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 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.

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