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‘‘Celebrating and sharing the love of

God’ PROPER 12A (Eighth Sunday after Pentecost)) 26th July 2020

Counters: Janny, Robyn Cleaning: Klaus Flowers: Alex NSATURDAY 6pm, Hymns: TIS 437, TIS 422, TIS 208

Arrival Team: Tina, Anita Ushers/Cleaners: Kristen & Alan Communion Assistants: Sharon & Noel Music: Heather Audio/Visual: Lois

SUNDAY 8:30am Band HC, Songs: Let your kingdom come, AT 329, The Potter's Hand, AT 593, 10,000 Reasons

Arrival Team: Dean & Ruth Ushers/Cleaners: Rob & Ronda, Jo & Alex Communion Assistants: Steve, Sean Reading: Sean Music: Gwen, Yudita Audio/Visual: Megan

SUNDAY 10:20am Organ HC, Hymns: TIS 437, TIS 422, TIS 208Arrival Team: Alex N, Negasa Ushers/Cleaners: Mark, Maija-Liisa, Kathy & David Communion Assistants: Mark, John Music: Yovela Audio/Visual: Megan

PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK M: Let us pray that we treasure the kingdom of God. [Silence for reflection]

Lead us, great and loving God,C: to desire, above everything, the gifts of your kingdom. Make us ready to

renounce anything else, for the sake of your most precious gift, your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

BIBLE READINGS FOR TODAY 1 Kings 3:5-12 Solomon’s prayer for wisdom Psalm 119:129-136 Romans 8:26-39 Nothing can separate us from the love of God Matthew 13:31-33,44-52 Parables of the kingdom PRAYER AFTER THE GOSPEL M: Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing the kingdom of God to us.

Keep us in your kingdom and help us to treasure it. C: Amen.

Welcome to Worship!We’re so glad you have chosen to be with us today. Please relax and enjoy the music before the service starts. Quiet your heart before God. Ask him to meet with you and teach you today. We invite you to fill in the welcome form from the pew information holder and place it in the offering bag with your offering. Please join us for coffee or tea and a friendly chat between services.

2Thanks for all your help Keenan.

“Agnus Day cartoon appears with the permission of www.agnusday.org"

OFFERING PRAYERC: Thank you, Lord, for giving us so many wonderful gifts, especially for calling us

into your kingdom. Make us faithful and wise servants, giving of what you have given us to help others. Amen.

PSALM 119 (NLT) L: Your laws are wonderful. No wonder I obey them!R: The teaching of your word gives light, so even the simple can understand.L: I pant with expectation, longing for your commands.R: Come and show me your mercy, as you do for all who love your name.L: Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.R: Ransom me from the oppression of evil people; then I can obey your

commandments.L: Look upon me with love; teach me your decrees.R: Rivers of tears gush from my eyes because people disobey your instructions.

PRAYER AFTER HOLY COMMUNION C: Almighty and merciful God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are

restless until they find their rest in you. Teach us to seek you where you may be found, especially in your word and sacraments. May we rely on you in all our needs, so that our deepest desires may be satisfied, and we may finally see you face to face. We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

The Lutheran Church teaches that HOLY COMMUNION is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ given with bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself for us Christians to eat and drink to strengthen us in faith and service. This sacrament is for baptised Christians who repent of their sins, believe in Jesus as their only Saviour, and intend to live as God wants them to. If you have any questions please speak to an Elder or Pastor.

3WORD SEARCH – PROPER 12A

ANNOUNCEMENTSHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ANNA OSSY-ORLEY who turns 90 years old today.

MARTHA KAEHLER MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held here at St John’s this coming Wednesday (29 July) at 10am.

CHILDREN’S CHURCH & LITTLE LAMBS will be starting again on 26 July. In the meantime the Pastors will still be giving a children’s talk at the 8.30am service & there will a colouring-in activity for the children during the service.

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SERVICES will be held at 11am on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month. This service will be repeating the weekend worship services & is for any person who would like to attend. The next service will be held Wednesday 12 August. MEN’S STUDY & PRAYER Our Saturday Morning men’s Prayer and Study group has started again. All men are welcome to join. Contact Pastor Peter for more information.

WEDNESDAY ‘ZOOM’ STUDY Every second Wednesday from 1-2pm you are welcome to join in an ‘on-line’ zoom study group going through the Spirit Filled (Normal Christian Living) study book. Contact Pastor Peter for more information and for log-in details.

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTSAUSTRLIAN CHURCH WOMEN FELLOWSHIP DAY SERVICE is scheduled for Friday 31 July. It will be on the National ACW website www.acw.org.au from 10am. The theme is “Moving Forward in Faith”. Reflections on this theme will be put up on the website progressively from 1 July at 10am.

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The SUMMARY OF OFFERINGS received for the year to end June 2020 is as follows:

Offerings – received for month of June 2020: $26,023Offerings – cumulative amount received for year to end June 2020: $119,044

Due to the offerings received to date, our expected (2020 budget) annual loss as projected of -$46,358 will be increased by -$956 to $47,314.

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Proper 12(A) – Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52Tips of Discipleship: Choosed WiselyFocus Question: What is one choice you made this week because you were a Christian?word of life “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” Matthew 13:44 (NRSV)

Read Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52Preachers as they prepare sermons look at Bible texts through the eyes of law and gospel. Some preachers emphasize the law and judgment of God to the point it sounds like the preacher is trying to scare a person out of the grips of hell and into eternal life. Other preachers are at other side of the spectrum, preaching all comforting, good news and not mentioning human sin and God’s judgment.

1. When (if ever) have you heard the phrase “law and gospel”?2. What does that phrase “law and gospel” mean to you?

The four parables found in this week’s lessons combine teachings of law and gospel. These parables are using metaphors to describe the kingdom of heaven. The first parable describes the kingdom of heaven as a mustard seed sown by someone in a field. It is clear this metaphor is extreme. What person would take the time to sow a single, small mustard seed in a field? Planting only one seed is not wise. Yet, if successful, this small seed produces a great shrub, strong and mighty enough for birds, their nests, and the eggs. The emphasis is not on the work of the laborer, but on God’s activity – even when it appears small or insignificant. These are comforting and encouraging words. May God take the mustard seeds planted by our congregations, bless them, and use them for the kingdom.

3. What does the parable of the mustard seed mean to you?4. Is this a clear or confusing parable to you? Explain.

Jesus further describes the kingdom of heaven like a treasure and as a pearl of great value for which people will sacrifice much. Ultimately, it is not about the treasure, the pearl, or those who search. This parable is about the joy of the kingdom of heaven. These are parables intended to motivate people to seek the kingdom of heaven and discover joy.

5. How are these parables of gospel?6. What do you think the kingdom of heaven in like?

The final parable of this series takes on a different tone as the shift is made to law. The kingdom of heaven is like a net thrown and dragged through the water to catch all kinds of fish – the good and the bad. At some point the fish will be separated. Except, Jesus is actually talking about people being thrown into the furnace of fire, “where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:50 NRSV) This parable reminds us of the final judgment of God for which we should take heed.

These parables teach about law and gospel, God’s salvation and judgment. 7. Why is important to learn of both law and gospel?8. What would it be like to only hear the law or the gospel?

Word among us Three-year-old Billy was in the back yard helping his grandpa plant seeds. Things were not going well. When Billy placed a seed in the soil, then he quickly screamed and picked it up. Despite it all,

6somehow enough seeds were planted and Billy’s grandpa put the soil over the seeds. With that action, Billy wailed uncontrollably. All the adults tried to console young Billy, but nothing helped. Billy’s grandpa concluded the whole ordeal was a failure. No one thought Billy heard anything about flowers. But sure enough, when Billy would come for a visit, Billy would dash to the back yard and stand over the planted seeds. Finally, when the flowers bloomed, Billy danced with joy. And so did his grandpa.

1. What is that like to lose hope over something and have hope restored?2. Describe a time in your life when someone planted a mustard seed, but it took a long time

to grow.3. Name a flower, shrub, or tree which describes your faith. Explain.

Today’s passage concludes the lectionary selections from Matthew 13 with its focus on parables. Take a moment to re-read the twin parables concerning the treasure and pearl found in Matthew 13:44-46. Close your eyes and imagine a treasure. Take into account the sacrifice of selling everything you have to obtain the treasure. Reflect on the joy of finding that treasure.

4. What brings you joy?5. How might the kingdom of heaven bring you joy?

Take some time to ponder a shopper in search of a rare item during the Christmas holiday season. Imagine searching the internet for that item and walking through stores. Imagine your tired body after such a long search. Now imagine your joy in finding that rare article.

6. What would you do if you finally completed your search for a rare item?7. How would you share that joy?8. How does this parable help you to understand the kingdom of God?

Next imagine a warm summer day. Feel the sun on your face. See the fishing boats bringing in nets filled with fish. Watch them separate the fish throwing a bunch overboard. But, this is where the metaphor gets a bit shaky. If we were fish, it would be a good thing to be thrown overboard to live another day in water. But in this metaphor, it is good to be caught.

Through these parables, Jesus encourages us to make good choices in our life and trust in him. 9. What are these parables saying to you?10. What prayer might come from this passage?

Prayer God, it is wonderful to imagine the kingdom of heaven and all of its wonders. Help me to make choices and trust you, so I might experience your joy. Amen Dig Deeper Romans 8:35-39last word Look around for metaphors to describe the kingdom of heaven.What is the kingdom of heaven like?.

Daily Discipleship Written by John and Robin McCullough-BadeCopyright © 2008 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

May be reproduced for local, non-sale use provided above copyright notice is included.www.elca.org/evangelism/dailydiscipleship

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Ten things I’ve learnt during COVID–1921 July 2020 by Adrian Kitson1. We can learn new things quickly when we have to. We can adapt and help others do the same. We have adapted well to the online world and have finally found the fertile digital mission field!2. The church is people. Gathered together or alone we remain the church of Father, Son and Spirit; instrument of his ongoing mission to call, gather and enlighten sinners into his fold.3. Gathering in one building at one time that suits us is not the only way to be church – it’s wherever the gospel is proclaimed and the sacraments are administered according to that beautiful grace-filled gospel.4. The Lord has given us very good gifts at this time.

Fewer rosters, programs and busyness means more time to relate to others. God’s people taking responsibility for God’s people without the pastor having to tell

them to do so or to do the heavy lifting. The flock have taken upon themselves to care for each sheep and have done a marvellous job.

A shift of focus from how to keep the church running the way it has in the past, to enjoying what the Lord is doing among us in our relationships.

Pastors experiencing more space to listen to the word, to God’s people, to their family and friends and people in our local communities.

The opening up of our ‘front door’ into the online world where there are not only regular church people but many others listening in.

5. ‘Getting back to normal’ as quickly as possible may cost us too many of these good gifts. Our goal is not to ‘get back to normal’, but to stay with the Lord in the present, listening and learning where he leads us, whatever that may look like.6. Our Western society since World War II is actually not the ‘normal’. Communities of Jesus have always dealt with plagues, natural disasters, persecution, poverty, injustice and death – without easy escapes. Jesus is not our escape. He is our Saviour so he can call, gather and enlighten the world through us.7. Worship can be big and small too. We can participate with Christ in his mission in not only one building at one time but in many small household buildings at various times.8. God’s people have many gifts and can do many things in ministry and mission and should continue to do so.9. What happens in small gatherings in homes and workplaces is just as important as what happens in larger groups on Sundays, and more effective in the ongoing nurture, witness, fellowship and service with and for our own people and people in our local communities.10. We are called by the Spirit to listen to his word, not ‘fix the church’ as we want it fixed. We don’t have to ‘fix’ the church. We are called to listen to the word of the Spirit and let him lead us into his future for us all.

Pastor Adrian Kitson is chair of the LCA/NZ’s Commission on Worship and serves the flock at St Petri Nuriootpa in South Australia.

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21 July 2020 by Jodi Brook

Studies confirm that parents are the most influential faith nurturers in the lives of their children – and that grandparents play a vital role in a child’s faith formation too. This means that one of the best places for young people to ‘catch’ faith is at home.

For some grandparents, being separated from their grandchildren during the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic has been heartbreaking. There are other effects too, as we know there are wonderful health benefits for older adults when they spend time with younger generations.

When grandparents are actively involved in the lives of their grandchildren these times can provide an opportunity for them to share their faith.

Grandparents have such an important role to play in the church. They bring wisdom and knowledge to younger generations. If you are not a grandparent, consider mentoring some of the younger members of your congregation. It is a good idea to check with your congregational leaders first, as they may be able to help identify a suitable person.

Ideas to stay connected with grandchildren when you can’t physically be together: Read a book or play a game online together. Teach them a favourite recipe over the phone or via an internet video call. Write letters to them, sharing stories from your childhood. Listen to their music practice or help with their homework over the phone or

through an internet video call. Share their highs and lows of the day over the phone. Commit to praying about

these things. Organise a video catch-up with multiple grandchildren. Invite your grandkids to a video meal.

THIS WEEK AND BEYOND

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NEXT WEEK’S WORSHIP – Proper 13A 2nd August 2020 Bible Readings: Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8,9,14-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

DUTY 6pm Sat HC 8:30am Organ HC

10:20am Band HC

11am Wed HC12 August

Arrival Team T Yensch, S Wilathgamuwa

J & A Bartels Majer family N Sellner, L Boyle

Ushers/ Cleaners

J & S Morick J & D Wilson, S & S Megharaj

P Wundersitz, J Thomas, R Masters, R Handley

L Hotker, T Yensch, A Viskari, E Pailis

Communion Assistants

S Reid, T Knuckey, M Sutanto

S Hotinski, R Rohrlach, J Schwinkowski

Y Tamba, M Altus, R Masters

M Rudolph, H Zigon, J Thomas

Reader S Hotinski M RudolphMusic E Mueller M Crone J Offszanka H Mithen

Audio/Visual S Reid J Kahlfeld J Kahlfeld J KahlfeldChurch

Cleaning (midweek)

R Rohrlach

Flowers ?Counters J Thomas, R Masters

CONGREGATION MINISTRY CONTACTS PO Box 8199, Perth BC WA 6849 Email: stjohns@stjohnsperth.org.au PH: 9227 8072www.stjohnsperth.org.au CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 9am – 4pm.

*EMERGENCY MATTERS PLEASE CALL THE PASTORS’ MOBILES*

SUNDAYS Prayer fellowship before Worship (8am) in meeting roomGrace Lutheran Chinese Worship (10.30am) Hall and Lounge

MON-FRI 11:30 – 1.30pm AA meet in T3MONDAYS PASTOR ANDRÉ’S Sabbath (Day of rest with God)THURSDAYS PASTOR PETER’S Sabbath (Day of rest with God)THURSDAYS 10 – 1pm ART CLASS in the Teaching RoomsSun 26 July 11am Grace worship serviceTues 28 July 5pm DCC meetWed 29 July 10am Funeral of Marta KaehlerThurs 30 – Thurs 13 Aug Pastor Peter on annual leaveSun 2 Aug 12.30pm Elders meetWed 5 Aug 7pm WEGsFri 7 Aug 5.30pm Confirmation classFri 7 Aug 7.30pm YouthMon 10 Aug 10am Bible study in conference roomTues 11 Aug 6pm Church Council meets in the conference roomWed 12 Aug 11am Worship service

11Pastor André MeyerPastor Peter Hage

SUNDAY AT ST JOHN’S SAFE PLACE

St John’s is a SAFE PLACE approved congregation. If you wish to report a matter of harassment or abuse related to the ministry of this congregation then please phone the SAFE PLACE COORDINATOR. It is never too late to report abuse or harassment. Our church uses the SafePlace Safety Management System as an expression of our concern for the safety of all people in our care. Our Safe Place Coordinators are: Ruth Brisbane & Sharon Reid

Chair: Armin Bartels Elders: Mark Altus, Steve Lamont, Vice-Chair: Michelle Sellner Sharon Reid, Yos Tamba. Secretary: Kathy WilsonTreasurer: John Spicer Property: Dean SolmundsonCouncil Members: Sean Hotinski, Negasa Hunduma, Solomon Megharaj, Eloise Muller, Noel Reid.

Care Ministry: Rebecca LamontChildren’s Church: Heidi Spicer, Jodie Belke Fellowship: ?Small Groups: PastorsWorship: Sharon Reid Youth: Zach Offszanka

FAMILY ROOM is available when children become restless in church - entry is at the rear of the church. The sermon & service can be heard from inside the room. CHILDREN'S CHURCH: Held during the Sunday 8:30am service (in the school term) in the Teaching rooms, from 8:45am. All are welcome. LITTLE LAMBS: For 0-3 year olds. Held in the Lounge during the sermon in the 8.30 service (during school term). A parent must stay with their child. MORNING TEA/COFFEE is available between services. ST JOHN’S CAR PARK: Parking is free Sunday mornings until 12:30pm. At all other times parking fees apply. A parking pass must be displayed on the dashboard on weekdays. The pass is available from the office. Please note that parking is available across the road at CIT car park on Sundays for services, as well as on the side of the road.