Sunday 25th January 2026 - Third Sunday after Epiphany

REFLECTION: Matthew 4:12-25 “The Kingdom of God has come near”

Jesus’ preaching focussed on the phrase: ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has

come near.” What does it mean that the kingdom of God has come near? And,

what is a kingdom and what does it look like?

A kingdom is essentially a realm where a king or a queen reigns. In the coming

of Jesus, the kingdom of God has drawn near to us because its king has come

amongst us and has used his kingdom power in signs and wonders and healings

as signs of the kingdom’s presence. So, let us have a look today at how he does

this and what does he mean with his teaching about the kingdom of God

drawing near and why we need to repent.

The kingdom is announced:

a. So that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled

(14)

b. Repent for the kingdom of Heaven has come near (17)

2. Workers for the Kingdom are called:

a. He said to Simon and Andrew “Follow me, and I will make you fish for

people” (19)

b. He saw James and John and he called them and immediately they left the boat

and their father and followed him. (22)

3. A kingdom begins:

a. Jesus went throughout Galilee teaching in their synagogues (23)

b. Proclaiming the good news of the kingdom.

c. Curing every disease and every sickness among the people

To Think About:

If you had to prove that you belong to the kingdom of God as a citizen of

heaven, what evidence would you be able to produce to prove it?

Hymns

TIS 598 Dear Father, Lord of humankind

TIS 685 The power of your love

TIS 585 I heard the voice of Jesus say

TIS 595 O Jesus I have promised

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.

WEDDING THIS WEDNESDAY

Corey and Sarah will be getting married this coming Wednesday afternoon at St

James. We wish them well.

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.

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.

WEDNESDAY GROWTH GROUP AND SUNDAY SCHOOL

Are both in recess over the holiday Period?

MEMORIAL FLOWERS

Have been lovingly donated in memory of the second death anniversary of Jose

by his wife Marie and all the Bignoux family.

Also for Majorie, in memory of her birthday by her mother Marie.

Their memories will be treasured forever in our hearts.

$5 MEAL BACK THIS SUNDAY.

Limited quantities. Finger food variety bowl.

Onion rings, Potato nest, BBQ chicken wings, Spinach/ricotta triangles, smoked

duck spring rolls, sticky date bites.

Also pickled tomatoes, and watermelon/apple jam: $5

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 24th January – Samoan Youth

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 1st February: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1Corinthians:1.18-31; Matthew 5:1-12

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.

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

Nigel, Jen, Ted, Patty, Melenny, Noel, Dean, Amy, Paul, Charles, Alan, Sally,

Marla, Robert, Sherene, Shereen Gloria & Yohtoi.