Sunday 19th October 2025 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

REFLECTION: Luke 18:1-14. How should we approach God in Prayer?

Have you ever found yourself in the situation of meeting someone really important and

at the same time have a huge favour that you would love to ask them, but you’re not

sure how to go about it? In biblical times, to appear before a king without an invitation,

or to make a request of the king could have you beheaded instantly.

If this is the case with the rulers of earthly kingdoms, how hard must it be to approach

the king of the whole universe, who is Lord over all worlds? Jesus teaches us that we

are able to come boldly before God in prayer and to be persistent in prayer, but we must be humble. Here is an outline of the message:

We can come before God in prayer:

1. Persistently:

a. Pray always and do not lose heart (1)

b. There was a widow who kept coming and saying “Grant me justice...” (3)

c. Because of her persistence, the judge answered her request (4-5)

d. Will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? (6-7)

e. When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth? (8)

2. Humbly:

a. Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in their own righteousness and regarded

others with contempt (9)

b. The Pharisee prayed ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people!’ (10-12)

c. The tax collector, standing far off, prayed, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ (13-

14)

d. This man went home justified... for all who humble themselves before the Lord will

be exalted.

To Think About:

Which word best describes my attitude when I come before God in prayer?

HYMNS

TIS 590 What a friend we have in Jesus”

TIS 491 Father Welcomes

TIS 693 Come as you are

TIS 547 Be thou my vision

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 26th October: Joel 2. 23-32; Psalm: 65;

2 Timothy 4.6-8, 16-18; Luke 18. 15-30.

DEDICATION OF PARISH CENTRE ON 26TH OCTOBER

If you intend staying for the opening, please place your name on the sheet in the porch

for Catering purposes.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 18th October – Heinz & Rusty

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUP

Will be starting a series of studies on the book of Ephesians this Wednesday. All are

welcome at 7:30 in the supper room.

BAPTISM

Today at the 10am service we welcome Sabrina in Holy Baptism. A big welcome to

her parents Nohan and Sandreen, her sponsors, and visitors.

TMA Melbourne Anglican Magazines now available in foyer.

AGM 23RD NOVEMBER 2025

Notice is given of the Annual General Meeting for St James Dandenong will be held

in the Church at 12noon on Sunday 23rd November.

WORKING BEES

We will be having a working bees on Saturday 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. “If anyone is free to work on the

gardens next Friday morning, please come. In the evening, from 5pm we need

helpers to start the setting up for Sunday.

SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING REFRESHER COURSE

To those who received my letter of the 21 September 2025 and have not been able to

complete the Refresher Training Level 1 on line. Christine Keys will be conducting

group training on Saturday 1 November 2025 in the Parish Centre, 9.30am start.

Please remember that if you do not complete the training, you are unable to go on any

volunteer roasters.

ELECTORAL ROLL

Regular attendees may like to see if they qualify for entry to the Electoral Roll.–please

find application at back of church. Completed applications must be returned by

9th November 2025

PARISH COUNCIL

Nominations for Parish Council, Churchwardens and Nominators are at the back of

the church. Completed nominations must be in the hands of the Vicar or Parish

Secretary by 16th November 2025.

CONFIRMATION SERVICE: Bishop Paul Barker will be leading a confirmation

/reception of member’s service at St James at 5pm on Sunday 16th November. This is

aimed at people who are elected to Parish Council but are not yet members. If you are

interested.

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

Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Noel, Dean, Amy, Chelsea, Paul, Charles,

Alan, Sally, Marla, Robert, Sherene, Shereen & Kay