Sunday 30th November 2025 -First Sunday of Advent

REFLECTION: The Kingdom of the Messiah:

What do you think it will be like in God’s Kingdom of Heaven where Jesus

reigns as King? Will it be clouds and harps and angels?

Will be a kingdom of peace and righteousness?

The Bible gives us many colourful images and metaphors that describe what is

impossible for us to fully comprehend. We know it will be wonderful beyond

our imagination and we would love to know more, but some surprises are

worth waiting for. God’s kingdom has come amongst us through Jesus Christ who

calls us even now to live as though we were already in God’s glorious kingdom. He

calls us to turn away from sin and to walk in his light. In today’s readings and

message, we see the following teachings about this kingdom.

Here is an outline of the message.

Introduction: The hopes of the nation for their Messiah.

1. A kingdom of the last days. (Isaiah 2:2)

a. We must understand the present time (Romans 13:11)

b. The night is far gone; the day is near. (Romans 13:12)

c. You do not know on what day your Lord will come (Matthew 24:42)

2. A Kingdom of Justice & Peace.

a. God will teach us his ways (Isaiah 2:30)

b. He will judge between the nations (Isaiah 2:4)

3. A Kingdom worth preparing for.

a. Walk in the light of the LORD (Isaiah 2:5, Romans 13:12)

b. Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14)

c. You also must be ready (Matthew 24:44)

To Think About:

What will it mean for me today to walk in the light of Christ?

What would I need to change in my life?

HYMNS

TIS 161 Tell out my soul

TIS 666 We are marching in the light of God

MP 652 The Light of Christ

TIS 675 Lord the light of your love is shining

NEW CARPARK NOW OPEN

We are now able to use our new carpark with entry off McCrae Street. Please try

and park in the bays marked by the white discs.

TREE PLANTING

Tree Planting will continue this Saturday. We have lots of gardening related jobs to

do so please come if you are able.

CAROLS AND NIGHT MARKET

Sunday, 21st of December. Stay tuned for more information.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Christmas Gifts for the Andrews centre can be placed under the Christmas Tree.

Please do not wrap. It is easier for the gift to then be matched to the right child.

MONDAY MEALS CHRISTMAS LUNCH

Our annual Monday Meals celebration will take place on 8th December. Just a little

over two Sundays away. As always, we would be very grateful to our parish

community for any donations before then of food like mince pies, wrapped sweets,

chocolates, biscuits or chips to add to our meal. There is a box at the back of the

church to place them in. We’re very grateful for your kindness. Thank you.

The normal December Monday Meal will be held this Monday Dec 1st.

CHRISTMAS GIFTS

Christmas Gifts for the Andrews centre can be placed under the Christmas Tree.

Please do not wrap. It is easier for the gift to then be matched to the right child.

ARCHBISHOP RIC THORPES INSTALLATION

will be held this Sunday at 4pm at St Paul's Cathedral. Very limited seats will be

made available for the public. You can watch the installation

livestreamed at youtube.com/live/W957vtVI50Q

THE CMS SUTS CONFERENCE

will be held for just 2 days from Thursday 8th until Friday 9th of January at Syndal

Baptist Church. It is always a great opportunity for fellowship, good bible

teaching, and a chance to catch up with CMS missionaries. Why not plan to go!

THIS WEEK WE PRAY FOR: St James' Pakenham; Mission Agencies of the

Anglican Church of Australia; Camberwell Grammar School; The Church in the

Province of the West Indies; St Thomas’ Burwood–Pastoral service; Christ Church

Tooradin with St John’s Cranbourne–Pastoral service; Bellarine Gateway Parish–

Confirmation service; Diocesan Administrator Bishop Genieve and all our Bishops

in their ministry this week.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 7th December: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7, 18-21; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12.

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

Eva, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Noel, Dean, Amy, Chelsea, Paul,

Charles, Alan, Sally, Marla, Robert, Sherene & Shereen.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 6th December – Oyem and Rob

13th December – Rusty