Sunday 9th November 2025 - Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

REFLECTION: Luke 20:27-40 The God of the Living

Today’s reading has a group of religious leaders called the Sadducees ask Jesus a

question about life after death. They tell him an absurd story about seven brothers

who all die one after the other and in between they all marry the same woman.

Finally, the woman dies too and they all meet up again after the resurrection,

staring at each other. Who is the woman married to now?

It’s a deliberately absurd story with a twisted question for Jesus. But there is a

serious issue at the heart of it. In fact, there are three big questions that were of

concern to the people in the time of Jesus and they are still bothering us today.

1. Is the resurrection a real thing?

2. If it is, what will it be like?

3. How will it work for me?

Jesus reminds us that we should pay attention to who God is. He is not the God of

the dead but of the Living. Trust God and follow Jesus. He died and rose again and

is very much alive. In him, we will also be resurrected in the age to come.

To Think About:

How does your life after death affect your life before death?

HYMNS

TIS 47 Our God, our help in ages past

Christ Our Hope in life and death

TIS 432 Christ is made the sure foundation

TIS 100 All creatures of our God and king

TREE PLANTING

There will be another working bee this Saturday Nov 8th from 8:30am planting

trees. All are welcome.

BAPTISM

Today we welcome Davyn and Karunya who bring their son Kyan for Holy

Baptism. A big welcome to all their family friends. Please join us for a special

morning tea in the Parish Centre provided by the family.

DEFENCE SUNDAY

Today is Defence Sunday on our church calendar when we pray for our armed

forces and remember those who have given their lives through the defence forces.

SPECIAL CONFIRMATION SERVICE

Bishop Paul Barker will be leading a special confirmation and reception of

member’s service at 5pm next Sunday Nov 16th at St James. This is not a regular

confirmation service aimed at confirming young people. These should do a serious

preparation prior to confirmation. This is primarily for mature Christians from a

number of churches across our episcopate who are standing for Parish Council but

who have not previously been confirmed or received as members. We hope to

provide a congregation so if you are able to attend, please come. It’s always good

to hear Bishop Paul.

MEMORIAL FLOWERS

The flowers today are in memory of former long- serving member of the

choir, Carole Matthews. "Forever in our family's most treasured memories." The

Mathews Family.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUP

Will be continuing a series of studies on the book of Ephesians this

Wednesday. All are welcome at 7:30 in Meeting Room 2, in the New Parish

Centre.

MISSION MOMENTS

Mission Sunday will be Sunday 16th November. Margo Hartley will be speaking of

the work of the Mercy Ships over a light lunch in the New Parish Centre after the

10am Service. A lunch of pies and pasties will be provided free of

charge. Donations to the ministry of the Mercy Ships will be gratefully received.

Please bring Mission boxes or Contributions over the next few weeks as we support

these worthy causes. Continue to pray for Lauren as he teaches English and serves

the Lord.

AGM 23RD NOVEMBER 2025

Notice is given of the Annual General Meeting for St James Dandenong will be held

in the Church at 12noon on Sunday 23rd November.

ELECTORAL ROLL

Regular attendees may like to see if they qualify for entry to the Electoral Roll.–

please find application at back of church. Completed applications must be returned

by 9th November 2025

PARISH COUNCIL

Nominations for Parish Council, Churchwardens and Nominators are at the back of

the church. Completed nominations must be in the hands of the Vicar or Parish

Secretary by 16th November 2025.

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 16th November: Isaiah 65. 17-25; Psalm:

Song of Isiah; 2 Thessalonians 3. 6-13, 13-17; Luke 21.5-19.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 8th November – Oyem & Rob

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 & Gay