Thanks to God for his Kindness

This Sunday we thank God for his care of our faith community. As we recommence our 8am, 9.15am and 11am Sunday gatherings we mark a significant milestone in our journey forward from the Covid Pandemic. It has been a long journey so far, but we take this moment to praise Jesus for his power applied to our need.

Thanks also to you

Thanks must also go to you, our members, for supporting our interim Covid-Safe service arrangements up until now. Thanks also to our Wardens and Parish Council for guiding us through this season, for seeking Jesus’ wisdom and direction, and seeking to prioritise our welfare in all decisions.

Mercy in Every Home and Community 

We Continue our Series- Following Jesus, the Merciful One
This Sunday we are blessed to continue to find great liberation in the merciful reign of our Lord, as Luke explores that reign in his Gospel. We linger on the theme Mercy in Every Home & Community (Luke 14.7-14).
Rev. Glen

 

Reflection Questions 

1. If you were to imagine throwing a party, and having guests over for a meal, who would you be likely to invite?

2. Why do we naturally want to invite friends who are similar to us to our feasts (similar in age, wealth level, life experience, language or culture, for example)?

3. Read Luke 14.7-11. Can you recall or think of a modern example of an individual taking a place higher than what was expected, to the disapproval of the community? 

4. How does the ‘honour-shame’ culture of Jesus’ day, make it particularly painful to be told to give up your seat and go to the lowest place?

5. This parable is told in the context of a feast at a leading Pharisee’s house. At the feast the Pharisees were cultivating a spirit of criticism of the Lord for his healing on the Sabbath (read Luke 14.1-6). Does it seem the Pharisees are more concerned with seeing the sick healed, or with their own status and position? If you were to describe the Pharisees based on clues in Luke 14.1-11, what kind of descriptors would you use?

6. We are redeemed by the mercy of God in Christ. This has been made very clear so far in Luke’s Gospel. But we also have a great hope that moves us to pass mercy on today. How does hope motivate mercy (Luke 14.12-14)?

7. (i) What kind of power do you have? For example: accumulated wealth; life experience; command of the English language; awareness of how to access local services like transport, health care etc; a role in the community or a qualification; youth/physical strength or health; knowledge of the Bible.

(ii) What would it look like to put Luke 14.12-14 into practice in a new way, and show hospitality to someone who is weak in the area where you are strong? How could you use your power to meet their needs?