REFLECTION: Revelation 21:1-6. “See, I am making all things new”
What will heaven be like? What will be our experience when we die and go to heaven?
Today as we celebrate All Saints Sunday, and as we pause to remember those who have
gone ahead of us in the faith, we find that the readings also give us some insight into
the reality they will experience and the reality that awaits us.
The Book of Revelation does answer many questions that we might have about how
everything will end up, but it’s not always easy to discern. The answers are often veiled
in imagery based around Old Testament prophecies and events, but the message is clear
enough for anyone willing to do a bit of thinking and searching through the Old
Testament. Today’s reading from Revelation speaks of a future event which follows
the return of Christ and the end of the world as we know it, as Gods people dwell with
God in a renewed Earth where there is no more death or mourning or sickness. Here is
an outline:
1. A new creation.
a. Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth (1,4-5)
b. The first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.
2. A new relationship
a. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven (2)
b. See, the home of God is among mortals (2-3)
3. A new life
a. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more (4)
b. To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. (6)
To Think About:
How does this description of heaven make you feel? Does it fill you with hope?
HYMNS
TIS 455 For all the saints
Christ our hope in life and death (Keith Getty and others, 2020)
TIS 132 Holy, Holy Holy.
TIS 457 The church’s one foundation.
BUILDING FUND UPDATE
Recently we relaunched the building fund appeal with the target figure
of $300,000 that we need to raise over the next 3 years. We have had a wonderful
response so far with donations received to date totalling $39,319.95. This is a great start.
AGM
Reminder, all reports for the AGM on 17 November 2024 need to be sent
to chris.keys@dingley.net or handed to the Secretary Christine Keys by Sunday 3
November 2024
PARISH COUNCIL
Calling all parishioners to step up and become a member of the Parish Council. This is
a chance to serve our Church. Forms at back of Church. Applications close noon
Thursday 14 November. Nominations are also required for Wardens and for the Parish
Appointments Board.
WEDDING BANNS
Miss Amber Jessica Rodricks wishes to contact Holy Matrimony with Mr James
Michael Bowen at Churchill Island on the 14th of November at 2pm
MISSION MOMENTS
Sunday, 17th November is Mission Sunday when we will hear from Bruach Colliton of
Anglican Overseas Aid, so please remember to bring your mission box over the coming
weeks.
CONGRATULATIONS
To Jacob and Rachel Wright on the birth of their beautiful baby boy Joseph.
SUMMER UNDER THE SUN (SUTS)
CMS Victoria's global mission conference "Near & Far", 16-18 January, 2025, Syndal
Baptist Church. If you would like to participate or find out more, go
SUMPTUOUS CHRISTMAS LUNCH, CRAFT
STALL & GIFTS
Ideal opportunity to bring a friend to this Christmas
lunch, Sunday, 1st December in the Parish Hall, 12.30
p.m. $25.00 per person, children 5-15 $10.00, under 5
free. Great craft and gifts for Christmas. Place you
name on the sheet in the porch to attend.
CHRIST OUR HOPE IN LIFE AND DEATH
We will be singing a new hymn this Sunday which is called “Christ our Hope in Life
and Death” by Keith Getty (who also wrote “In Christ Alone”). Look it up and have a
listen. It’s a beautiful hymn for All Saints Sunday.
SOME DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sunday 17th November Parish AGM 12 midday
Sunday 1st December Parish Christmas Roast lunch with Joy Freier
Monday 10th December – Monday meal Christmas lunch
Sunday 22nd December, 7pm Carol Service
Tuesday 24th December, Christmas Eve Service.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 2nd November – Heinz & Vic
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 10th Nov: Ruth 3.1-5;4.3-17; Psalm 127;
Hebrews 9. (19-22) 23-28; Mark 12. 38-44
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR St Peter's, Murrumbeena ; The
Diocese of The Murray ; Bush Church Aid Society; All Saints’ Mitcham–Pastoral visit;
Church of the Province of South Asia; ; Philip and all our Bishops in their ministry this
week.
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