This week we’re approaching the end of our game of Guess Who through the first half of Mark’s Gospel. We’ve been rediscovering the identity of Jesus the Messiah through his various encounters with the “clean” and “unclean” people of Galilee and its neighbouring regions, allowing his words and behaviour to reorient us in […]

For those who missed it, on Sunday we shared the bittersweet news that our wonderful Associate Pastor Margaret will be retiring from her role at Papanui Baptist as of October 28th. Margaret shared briefly about her journey toward this decision over the last few years, and about what’s next for her and Philip—a well-earned summer […]

It all boils down to three things: First, there is the Trinity and the great dance of life and glory shared by the Father, Son and Spirit; second, there is the incarnation as the act of the Father, Son and Spirit reaching down, extending the circle, their great dance of life to us; third, there […]

  We’re just loving spending these weeks in the First Letter of John. Have you noticed how many times he reminds us of God’s love? On Sunday we heard that God is love, and that because of the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ—the God-man—we are included in the love of the […]

Grow Nights are back for Term 2! Same as last year, we’re offering short courses that run simultaneously on a Tuesday night at church, 7:30-9:00pm (with tea and coffee available from 7:00pm). Courses start May 15th (next Tuesday) and run for six weeks (unless planned otherwise) until June 19th. Why not think about getting your Neighbourhood or Ngage Group along to one together? […]

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7 This Sunday the young adults who lead Y@P will be running the service and shall be inviting youth to testify to Jesus’ redemptive work in their lives. G-Reps and kids church will also be staying in the service. This […]

  This Sunday we have the fourth and final instalment of our annual Prayer & Self-Denial series. This one’s coming from Duane Major, a pastor at South West Baptist Church (also known for helping New Zealand to buy a beach!). Duane’s been instrumental in SWBC’s move toward neighbourhood communities, so it will be hugely valuable […]

  A couple of weeks ago I (Elliot) attended South West Baptist Church’s “Neighbourhood Hui”, along with Jo, Philip, and Susan from PBC, and about 250 people from various South West neighbourhoods. We went to observe, learn, and listen to what God’s doing among that church community, with a view to what God’s doing among […]

It takes time for water to fully boil. It doesn’t just happen suddenly. It starts with a bit of steam; tiny bubbles begin to form…. It starts boiling from the bottom up, building momentum… Before you know it, the water rages with a force that can lift lids and spill out of the vessel from […]

    This week marks the first of our church-wide Neighbourhood Grow Nights! Over the next six weeks (and beyond), we’re encouraging you to connect with the people in your block and suburb, meeting with those who also come to Papanui Baptist, and with those who don’t. We Rices are having a BBQ with the […]

Firstly, Happy Valentine’s Day! But, perhaps more importantly, today is Ash Wednesday—the first day of Lent. This is the forty-weekday season of preparation and discipline, during which we remember the sacrificial life and ministry of Jesus leading to the cross. Now is the time for us to renew our commitment to costly Christian discipleship! At […]

  On Sunday, we encouraged you all to be praying for wisdom for our politicians as they respond to David Seymour’s End of Life Choice Bill (i.e., Euthanasia Bill – http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2017/0269/latest/DLM7285905.html) in the coming weeks and months. We also recommended making a submission to the Justice Select Committee (submissions can be made until February 20th here: https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/sc/make-a-submission/document/52SCJU_SCF_BILL_74307/end-of-life-choice-bill). This Bill […]

  Kia ora whanau! As most of you know, Sarah and I both work part-time at Papanui Baptist (24hrs per week), which allows us both to engage in further studies on our ‘off’ days (when we get them!). I’m very happy to update that yesterday I submitted my thesis, which I’ve been working on part-time […]

What’s God stirring up for Papanui Baptist? How is the Holy Spirit moving in our lives and neighbourhoods? How can we be light on our feet, ready to do the Father’s will? Across Christchurch, and throughout NZ, there are churches who are prayerfully asking where God is leading them. What is bubbling out is a […]