PARISH NEWS REFLECTION – Ephesians 5:11-31
Be careful then, how you live! Bringing about a change in your life isn’t easy. It takes time to establish a new habit. Changing the whole orientation of your life can be a lifelong battle. Turning from sin and darkness and selfishness to Christ requires a complete re-orientation of our lives. The good news is that God makes us his children and gives us the Holy Spirit who works with us in this transformation. Nevertheless, our old nature is always at the door looking for an opportunity to sneak back in.
We must therefore be careful how we live (v.17)
• not as those who still live in darkness but as those who have been brought into the light.
• not as unwise, but as wise.
• following the example of love and submission set by Christ himself.
Here is an outline of this Sunday’s sermon
1. Live as children of light – not of darkness!
a. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness (11)
b. But instead, expose them! (11-13)
2. Live as wise, not as unwise!
a. Make the most of the time, because the days are evil (16)
b. Understand what the will of the Lord is (17)
c. Be filled with the Spirit & encourage each other (18-20)
3. Live as Christ lived, in submission & love!
a. Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ (21-24)
b. Love each other, just as Christ loved the church (25-33)
To Think About: What have you discovered so far as to what the will of the Lord is for you? (vs. 17). How can you then make the most of your time?
OUR HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 93 Praise the Lord you heavens adore him
TIS 650 Servant Song
TIS 675 Lord the light of your love (Shine, Jesus, Shine)
RESTRICTIONS UPDATE
With the restrictions introduced last week being extended until at least Thursday 19 August, our services will once again be recorded and available to watch on Sunday. Many thanks to Deve, Naomi, Graeme, Jeremy and Jane for all the time you spend in bringing our services to us.
MISSION SUNDAY
Mission Sunday is approaching - Sunday, 22 August. Hopefully, we will be able to meet face-to-face by then. If you have a Mission box could you please bring them to church when you are able. Thank you very much for your contributions to the Missions we support.
MISSION MOMENTS
Prayers for peace are needed in many areas of the world, please remember all those suffering in Gaza and the work done through Anglican Overseas Aid.
FROM THE ARCHIVES –14th June 1998
Bob and Win Crabtree will be moving to Glen Waverley. They are moving into a Retirement Village in June and we as a Parish want to express our love and good wishes to them as they move to a new home. We hope we will still see Bob and Win here at St James worshipping with us from time to time. Bob and Win have been Parishioners here for many years. Paul and John Julian will be leaving us next week and moving to England. John has been accepted into the British Fire Service and we warmly congratulate him on his achievement and pray for God's continuing blessing upon them.
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; Stephen; 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 Anglican Church of Southern Africa; Ministry with the Aboriginal people of Australia; Archdeaconry of Maroondah; Oaktree Anglican - Parish of St Mary’s Caulfield with St Clement’s Elsternwick; 150th Anniversary of St Paul’s Clunes; St James’ & St Peter Kilsyth/Montrose; Confirmation Service @ Holy Trinity Doncaster; St Johns Diamond Creek; Archbishop Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER:
21 August: Rusty & Tyrone
28 August: Samoan Congregation
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 22 August – 13th Sunday after Pentecost
1Kings 8:1,6,10-11,22-30,41-43;
Psalm 84;
Ephesians 6:10-20;
John 6:56-69.
Account details for donations to the Building Fund
Account Name - St James Building Fund,
BSB–703 122,
Account Number - 05009897