Sunday 14th September 2025 – Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost

REFLECTION: Our gospel reading today contains three pithy parables all of

which contain a similar theme. Jesus has chosen carefully three examples from the

everyday life of people in his day. His audience would be able to easily identify the

example contained in each parable. It was that Jesus was an acute observer of daily

life and practice. He was able to see that which was important to the people of his

day. The truth which is at the heart of these parables was of vital importance to Jesus.

He even reinforces the theme in the parable that follows on from what was read today,

the parable of the prodigal son. The question we must ask of these parables is this:

How did Jesus view "the"lost"of his generation? Equally, we should ask ourselves:

How do we view the "lost"of our generation?

HYMNS

MP 94 Come let us sing of a wonderful love

MP 673 There is a redeemer

TIS 145 The king of love my shepherd is

TIS 129 Amazing Grace

BUILDING FUND

Since we launched our appeal back in August last year to raise the remaining

$300,000 that is needed to complete the building project, we have

raised $217,147. This is a great effort and we are grateful for all who have

given so generously. With completion scheduled for September, we ask you to

continue to pray for God’s wonderful provision for the remaining amount.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUP

Would you like to grow in your faith? The Wednesday Night Growth Group

is all about helping us grow in faith and Christian maturity. We are about to

start a new series on 2 Timothy. We would love to see you there on

Wednesday nights at 7:30 in the supper room.

VICAR ON LEAVE

Graeme and Jane will be taking two weeks annual leave from Sat Sept 6th until

Friday Sept 19th. During this time, Rev. Ian Oates well be serving a few days

a week as locum and conducting the Sunday and Wednesday services. If you

have queries or special needs during this time, please contact the Wardens.

WORKING BEES

We will be having a series of working bees on Saturdays starting Sept 27th

and continuing on the Saturdays 4th, 11th and 18th of October with the aim of

having everything looking fantastic for our scheduled opening of the new

Parish Centre on October 26th. There is lots of gardening and planting to be

done as well as moving furniture and equipment into the new building.

GIVE A GIFT FOR OUR ST JAMES PARISH CENTRE

We have launched a campaign to invite people to offer to finance specific

items we need to complete the Parish Centre. We have prepared envelopes with either a plant or a piece of office furniture that is needed. The church will purchase the items so that they are uniform and so we can reclaim GST. Please choose an envelope (or two) and place the money (or proof of payment) in the offering bowl on any Sunday. We have

items ranging from $20 to $900. We won’t be placing names on your donated

item but we will prepare a register of donations for those who wish to be

named. Some will want to remain anonymous. Thanks so much for your

generosity.

DEMOLITION WORKING BEE

To demolish McCrae Street fences on Monday 22nd Sept ahead of installation

of new bollard and chain fencing. All hands welcomed.

$5 MEAL TODAY!!

Louisiana and Nashville chicken tenders with rice. ( served with sour cream or

ranch dressing)

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 13th September – Rusty

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 21st September: Jeremiah 8:18 –

9:1;Psalm 79:1-9;1 Timothy 2:1-10;Luke 16:1-13

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Mike, Cecil,

Ruth, Eva, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Noel, Dean, Amy,

William, Chelsea, Paul, Melvyn & Charles