Sunday 1st February 2026 - Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

REFLECTION: Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed are you”

Who are the happiest or most blessed people in the world today?

Popular opinion would probably come up with a list that sounds something like this:

- Blessed are the rich, because they have all they need and more.

- Blessed are the beautiful people, because good looks go a long way.

In today’s reading from the Sermon on the Mount, we see a different set of values.

Those who are blessed in God’s sight include the poor in spirit, the meek, the humble,

the peacemakers and those who are persecuted for Jesus’ sake. These are children of

God whose blessedness endures forever because they know Jesus and will be

welcomed into his kingdom. Here is an

outline of the message.

1. The nature of God’s kingdom

a. Inaugurated by Jesus.

b. Present, but also future.

c. Counter-cultural – different & radical.

2. The values of God’s kingdom.

a. Who are these blessed?

b. Why are they so blessed?

c. What does this mean for us?

To Think About:

Do you feel blessed or happy just because you know Jesus?

Hymns:

O how good it is

MP 1213 O Church arise

TIS 448 Blest are the pure in heart

TIS 457 The churches one foundation

VICAR TO TAKE LEAVE IN FEBRUARY

Graeme and Jane will be taking 26 days leave from Feb 23rd for a much longed

for return trip to Chile where they worked for 18years as missionaries with CMS.

This trip has been put off various times because of COVID, cancer, studies and

buildings but now they finally get to do it. Ian Oates has agreed to come back as

Locum during this period. Friends will be staying in the vicarage.

MELBOURNE ANGLICAN FINISHED

We were saddened to see this week that the decision has been made to

discontinue the Melbourne Anglican due to the financial pressures the diocese is

facing.

PLEASE PRAY FOR MARTIN AND ANNA

Who are travelling in Turkey and the Middle East visiting our link missionary on

location and spending 11 days working with him. Martin arrived with a cold, so

please pray for a quick recovery and for a fruitful time of ministry and learning.

THE WEDNESDAY GROUTH STUDIES

will be back in February starting on Wednesday 4 Feb at 7:30 in meeting room 1

of the Parish Centre . All are welcome. We will look at bible readings, discuss,

and have fellowship, usually with some small nibbles. We will first look at the story of Noah for two weeks, reading Gen 6:9 - 9:29. Then during Lent we will be guided by the Lenten studies booklet compiled by Bishop Paul. Please let us know if you want to order a booklet by adding your name to the form in the foyer.

BAPTISM

next Week of Corey Tully.

MISSION SUNDAY is 22nd of February. Oyem will be speaking of the church

project we are supporting in South Sudan. Please remember to bring your

Mission Boxes and consider prayerfully a donation towards Oyem's project on

the day.

CONGRATULATIONS to Gwyn Kett on her 101st birthday today.

UPDATE TO PRAYER LIST In January, we will be updating the list of names

for intercessions. It has come to our attention that some names on the list are for

people who have either recovered or died. In order to keep the list up to date and

our prayers up to date, we will be removing all names shortly and inviting people

to add names again, only for people who are currently in need of prayer.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER:

31 January - Oyem and Rob

7 February - Rusty

THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR: Church of the Ascension Burwood East;

Mission Agencies of the Anglican Church of Australia; Anglican Media; The

Anglican Church of Chile; St Matthew’s Endeavour Hills–Pastoral service.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 8th February: Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 112;1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20