St Thomas' Anglican Church, Moonee Ponds

07/06/2026

Mercy for a bleeding Earth.

What does the healing of a bleeding woman and a dead girl have to do with caring for our planet? More than you might think.

In this episode, we dive into Matthew 9:9–13 and 9:18–26 – a passage where Jesus declares, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” On the surface, these verses are about outcasts being restored to community. But when we listen with World Environment Day in mind, a surprising connection emerges.

We explore a simple but profound idea: the natural world is given to us for the fulfillment of our sustenance and need, not as a commodity to be used up. It keeps us connected to God.

From that starting point, we ask:

- How does treating creation as a “sacrifice” damage our own souls?
- What would it mean to offer the earth mercy instead of exploitation?
- Why your home environment – your room, your yard, your local stream – is actually liturgical space that shapes your relationship with God.

Using the vivid images of the bleeding woman touching Jesus’ cloak and the dead girl being raised, we reframe environmental care as an act of restoration, not guilt.

Whether you’re passionate about creation care or feel overwhelmed by the scale of environmental problems, this episode offers a gentle, spiritually grounded way forward.

No politics. No shame. Just a call to touch the “fringe” of God’s presence – starting right where you live.

Link to the podcast his here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468662/episodes/19306044

“She touched the fringe of his cloak – and was healed. Perhaps the earth is that fringe.” 🌏🍃🌱

What does the healing of a bleeding woman and a dead girl have to do with caring for our planet? More than you might think.In this episode, we dive into Matthew 9:9–13 and 9:18–26 – a passage where Jesus declares, “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” ...

05/06/2026

This Sunday! See you there!! 🪴🌏🍃

31/05/2026

All In - Trinity Sunday and Reconciliation Week.

What does it mean to go “All In” – with God, and with the First Peoples of this land?

This Trinity Sunday, we sit at a holy intersection. The church celebrates the God who is community – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and Reconciliation Week calls us to total commitment, not half-hearted gestures.

In this episode, we walk through three powerful scriptures:

- Exodus 34 – The God who cuts new tablets and stays faithful, even after we break covenant.

- Matthew 28 – The risen Jesus with all authority, sending us to all nations with his enduring presence.

- 2 Corinthians 13 – The Spirit’s koinonia (fellowship) that draws us into a dance of mutual giving.

Together, these readings reveal a Triune God who is utterly “All In” – and an invitation for the church to follow suit. No holding back. No Sunday-only faith. Just a deep, covenant-shaped walk with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, grounded in truth, presence, and hope.
Whether you’re preaching, praying, or simply listening for a fresh word, this episode offers biblical depth, practical reflection, and a closing prayer to send you out.

🎧 Click the link – and come all in to listen.

What does it mean to go “All In” – with God, and with the First Peoples of this land?This Trinity Sunday, we sit at a holy intersection. The church celebrates the God who is community – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – and Reconciliation Week calls ...

24/05/2026

From Natural Capacity to Supernatural Testimony - Pentecost + Volunteer Sunday

What if the Holy Spirit isn’t primarily interested in making you a better volunteer? What if the real Pentecost moment is when your natural ability gets overtaken by supernatural testimony?

This week on the podcast, we explore a powerful convergence: Pentecost Sunday and Volunteer Sunday. Drawing from Numbers 11:24–30, Acts 2:1–12, and John 20:19–23, we unpack a critical transition:

- Natural capacity = good people doing good things with their own gifts, energy, and training.

- Supernatural testimony = disciples releasing the kingdom of God through the Spirit’s unexpected, uncontainable presence.

You’ll hear how Moses wished for all God’s people to prophesy (even the ones who stayed in the camp), how the first Pentecost turned a language barrier into a witness of “God’s deeds of power,” and how the risen Jesus breathed the Spirit into fearful disciples – not to make them nicer, but to send them as the Father sent Him.

Whether you serve on a roster, lead a ministry, or are just trying to figure out where you belong, this episode will challenge you to stop asking “Can I do this task?” and start asking “Is God’s reign becoming visible through me?”
Listen in as we move from natural capacity to supernatural testimony – because the Spirit doesn’t fill resumes. The Spirit fills witnesses.

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468662/episodes/19228123-from-natural-capacity-to-supernatural-testimony-pentecost-volunteer-sunday.mp3?download=true

As well as this, we also did the reading from Acts in a number of languages including Croatian, Bazaar, Spanish, Cantonese, Italian and Mandarin.

Listen in to hear the reading in the languages of the world.
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468662/episodes/19228128-reading-from-acts-2-1-21-in-languages-as-well-as-english.mp3?download=true

23/05/2026

Last Sunday, we enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea hosted by the CWA, filled with wonderful conversation, delicious treats, and warm fellowship.

It was such a joy to gather together as a community and spend time catching up over tea, coffee, and home-baked goodies. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped prepare, serve, and attend - your generosity and hospitality made the afternoon so special.

We are so grateful for opportunities like these to connect, share, and strengthen our church community. 💛

22/05/2026

17/05/2026

Sent into hard places serving like Jesus.

You don’t need a pulpit to release the kingdom – just a kettle, a kind ear, and a willingness to go to the hard places.

We unpack two powerful scriptures from our lectionary today:

John 17 – Jesus prays for you before you’re sent into drought, isolation, or a neighbour’s crisis.
1 Peter 5 – The practical how‑to: lead like a shepherd, cast your anxiety, and find joy again.

We particularly kept the CWA members in our thoughts, but this is for all people connecting with others in the hard places, and anyone who’s ever felt tired from caring. Pour a tea, press play and put your feet up for a little while. ☕

Link to use

You don’t need a pulpit to release the kingdom – just a kettle, a kind ear, and a willingness to go to the hard places. We unpack two powerful scriptures from our lectionary today:John 17 – Jesus prays for you before you’re sent into drought, isol...

11/05/2026

The "Son-Flower" Craft 🌻

A beautiful creation from the Kids for Christ program on Sunday, run by the wonderful Kate, who shares with us these sweet words: Just like a sunflower follows the sun throughout the day to get the light it needs to grow, our mums and guardians help us follow Jesus, the Son of God. These petals represent all the ways they help us grow healthy, happy, strong, kind and faithful.

10/05/2026

Today was such a beautiful celebration of faith, commitment, and community.

A special day for Darren and Violet as they were confirmed, and for Ed and Jeff as they were received into the Anglican Church. We were so blessed to share in this milestone together, led by Bishop Alison and Rev Rob with such warmth and grace.

Moments like these are such a reminder of the beauty of belonging to a church family that journeys, prays, and grows together. ✨

10/05/2026

Today we had another busy day at St Thomas.

At the 8am service Rev. Rob spoke about what it takes for us to dwell in God just as God dwells in us.

Tune in here:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468662/episodes/19151383

At the 10am service of Confirmation and Reception, Bishop Alison preached to our community. She spoke about our desire and longing of satisfactory spiritual fulfillment. She spoke about being in a culture that offers us a lot of stimulation yet fails to satisfactorily fulfil the deeper desire for meaning. Jesus offers that meaning in times that are going well as well as our challenging.

Have a listen!
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2468662/episodes/19151402

We prepare now for our service of thanksgiving for the CWA Mitchell Group and ask you to join us.

Bishop Alison spoke at out 10am service today about our desire  and longing to be with God. She spoke about being in a culture that offers us a lot of stimulation, yet fails to satisfactorily fulfil the deeper desire for meaning. Jesus offers...