Sunday 12th April 2026 - Second Sunday of Easter

REFLECTION: PETER 1:1-12 “A LIVING HOPE”

What is your hope in life based on? Some people are just hopeful about

humanity. They believe in in the inherent goodness and ability of humanity.

We might call this humanism. It is a hope based on human nature. Others

have a lot of confidence or hope in their own personal ability to get out of

any problem. We might call this human pride. Peter reminds the Christians

spread across the empire in his first letter that we have a living hope based

on the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promises of God. This is a certain

hope that will stand firm even in the face of opposition. Our hope is in Jesus,

so we have nothing to fear. Here is an outline of the message.

Introduction: A long way from home – a letter of hope to God’s scattered

elect (1)

1. A living Hope.

a. By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope (2-3)

b. An inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in

heaven for you (4-5)

2. A costly Hope:

a. For a little while you have had to suffer various trials (6-7)

b. Even though you do not see him now, you believe in him (8-9)

3. A longed-for Hope

a. The prophets searched intently trying to find out the time (10-11)

b. Things that have now been announced to you through those who

brought you good news by the Holy Spirit (12)

c. Things into which angels long to look! (12)

To Think About

What is your greatest hope?

Hymns:

TIS 158 God has spoken by his prophets

Oh, how good it is

TIS 382 Now the green blade rises

TIS 560 All my hope on God is founded

HELP NEEDED

The morning tea roster needs another helper. If you could assist once a

month with serving & providing a small morning tea following the 10.00am

service, it would be very much appreciated.

Please contact Kaye on 0490 090 507

FUNERAL OF REV. ALAN BAKER

Alan's family will be having a private cremation, and then later, on Friday

May 15th at 10am (to be confirmed) the plan is to have a memorial service

for Alan here at St James. More details and confirmation to follow.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER 11th April

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – 129h April: Acts 2. 14, 22-32;

Psalm 16; 1 Peter: 1. 1-12; John 20.19-31

MEMORIAL FLOWERS

Memorial flowers have been donated, today, in loving memory of Marcelle

Oliver, by Ian and family."

HYMNS WE LOVE

Please invite your friends to enjoy an uplifting afternoon of hymns of

“Hymns we love”, this Sunday, 12th April 2026 at 2pm, followed by

delightful Afternoon Tea & Good Fellowship.

WEDNESDAY GROWTH GROUP

Continues on Wednesday at 7:30pm in the Parish Centre. For the next few

weeks we will be looking at the theme of prayer. All are welcome.

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 an Alpha course shortly as preparation

for those who wish to be baptized or confirmed on that date.

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Nigel, Jen, Glen,

Sherene, Gloria, Ron, Ruth, Mike, Amy, Cecil, Beryl, Paul, Fabian, Charles

& Marla.