Shows / St John's Canberra Talks
St John's Canberra Talks
St John's is the oldest church in Canberra, Australia. These are our Sunday sermons and occasional seminars. Come meet us in person! www.stjohnscanberra.org .
Episodes
- St John's Canberra Talks
Reality is Personal (Matthew 22:34-46)
In Matthew 22, Jesus asks the question that changes the mood, and turns a discussion about an issue into a verdict about a person. (Rev'd Dave McLennan).
- St John's Canberra Talks
A life of false choices (1 Th. 1:1–10; Mt. 22.15–33)
Reverend Dave asks what our loyalties obscure—and how Jesus might lead us into a fuller way of seeing God, our neighbours and the world.
- St John's Canberra Talks
When relationships are breaking (Exodus 32.1-14; Philippians 4.1-9; Matthew 22.1-14)
Some surprising things to try when you're in a strained relationship (Rev'd Dr Andrew)
- St John's Canberra Talks
How Christians travel (Ex. 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Phil. 3:4b-14; Matt. 21:33-46)
Dr Amy Erickson looks into a Christian's obedience, and makes some unexpected discoveries.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Emma Brinkley interviews Rev'd Andrew about St John's Fair!
... broadcast on ABC Radio 666 Saturday Breakfast ...
- St John's Canberra Talks
How to be a star (Philippians 2:1–15; Matthew 21.23-32)
Jesus flips the usual way of being human, and in doing so, shows who are the real stars. (Rev'd Andrew)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Occasional Seminar (17/7/25): Fighting Fair
Rev'd Dr Andrew summarises some input about churches and conflict that he and Rev'd Dave heard at a conference. This seminar was presented at St John's on 17th…
- St John's Canberra Talks
Destabilising Grace (Exodus 16.2-15; Psalm 105.1-6, 37-45; Matthew 20.1-16)
Living in a world where you cannot lose, is harder than it sounds. Rev’d Dave points us to the infinite generosity we easily miss.
- St John's Canberra Talks
When judgment goes toxic (and what to do instead) (Romans 14.1-14; Matthew 18.21-35)
Rev'd Dr Andrew on how rubbish it was to be judged, and how good it will be to be judged.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Dementia and the Memory of God (Romans 13:9-10)
Visiting preacher, Rev'd Mark Wormall, has written and taught on the subject of spiritual care for those living with dementia. He completed his time with us…
- St John's Canberra Talks
Occasional Seminar: Dementia and faith
Rev'd Mark Wormell takes us into how faith works for people living with dementia, and some great accounts of people coming to faith in dementia.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Occasional Seminar: Dementia—what it is, and is not
Rev'd Mark Wormell guides us into more familiarity with what's happening for people who live with dementia—and busts some falsities about the condition.
- St John's Canberra Talks
A Song for May Hayman (Zephaniah 3.14-20; Romans 8.33-39; John 12.20-32)
Rev'd Andrew reflects on what (who) drove the murderers of the New Guinea Martyrs; but what (who) May Hayman seemed already to know.
- St John's Canberra Talks
The only good reason to be Anglican (or any other denomination) (Matthew 16.13-20)
Rev'd Dave explains how Anglicanism is like an obscure last-century radio station. And the only thing that can make that OK.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Something lovely that we really need (Genesis 45.1-15; Psalm 133; Romans 11.13-32; Matthew 15.21-28)
What do Joseph's brothers, Aaron's beard, ancient prejudices, a 'pagan' Greek woman, modern families, and a current Royal Commission all have in common? (Rev'd…
- St John's Canberra Talks
Jesus immediately reached out, and caught him. (Genesis 37.1-4; 37.12-28; Romans 10.4-15; Matthew 14.22-36)
On One who know how to catch the falling. (Rev'd Dr Andrew)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Fighting with Jesus (Gen. 32:22–31; Rom. 9:1–8; Matt. 14:13–21)
Rev'd Dave looks at the Bible's most famous struggle, and what it means for us.
- St John's Canberra Talks
What's God doing, in God-time? (Genesis 29:15-28; Romans 8:26-39)
What has God been doing in your life—especially when your life feels like it's not going so well? ... Rev'd Dave, with a detour via Jacob's gnarly lifestyle ...
- St John's Canberra Talks
Occasional Seminar: Dr Cathy Evans on mental health and Christian faith
Dr Cathy Evans is a Christian mental health practitioner. She gives some great insights into mental health, its challenges, and what it all might mean to…
- St John's Canberra Talks
Some good help in knowing yourself (Psalm 139; Romans 8.12-25; Matthew 13.24-43)
What to so when you're filled with rage? unclear on your identity? unaware of your blindspots? (Rev'd Dr Andrew)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Some help for your 'flesh' (Isaiah 55.10-13; Romans 8.1-11; Matthew 13.1-9; 13.18-23)
You live in it—in all its thoughts, feelings, desires. What does it take, to live in it well? (Rev'd Dr Andrew)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Enfolded into genius ... for people who are the opposite (Zechariah 9.9-12; Romans 7.14-25; Matthew 11.15-30)
What if I'm just not very good at faith? Who will help me? (Rev'd Dr Andrew) The band mentioned was Four80East.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Abraham, Isaac and the Transformation of Sacrifice (Genesis 22.1-14; Matthew 10.40-42)
Is there no limit to what God might ask of us? This ancient story has troubled readers for centuries – but maybe we have been noticing the wrong things. (Rev’d…
- St John's Canberra Talks
What will we become? (Luke 1.57-66, 1.80; Isaiah 49.1-6; Psalm 139.1-11)
Living between God's promises and tomorrow's unknowns. Rev'd Dave
- St John's Canberra Talks
Which 'spiritual equation' are you? (Genesis 18.1-15; Romans 5.1-11)
There's a 'spiritual equation' everyone often thinks is true, and another one. Which one do you buy into? (Rev'd Dr Andrew) ... and NOTE that the Psalm…
- St John's Canberra Talks
How to get straightened out (Genesis 12.1-9; Matthew 9.9-13, 18-26)
Faith is not some high-risk venture. It's about going straight—with Someone merciful and kind doing the straightening. (Dr Winifred Lamb)
- St John's Canberra Talks
God's favour for all
Dr Harold Koch reflects on God's generous love: for Abraham, for Matthew, and for you. (Genesis 12:1-9; Matthew 9: 9-13)
- St John's Canberra Talks
The Trinity: Journey into infinite wonder (Exodus 34:1-8; Matthew 28:16-20)
A mountaintop experience leads us into a journey of endless mystery, love and mission. (Rev'd Dave)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Ministry among the powers (23 May 2026)
A sermon preached by Rev'd David McLennan at the induction of Rev'd Andrew Robinson of Good Shepherd Anglican Parish (Curtin, ACT).
- St John's Canberra Talks
Pentecost - The Wind that Bends and Breaks
Rev'd David Campbell, formerly of St Andrew's Presbyterian Church, confronts us with a force that cannot be contained (Acts 2:1-21)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Ascension: Jesus' ascension and the elevation of humanity (1 Peter 5; John 17)
If Jesus is Lord of all, what power can we access? (Rev'd Dave McLennan)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Sabbath Gospel: a book for our time
Rev'd Andrew's launch of Sabbath Gospel: A New Narrative of Time, Rest, and the Work of the Church, by Amy Erickson and Gregory Wagenfuhr. Get it here.
- St John's Canberra Talks
To find what you can't see, and don't know ... (Acts 17:22-31; 1 Peter 3:8-22; John 14:15-21)
What's the path forward, out of one of Jesus' harshest utterances? (Rev'd Dr Andrew.) Try out the Sacred Space app, mentioned in the sermon.
- St John's Canberra Talks
How to handle authority (and yourself) (Acts 17:22–31; 1 Peter 3:8–22)
Rev'd Dave looks at the complex relationship we have with authority—and some 'lusts' you don't expect.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Lost is unfashionable. But here's how to be found. (Acts 2:42–47; Ps. 23; 1 Pet. 2:1–10; John 10:1–10)
Rev'd Andrew looks at why we find it so hard to believe in lostness; but why you might; and what 'found' looks like.
- St John's Canberra Talks
On walking with the One you'll never control (Acts 2:14a, 36–41; 1 Peter 1:13–25; Luke 24:13–35)
Rev'd Dave looks at why it is that Christ comes in and out of our awareness, and what that means about Him.
- St John's Canberra Talks
How was your week? (John 20:19–31; 1 Pet. 1:1–12)
Thomas had a rubbish week. How was yours. (Rev'd Dr Andrew)
- St John's Canberra Talks
'Intellect' Wagga: Civility in a Polarised Age
Can we get back to being 'civil'? Rev'd Andrew's talk to the 'intellect' program at St Martin's College, Charles Sturt University, Wagga. For slides and other…
- St John's Canberra Talks
Easter Day: The Collision (Matt. 28:1–10)
Four big clues about something world-shattering ... (Rev'd Dave)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Good Friday: On humanity (Isa. 52:13–53:12; Ps. 22; 1 Cor. 1:18–31; Jn 18:1–19:42)
What are we going to need today, after hearing about humanity? (Rev'd Dr Andrew)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Maundy Thursday: Meet Judas Iscariot (Jn 13:1–35)
I've been misunderstood, you know. You should get to know me, and what I thought about this oddball, Jesus. (Rev'd Dave)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Palm Sunday: The Paradoxical Jesus (Matthew 21, 27 and Philippians 2)
Jesus enters Jerusalem in triumph, and then dies with his dreams in ruins. Or does he? How do we make sense of the contradictions in the final week of Jesus'…
- St John's Canberra Talks
Lent 5: What are you made of? (Ezekiel 37.1-14; Romans 8.6-11; John 11.1-45)
Rev'd Andrew looks at the mechanistic naturalist, and the Blue Oasis, theories of being human; and how wind and Spirit and breath go much, much deeper into who…
- St John's Canberra Talks
Lent 4: How to be light (Ephesians 5:18-14; John 9:1-41)
Rev'd Andrew looks at how you and I might become a light on the dark things hidden in plain sight ...
- St John's Canberra Talks
Lent 4: Learning to see what God sees (1 Sam. 16:1-13; Eph. 5:8-14; John 9:1-45)
Dr Harold offers us a new lifelong project, to do with what we see.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Friends of SJ's ... An Accidental Detour: 22 years in theological education (Acts 17.10-12; John 16.7-15)
Rev'd Andrew talks about what theological education is, what put him there, why he likes it--and why you should do some too!
- St John's Canberra Talks
Lent 4: A blind man shows us what to see (Eph. 5:8-14; John 9:1-45)
Dr Winifred points to what we've missed and haven't seen, after Jesus met a man who was blind.
- St John's Canberra Talks
City Legal breakfast: The Surprising Secret(s) of Self-Mastery
Rev'd Dave responds to some of the conceits surrounding our power to 'master' ourselves, with the gospel's different and revolutionary approach.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Lent 3: The water we need (Romans 5.1–11; John 4.5–42)
What, exactly, was Jesus' living water? And how, exactly, did he turn her life around? And what are our longings for a partner really saying to us? (Rev'd Dr…
- St John's Canberra Talks
Lent 2: The risk of faith (Gen. 12:1-4; Romans 4:1-17; John 3:1-17)
'Faith.' Not the same as manifesting. Not a hobby, like collecting model trains. Something intensely relational. And relationships mean taking a risk. (Rev'd…
- St John's Canberra Talks
LitD 5 - Q&A and Plenary
Megan, Andrew, and Dave have a go at questions sent by text and from the floor.
- St John's Canberra Talks
LitD 4 - Living with VAD: How it affects us
Now that a VAD regime is upon us, how might we respond to it? (Megan Best) Slides and other resources at tinyurl.com/SJ-LitD.
- St John's Canberra Talks
LitD 3 - Christian theology and the end of life
What vision of the end of life is worth loving more than the VAD vision? (Andrew Cameron) Slides and other resources at tinyurl.com/SJ-LitD.
- St John's Canberra Talks
LitD 2 - Living with VAD: the impact on end of life care
What is VAD and euthanasia? What is not euthanasia? How will it affect our existing practices of end of life care? (Megan Best) Slides and other resources at…
- St John's Canberra Talks
LitD 1 - Welcome and Rationale
Why are we having this conference called 'Light in the Darkness'? (Dave McLennan) Other resources at tinyurl.com/SJ-LitD.
- St John's Canberra Talks
Lent 1: Temptation - You are what you eat. (Gen. 2:15–17, 3:1–7; Psalm 32; Rom. 5:12–21; Matt. 4:1–11)
Temptation slithers in sneakily. It relies on desire. What to do, when our desire for what's very good, goes very bad? To whom shall we look? (Rev'd Dave)
- St John's Canberra Talks
Ash Wednesday: Use it to make a plan. (2 Corinthians 5:20b–6:10; Matthew 6:1–6, 16–21)
We make plans for a lot of things. Why not for the rest of your (eternal) life? (Rev'd Murrary)
- St John's Canberra Talks
What to look for when everything is dark (Exodus 24:12-18; Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 7:1-9)
When we're in a dark place, we're desperate for a spot of light. But where do you look? (Rev'd Dr Andrew)
- St John's Canberra Talks
How not to develop your brand (Isaiah 58:1–12; 1 Cor. 2:1–16; Matthew 5:13–20)
Being 'salt' and 'light' sometimes has a bad outcome, and sometimes a good outcome. How much does that matter? (And why are 'values' a bit rubbish?) (Rev'd…
- St John's Canberra Talks
The roadmap for tough lives (Micah 6.1–8; 1 Corinthians 1.18–31; Matthew 5:1–12)
What ways forward does Jesus gives for lives that are really, really hard? (Rev'd Dr Andrew)