SUNDAY SERVICES

We meet for worship on Sundays at 10am. Services run for about an hour – a little longer when celebrating the Lord’s Supper (usually first Sunday each month).

Liturgy: There is a conscious though simple liturgy, especially for the Lord’s Supper, with opportunity for silence and reflection. Prayers are generally  prepared and thoughtful, rather than ad hoc. Members of the congregation are involved and make a contribution.

Sermons: generally work through one book of the Bible over a period of time. They seek to reflect on the text from fresh perspectives, aware of the literary and historical context of the passage and the insight provided from both modern disciplines such as psychology and the Church’s long traditions. Literalist understanding is challenged. Often there is a recognition of conflicting interpretations relating to and paradox contained in various passages of scripture. Such wrestling with scripture, doubts and inability to always provide certainty,  is accepted as a mark of faith rather than lack thereof. Nonetheless, such an approach can be life-giving in contrast to the dead hand of narrow fundamentalism. Women are occasionally guest preachers.

New sermon series: Hear how recent theological insights reveal the true purpose of St Paul's letter to the Romans. Life changing. Challenging. Relevant.

Music: The accompaniment for our singing is usually organ, piano and flute. Sometimes acoustic guitar and children with simple percussion instruments assist.
The choice of music is eclectic with hymns and songs – including simple modern Taize and Iona songs, contemporary popular songs and older hymns.

Sunday School: Children are important people at SIBC. They make an age appropriate contribution to the Sunday service and enjoy ‘Kidzone’ during the sermon where committed and gifted adults (including the pastor, who occasionally spends time with them while others preach) help them learn Bible Stories with fun activities.

We enjoy a pleasant morning tea (with real coffee!) after the service.