Sunday 29th March 2026- Palm Sunday

REFLECTION: Matthew 26:36-46 “Your will be done”

As we come to the end of lent and enter into Holy Week, how have we

fared in our struggle to live holy and Godly lives? Jesus was tempted

those 40 days in the desert, and yet his greatest temptation would come

in the Garden of Gethsemane. Would he go God’s way to the cross, or

would he go the way of the flesh and seek the easy way out and go his

own way. In today’s reading we get insight into the struggle, and also

some clues on how to fight temptation and how to resist sin. The short

answer is by praying, and the key prayer is “not my will be done, but

your will be done!” Here is an outline of the message for this Sunday.

1. Jesus crushing sorrow in the garden of Gethsemane

a. I am deeply grieved, even to death.

b. Remain here, and stay awake with me (38)

c. And going a little farther, he threw himself on the ground and prayed

2. What was the cause of such sorrow?

a. His suffering? “if it is possible, let this cup pass from me” x3

(39,42,44)

b. The burden of the sins of the world? (1 Peter 2:24)

c. The experience of the abandonment of God? (Matt 27:46)

3. The daily battle “My Way vss. God’s Way”

a. Yet not what I want but what you want (39)

b. Stay awake and pray that you may not come into the time of trial.

c. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak (41)

To think about:

When do I find it hardest to go God’s way and pray “your will be done”

HYMNS

TIS 348 Ride on, ride on in majesty

See him in Jerusalem

TIS 333 All glory, praise and honour

TIS 228 Crown him with many crowns

MAUNDAY THURSDAY DINNER ON 2ND APRIL

We will be celebrating Maundy Thursday with our LAMB DINNER,

at 6pm in the Parish Centre, no charge. Please place your name, what Lamb

dish you will be bringing and the number of people attending.

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES

There will be a one hour service starting at 10am on Good Friday called

"Objects of the cross". This will be followed at 11am by Hot Cross Buns in

the Parish Centre. From 12 midday until 3pm we will share in a 3 hour

devotional service. You may come and go as you please during this service

or stay for the whole time.

EASTER SUNDAY

services will be at the usual time but with all that is special about the Sunday

of the Resurrection. There are flyers available in the foyer for you to give to

friends and neighbours inviting them to St James' this Easter.

HELP NEEDED

The morning tea roster needs another helper. If you could assist once a

month with serving & providing a small morning tea following the

10.00a.m. service, it would be very much appreciated. Please contact Kaye

on 0490 090 507.

HYMNS WE LOVE

Please invite your friends to enjoy an uplifting afternoon of “Hymns we love”, on

Sunday, 12th April 2026 at 2 pm, followed by delightful Afternoon Tea & Good

fellowship.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 5th April – Easter Sunday

Acts 10:34-43; Hymn to the Risen; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 28:1-10

WE ALSO PRAY FOR: St George's Ivanhoe East (Incumbency vacant);

Theological Colleges, Church Schools & Church Kindergartens; The Anglican

Church of Melanesia; St Thomas’ Burwood – Pastoral visit (Abp Ric Thorpe); St

Peter’s Brighton Beach – Pastoral Service (morning) (Bp Paul Barker); St James’

Pakenham – Confirmation (afternoon / early evening) (Bp Paul Barker); St

Jude’s Carlton – Confirmation & Reception Service (Bp Genieve Blackwell);

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 28th- Samoan Youth

This week we continue to pray for: Nigel, Jen, Glen,

Sherene, Gloria, Ron, Ruth, Mike, Amy, Cecil, Beryl, Paul, Fabian &

Charles.