“Experiencing the love and life of Christ through vibrant and life changing communities and creative partnerships.”
Rev Dr Denham Grierson conducted Sunday’s service. He looked at 4 readings from the Bible which all told the story of the resurrection from a different focus. These readings were read by different readers and people were asked to read along with the main reader.
The first was Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 15 3-8) which was written 20 years after the crucifixion and resurrection. Paul mentions names and that 500 people saw Jesus. The events had been prophesied.
The second reading was from Acts Ch 1 1-5 and was 30 years later. Jesus came to the people in physical form and even ate with them. Luke was determined to assure people of Jesus’ presence.
The third reading was in AD85. Luke’s gospel Ch 24 36 – 43 It describes the coming of the spirit. The spirit of Jesus does descend.
The 4th reading from John 20 19-23 and was 70 years after the crucifixion and written in 100AD. John writes that forgiveness lies in the ministry of the church.
Of course the reports are uncertain but they all showed the church wrestling with what had happened to Jesus. How do we understand the resurrection today? Tasmanian Author Richard Flanagan reports his own death when he was kayaking with friends and was trapped underwater for some time having been swept into the rapids. His friends tried to free him but eventually he collapsed into the water. He was freed and rushed to hospital and lived. Like candidates for ministry who were stripped naked and plunged into water so they could declare a new life. It is life beyond this life. Jesus is taking all of us with him. With baptism we are part of the resurrected community. We live and die for the Lord.
Things to remember:
Choir practice Mondays 5.30 – 6.30pm this week at Fiona’s
Cardinia Faith Group Annual Fair at Beaconsfield Neighborhood Centre Sunday 21 April 2pm. Contact Joan for more details.
Pentecost service combined with Berwick UC (at Berwick) 19.05.2024
Pakenham UCA AGM 26 May (after service).
Please continue to contribute to the Lazarus Food Relief which is being run by the COPTIC church who are providing hampers for the community which they distribute each Saturday at 2.00pm. A box is in the foyer for donations.
“1 John 1 V2 This life was revealed and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.”
