Sunday 4th May 2025 – Third Sunday of Easter

REFLECTION: Acts 9:1-20 “Saul - The Story of a Conversion”

How does someone become a Christian? There are many different ways. Next week in our confirmation service we will hear a few brief stories of coming to faith. Perhaps the most well-known conversion story of all is that of how Saul the persecutor of Christians became Paul the Apostle. His story was unusual and probably unique, but there are still many valuable lessons to be learnt from it. Here is an outline of this Sunday’s message.

1. Saul (Paul) opposed Christians and anything to do with Jesus Christ

a. Saul was a zealous Jew who opposed all that threatened his beliefs (1)

b. He did all he could to persecute Christians to their death (2)

2. He has an encounter with Jesus that changes his life (3-5)

a. Jesus appears to him as he travels the road to Damascus and blinds him (3)

b. Jesus speaks to him “Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?”(4-5)

3. He is filled with the Holy Spirit and called to serve Jesus (6-20)

a. The Lord prepares Ananias to receive him and prepare him. (6-9)

b. Saul was chosen to be the Lord’s instrument to proclaim his name to the Gentiles (15-16)

c. Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and his eyes were opened (17-18)

TO THINK ABOUT

Imagine for a moment you hear God calling you by name. What is he calling on you to stop doing? What job does he have for you to do in order to serve him?

Hymns

TIS 147   To God be the glory

MP 1151 Amazing Grace (My chains are gone)

MP 585 I heard the voice of Jesus say

TIS 209 And can it be

BUILDING FUND PROGRESS

When we stated planning for the new Parish Centre back in 2020, we had the finance for the building covered. Steep rises in the cost of construction and long delays in obtaining permits have caused considerable price rises. We are still $170,000 short of the estimated final cost and we invite you to consider contributing to our building find to enable us to complete this beautiful new project debt free.

THE MOTHER’S DAY HIGH TEA

Has been postponed until spring. Further details to follow.

CLERGY CONFERENCE

Graeme, George and Oyem will be at the annual clergy conference from Sunday evening until Tuesday evening. Pray for refreshment and for renewal for them.

PHIL SMALLWOOD

We regret to advise that our dear brother Phillip Smallwood has passed away. His funeral will be held later next week at St James. Details to follow.

VOLUNTEERS

Would you be able to volunteer to help with cleaning or gardening? Please speak to Michael Willis or the vicar.

SOUP AND ROLL

$5 This Sunday, Cauliflower and chickpea soup with a dinner roll will be available after the 10am service. Fruit chutney and fejoia jam as well. Limited quantities.

CONFIRMATION, BAPTISMS AND A VISIT FROM BISHOP PAUL BARKER

Bishop Paul Barker will be with us on Sunday May 11th, Mothers’ Day, for a special Hope 25 service featuring baptisms and confirmations. We have a wonderful group of people preparing for baptism and confirmation who have been meeting each week and doing the Alpha course. Don’t miss this wonderful service.

MISSION MOMENTS

Just a reminder that Mission Sunday, is 11th May, when Bishop Paul Barker will speak on Hope 25 at our Baptism and Confirmation service. If you have a mission box please bring to church over the next couple of weeks.

ELECTION OF NEW ARCHBISHOP

The election Synod for our new Archbishop is scheduled for Friday 23rd of May and Saturday 24th of May. Please pray for the Archbishop Appointments board as they prepare the shortlist of candidates and pray for the Synod delegates who must vote. You can use this prayer as you pray.

PRAYER AT THE TIME OF CHOOSING A BISHOP

Eternal God, shepherd and guide, in your mercy give your Church in this diocese a shepherd after your own heart who will walk in your ways, and in loving care watch over your people. Give us a leader of vision and a teacher of truth. So may your Church be built up and your name glorified; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 11th May: Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 10th May – Rusty

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Mount Eliza Anglican Church; Hope25 outreach in local communities; Stewardship Agencies; The Church of Ireland; St John’s Toorak–Pastoral service; Emmanuel Iranian Church Confirmation service; Evensong for the Prevention of Domestic Violence-St Paul’s Cathedral; St James Kilsyth with St Peter’s Montrose–Pastoral service; Jumbunna Ministry Conference; Diocesan Administrator Bishop Genieve and all our Bishops in their ministry this week.

THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Nisha, Mike, Cecil, Ruth, Eva, Charles, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Natasha, Patty, Melenny, Shereen, Lorraine, Rebecca, Ken, Jim, Monty, Noel, Ashleigh, Mervyn, Tauren, Sylvia, Dean, Amy, & William & Chelsea.