1 When Jesus had finished saying these things, he left Galilee and went into the region of Judea to the other side of the Jordan.

2 Large crowds followed him, and he healed them there.

3 Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?"

4 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,'

5 and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ?

6 So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

7 "Why then," they asked, "did Moses command that a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away?"

8 Jesus replied, "Moses permitted you to divorce your wives because your hearts were hard. But it was not this way from the beginning.

9 I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for marital unfaithfulness, and marries another woman commits adultery."

10The disciples said to him, "If this is the situation between a husband and wife, it is better not to marry."

11 Jesus replied, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.

12 For some are eunuchs because they were born that way; others were made that way by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it."

There is a website which contain all the links to our current and upcoming events and Zoom links for the ministries of our church, such as our prayer meetings and online services. https://linktr.ee/surreyhillspc

This coming Sunday, we will be considering the topic of "Understanding Divorce’.

The Session is calling for a meeting of the congregation for our AGM this Sunday at 12:00pm following our morning service. This is the annual meeting to approve the financial report and budget and to get an update on the financial and property matters, along with the ministries of the church. There will be some important ministry decisions to be made during the AGM.

It is an important meeting for all members and adherents, however all are welcomed to attend, and hopefully be encouraged together by all that God is doing in our church. You may download the AGM report from John's weekly email link (we ask that you not distribute the report beyond the church family).

The AGM Zoom link will be on the linktree.

If you missed the camp last weekend, you can listen to the camp talks via the Linktree. The talks will be available for 2 weeks.

If you want to think more deeply about our current relationship series, you may like to purchase some recommended books from https://wanderingbookseller.com.au/collections/st-stephens-presbyterian-church-surrey-hills

Use 'SHP15’ code to receive a 15% discount.

One of the best ways to enjoy the blessings of Christian fellowship in our church is to be part of a Growth Group. It is especially true with our current lockdown situation, where our Growth Groups are still able to meet weekly to pray, study God’s Word and share our lives. If you would like to join one, you can let us know by filling in the online form in our church website or Linktree.

Our prayer meeting will be over Zoom this coming Sunday at 9am. Zoom link is in the Linktree.

a. Easy English Classes - contact Jennie Jones

b. Mainly Music - Thurs 10:30am - contact Dawn Millsteed

c. YOSHi - Fri 7:30pm - contact Oli Blythe

d. Kids Church - Sunday 10:15am - contact Ian Jones

e. Prayer Meeting - Sun 9am via Zoom Link is in the Linktree.

g. Growth Groups - various times - register to our church website.

New here? We would love to get to know you and be able to welcome you further. To help us out, we encourage you to fill out our connections form (tinyurl.com/shpvisitor) and we’ll be in touch soon.

It is important that we continue to be generous with all that God has given us. This time calls for generosity with our neighbours, those in need, and we want to continue to be generous towards the work of the gospel. If you are not already giving electronically, you can find the details below.

10 To the married I give this command (not I, but the Lord): A wife must not separate from her husband.

11 But if she does, she must remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. And a husband must not divorce his wife.

12 To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her.

13 And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.

14 For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

15 But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.

16 How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

39 A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, but he must belong to the Lord.

40 In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is--and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

A Better Story Of Relationships