Sunday 27th April 2025 –Second Sunday of Easter

REFLECTION: John 20:24-31 “That you might come to believe!” We are reminded in today’s reading that the very purpose of the gospel is that we might come to believe. John says in vs. 31 “these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.” God offers us life in all its fullness. He wants us to live out our best lives even now. And he offers us eternal life with him even when our earthly life come to an end. We receive this assurance when we come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. But believing isn’t as easy as you might think. Even the disciples struggled to believe that Jesus had truly risen, and they had spent three years on the road with him. Thomas would only believe when he could see Jesus with his own eyes and touch his wounds. Here is an outline of today’s message.

1. Jesus appears to his disciples after his resurrection:

a. Fearful disciples in lockdown (19)

b. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord (20)

c. He said to them: “Receive the Holy Spirit” (21-23)

2. But not everyone was there

a. Thomas said: “Unless I see… I will not believe!” (24-25)

b. A week later… “Peace be with you” (26-28)

c. My Lord and my God! (29)

3. But what about us who couldn’t be there?

a. These signs are written that you may come to believe (31)

b. Through believing you may have life in his name (31)

c. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe. (20)

TO THINK ABOUT

What do you need to see or experience in order to truly believe?

Hymns

TIS 526 Lord Jesus Christ

TIS 260 Behold the Lamb of God

TIS 411 Filled with the Spirit’s power

TIS 155 O Lord my God (How great thou art)

UPDATE ON BUILDING PROGRAM

Things are advancing well with the construction of the new Parish Centre. This replaces our old centre which was falling apart and was full of asbestos. The new centre will feature a multipurpose area with a total capacity of 180 but divisible into smaller areas by opening up the operable walls. There will be easy access from the side exit of the church to toilets, fellowship areas, and Sunday school rooms. The front of the building facing McCrae Street will include new offices and meeting rooms and a reception desk. A new wider vehicle entrance will be built on McCrae Street leading into the new 32 space carpark. After Easter, the walls and roof will be going up. We expect the building to be completed by late September and we are planning an opening in November.

BUILDING FUND PROGRESS

When we stated planning for the new Parish Centre back in 2020, we had the finance for the building covered. Steep rises in the cost of construction and long delays in obtaining permits have caused considerable price rises. We are still $170,000 short of the estimated final cost and we invite you to consider contributing to our building find to enable us to complete this beautiful new project debt free.

THE MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA

Has been postponed until spring. Further details to follow.

CONFIRMATION, BAPTISMS AND A VISIT FROM BISHOP PAUL BARKER

Bishop Paul Barker will be with us on Sunday May 11th, Mothers’ Day, for a special Hope 25 service featuring baptisms and confirmations. We have a wonderful group of people preparing for baptism and confirmation who have been meeting each week and doing the Alpha course. Don’t miss this wonderful service.

HYMNS WE LOVE

We are organizing a special afternoon of Hymn singing and learning the story behind some of the hymns we love most. This will be held on Sunday 1st of June at 2:30pm in the church and will be followed by a lovely afternoon tea in the hall. This is a great activity to invite friends to.

MISSION MOMENTS

Just a reminder that Mission Sunday, is 11th May, when Bishop Paul Barker will speak on Hope 25 at our Baptism and Confirmation service. If you have a mission box please bring to church over the next couple of weeks. The Bush Church Aid AGM and Annual Dinner will be held at Glen Waverley Anglican Church next Saturday 3rd of May at 6pm. A group from St James are going. We would love to see you there. Speak to Graeme or Jane for more details. Flyer on notice board. Dinner costs $50 and registrations close Monday 28th.

ELECTION OF NEW ARCHBISHOP

The election Synod for our new Archbishop is scheduled for Friday 23rd of May and Saturday 24th of May. Please pray for the Archbishop Appointments board as they prepare the shortlist of candidates and pray for the Synod delegates who must vote. You can use this prayer as you pray.

PRAYER AT THE TIME OF CHOOSING A BISHOP

Eternal God, shepherd and guide, in your mercy give your Church in this diocese a shepherd after your own heart who will walk in your ways, and in loving care watch over your people. Give us a leader of vision and a teacher of truth. So may your Church be built up and your name glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 4th May: Acts 9:1-6 (7-20); Psalm 30; Revelation 5:6-14; John 21:1-19. LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 3rd May – Oyem & Rob

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: St George's Monbulk; Anglican Church of Australia: Hope 25 outreach in parishes; The Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean; St George’s Travancore - Pastoral service; St Barnabas Glen Waverley–Pastoral service; Diocesan Administrator Bishop Genieve and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.