PARISH NEWS REFLECTION – Hebrews 4:12-16
“Drawing Near to God” British Novelist, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, loved practical jokes. As a joke, he once sent a telegram to 12 friends. All were men of great virtue and respected in society. The telegram simply read, “Flee! All has been discovered.” To his shock, within 24 hours, the story goes, all 12 had left the country! Do you ever fear being discovered? How do you feel then, about a God who sees everything and knows even the secrets of your heart? How would you feel if you were called to stand before him? The good news in today’s message is that God does see everything and our worst secrets are laid bare before him, but through Jesus, all our sins are forgiven and we are welcomed into God’s presence with a loving embrace. We can draw near to God with full confidence.
Introduction: The God who sees
1. Nothing is hidden from God
a. The word of God is living and active, piercing until it divides soul from spirit (12)
b. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
c. All are naked and laid bare to his eyes
d. To him we must render an account. (13)
2. So through our great High Priest, Jesus, let us approach the throne of grace
a. Since, then, we have a great high priest (14)
b. Let us hold fast to our confession (14)
c. He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (14-15)
d. So that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(16) To think about:
What should our attitude be when we come to God in prayer?
Should we be confident or nervous?
OUR HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 47 O God our help in ages past Speak O Lord (Townend/Getty) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=my90e3a_nlM
TIS 431 Thanks to God whose Word was spoken
WEDDING BELLS
Our curate Mike Kicevski and his fiancée Meredith Allen are getting married, which is not a simple matter in the midst of COVID restrictions. We wish them every blessing and much happiness in their life together, and when conditions permit, to celebrate with them in person.
HALL RENOVATIONS
After a two week enforced break, our builders are back at work renovating the old church hall. This work includes replacing all rotten and damaged timbers and roofing, painting inside and out, refurbishing the kitchen, and upgrading the electrical work. We are very grateful for the generous donation that has allowed this work to proceed and for a time with restricted activities that allow us to proceed with less interruption to our normal activities.
OUR WEEKLY OFFERING
Bank details are as follows for your weekly offering:
Name: St James Anglican Church, Dandenong
BSB 703 122
Account No: 05004623
Please use your name & envelope number as a reference if you have stewardship envelopes.
Account details for donations to the Building Fund
Account Name - St James Building Fund
BSB–703 122
Account Number - 05009897
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for those who are sick or troubled in body or mind, or who have special needs: (Please email contact@stjamesdandenong.com or contact clergy for prayers for anyone who is in need of them).
This week we continue to pray for: Bethuel; Russell; Melanie; Mike; Mark; Hazel; Clovis; Shenae. Could those who have placed names in the Book for Prayers please update it by removing anyone who is no longer in need of special prayers. Alternatively you can email the office. Thank you.
We also pray for: The Church of the Province of West Africa; The Diocese of Bathurst; Diocesan Risk Management & Insurance; St Paul’s, Inverleigh with St John’s, Bannockburn & Church of the Epiphany, Meredith; St Alban’s, Coburg West; Archbishop Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER:
16 October: Frank & Gary
23 October: Samoan Congregation
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 17 October, 21st Sunday after Pentecost
Job 38.1-7; Psalm 104.1-10, 26; Hebrews 5.1-10; Mark 10.32-45.
Have a blessed week.