PARISH NEWS REFLECTION – Hebrews 9:11-15 - Set free to Serve!
Are we free? What makes us free? When Jesus said “So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” in John 8:36, what did he mean? Is freedom being able to do whatever you want whenever you want? If so, how do your freedoms affect the freedom of others? Is freedom the absence of chains or bars or walls that entrap us and enclose us? Or is freedom a state of mind that you can experience wherever you are? In today’s reading, we see that we have been set free, or redeemed from the power of sin and death, so that we may worship and serve the living God. True freedom comes from submitting to Christ and being freed to become all that God has made you to be, even though this might have you in chains for your faith, or daily denying yourself.
1. We have a perfect redemption
a. Through a greater high Priest (11)
b. Through the greater and perfect tent (11)
c. Offering a greater sacrifice, his own blood (12-13)
d. Obtaining an eternal redemption
2. So that we might be set free to serve.
a. With our conscience purified from dead works (14)
b. To worship (serve NIV) the Living God (14)
c. That we may receive the promised eternal inheritance (15)
To Think About: How do you propose to use your freedom in Christ?
OUR HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 455 For all the saints
MP 673 There is a redeemer
TIS 547 Be thou my vision
TIS 155 How great thou art
SERVICES THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday we return to services based on the 4sqm rule which will allow 55 people in our services for the doubly vaccinated. You will be required to show your vaccination certificate at the door. There will be an 8am and a 10am service for people who are fully vaccinated and also there will be a 4pm service for those who do not wish to declare their vaccination status. We are not taking bookings but hoping that a number of our 10am regulars might be able to go to the 8am or the 4pm service so that we do not exceed 55. At all services, people are required to wear masks and sign in. We will be sharing morning tea under the elms after the 10am service this Sunday.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE NO MORE RECORDED SERVICES
VACCINATION STATUS OF VOLUNTEERS AND CLERGY
All workers, volunteer or paid, lay and clergy, must have proof of at least a single dose of vaccine, or a firm booking of a first dose by 22 October, to do any permitted church work outside their homes. This applies to those assisting with essential food relief, vergers, servers, musicians, gardeners, those involved with broadcasting services, conducting and assisting at funerals, weddings and general church services.
MISSION SUNDAY – 7 November
A very special Mission Sunday is approaching, when we will welcome Zoe Creelman, our Mission Link from CMS to St James. If you have a Mission Box, please could it be returned over the next couple of weeks. Please pray for Zoe and all missionaries throughout the world. NOMINATIONS FOR PARISH COUNCIL AND WARDENS Please use the supplied nomination form to nominate people for positions on Parish Council and Wardens. You will need to get their permission first and also have a seconder. They must be active in the Parish, be a member of the church, and have been in the church for at least 12 months.
AGM
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday, 21 November. For those of you who have reports to write for this year's annual report, please send them to: contact@stjamesdandenong.com before next Sunday, 7 November. Please also pray about who you can nominate for Parish Council and for Wardens.
ELECTORAL ROLL UPDATE FOR AGM ON 21 NOVEMBER
We need to update our Electoral Roll. If you are not on the roll and wish to be added, contact the office ASAP and request an enrolment form. To be on the roll you must be baptised, confirmed an Anglican or received as a member of the Anglican Church by a Bishop, and regularly attend public worship in this Parish.
VOLUNTEER NEEDED FOR SHOWER TRUCK MINISTRY ON MONDAYS
We are in need of someone to help pick-up, drive, and operate the shower truck in our ministry to the homeless on Monday mornings. You would need to be doubly vaccinated and be signed off for safe ministry (Working with Children etc). The truck only requires a normal driver’s licence and is automatic. The job involves cleaning and sanitizing the shower after each use and sharing with the folk who come for a shower and a chat. The time frame is from 9am to 1pm on Mondays. Please see Graeme if you can help.
LAWN MOWING – THE END OF AN ERA
After many, many years of mowing lawns around our church, as well as coordinating the roster and maintaining equipment Frank Drake has decided that it is time to call it a day. All at St James would like to say THANK YOU FRANK – and happy ‘retirement.’
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: Bethuel; Russell; Melanie; Mike; Mark; Hazel; Clovis; Shenae; Rose. Could those who have placed names in the Book for Prayers please update it by removing anyone who is no longer in need of special prayers. Alternatively you can email the office. Thank you.
We also pray for: The Episcopal / Anglican Province of Alexandria; The Diocese of Wangaratta; Melbourne Anglican Foundation; St Augustine’s Mentone; Confirmation service @ St Stephen’s Richmond; Archbishop Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER:
6 November: Heinz & Vic 13 November: Oyem & Rob
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY: 7 November, 24th Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 25.6-9; Psalm 24; Revelation 21.1-6a; John 11.32-44.
Account details for donations to the Building Fund
Account Name - St James Building Fund
BSB–703 122
Account Number - 05009897