A Tale of Two Kings.

Hi,
Today Pastor John looks at the lives of the two 'Kings of the Jews', Herod and Jesus and compares the mindset of both.
Herod epitomises the 'me' generation: it's all mine and I'm not about to share it with anyone: while Jesus is the essence of selflessness, caring for all mankind by giving them a way out of eternal damnation.
We are urged to follow the Magi, and 'go home by a different route' to avoid those who would destroy everything to keep the status quo.

Click here to download: A Tale of Two Kings.

Illawarra Lutheran Parish.
7th January 2007
Epiphany 1

Prayer of the Day.

Loving Father, you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit and revealed him as your dear Son. Thank you for making us your children by water and the Spirit. Keep us faithful to you throughout our lives. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer Points.

• Thank God for the blessings He has gien us over the last year.
• Pray for His protection during this year.
• Pray for opportunities to spread the Good News of his love and generosity.
• Pray that enthusiastic and capable leaders would be found in our parish and congregations.
• Pray for the growth of small group ministries in our parish.
• Pray for those in our community undergoing hospital treatment or who are in ill health: Christine F., Linda F., Helga S., Harold and Spodra M., Fritz T., Wolfgang G.,Hadry and Wendy B. and Horst M.
• Pray for our Sunday School and its teachers that we may continue to offer our young people a chance to grow to know Jesus.
• Pray for those who work in overseas missions.

Todays Readings
Isaiah 60:1-6
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12

Major and Minor Festivals this Week.
None this week.

Thought for the Week.

"Yesterday I was a dog. Today I'm a dog. Tomorrow I'll probably still be a dog. Sigh! There's so little hope for advancement."- Snoopy (Charles M. Schulz).

Photo credit:'Crown Toy' by Davide Guglielmo, Italy & 'Acacia' by Dominic Morel, South Africa.