Sunday 13th April 2025 – Palm Sunday in Lent

REFLECTION: Luke 22:24-30 “The Greatest Among You Serves”

In a few weeks we face a federal election where we decide who will govern this country? What should we be looking for in our leader? In today’s gospel reading, Jesus teaches his disciples about what leadership and greatness looks like in his kingdom, and it is very different to what many leaders in this world display. He teaches that greatness in God’s kingdom begins with serving others and being humble before God. He urges his disciples to practice servant leadership, seeking the welfare of the people rather than seeking greatness or prestige or wealth for themselves. Here is an outline of the message:

1. The disciples are caught up in worldly ambitions

a. They are arguing as to which of them is the greatest.

b. This is how it is with the kings of the gentiles.

2. But not so with you

a. The greatest among you must become like the youngest

b. The leader must become like one who serves

3. Those who stand with Jesus will receive a kingdom

a. You may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom

b. You will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

To think about:

Returning to the theme of our own leaders, what characteristics should we be looking for in the people we elect to rule over us? What characteristics should we be showing in our leadership as followers of Jesus?

HYMNS

TIS 348 Ride on ride on in majesty

Jerusalem (City alight)

TIS 357 When his time was over

TIS 216 Rejoice the Lord is king

MISSION MOMENTS On Sat. 3rd May at Glen Waverley Anglican Church, BCA will be having their AGM and a dinner with the Bishop of North West Australia, Darrel Parker as guest speaker. Hopefully we can organise a table from St. James' to go to this function. If you would like to attend, please complete the form in the church.

EASTER: OUR EASTER ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR WILL INCLUDE Maundy Thursday Lamb Dinner will be held on April 17th at 6pm in the Hall. There is no charge. If you can, bring a dish for all the share and note your name, the number of people coming with you, and the dish you will bring on the sign-up sheet in the Foyer. After the dinner, we will sing some hymns and have a short Eucharist in Hall. One hour Good Friday service at 10am followed by hot cross buns. Three hour devotional service from 12 midday to 3pm. Easter Sunday services at 8am and 10am and then 6pm for the Chollo congregation.

MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA POSTPONED: Due to an unusually busy May, we have decided to postpone the planned Mother’s Day High Tea. It will be rescheduled as a Spring High Tea later in the year.

PARISH COUNCIL/LEVEL 3 SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING It is a requirement for all clergy and Parish Council members to complete level 3 safe ministry training. To facilitate this, our April Parish Council meeting will be on April 14th (rather than Easter Monday) and after a short PC meeting starting at 7pm, we will have an in-person level 3 training session together starting at 7:30pm. Please confirm your attendance with Chris Keys. Chris will be announcing shortly the details for level 1 and 2 training.

HOT DOGS FOR SALE THIS SUNDAY: Enjoy a delicious hot dog, smothered in the sauce of your choice, topped with cheese and fried onion. Available after the 10am service. Only $5. Naomi.

ALPHA INTENSIVE: A reminder to those doing the Alpha course, we will be having an intensive this Saturday Morning 12th of April from 9am to 12. Morning tea will be provided but not lunch.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 20th April: Isiah 65:17-25; Psalm 118:1 2, 14-24; Acts 10:34-43; Luke 24:1-12.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 19th April – Heinz and Rusty

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Red Door Caroline Springs; The Diocese of Bendigo; Christ Church Grammar School; The Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia; Upper Yarra Anglican Parish–Pastoral service; Archbishop Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.