Sunday 21st June 2026 - Fourth Sunday of Pentecost

REFLECTION: Romans 6:1-11 “Dead to Sin but Alive to Christ”

If salvation is given to us by God’s grace and received through faith and

good works can never save us, why bother with good works? And if God’s

grace is made even greater by our lack of righteousness, then if we sin even

more, wouldn’t that make God’s grace even greater?

These were some of the arguments Paul tries to refute in Romans as he

presents the gospel of grace to his readers. How would you respond to such

arguments?

If you want to know how Paul responds, pay attention this Sunday. There

are a few clues in the following outline.

Introduction: If salvation is by grace through faith and good works can

never save us, why bother with good works?

1. How can we who died to sin go on living in it? (2)

a. All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his

death (3)

b. We have been buried with him by baptism into death (4)

2. But we are now alive to God in Christ Jesus

a. We will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his (5)

b. We walk in newness of life for the glory of the Father (4)

c. We have been freed from sin (7)

To Think About:

Do you sometimes fall back into thinking about reward for good works or

the avoidance of punishment as a motivation for obedience?

What should your motivation be?

Hymns:

TIS 583 Take up your cross

MP 799 All I once held dear

TIS 375 Come let us with our Lord arise

TIS 209 And can it be

WEDNESDAY GROWTH GROUP This Wednesday we will be starting a

new series of studies on the Book of Revelation led by Marien. All are

welcome. 7:30pm in the Parish Centre.

FINANCES Our wardens spoke to the congregation a few weeks ago

advising of our tight financial situation. Giving has not kept up with rising

costs. We urge parishioners to consider prayerfully how you might

contribute. Please see separate sheet from Marien, our treasurer, on how

you can give to St James.

GIVING ACCOUNT CORRECTION In last week's handout the name of

our giving account was incorrect. Some banks may warn you about a

mismatch between account number and name. Please use: St James'

Anglican Church Dandenong.

EVENING OF PRAYER AT THE CATHEDRAL Our Archbishop Ric

invites all Parishes to come to the Cathedral for an evening of Prayer on

Wednesday 15th July from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Put it in your diary. Details to

follow.

MOTHERS UNION is celebrating 150 years this year and our St James

MU is marking this Sunday as the day to celebrate.

ARCHBISHOP RIC THORPE and his wife Louie will be with us on

Sunday August 2nd at our 10am service for a joyful celebration of our St

James Patronal Festival together with baptisms, confirmations and reception

of members. Preparation is underway for those to be confirmed and

baptized. There is still time for anyone from another tradition who wishes to

be received as a member of the Anglican Church; speak to Graeme. We

encourage folk from all our congregations to be present at this special

service. This will be followed by our traditional international lunch.

HOT DOGS What could be nicer than the smell of sizzling onions atop a

warm succulent sausage nestled in a fresh soft roll? Well, dream no longer

and grab a hot dog after the 10am service today. Only $5

LAWN MOWING ROSTER 20th June – Heinz & Rusty

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY – 28th June: Genesis 22. 1-14;

Psalm 13; Romans 6. 12-23; Matthew 10. 40-42

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Nigel, Jen, Glen,

Sherene, Gloria, Ron, Ruth, Mike, Amy, Cecil, Beryl, Paul, Fabian, Charles,

Marla, Jeremiah, Tahlia, Suzanne, Kurt & Kieran.

FROM THE ANGLICAN DIARY, WE PRAY For Archbishop Ric

Thorpe: Glen Waverley Anglican Church Bishop Genieve Blackwell: St

Alban the Martyr, St Albans–Pastoral Service Bishop Paul Barker: St

George, Monbulk-confirmation Service;