For Sunday the 18th of March - 9:00am

Bendigo Lutheran Church

One of the most controversial things that Jesus did was welcome sinful people to his table. Even though Jesus was above reproach (so much so that his enemies had to think up false accusations against him), he welcomed people whose faults were obvious to all. When Jesus did this he was not showing his approval of sinful behaviour; instead he was showing that God is merciful to those who turn to him for forgiveness and healing.

This Sunday we will be hearing one of Jesus’ most famous parables – the parable of the prodigal son. Jesus told this parable to people who were grumbling because of the way he welcomed sinners. As we hear this parable we will think through the way that God welcomes us, even when our motivations for returning to him are mixed. We will also think through the fact that God gives us all the gifts he has so that we may live joyfully together as God’s people.

This Sunday we will be meeting at 9:00am for a service with Holy Communion. The Sunday school will meet at about 9:45am.

God’s peace,

Fraser Pearce, Pastor