Sunday 27th July 2025 – Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

REFLECTION: Matthew 20:17-28 “You do not know what you are asking!”

As we celebrate our Patronal festival remembering James, the brother of John, whom our church is named after, we rejoice in his example and praise God for his faithfulness. But he wasn’t perfect and neither was his brother, the beloved disciple, the apostle John. In today’s reading, his ambition for power and privilege is laid bare and Jesus needs to teach both John and James a valuable lesson about godliness and humble service. Here is an outline of the message.

1. Be careful what you ask for.

a. Declare that these two sons of mine will sit, one at your right hand and one at your left in your kingdom (20-21)

b. You do not know what you are asking!

c. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”

2. You may get more than you bargained for.

a. We are able! (22)

b. You will indeed drink my cup (23)

3. The path to greatness in God’s kingdom is through humble service

a. Whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant (26)

b. The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve (28)

c. He came to give his life a ransom for many.

To think about: If following Jesus involves humble service and self-denial, are you sure you are prepared to follow him?

HYMNS

MP 266 I cannot tell

TIS 256 From heaven you came

TIS 455 For all the saints

TIS 467 The church’s one foundation

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.

GWEN BAPTIST

The funeral for our dear sister in Christ, Gwen Baptist, will be held next Monday July 28 at 1pm at St James.

INTERNATIONAL LUNCH

Please join us for an international lunch in the Parish Hall in celebration of our St James Patronal Festival. Come and enjoy a lovely lunch with foods from Sudan, South Africa, Chile, India, Asia, Italy etc. for a $10 donation. Starts at midday.

A FEW INCONVENIENCES

Shortly our builder will need to move their office and lunch rooms from the new car park so that they can finish the resurfacing of the new carpark. This means that shortly they will be occupying some of our present car park as well as the fellowship room and office for a few weeks while they finish the build. They expect the building to be finished by the end of August and the carpark and grounds by the middle of September. There will be a few weeks requiring extra patience from us but we will rise to the occasion.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 26th July – Samoan Youth SAVE THE DATE God willing, we plan to officially open the Parish Centre at 12 noon on Sunday October 26th. READINGS

FOR NEXT SUNDAY 3rd August: Hosea 11:1-11; Psalm 107: 1 9, 43; Colossians 31: 1-11; Luke 12: 13-21.

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

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.