Sunday 23rd March 2025 – Third Sunday in Lent

REFLECTION:Luke 13:1-9 “Jesus’ teaching on sin and suffering”

A group of us are doing the Alpha course at the moment. It’s a great course. It tries to tackle some of the big questions in life like, if God is a God of love, why does he allow us to suffer? Sometimes we don’t have clear and simple answers to questions like this, but in today’s reading, we do get some good clues.

Some people came to Jesus and raised the question “Do you think that because these

Galileans suffered in this way, they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?” (2). Jesus’ answer helps us understand something of the nature of suffering and also the need for us to repent of our sins.

1. Why do we suffer?

a. When people suffer, is it punishment for their sin?

b. So, why do we suffer?

c. If God loves us, why doesn’t he do something about our suffering?

2. Is there punishment for sin?

a. Jesus says: “unless you repent you will all perish…” (2-4)

b. The Lord sees our work: “For three years I have come looking for fruit…” (7)

c. He gives us another chance: “Let it alone for one more year”. (8)

3. There is Good News for all who repent and believe.

a. What is repentance? Is it just saying sorry?

b. This is good news for all who repent and believe, but bad news for those who

don’t. (9)

To think about:

Have I truly repented of my sins, or am I simply showing remorse, or just offering

restitution?

HYMNS

TIS 598 Dear Father, Lord of humankind

MP 272 I have decided to follow Jesus

TIS 407 Breathe on me breath of God

TIS 589 Jesus calls us o’er the tumult

BUILDING FUND UPDATE Since launching our appeal to raise the remaining $300,000 required for the building, we have now received $89,526. The building works are expected to finish in September but there will still be fencing, landscaping and some fit-out work to do after that. Ideally, we need to raise another $210,000 over the next six months, but as mentioned earlier, we can access some money interest free which we need to repay over the next 2 ½ years, so if you are able to contribute smaller amounts over this period, that is also greatly appreciated. Please join with us in asking our generous God for his provision. I also invite us all to consider prayerfully if there is some further support we can give to this project which will be a source of blessing for us and for many future generations.

DO YOU NEED WOOD We have lots of wood leftover from the old fences. Great for making stakes for your garden or burning in a fire pit. Help yourself or see Rusty. It would be a shame to have to pay to have it taken away.

PRAY THIS SUNDAY WITH US AT ST PAUL’S FRANKSTON Churches from all over our Jumbunna Episcopate will be joining in prayer this Sunday at St Pauls Frankston from 3pm until 6pm. Come when you can, go when you must. St James’ is leading the slot from 5 to 5:30pm. We would love to have you come and pray with us for the appointment of the new archbishop, the Hope 25 outreach, and for our churches in general.

PARISH PRAYER MEETING THIS MONDAY at 7:00pm in the church.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS The Alpha course resumes this Wednesday and we start also the Hope 25 Lenten study which will be led by Marien and Jane. All are welcome for a 6:30pm shared meal in the hall followed by the studies at 7:30pm.

MISSION MOMENTS Please remember to pray regularly for our Missions and missionaries throughout our country and the world. In the porch there are publications from a number of mission organisations, so please feel free to take and learn more about the wonderful work being undertaken everywhere.

CAN YOU HELP? Another person/s is needed to assist once a month on our Sunday morning tea roster. If you feel you could possibly give one Sunday a month to provide a simple morning tea and pour a cup of tea or coffee, please contact Kaye on 0490 090 507.

CALLING ALL KNITTERS Time to start knitting beanies again ready to hand them out at Monday meals in June and July. Patterns are available in church porch and donations of 8ply yarn are welcome. Also scarves are acceptable. The beanies given last year were very much appreciated.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 30th March: Joshua 5. 2-12; Psalm 32; 2Corinthians 5. 16-21; Luke 15. 11-32 LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 22nd March – Samoan Youth

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Nisha, Mike, Cecil, Ruth, Eva, Charles, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Shereen, Lorraine, Rebecca, Ken, Jim, Monty, Noel, Ashleigh, Mervyn, Tauren & Sylvia