PARISH NEWS REFLECTION - Luke 21:25-38 - “Prepping for the End!”
The theme of “Doomsday Preppers” has become quite popular in the media. These larger than life and slightly eccentric characters preparing for the end of the world are curiosity and quite strange. Even ABC has joined in with its comedy series “Preppers”. While some preppers are pretty strange, there is an aspect where, as Christians, we need to be preparing for the end. For us this isn’t preparing just for the end, but even more so, for the new beginning that starts with Jesus’ return. Preparing for this end doesn’t mean stockpiling guns and gasmasks and food supplies in an underground bunker. It means getting our hearts ready, and also learning to read the signs as The Day of his return draws ever closer.
Here is a summary of Jesus’ teaching in Luke 21.
1. The warnings are there for us:
a. There will be signs in the sun, the moon & the stars (25-26)
b. And on the earth distress among nations.
2. What do they mean?
a. Then they will see The Son of Man coming in a cloud (27)
b. When these things begin to take place… your redemption is drawing near” (28)
c. Heaven & earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away (32-33)
3. How should we prepare?
a. Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with… the worries of this life (34-35)
b. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things… and to stand before the Son of Man (36)
To Think About: If you had to prepare a doomsday preppers to-do list as you prepare for the end of the world, what would your list contain?
OUR HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 273 Lo he comes with clouds
TIS 286 Light one candle for hope
MP 1214 O Lord you lead me
TIS 272 Come thou long expected Jesus
TIS 315 Mine eyes have seen the glory
NEW PARISH COUNCIL
As a result of our AGM last Sunday, we can now announce that our New Wardens are: Margo Hartley, Michael Willis and Rusty Nichols. Our Parish Councillors are: Doug Kennedy, Christine Keys, Annie McDonald, Sudhir Sukumar, Henry Wheeler, Gay Sherry and Vic Landsman. Our first Parish Council Meeting will be Monday the 6 December at 7:30 pm in the Parish Centre.
MU DIARIES 2022
Large $9, Small $6.50 Anyone wishing to order a MU Diary please speak to Marlene Newell.
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
The flowers in the church today have been given in loving memory of Reginald Dias by his wife Annam and family. Always remembered with much love. Also in loving memory of Tom Sherry, who passed into the Lord's arms on 25 November 2020. So very much loved and missed by the Sherry family.
WORKING BEE – Saturday, 4 December – 8am-12noon
Yes, it is that time again – time to make our beautiful Church and grounds ready for the Christmas season. Please, please, please can you spare an hour or two on 4 December to make our Church look loved for the many visitors who attend our Christmas services. Remember the old saying – ‘Many hands make light work’.
SUNDAY EVENING SERVICE – 5 December @ 6pm
The next Sunday evening service is on 5 December @ 6pm. This service is a more relaxed service with more contemporary style of music with a music group leading the worship. We hope to see you there.
CHRISTMAS NIGHT MARKET – Saturday, 11 December, 6-10pm
Bring your family! Bring your friends! Bring your neighbours! to our Night Market. A large array of delicious food stalls as well as cakes, jams & pickles, books & CD’s, gifts, plants, a raffle and lots more! There will be musical entertainment, as well as some carol singing. Please note this is a ‘cash only’ event.
MONDAY MEALS CHRISTMAS – 13 December
Our final Monday meals for the year will be on 13 December, in the church garden. Our guests are already excited at the thought of sitting together at tables again. We would appreciate your prayers for the weather and for a meal together that is steeped in the joy of the gift of Jesus to us all. As always, any contributions from our St James community of wrapped sweets, chocolates, chips shortbreads or mince pies would be fantastic. There is a box at the back of the church to leave them. Thanks, Ros Daniel.
CHURCH SAUSAGE SIZZLE AND CAROLS
On Sunday 19 December we want to gather the church community together for an evening Picnic/Sausage sizzle on the front lawn followed by a simple Carol Service in the church. More details to follow. Keep the date free.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for those who are sick or troubled in body or mind, or who have special needs: (Please email contact@stjamesdandenong.com or contact clergy for prayers for anyone who is in need of them). This week we continue to pray for: Mike; Mark; Hazel; Clovis; Rose; Margaret; Rhonda; Tim. If you have placed a name in the Book for Prayers, please remove anyone who no longer needs them. Alternatively email the office.
We also pray for: Igreja Episcopal Anglicana do Brasil; The Diocese of Sydney; Working Group on Aboriginal Matters; St Stephen’s Richmond; St John’s Bentleigh; Christ Church Geelong; St Mark’s Forest Hill; Archbishop Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER:
4 December: WORKING BEE
11 December: David & Marg
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 5 December, 2 nd Sunday of Advent
Malachi 3:1-14; Song of Zechariah; Philippians 1:1-11; Luke 3:3-6.
Account details for donations to the Building Fund
Account Name - St James Building Fund,
BSB–703 122,
Account Number - 05009897