Commemoration of All Saints'

2 November 2014

'All Saints' Day:
The custom of commemorating all of the martyrs of the church on a single day goes back at least to the third century. In modern practice, 'All Saints' Day commemorates not only all the martyrs but all the people of God, living and dead, who form the mystical body of Christ. The feast is, in effect, a feast of the church.

Members and visitors are invited if they wish, at the conclusion of the worship service, to come forward to the front of the altar, to light a candle (as provided), in memory of a loved one.

THIS MORNING'S MUSIC OF PRAISE:
119, 213, 12, 436, 265, ('I Sing a Song of the Saints of God' - Choir), 194, 38.

FIRST BIBLE READING:

Revelation 7:9-17
'Saints around the throne of God'

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb.
They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb."
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures.
They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: "Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honour and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!"
Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes - who are they, and where did they come from?"
I answered, "Sir, you know." And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Therefore, "they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. 'Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,' nor any scorching heat.
For the Lamb at the centre before the throne will be their shepherd; 'he will lead them to springs of living water.' 'And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes'.

SECOND BIBLE READING:

1 John 3:1-3 'We are God's children'

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure.

GOSPEL READING:

Matthew 5: 1-12 'The beatitudes'

Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said:
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Bible readings for Sunday 9th November 2014:
Joshua 24: 1-3a, 14-15, 1 Thess. 4: 13-18, Matthew 25: 1-13

NOTES ON THE GOSPEL READING:

MATTHEW 5: 1-12:
This section of Matthew's gospel is referred to generally as the 'Beatitudes'. The word 'beatitude' comes from the Latin word 'beatus' which means 'blessed', sometimes translated as 'happy'. These sayings of Jesus are drawn from teachings of the Old Testament, but have an unmistakable stamp of Jesus' authority in their application.
While they fly in the face of common earthly wisdom, they contain the wisdom of God which works out in practical blessing. They are not laws or commandments for living with a stated reward attached. They are more an expression of what Christ in his grace has made his children to be, with the promise of eternal reward in heaven, again according to the Lord's grace.


This week in the Lord's Service -2nd - 9th November:
1. Parents to note: No Sunday School this morning!
Friday - 6.30 pm - YPQ &A.
Saturday - 10.00 am - 11.00 am - 'Sing - along' time. 11.00 am to 12 noon - Choir practice.
Next Sunday - 9.30 am - Public Divine service - (H.C.)
(After worship) - Nominations Committee meet.


2. 'Gifts of Grace' Appeal 2014:

Available from member's church boxes to take home

this morning is the ALWS 2014 'Gifts of Grace ' catalogue. Last year 'Gifts of Grace' provided $500,000 worth of life -saving aid from our Lutheran
family to some of the world's poorest communities.
Members are encouraged to read through the brochure and support this ministry if they are able, so that this crucial aid to those disadvantaged
peoples may continue There are additional brochures in the front foyer for any member who would like extra to take away. Any orders/payments
are be made direct to ALWS in the envelope provided. Gifts $2.00 and over are tax deductible.
Jonathan Krause from ALWS is to be a guest speaker at 'Our Redeemer' on Sunday, 7th December 2014.

3. Nominations /Elections 2015:
It is again gratifying by the response by members over the previous two Sundays, in indicating their willingness to serve in various capacities.
Those members who may still wish to serve in 2015 can obtain a 'Ministry Opportunities 2015' form from the church front foyer this morning. It is requested that
when completed, this form be left at the church office by next Sunday (9th November).

4. Lenten devotional booklets 2015:
There are a number of reflections from 'Our Redeemer' still to be allocated. If anyone is willing to be a contributor, please contact Wayne Schulz ,
(away until Friday), at the church, 03 52 782443, or (email) administration@ourredeemer- geelong.org
It is preferable that responses be electronically prepared, however, legible written or typed versions are acceptable. Completed reflections should be
given to the church office, by 17th November.


5. 'Exploring Iraq Today':

For those who may be interested, a free event aimed at providing information on Christian/Muslim
communities in Iraq and answering questions; will be held at the Knox Lecture Theatre in the Catholic Knox Centre on Wednesday 19th November from 7.30 to 9.00 pm.

Please see notice board near kitchen.


Coming up for your diary:
Thursday 13th November - 10.30 am - Ladies F'ship.
Sunday 16th November - Sunday School returns.
Tuesday 18th November - 12.30 pm - Kaffeestunde
Friday 21st November - 9.30 am - Worship Team
Sunday 23rd November - 2015 Elections meeting
Thursday 4th December - 2.30 pm - Mid-week worship service (with H.C.), followed by fellowship afternoon tea.
Tuesday 9th December - 6.30 pm - Church Council.