20th November 2022  (Christ the King Sunday) Title: Reign of Christ  (Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 23:1–6 & Luke 23:33–43)                                                                                    By Heeyoung Lim Grace and peace to you all. Today is Christ the King Sunday or Reign of Christ Sunday. It brings us full circle in the liturgical year. It means Today is the last Sunday of the church calendar. Next week, we will begin again in Advent, preparing for the birth of the Christ child. In today’s texts, Jeremiah indicts leaders for not only failing to gather the people but scattering them. However, there is a message of hope in Jeremiah 23. The Lord promises to choose leaders who will care for scattered people like real shepherds. He declares that He will place new shepherds who will lead in accordance with God’s heart. He continues to declare that God’s people will no longer be afraid or terrified, not will any be missing. As in Jeremiah 23, the people scattered by the wrongdoing of their leaders will be brought back under the oversight of God as Shepherd. In Jeremiah, the term “shepherd” means “king”, and the prophet Jeremiah refers to God as a shepherd. God will gather the scattered sheep from exile and provide a new ruler according to God’s plan. In verse 6, The Lord says, “As long as he is king, Israel will have peace and Judah will live in safety.” The name of this king will be called, “The Lord our Righteous Saviour.” The king will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.  God’s promise does not stop at bringing back the scattered ones and putting in place new leaders who will serve the people. This is beyond the past or present; it is a word of restoration that looks forward to the future and belongs to God. Today’s text takes us from what humans have messed up to what God is able to accomplish. The promise of God comes even in our tough times. God’s word of promise re-creates the people’s trust in God. His word is the word of hope and restoration. Jeremiah 23 speaks as to both what God will do in the future and to what God is doing here and now. It is accomplished through the Servant-King and Good Shepherd Jesus. We are able to see Jeremiah’s expectations for a righteous king here, and the king cares for all the people as a good shepherd. May we live with the Lord as our king and model what Micah’s call “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” Christ is our king.  As our world struggles with war, famine, heat wave, flood, bushfire, and many kinds of tragedies, how do we consider our call to live as God’s people? We long for God’s abundance and blessings in our lives, but we are suffering from something unexpected or difficult. What are our responses to the underlying issues of poverty, health, hunger, violence, and power? How do we get in on God’s restorative justice? The reign of Christ is the reign of peace. Living under Christ’s reign means we are called to model Christ’s example to love God and neighbour. We are also called to work toward justice and God’s restoration for all people. In Luke, while the religious leaders worked to destroy life, Jesus worked to save it. As Jesus prayed for forgiveness, the Roman soldiers mocked Jesus, took his clothes and casted lots for them. We can see that the word Psalm 22:18 was fulfilled in this act. God knew his Son would die, suffering for the sins of the world (Isa. 53). The crowd and soldiers continued mocking and testing until Jesus died on the cross. Jesus’ chosen disciples had fled the area in fear while He was on the cross. He watched those who mocked him and crucified him and asked the Father to forgive them. (v. 34) Jesus is shown asking God’s forgiveness for his persecutors. He poured out grace on those who executed him. Jesus’ forgiveness and grace broke through darkness, ridicule, and even death, showing that he is the King of peace and love. In Luke 22, the people gathered and called for Jesus’ crucifixion. In today’s text, they became bystanders and part of the audience even in front of Jesus’ death. (35) In addition, they challenged Jesus to prove his kingship and to save himself. However, Jesus refused to save himself, he provided salvation for the world. Jesus was not the political messiah people wanted; He was the suffering Servant Messiah who saved others by dying on the cross with life giving love.  “Remember me when you come into your Kingdom” (v. 42) The repentant thief wanted to be remembered when Jesus entered his kingdom. The thief did not have to wait even one day, because Jesus’ response was immediate. He did not know all the truth about Jesus, but he had faith to ask to be part of what Jesus was up to. His faith and confession just before his death secured him a place with Jesus. He would be part of Jesus’ kingdom in paradise. Jesus did nothing to deserve a criminal’s death, but He died on the cross so that we might be part of his kingdom. Jesus showed compassion and grace even on the cross. Salvation and eternal life are God’s gifts given through Jesus who died on the cross. Christ’s promise to the thief extends to all who believe in him. When we acknowledge our sin and seek his salvation, Jesus responds with a word for today. May we experience life in Christ’s kingdom today by believing in him. Living word of Christ will lead us in all circumstances and let us

13th November 2022 (Pentecost 23 & Remembrance Day)  Title: God is creating with His infinite possibilities (Scripture Readings: Isaiah 65:17–25 & Luke 21:5–9)                                                                                      By Heeyoung Lim  Today’s text invites us toward the Reign of Christ and Advent when we prepare to welcome the Messiah who came to us to embody God’s creating work and saving love and the infinite possibilities of “new heavens and new earth”. As we move toward the end of the church year, we long a renewed world healed by God’s love and justice for all people and all Creation. Most scholars believe Isaiah 65:17–25 was written after the people of Judah returned from exile in Babylon. Their return was not as triumphant as they had hoped. Their homeland was destroyed and had to be rebuilt with so many risks. The prophet speaks to those facing the task of rebuilding Jerusalem. He speaks God’s word of hope that God will not remember Israel’s disobedience. The word remember in scripture means bringing a past event into the present with all costs. Just as God will not bring past transgressions into the present, the people are called to leave behind the fear and anguish of exile and embrace God’s infinite possibilities of “new heavens and a new earth” (v. 17).  As in verse 18, God is creating “new heavens and a new earth.” May we be glad and rejoice forever in what God is creating. The new creation would differ greatly from the old one, being dominated by joy instead of sadness. The joy would be shared by God and by people. In God’s new creation, sadness will vanish, and weeping will be replaced by joy and peace. God’s people are participants in this new Creation. This new Creation is described as a place where God’s people will live and enjoy meaningful lives in a close relationship with God. These messages reverse situations of human distress and difficulties and speak a word of God’s ultimate Justice and infinite love to all who have suffered. God’s living words influence our daily lives, and His people participate in this new Creation. The work of creation involves human participation now and in the future. Each of God’s faithful people would enjoy the works of their hands. Even though Isaiah 11:18 declares that on God’s “holy mountain” the serpent and humankind will live in harmony, here the prophet suggests that God is limiting His creature from the beginning of this new Creation. In Genesis 3:14, the serpent is “cursed” for its part in the disobedience of Adam and Eve, but in this region of the Middle East, serpents were symbols of wisdom and fertility. What signs do we observe of “new heavens and new earth” in our lives?  What does it mean to live into this vision and help shape it?  In today’s text, labour would be rewarded, every newborn would escape the sudden disaster, and curses would disappear. Every generation would be blessed by God. God’s people find joy in signs of God’s new creation. May we find joy as a new creation in Christ.  In the time of Jesus, the Jews praised the beauty and wonder of their temple. They depended on fortresses for protection, or they were interested in beautiful architecture. Herod had built and decorated the temple with a huge amount of white marble stones and silver and gold gates and doors. However, Jesus said, “The time is coming when not one of them will be left in place. He repeated his warning that the temple would be completely destroyed, and Jesus’ followers asked when this would happen. They wanted to know what signs would warn them.  Jesus was not the only one who promised signs for the future. In those times, many teachers insisted on having more knowledge than Jesus did, and false messiahs wanted people to follow them as God’s Messiah. Deceivers will always try to gain glory and power by pointing to false signs of the last times. Jesus who called people to “follow me” but now says, “Do not follow them.” The one we should follow is Jesus. In the following words, there are many signs Jesus mentioned, and they take place before Christ returns. Every generation has its wars or signs, but those are not the end, and they take place before the end comes. Christ has given us the signs so that we can pray and get ready for His second coming and the kingdom of God. In verse 18 and 19, Jesus promised that we will be saved by faith, and we will win life if we stand firm. May we lean on Jesus in all circumstances rather than depending on worldly values for protection from the sinful world. Christ will return in glory, and he expects His people to be ready for His return. May we pray that God will give us strength and protection in the fears, uncertainty, and chaos we are experiencing. We do not know when Christ will come again, but signs of the times will help us realize the end is near so we can prepare for Jesus’ return. May we be alert to what is happening and be prepared to stand firm as a faithful and true follower. I believe that God gives us strength and protection for our daily lives and the last days.  Luke 21:5–19 offers a vision, with enough trouble, loss, and sadness to make the strongest person shake with fear. When the gospel of Luke was written, the temple and Jerusalem had been destroyed by the Romans. God, loving and mighty creator, speaks His word into our weary world and makes all things new. May we live in the harmony God makes and leads. We are called to live

Worship at LEIGHMOOR UCA Sunday 13th November 2022 – 9.30 a.m. PENTECOST 23  WELCOME TO WORSHIP PLEASE STAND FOR ENTRY OF THE BIBLE  SERVICE OF APPROACH CALL TO WORSHIP WELCOME ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY PRAYER TIS 156                         Morning Has Broken                    SERVICE OF THE WORD READINGS             Isaiah 65:17-25; Luke 21:5-9       TIS 217 (i)                             Love Divine               CHILDREN TIME  SERMON: God Is Creating with His Infinite Possibilities                            [Sermon on Web / Hardcopies at the Door after worship]            TIS 123                               Be Still My Soul            SERVICE OF RESPONSE JOYS AND CONCERNS PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION  NOTICES – OFFERTORY  TIS 569                                   Guide me      BENEDICTION          God Be with You (v. 1)   NOTICES: Sunday School @Fellowship Hall Morning Tea @Fellowship Hall  Potted Palms Concert: 20th November 2PM @Leighmoor Entry is by donation & Funds raised will go towards roof repairs Music & Afternoon tea preparation Sausage Sizzle & A Book/Plant Stall: On Election Day, Saturday 26th November Friday Fellowship: 9th December 11AM @Fellowship Hall Christmas Lunch – Bringing Dishes Christmas Journey: Saturday, 24th December 4PM  For Children and their families Chilling + Interactive Christmas Christmas Bible Fashion Show with Christmas Carols Carols and Dancing + Treasure Hunt + Christmas Photo Zone  Christmas Carol & Candle Service: Saturday, 24th December 8PM For All Generations Candle Service + Christmas Music + Words + Carols Christmas Gifts Talk Christmas Service: Sunday, 25th December 9.30AM                      CHURCH CONTACTS Minister: Rev Heeyoung Lim  M: 0432 054 369 E: hyfilm12@gmail.com  Website: www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org  Zoom Service: Henry Wan (0403 150 404) Closing time for Notices is 5 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Leighmoor, Murrumbeena, Coatsville combined service Sunday 6 November 2022 All Saints Readings: Psalm 98, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17, Luke 20: 27-38 Title: God’s truth Rev Anneke Oppewal Psalm 98 is a beautiful song of praise filled with joy and bubbling with imagery that is uplifting and heart warming. Rivers clapping their hands, mountains that jump for joy, the sea bubbling with excitement while trumpets and other musical instruments play jubilant tunes. It sings of a God that conquers the world with justice and faithful love, that comes to save and shows the world what righteousness, a life according to God’s hopes for the world look like.  In the Church of my youth in Holland there was a hymn that caught that mood perfectly. And to this day it is still one of my all time favourites. Even hearing the first notes lifts my mood and my heart and I’ll keep humming it for hours after I have heard or sung it. I’m sure there is an equivalent in English, but, up till now, I’ve never encountered an English rendition of Psalm 98 that does the same as the Dutch one does for me.  I hope you have hymns or songs or music like that. That lift you wherever you are or whatever you are doing or feeling at the time and will take you to another level of being. If only for a little while.  That Jesus would have known and sung this psalm makes it even more precious I think. It was the spiritual food he would have been raised on. Words that accompanied him on his journey and shaped his way of worshipping and prayer every day. Singing God’s praises with words that went back to the time of Kin David and some of them even to before that, singing and reciting words that have stayed with his followers for centuries after.  Old, old songs and words that have renewed, revived and revitalised people for thousands of years now. And we are still singing them. How good is that?  What happens in the gospel reading is in stark contrast to the joy and boundless energy with which the Psalm speaks to us. The mood is cold and dark, the words are clipped and angry, the imagery conjured up is one of confusion, conflict and angst. Jesus has entered Jerusalem, he has entered the temple, he is in the place where that joy for God should have been more abundant than anywhere else and the tension and simmering passive aggression is palpable.  Tell us Jesus….. The sadducees, priests that were in charge of the temple grounds, wealthy, powerful and considered authorities on matters of religion, come and put an absurd question to Jesus. Not because they want to learn something. Not because they are interested in debate. But because they want to cut Jesus down to size, diminish him in the eyes of the people, embarrass him if they can.  The question is in the same category as the question that kept theologians in the middle ages occupied for a while about how many angels would fit on the top of a needle.  And the answer is very simple: We don’t know.  So, if the law in Jesus day, designed to protect widowed women and make sure males had a maximum chance of continuing into the future through their offspring, even if they died, could result in an absurd scenario. Should brothers continue to die and a widow continue to be handed down the line of a group of brothers, what would happen if they all turned up in heaven after the resurrection is a question we cannot know the answer to and that the scriptures don’t, anywhere, even attempt to solve.  What Jesus does, when that absurd and unanswerable question is put to him, is show up the people that ask it as people that lack faith and imagination in even coming up with the question.  They take a law that was designed to keep women, who at that time lost everything when they got married, safe by ordering that their new family would continue to look after them. And that a man who died without children might still have his name continue into the future through a child his brother might have with his wife. So the brother, through this child, could be present when the end of times would come to bring praises to God.  The sadducees, with their question, turn a law that was designed to protect and secure life into an absurd questioning of what might happen after we all die in a place that none of us can know exactly what will happen about.  Look, says Jesus, as he shows them up quoting from their own sacred scriptures. All I know is that God is a God of the living, even after they have died. Moses, Abraham, Isaak, Jacob: God has never stopped loving them and they are, still, alive, for God as well as for us in who they were and how they lived. For God that difference, that may be such a big thing in our minds and hearts, the boundary between life and death, is simply non existent and of no importance. God is here. And in God all who have lived are still alive. And all who have lived we may know are still loved, known and cared for by God. As we are loved, known and cared for.  That’s all we need to know. And how that works out? Well, perhaps all we need to do there is trust that in God’s way, in God’s time, in God’s world that will be worked out in a way that we may simply not be able to imagine.  What the sadducees at the time of the question didn’t know, but what Luke, at the time of writing did know, is that the temple where this debate takes place, the home ground of the sadducees where they feel confident enough

30th October 2022 (Pentecost 21 & Reformation Sunday)  Title: Transformed Witnesses (Scripture Readings: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12 & Luke 19:1-10)                                                                               By Heeyoung Lim  In 2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12, a community has been praised for its steadfastness in the face of persecution. Paul expressed his gratitude for the connection between the faith growth and the community’s growing love. God’s love is made visible in many ways, through a transformed life, the love of an individual, and the change of perceptions and growing intimacy of a community. We find an inner strength and shared feeling when we recognize and give thanks for how individual and collective beings witness God’s abundant grace every day. May we consider the many ways God’s love is made visible in our days, in our communities and the world. In verses 1-4, Paul greets the congregation at Thessalonica with love and gratitude. He notes that their increasing faith and love and spiritual maturity are growing stronger and steadier. Their maturity and growth are considered as an example of Christian stability for other communities. In verses 11–12, Paul assures that he, Silvanus, and Timothy will continue to pray for them. He believes that God may continue to empower them, help to fulfill their calling, lead to the glory of their Lord Jesus. We need growth and maturity to be strong as a witness of Christ in the midst of changing times and a challenging world. Paul boasts of the faith of the Thessalonians and highlights their growth. He focuses on their improvements and commends not only their performance but their effort. Paul’s applause for the Thessalonians should today be understood as affirming their love for God and love for people and churches that seek to be a community of faith. The writer notes with gratitude that “the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” (v. 3). The faith community has been bound together by faith and love, even in its suffering. Their mutual love and their regard for one another has been increased even under the pain of persecution. God will not forget such steadfastness.  In verses 11 & 12, God is the one who through His own power and grace makes people worthy of God’s call so that the name of Jesus is glorified in the world, and they are glorified in Jesus. These are the points of their prayers. After praying that the Thessalonians would experience God’s grace and peace, Paul offered thanksgiving for those believers because they continued to develop in faith and love. Although experiencing hardship, this church was an example to other churches because of their community life and love. This requires change and growth, and the story of a changed witness is found in the Gospel of Luke 19.  In Luke 19:1-4, Jesus continued his journey up the dangerous hills toward Jerusalem. A tax collector was determined to see Jesus. As an administrator for the Roman government’s tax office, Zacchaeus had great wealth. He may overcharge the Jewish people and take a cut from the taxes gathered by other tax collectors whose work he administered. However, his wealth could not provide the one thing he wanted more than anything else. He was not able to see over or get through the massive crowd swarming around Jesus, Zacchaeus ran ahead, found a tree, and climbed up into its branches. In 19:5, the clever tax collector did get a view of Jesus, and Jesus spotted him up in the tree. Jesus even invited himself to dinner at his house. Jesus said it was necessary for him to visit Zacchaeus. A necessity initiated by God to show one more time Jesus’ mission on earth. In 19:6-7, he overjoyed at this unexpected privilege, the short man rushed down the tree.  The big crowd or his short height does not prevent Jesus from coming to Zacchaeus’s tree, making eye contact with him, calling him down, and inviting himself into the tax collector’s home and life. Jesus is going to eat with a sinful man, and the crowd must have complained. In going to dinner with Zacchaeus, Jesus showed his love and dedication to seeking and saving the lost rather than catering to the proud. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, not to fulfill religious demands. We are sometimes hindered from seeing and experiencing the grace of God. Our sinful condition or worldly wind eclipses the light of God from shining into our lives from time to time. However, when God gives light into our hearts, He leads us to the glory of God in Jesus Christ. As in verse 8, after meeting Jesus, the tax collector was no longer the same person. He would enter the kingdom of God, but not as a wealthy man. God’s house is a place of prayer, not of business. He would take half of what he owned and give it to the poor. He would find the people he had overcharged on their tax bill and refund four times as much as he had cheated them.  Jesus is on the way to Jerusalem to face his death when he encounters this man whom we might rightly expect him to rebuke. However, Jesus stops and gives Zacchaeus the honour of staying at his house that night. He responds to this with great joy. When the crowd grumble that Jesus is staying with a sinner, Zacchaeus stands up on his little feet, stretches up as tall as he can, and declares that he will give half his possessions to the poor and repay any deception fourfold. This goes far beyond what Jewish law demands. Jesus declares that “salvation has come to this house” (v. 9). Zacchaeus seems to have accepted the penalty of the law and applied it to