REFLECTION: Luke 6:20-31 “God’s upside-down kingdom”
What makes you happy in this life?
Is it having a great car, a good house, and good overseas holidays?
Is it enjoying good food, good health and a peaceful life?
How do you process Jesus’ words, “happy are you who are poor, hungry, tearful,
and persecuted”? He seems to be thinking in a completely different way to
everyone else. The fact is, his values are very different to our sinful, human
values. In today’s confrontational reading, Jesus challenges the way we view
many things and introduces us to the values of God’s kingdom which seem
upside down compared to the values of this world. Here is an outline of this
morning’s message.
1. In God’s upside-down kingdom, the downtrodden will be exalted and
blessed.
a. Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God (20)
b. Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled (21)
c. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.
d. Blessed are you when people hate you (22-23)
2. But woe to those who have been blessed in this world’s kingdom but have
not turned to God.
a. But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation (24)
b. Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry (25)
c. Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep (26).
d. Woe to you when all speak well of you,
3. Let us live the upside-down values of God’s kingdom today!
a. Love your enemies (27-29)
b. Give to everyone who begs from you (30)
c. Do to others as you would have them do to you (31)
To Think About:
Which kingdom has the greater sway over my values? The kingdoms of this
world, or the Kingdom of God.
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 455 For all the saints
MP 1213 O Church arise
O how good it is
TIS 457 The churches one foundation
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
The flowers in church today have been given in loving memory of Carole Matthews by her husband Gary.
Always missed and remembered with
deepest love.
LATE NOTICE ON WORKING BEE THIS SATURDAY
With extraordinarily wet weather and illness it has been hard to keep up
with the grounds maintenance and gardens. We want things to look great for
the tree planting as guests are invited so we will be having a working bee
this Saturday Nov 5th from 9am for whoever can come and help.
TREE PLANTING NEXT SATURDAY
We received a grant of $10,000 through the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum
Jubilee program for planting trees on our site. Though many of the trees
will be planted once the new building is done, some are being planted now
and a requirement of the grant is to lay a commemorative plaque and hold a
celebration. We will be doing this on the rear lawn near the basketball courtnext Saturday 12th Nov at 2pm. There will be some light refreshments. We
encourage you to come for this short ceremony.
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 20 November 2022
A copy of the current Electoral Roll is located on the notice board in the
Church Porch. Please check if your name is on it if you are over 18 years,
and a regular communicant. If you would like your name added to the
Electoral Roll please contact the Parish Secretary.
Christine Keys at contact@stjamesdandenong.com or leave a message on
(03) 793 0219
AGM NOV 20th 12 MIDDAY
Don’t forget our forthcoming AGM. Please move now on nominations for
Parish Council/Wardens/Incumbency Committee. They need to be in by
next weekend.
NIGHT MARKET
We are organizing a Night Market for Saturday, 3rd December. Watch out for more details. Speak to Naomi if you would like to help.
MISSION MOMENTS
Please continue to pray for Zoe Creelman, our link missionary in Ngukurr
Arnhem Land.
SUTS (Summer Under the Sun) 2023 Program - Theme:
The Road Less Travelled. Thursday, 19th - Saturday, 21st January, 2023 to participate in
this event.
LAWN MOWING ROSTER 2022
11 Nov Oyem & Rob
18 Nov Rusty
READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY
13th Nov –23rd Sunday after Pentecost
Isaiah 65.17-25; A Song of Isaiah; 2 Thessalonians 3.6-13; Luke 21.5-19;