Sunday 30th March 2025 – Fourth Sunday in Lent

REFLECTION:

Luke 15:11-32 “The Lost Son”

There is nothing sadder than seeing someone spiral out of control until they are absolutely lost. It doesn’t happen with just one decision. It’s usually a series of bad choices and even bad luck. We all make bad decisions at different times in our lives. It is easier than you think to find yourself lost in this world and far from God. Today’s reading is the third in a series of three parables about God’s heart for rescuing that which is lost. When we find ourselves lost in this world, we need to know that the Father is longing for us to come home, and he is even out searching for us.

Here is a brief outline of today’s message.

1. A lost son

a. Who showed contempt for his father (11-12)

b. Who lost his way in the world (13-16)

c. Who came to his senses and repented (17-20)

2. A loving Father

a. Who doesn’t hold a grudge but runs to his repentant son (20-21)

b. Who forgives him and restores him as his son (22)

c. Who rejoices that his lost son has been found (23-24, 32)

3. An unforgiving older brother

a. Hardworking, self-righteous and proud (25, 29)

b. Unable to forgive his brother (26, 30-32)

c. Unwilling to accept God’s gracious invitation and come in (28)

To think about:

With which brother do you identify? Are you like the no-good younger son who has repented and been welcomed home with open arms? Or are you more like the older brother who is angry that God should forgive so freely the sins of the no-good, younger brother?

HYMNS

TIS 154 Great is your faithfulness

TIS 491 Father welcomes all his children

MP 988 How deep the Father’s love

TIS 145 The king of love my shepherd is

EASTER: OUR EASTER ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR WILL INCLUDE

 Maundy Thursday Lamb Dinner with short devotional service and Eucharist in Parish Hall at 6pm.

 One hour Good Friday service at 10am followed by hot cross buns.

 Three hour devotional service from 12 midday to 3pm.

 Easter Sunday services at 8am and 10am and then 6pm for the Chollo congregation.

CLEANING

Do you enjoy seeing our church and hall nice and clean? When you see them clean, it is because one of our members has worked hard to make it that way. We are looking for some more volunteers to pick up the cleaning duties that one or two of our older members have had to leave. If you can help, please speak to Michael Willis.

FOR YOUR DIARY

Please remember Bishop Paul Barker will be with us on May 11th (Mother’s Day) for a confirmation service. So as not to overload that weekend, we are planning to have our Mother’s Day high tea on the 17th of May. More details to follow.

PARISH COUNCIL/LEVEL 3 SAFE MINISTRY TRAINING

It is a requirement for all clergy and Parish Council members to complete level 3 safe ministry training. To facilitate this, our April Parish Council meeting will be on April 14th (rather than Easter Monday) and after a short PC meeting starting at 7pm, we will have an in-person level 3 training session together starting at 7:30pm. Please confirm your attendance with Chris Keys. Chris will be announcing shortly the details for level 1 and 2 training.

DO YOU NEED WOOD

We have lots of wood leftover from the old fences. Great for making stakes for your garden or burning in a fire pit. Help yourself or see Rusty. It would be a shame to have to pay to have it taken away.

WEDNESDAY NIGHTS

The Alpha course resumes this Wednesday and we start also the Hope 25 Lenten study which will be led by Marien and Jane. All are welcome for a 6:30pm shared meal in the hall followed by the studies at 7:30pm.

MISSION MOMENTS

Please remember to pray regularly for our Missions and missionaries throughout our country and the world. In the porch there are publications from a number of mission organizations, so please feel free to take and learn more about the wonderful work being undertaken everywhere.

CALLING ALL KNITTERS

Time to start knitting beanies again ready to hand them out at Monday meals in June and July. Patterns are available in church porch and donations of 8ply yarn are welcome. Also scarves are acceptable. The beanies given last year were very much appreciated.

LAWN MOWING ROSTER: 29th March – Heinz & Rusty

READINGS FOR NEXT SUNDAY 6th April: Isaiah 43.16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3.3-14; John 12. 1-18

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, Sophie, & Ursula