Sunday 20th July 2025 – Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

REFLECTION: Luke 10:38-42 “There is need of only one thing!”

There are many distractions in our modern life. It’s easy to lose focus and let the urgent and the immediate take the place of the important. Jesus tells us in today’s short reading that, though there are many good things we can be doing, sometimes just one thing is needed. Though there are a thousand good things we could do with our lives, he really wants only one thing from us. In today’s reading from Luke 10, Mary shows us what that one thing is.

Here is an outline of the message.

1. The things that distract

a. It’s easy to let the urgent distract us from the more important things.

b. Martha was distracted by her many tasks (40)

2. The things that make us lose focus

a. Busyness, anxiety, anger!

b. Lord, do you not care? (40)

3. There is need of only one thing

a. Mary sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying (39)

b. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her (42)

c. Jesus calls us to come to him, to sit at his feet, and to hear his words.

To think about:

Do you make time in your day to sit at Jesus feet and listen to him, or are you too busy doing good things for him?

HYMNS

TIS 454 Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness

MP 799 All I once held dear

TIS 588 In heavenly love abiding

TIS 590 What a friend we have in Jesus

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 $191,739. 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 so that we might see the project completed for his glory and for the benefit of this Parish.

STOP THE SPREAD

There is a lot of sickness around at the moment. Last week all three clergy plus a Warden were down with virus such as COVID or the Flu. If you have symptoms of sickness, please avoid contact with others and take precautions. The latest strains of COVID and Influenza are quite virulent and are affecting even those who have been vaccinated.

PARISH CENTRE UPDATES

This week we saw plaster boards going up on the interior walls and insulation going into the ceilings. Rendering of the outside walls has continued and electrical wiring advancing. Fabrication of kitchen cupboards and other furniture is underway offsite. Floor coverings are being ordered. Advances have also been made in the installations of the air conditioning. Quite a lot has been done this week and it is really starting to take shape.

GWEN BAPTIST

Our dear sister in Christ, Gwen Baptist, passed away this last Monday at the age of 92. Her funeral will be advised once details are known. Our condolences to all her family and friends at this time. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 19th July – Rusty

SAVE THE DATE

God willing, we plan to officially open the Parish Centre at 12 noon on Sunday October 26th.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 27th July: Jeremiah 45; Psalm 126; Acts 11: 27;12-3; Matthew 20: 20-28.

HEARING LOOP

We are in the process of installing a new type of hearing loop in the church. It might take us a few weeks to get it all up and running well. If you have a hearing aid, ask for a neck loop and receiver when you come into the church

PATRONAL FESTIVAL

Our patronal festival will be held next Sunday the 27th of July and we will be having an international lunch in the Hall. Food stalls from various cultures will be present bringing the best food in the world to your plate for only $10. We are looking for the best cooks in the world to offer their best dishes for this culinary and multicultural dream. Please indicate what you can provide to Margo or Kay and sign up on the sheet in the foyer.

WEDNESDAY GROWTH GROUP

For the month of July, Marien will be leading us through the Nicene Creed. In August we will be joining in the live stream for four studies on Genesis 1-4 led by Bishop Paul Barker. Please join us in the supper room of the hall at 7:30 pm around the nice gas heater and with some yummy supper to share.

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Mike, Cecil, Ruth, Eva, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Noel, Dean, Amy, William, & Chelsea.