20th October 2013

Twenty Second Sunday after Pentecost
20 October 2013

¯ THIS MORNING'S MUSIC OF PRAISE:
777, 16 (V 1, 5), 390, 264(V 4), 265.

FIRST BIBLE READING:

Genesis 32: 22-31
'Jacob wrestles with God' (NIV)

That night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two female servants and his eleven sons and crossed the ford of the Jabbok. After he had sent them across the stream, he
sent over all his possessions. So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of
Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man.
Then the man said, "Let me go, for it is daybreak."
But Jacob replied, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."
The man asked him, "What is your name?"
"Jacob," he answered.
Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome."
Jacob said, "Please tell me your name."
But he replied, "Why do you ask my name?" Then he blessed him there. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared." The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

SECOND BIBLE READING:

2 Timothy 3: 14 - 4: 5; (NIV)
'Responsibilities of the pastor'

But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction.
For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

GOSPEL READING:

Luke 18: 1-8;
'Parable of the widow and the judge' (GNB)

Jesus told his disciples a parable to teach them that they should always pray and never become discouraged. 'In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor
had respect for anyone. And there was a widow in the same town who kept coming to him and pleading for her rights, saying, "Help me against my opponent!" For a long time the judge refused to act, but at last he said to himself, "Even though I don't fear God or respect anyone, yet because of all the trouble this widow is giving me, I will see to it that she gets her rights. If I don't, she will keep on coming and finally wear me out!"'
And the Lord continued, 'Listen to what that corrupt judge said. Now, will God not judge in favor of his own people who cry to him day and night for help? Will he be
slow to help them? I tell you, he will judge in their favor and do it quickly. But will the Son of Man find faith on earth when he comes?'

NOTES ON THE READINGS:

2 TIMOTHY 3: 14 - 4:5:
Our Lord Jesus Christ still effects his miraculous work among people today. He sent out the apostles and the early church with the commission to preach and teach his word and to administer the sacraments. St Paul reminds the young pastor Timothy, and us, that the Scriptures are not mere human documents.
He says they are 'inspired' (breathed into the writers) by God himself (v 16). That is why they are both needed and useful for people's salvation and growth in personal holiness. With a most solemn oath he urges Timothy not to make any
apologies or to worry about the timing when proclaiming the word (4:2), but to persist with it to convince, rebuke and encourage. People often tend to prefer trendy and flattering preachers. Timothy should rather be ready to bear any suffering which accompanies proclaiming the truth.

LUKE 18: 1-8:
This teaching about persistence in prayer comes from our Lord in view of the tensions and distresses of the last times. He uses the comparison of a helpless widow up against a more powerful exploitative opponent to picture a Christian's dilemma. The judge to whom she appeals for help is cynically indifferent to what he sees as an insignificant problem. God is not cynical, but kind, compassionate, loving and sympathetic. So how much more will he be ready to hear and to answer the cries of his chosen ones when they 'pray without ceasing'.

Bible readings for Sunday 27th October:

Jeremiah 14: 7-10, 19-22, 2
Timothy 4: 6-8, 16-18,
Luke 18: 9-14.

Announcements:
1. This week in the Lord's Service - 20th - 27th Oct:
This morning - Public Divine service - includes a rite of thanksgiving to God for the ministry at Lara.
Sunday School resumes!

This morning - Nominations Committee (after worship).
There will be no Confirmation class Wednesday, owing to Pr Lester away at Pastor's Conference.

Wednesday - 7.30 pm - Bible study group on Colossians continues at the home of Peggy and Errol Werner, 1705 Barrabool Road, Gnarwarre.

Saturday - 10.00 am - 11.00 am - 'Sing- along' time for those who wish to learn songs for the Sunday.

Saturday - 11.00 am to 12 noon - Choir practice.

Next Sunday - 9.30 am - Public Divine service - 'Reformation Day' with Holy Communion.

2. 'All Saints' Memorial - Sun. 3rd Nov:
A memorial rite will be held during worship service on Sunday 3rd November ('All Saints' Day) - remembering loved ones whose funeral services
have been conducted under the ministry of our church in the past two years. This will include a time of silence to remember others whose loss is also in
our hearts.

A fellowship morning tea will follow for which members are asked to bring along a plate of food to share.

3. Conflict Coaching - 31Oct - 2 Nov:
An opportunity has arisen to attend Conflict Coaching with Rev Bruce Zagel at St Phillips, Lutheran Church, Werribee on 31st October and
1st and 2nd November 2013. Please see notice board near kitchen. Registration forms available from front foyer. Any enquiries are welcome to Pastor Mark
Winter, 03 97496976 or mobile 0411 151 741.

4. LSF National Retreat - Jan. 2014:
The LSF national camp for young adults will take place at Tandara Camp, Hall's Gap from 20th - 24th January, 2014. For further particulars and how to
register, please see notice board near kitchen.

5. ALWS - 'Gifts of Grace' Appeal:
Placed in member's church boxes are appeal brochures for ALWS's 2013 Christmas 'Gifts of Grace' to take home today. The brochures outline the
various ways of support for an improved quality of living through this inspired overseas program.
Tax receipts will be provided.
Christmas is not only getting, it's the grace of giving!! (Read Jesus' words - Matthew 25: 31- 46)

Coming up for your diary:
Tuesday 5th November - 7.30 pm - Deacons.
Thursday 14th November and Tuesday 17th December - 2.30 to 4.00 pm - worship service with Holy Communion. Fellowship afternoon tea to follow.
Friday 15th November - 9.30 am - Worship Team.
Tuesday 19th November - 12.30 pm - Kaffeestunde,
Sunday 1st December - (after worship) - Election of office holders for 2014.
Sunday 8th December - Guest speaker Jonathan Krause - launch of ALWS Christmas Action appeal.
Tuesday 17th December - 6.30 pm - Church Council.