Over the last weeks we have explored the biblical stories that inspire our 7 stained glass windows. In this time God’s word has offered us 3 lessons on repentance and 3 lessons on hope.
Window 1 – The call of Matthew: Repentance is a call to reorient ourselves to God.
Window 2- The ministry of John: Repentance results in fellowship.
Window 3 – Jesus’ prayer in the garden: Repentance celebrates the goodness and strength of God.
Window 4 – The testing of Abraham: Our hope is based on the character of the God of provision.
Window 5 – The empty tomb: Rather than hope for the ‘best’, steward the good and hope for the ‘new.’
Window 6 – The raising of Lazarus: Our hope is in the promise and presence of God’s glory in Jesus.
Our series concludes this Sunday with our final window, as Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. It’s a lesson where somebody who has hoped for wholeness in life has been left with more than a few holes. Her ‘non-chance’ meeting with Jesus, will change all of this!
Reorientation can be scary. Even the habits and hopes that have been unfulfilling can hold a comforting familiarity.
Familiarity rather than function causes them to appear to us a viable option. Perhaps the testimony of the woman at the well prompts us to pray and meditate on Psalm 139. To ask the God who knows us, who is always present to indeed search us. Tell us all we ever did so to speak, and lead us in reorientation, away from the familiar and yet unsatisfying old waters, and to be immersed and drowned in the living water, the Spirit, who causes us to find hope, wholeness, and ends our searching. As we examine John 4, I think we will see that Repentance can turn guilt to hope, and shame to certainty.
If you have missed any of these sermons or would like to experience them again, they are available to view on our YouTube page via the link below.
The Ladies of St Matthews Fellowship Morning Teas are a wonderful opportunity for the women of our church community to come together, enjoy good company and build friendships. Once a month, on a Thursday morning, we gather in the home of one of our parishioners for a relaxed morning of fellowship, conversation and, of course, some delicious morning tea!
These gatherings are informal and friendly, and are a great way to get to know other women within our church family in a relaxed setting. Whether you have been part of St Matthews for many years or are new to our church community, you are warmly invited to come along and join us. We would love to welcome you.
Details of the next Fellowship Morning Tea are shared in our email newsletter and in the 'Notices' section of our Sunday services. Keep an eye out for the next invitation and come along for a morning of friendship, fellowship and fun.
Our St Matthews Craft Group meets on the first Monday of each month at 9:30am in the Church Hall. It is a relaxed and friendly morning where people can come together, enjoy some conversation and friendship, and spend some time working on something they enjoy.
You don't need to be a member of St Matthews or attend church to join us. Everyone is welcome, whether you enjoy knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, drawing, colouring, puzzles, or simply have another craft or activity you would like to work on. Just bring along your own craft, puzzle or activity and come and enjoy the company of others in a welcoming and relaxed environment.
The Craft Group is a great opportunity to meet new people, make friends and enjoy a morning together. We would love to see you there — everyone is welcome!