Sunday 10th May 2026 - Sixth Sunday of Easter

 REFLECTION: 1 Peter 3:8-22 “Our Christian Witness”

When people are wondering whether Jesus could be their saviour or their help, they look firstly at us to see what a difference following Jesus makes in our lives.  People will judge Christian faith based on the lifestyle, actions and behaviours that we exhibit.  Our everyday decisions in life might be what might bring someone to follow Jesus, or to turn them away.  Peter urges his readers to be faithful in their witness as they live their lives before curious unbelievers, and to always be ready to give an account of their faith in Christ. 

Here is an outline of the message:

1.    United in Love

a.    Have unity of spirit & love for one another (8)

b.   Have a tender heart, and a humble mind.

2.    Faithful in Witness.

a.    Do not repay evil for evil but repay with a blessing (9)

b.   Do not be intimidated by those who do evil (14)

c.    Always be ready to give an account of the hope that is in you (15)

1.    Joyful in suffering

a.    If you do suffer for doing what is right, you are blessed (14)

b.     For Christ also suffered for sins once for all (18)

c.    Jesus Christ has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to him (22)

To think About:

What testimony in my life might actually bring other people to faith in Jesus?

HYMNS

TIS 154     Great is your faithfulness

Yet not I

TIS 607     Make me a channel of your peace

TIS 111     Praise to the Lord, the almighty, the king of creation.

JUMBUNNA PRAYER DAY: This year’s Day of Prayer for the Diocese and for the world will be held next Saturday 16^th of May at Glen Waverley Anglican Church from 8am to 6pm.  People can come and go at any time during these hours.  St James will be leading the prayers between 3:30 and 4pm. It would be great to see you there.  If you are able to help lead the prayers, speak to Graeme.

WEDNESDAY GROWTH GROUP: 

We continue working through a study on the prayers of the Bible based on Peter Adam’s Prayerfulness book. All are welcome for a 7:30pm start.

ARCHBISHOP'S VISIT AND CONFIRMATIONS

We will be blessed to have a visit from our new Archbishop, Ric Thorpe, on Sunday August 2nd for a late Patronal Festival and a service of Baptisms and Confirmations. We will be starting a course shortly as preparation for those who wish to be baptized or confirmed on that date.

ST JAMES' GARDEN: Would you be interested in taking on the care and maintenance of a section of the church gardens. Rusty has prepared a map of the gardens and is looking for volunteers who are prepared to sign up to care for a limited section of our gardens, taking on weeding, watering, pruning etc. Please speak to Rusty.

OUR FINANCES ARE TIGHT - CAN YOU HELP: Our treasurer will give a detailed update in the next little while, but as all of the last invoices for the building project and related equipment and furnishings come in, we are tight with our finances. Our giving has been low for some time, which is why we had to let our curate go. Please pray for God's provision for our finances and consider carefully how you can assist.

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR REV. ALAN BAKER: The memorial Service for the Rev. Alan Baker, much loved former vicar of this Parish, will be held next Friday 15^th of May at 10:30am at St James’ Dandenong.  It will be livestreamed, but the details are not known yet.

MISSION MOMENTS: At our upcoming Mission Sunday on 17th May, we will be privileged to hear from our own parish family members, Anna & Martin Peters on their recent trip to the Middle East.  Please remember to bring mission boxes in the next couple of weeks. 

MOTHERS UNION: Existing members of Mothers Union are reminded that membership fees are now due. Individuals interested in joining, including men, women, and families, should contact Annie McDonald for more information.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 17th May:

Acts 1:6-14, Psalm 68:1-1, 32-35, 1 Peter 5, John 17:1-11.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 16^th of May – Rusty

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Nigel, Jen, Glen, Sherene, Gloria, Ron, Ruth, Mike, Amy, Cecil, Beryl, Paul, Fabian, Charles & Marla.