REFLECTION: Mark 12:38-44 “True and false piety”
If I was to tell you about someone and describe them as a pious character, would
you think I was insulting them or praising them? Is it good to be pious? Would
you like to be described as pious?
The fact is, that God desires that we be truly pious in our lives and that we practice our
piety with sincerity and with integrity, but there has been so much “false piety” that has
come from so-called religious people over the years that when we describe someone as
pious, people are likely to associate that with words and phrases like “hypocrite.”
Hypocrisy and false piety are both very much at home in our sinful, selfish human
nature. This type of thinking had completely infiltrated the religious leadership in Jesus’
day. Jesus had strong words for them calling on them to abandon their false piety and
their hypocrisy
and to follow his example of self-giving and humility. Jesus warns the large crowd
gathered in the temple courts to watch out for them. Here is an outline.
1. Beware of those who like the praise of others:
a. Who like to walk around in long robes (38)
b. Who like to be greeted with respect in the market-places
c. Who like to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honour at banquets!
(39)
d. Who for the sake of appearance say long prayers (40)
2. They live to be served rather than to serve.
a. They devour widow’s houses (40)
b. They will receive the greater condemnation.
3. Instead, practice true piety, like that of the poor widow:
a. Who makes no show for on-lookers. (42)
b. Who out of her poverty has put in everything she had to live on (43-44)
To Think About:
Could you be accused of being pious?
What would need to change in your life in order for this to happen?
HYMNS
TIS 568 O for a heart to praise my God
MP 1016 When the music fades (The heart of worship)
TIS 690 Beauty for brokenness
MP 428 Lord for the years
AGM
Next Sunday our AGM will be held at 12 midday in the church. All members are
expected to attend. Please ensure you have received and read a copy of the Annual
report. Hard copies are available today at the back of the church but if you are happy
with a digital copy, then help us save a tree by not taking one.
MEMORIAL FLOWERS
Memorials flowers have been donated by Gary Matthews and family in loving memory
of Carole Matthews. Forever in our family's most precious memories.
SPRING SPECIALS
Feel like something tasty to eat? You've come to the right place! Today we are dishing
up tasty stir-fry noodles with crispy juicy chicken wings. Still only $5. All proceeds go
to the building fund.
LECTIONARIES AND CALENDARS
If you would like to order a 2025 Lectionary or Australian Church Calendar, please add
you name to the order list and see Michael Willis. Lectionary $17, Calendar $15.
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
DEFENCE SUNDAY
Today, the closest Sunday to remembrance Sunday, is Defence Sunday in our church
calendar. We pray the prayer for Defence Sunday: God of love and liberty, we bring our
thanks today for the peace and security we enjoy. We remember those who in time of
war faithfully served their country. We pray for their families, and for ourselves whose
freedom was won at such a cost. Make us a people zealous for peace, and hasten that
day when nation shall not lift up sword against nation neither learn war any more. This
we pray in the name of the one who gave his life for the sake of the world: Jesus Christ,
our Redeemer. Amen.
MISSION MOMENTS
As Mission Sunday is 17th November, could parishioners who have mission boxes please return them to church this week or on the 17th.
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.
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 17th Nov: 1 Samuel 1.4-20; Psalm Song of
Hannah; Hebrews 10.11-14 (15-18) 19-25; Mark 13. 1-11
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR: Anthony, Nisha, Mike, Cecil, Ruth,
Eva, Charles, Nigel, Jen, Ted, Sylvia, Fay, Natasha, Betty, Patty, Melenny, Shereen,
Lorraine, Rebecca, Ken, Jim, Kanthi, Monty, Noel & Ashleigh
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