutou, warm greetings, and ngā mihi nui – it’s Passion week! Last week we celebrated Palm Sunday, a wonderful time [...]
Palm Sunday: Welcoming the King of Peace
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. This Sunday is Palm Sunday, known in Scripture as Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. It is [...]
Veranda Posts and Persevering
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. It’s been an inspiring week, starting last Saturday with our second workshop with the elders and [...]
Celebrating Grandparents, Sharing Stories, and Fellowship in Action
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. This week, four of our grandchildren celebrated Grandparents’ Day at their schools in Auckland. Felicity attended [...]
Growing in Knowledge and Faith
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. This week, I had the privilege of attending a Residential Course on Coaching for Church Leaders [...]
Embracing God’s Peace: Strength for Every Season
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Last Sunday, we were blessed to hear many testimonies of answered prayers. What a joy to [...]
Embracing the Season of Lent
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. This week marks the beginning of Lent (Wednesday, 5 March). My children used to remind me [...]
Reflecting on Life’s Rhythms and Seeking God’s Presence
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. This week, my rhythm has largely revolved around meetings—one in Matamata with Kaimai Presbytery, one at [...]
Embracing New Beginnings: Reflections on Orientation Week and the Journey Ahead
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. This week is Orientation Week for the University. The city has welcomed a few more visitors [...]
Gratitude and Reflection: A Journey of Healing and Spiritual Insight
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Over the past two weeks, I have undergone cataract surgeries on both eyes, with my left [...]
Honouring Waitangi Day: A Reflection on Partnership, Faith, and Justice
How was your Waitangi Day yesterday? Did you join in with one of the many ceremonies or have a relaxing day with family and friends.
The News Never Stops
I hope you all enjoyed the Anniversary Weekend holiday on Monday. Felicity and I took advantage of the beautiful weather, going for a bike ride along the Marine Parade pathway, followed by a refreshing swim. It was wonderful to see so many families making the most of the beach and all the activities along the foreshore.
God has big plans for us this year!
Welcome to our first pastoral message of 2025. I hope you’re all enjoying the summer break. Felicity and I had a lovely time in Auckland visiting our children and grandchildren. We came back last week feeling refreshed. Thank you for your prayers—they mean a lot to us.
Advent Season | AROHA – LOVE
The fourth Sunday of Advent is all about Aroha – Love, symbolized by the Angel Candle. Of the four candles (Hope, Peace, Joy, Love), this one reminds us of the heart of the Christmas story—God’s incredible love for the world.
Advent Season | JOY
The third Sunday of Advent is Joy. I invite us to reflect on the joy we have access to because of our faith in Jesus. The bible says the “the joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Here Nehemiah exhorts the people of Israel to celebrate and rejoice in the Lord, for it is through His joy that they find strength.
What Is Advent Season?
As you travelled to church on Sunday morning, I hope you noticed the two signs on our front fence and lawn signalling the beginning of Advent season. So, what is Advent season?
Gratitude For Our Volunteers
Today I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for our dedicated volunteers at St. Peter's. Your efforts enable us to enjoy our church community every week and reflect the wonderful vision of our founders.
Good Deeds
A huge, big thank you to our church family at St Peters for welcoming the ethnic community to our combined church service last Sunday. With over 400 attendees, it took all of us working together to make the event a success.
Being Considerate in Our Daily Actions
The bible talks about the race we run daily as children of God. The Apostle Paul tells us that a race has been set before us (Hebrew 12:1), and he instructs us to run in such a way as to obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). Our race begins when we declare with our mouths that “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).
God’s Creation on Display
The journey from Bethlehem to church is such a gift from God. Riding along the waterfront, with Mt Maunganui in view and the energy from runners, walkers, bikers, birds, and the morning traffic all around, made for a refreshing start to the day. Truly, this is God’s creation on display.
Supporting One Another
In New Zealand, Labour Day is a time to recognize the contributions of workers and the importance of fair labour practices reflecting principles found in the Bible. It’s a great reminder of our call to support one another in our work and communities.
Unwavering Dedication
Since arriving in Tauranga, I have had the privilege of meeting with a dedicated group of church and community leaders every Thursday morning to pray for the welfare of our city. This group, which has gathered for over 20 years, is committed to interceding for the wellbeing of our community and seeking wisdom for our city leaders. Their faithfulness and resilience inspire me, and I give thanks to God for their unwavering dedication.
Quality Time
School holidays are such a great opportunity for catching up and spending quality time with loved ones.
Making the Most of our Abilities
This week, the Paralympics opened with a message of inclusion and positivity. Around 4,400 athletes are taking part in the events, including 25 Kiwis. The Paralympics is about human resilience and the determination of athletes who overcome various challenges to compete at such a high level. This caused me to reflect on how we make the most of our abilities and blessings, and the importance of using them wisely.
The Provision of God
Coming up on Sunday 15 September is our Annual General Meeting. Reports are being prepared by various people and groups to reflect our activities from last year. These reports reveal the provision of God and His goodness to us and are testimonies to show His mercies are new every morning and His steadfast love never fails.
The Culture of Hospitality
The Olympics are over, and the New Zealand team came home with a record 20 medals, what an amazing effort! I wonder what the standout for you was. For me, it was the joy on the faces of the competitors whether they gained a medal or not that was so apparent. They were just so thrilled to be there and compete.
He Welcomes Us
Watching the highs and low of champion athletes in the Olympic games is a learning moment for me. I watch the reactions of the athletes and their supporters, I listen to the commentators analysis and of course observe my own feelings and emotion.
Be Encouraged
The bible talks about the race we run daily as children of God. The Apostle Paul tells us that a race has been set before us (Hebrew 12:1), and he instructs us to run in such a way as to obtain the prize (1 Corinthians 9:24). Our race begins when we declare with our mouths that “Jesus is Lord” and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9).
Cultural Identity With God
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.
Serve In Love For A Blessed Future
Last Sunday night I was invited to open the start of the Samoan Language Week in Auckland. This week's theme "Tuatua i le alofa, manuia le lumana'i" meaning "Serve in love for a blessed future".
We Make Plans, But God’s Plan Stands
We make many plans, but ultimately God's plan stands firm.
The Significance of Pentecost
This Sunday of Pentecost. It was the day when the disciples were together in Jerusalem. A sound like a mighty wind, filled...
Celebrating Mothers Day
This Sunday we celebrate the mothers who gave us life. I only managed to have 15 years with my mother before we came to New Zealand.
Empowered by the Holy Spirit
This week is the last week of the 40 days Jesus remained on earth since coming to life on Easter Sunday.
ANZAC Day – Lest We Forget
This week we remember ANZAC. Following are several reflections to help you in your remembrance.
Denial & Restoration
This week I have been thinking about disapointment as I prepare for this week's sermon titled "Denial & Restore". This is based around Peter the Disciple, who though he denied Jesus, is later restored and called "the rock upon which I will build my church".
Jesus Is Raised From the Dead
Acts :1-3 tells us it was a period of 40 days in which we find the disciple's dissapointment and grief was short-lived as Jesus appears to them in person.
Easter Sunday
Can hope be found in seemingly hopeless circumstances? Is it possible to find good in the darkness we face? Here are three ways Good Friday gives us hope regardless of what we’re facing.
Palm Sunday
“Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna, Hosanna!” Psalm 118:26. That is the chanting and adoration of the followers of Jesus this Sunday known as “Palm Sunday”.
Harvesting
When Felicity and I first moved down here we were amazed at the wonderful fruit and vegetable provisions of Tauranga Moana. The place has an abundance of orchards and gardens not found up in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, so it was wonderful yesterday to bring this aspect before the Lord in prayer.
The Lords Prayer
Today Friday March 7th marks the end of the coalition Government’s first 100 days in power. So how did they do? That’s a big question and many of us will have differing opinions. Some good some bad. But this made me think about my last 100 days walking with the Lord.
Meeting Together
What a wonderful blessing it was to have Iconz and the Boys Brigade as part of our service last week. I appreciated the involvement of the church family in all facets of our church worship ranging from singing, reading scriptures, short testimonies, praying for people in leadership, celebrating communion followed by fellowship over a meal.
Navigating the Unknown
On Wednesday, we heard of the sad passing of a Pacific member of parliament, Fa’anana Efeso Collins. He is my eldest daughter Sara’s, brother-in-law (her husband Ralph is the brother of Efeso’s wife Vasa Fia). I received the call very early from Latafale and her words were “Dad have you heard?” my initial reaction was shock and disbelief.
Above All
From the worlds point of view, it’s St Valentine’s Day, the day romantic love is expressed with affection, greetings and gifts to our dear ones. Historians offer origins, from both Christian and ancient roman traditions.
Period of Reflection
On Waitangi day I watched the live broadcast of the dawn service up at Waitangi and what a blessing. I was moved by the stories shared by those whose whanau were possibly eyewitnesses to the signing of the Treaty and the deep spiritual connection surrounding the Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Psalmist Reflection
I hope you all had a refreshing anniversary weekend. It was certainly very busy here in Tauranga with concerts, festivities at the mount with events like the surf lifesaving competitions and tourist cruise ships docking.
Change of Season
Kia ora koutou, greetings church family. Since the last pastoral message, we have elected a new party to form a government, Chris [...]
Light Amidst Chaos
Kia ora koutou, greetings church family. As I write this pastoral message my mind and heart are seeking the Holy Spirit to [...]
The True Election
Kia ora koutou, greetings church family. For the last three months our environment has been populated with photos in large frames of [...]
Running The Race
Kia ora koutou, greetings church family. It’s certainly been an exciting sports weekend in both the rugby and rugby [...]
Encouraging Bold Faith Within
Kia ora koutou, greetings church family. Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, or Māori Language Week, is a language for all New [...]
The Gospel Is Our Narrative Of Hope
Malo e lelei. It’s Tongan language week so Malo e lava mai greetings church family. Goodbye winter and welcome spring. “New Zealand [...]
Jesus Is The Same Wherever We Are
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. The other day I was listening to a conversation by a group of people about ‘what [...]
The Place We As Christians Call Our Spiritual Home
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Those of you interested in sport will know that in the last few months the country [...]
Sharing Faith With Those Around You
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Last week my wife Felicity and I and my sister-in-law Jennifer went for a walk to [...]
Fellowship 21st Century
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Fellowship is so important, and it was great to have another small group hosting our luncheon [...]
Guidance Of The Holy Spirit In Our Daily Lives
Tena koutou, greetings and a special kia orana for Cook Islands language week. This week we had our house inspection for the [...]
For The Lord is Good and His Love Endures Forever
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Last Sunday morning was a wonderful intergenerational celebration of families! Five families committed themselves to the [...]
Living Out Christ
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Last week we all experienced the new public Matariki holiday, and it was interesting to see [...]
Matariki Together This Year
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. What a wonderful family service we had last week, great fellowship culminating in lunch after church. [...]
My independence is my dependence on the Lord
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. It was lovely to see many of our new church family become full members of St [...]
Pay attention to our condition
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. As an avid sports follower, last week was the pinnacle of the Super Rugby Pacific championship [...]
Ready on the spot
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Yesterday Felicity and I visited some friends in Omokoroa and then took the ferry across to [...]
Friends sharpen Friends
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. While praying about the pastoral message for this week the words that came to mind were: [...]
The Ebenezer stone
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. What a rainy wet King’s Birthday weekend we had. The sun was barely seen and the [...]
Practise Fellowship often
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. I love the fellowship and social gathering we have following the church service on Sunday morning. [...]
Honour Jesus in my life
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. I woke up this morning talking to Jesus about my day. I started by asking the [...]
Risen and Ascended
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. As I look out at the blue sky and sun streaming into my study it is [...]
The 40 Days to Pentecost
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. What a wonderful week of celebrations and blessings we witnessed last week. Praise the Lord! A [...]
Let the Children come
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Last week Felicity and I had four of our 10 grandchildren from Auckland to stay for [...]
What happened after the Resurrection?
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Happy Easter! The Lord has risen. On Sunday our church family celebrated this very statement, with [...]
Passion Week
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. What a wonderful Palm Sunday church service last week. It was great to see everyone waving [...]
Jesus a model for Prayer
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. As we continue our journey into the fifth week of Lent (started on 22/2 Ash Wednesday [...]
Dig a little deeper
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. We are now in our fourth week of lent leading up to Easter and my encouragement [...]
God is Just and Upright
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. We are now in our third week of lent leading up to Easter and my encouragement for [...]
Lent Bible Reading Plan
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Recently I spoke to a friend who has been a Minister for a decade about Lent [...]
What is Lent?
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. Well what a week this has been! As I write this the sun is shining over [...]
How do we Strengthen our Faith?
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. This week I have been dwelling on faith building and how we strengthen our faith. Hebrew [...]
Proceed to the Route
Tena koutou, and greetings church family. My encouragement for you this week is based on 1 John 4. “Proceed to the Route” [...]
Happy New Year
As I write this first edition of my Pastoral Message for 2023, I am reminded of how great is our God and His love that endures forever (1 Chronicles 16:34).
Christmas Blessings and a Happy New Year
Christmas blessings and Happy New Year to all our church members. What a blessed and hope filled time of the year Christmas is as we remember how God sent his son Jesus to save us and give us eternal life.
Giving Thanks
As we celebrate God’s greatest gift to the world we remember His blessings to us during the year. Felicity and I want to thank St Peters congregation for welcoming us to the St Peters church family.
What Is the Candle of Love?
What Is the Candle of LOVE? The love candle also known as the Angel candle, represents purity. Here are some scriptures to meditate on as we come to the end of Advent season: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
What Is the Candle of Joy?
The joy candle is also known as the Shepherd’s Candle, to highlight the joy the shepherds experienced when they received the good news about Christ’s birth (Luke 2:8-20). They received the joy that comes through Jesus’ arrival, and through the salvation he has gifted us. Philippians 4:4-5 captures the JOY that is gifted to us for his glory in sharing the Good News with our neighbours.
What Is the Candle of Peace?
How did you get on with your wreath and candle organisation? It is not too late to join in. Start this week with the second candle of PEACE. Join with the rest of the church family and take part.
Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and Light (Christ Jesus)
We will celebrate the four Sundays with three activities. Felicity and I invite you and your family and friends to journey with us together in this season of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love and Light (Christ Jesus).
