The five gifts…

This week we will look at the list of gifts in Ephesians 4:11. The five gifts: apostleship, prophecy, evangelism, pastoring, and teaching are ‘to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ until all of us come to unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.’ Because of the way Paul says these gifts are for the whole body to be built up and brought to the full measure of maturity in Christ, they are seen as leadership gifts which are expected to be present amongst those who are set aside for that place in the church. In some denominations they are seen as particular offices, where the person is titled by their gift as Apostle Jane, Prophet Bruce, etc. In our Anglican setting they are seen as leadership gifts which are part of what is expected to be seen in those set apart as leaders in the church, but not necessarily as offices. Rather, the calling of someone to ordained leadership is tested by the presence of gifting and the character and maturity to use it well, with less emphasis on which of these 5 that gifting is. This process is based in the biblical models we see in both testaments, and proceeds with prayer, consultation with the body of Christ where that person is known, formation – to test and form character, and requirements for ongoing study of scripture and growth in Christ. Can one have these gifts and not be called to ordained leadership? Absolutely. Many people operate in these gifts in different roles within the churches. After all, Paul is clear that there are different gifts and different ways of using them, but they all come from the one Holy Spirit. It is up to us, the body of Christ, to discern these things together and encourage one another in whatever gifts we may have for the glory of God. Have you asked your friends what gifts they think you have yet? Do you feel called to serve in some way but would like some assistance in discerning if that’s right? Come and have a chat with me.

Janice

This Week

Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Festival Weekend

“Festival = A period of celebration particularly for religious events” Our Patronal Festival Weekend is taking shape and promises to be a time of celebration as well as presenting our church and its refurbished windows to the community. In the next couple of weeks there will be sign-up sheets for the stalls and attractions. Please be praying for a great turnout on the day, for good spring weather, and that we bring glory to God.

Speak to Cheryl or Carol if you can help or would like more details.

St Mark’s Day Festival & Consecration Of New Windows (Sunday 10th September)

Archbishop Philip Freier will visit St Mark’s on Sunday 10th September to consecrate the stained glass windows. The weekend will take the form of a Patronal Festival for St Mark (whose official day was 25th April) and to celebrate our 130th Anniversary. There will be a Fete on Saturday 9th September, with visitors invited to view the windows and to attend the combined service the next day. Proceeds from the fete will be used to boost the Missions Fund for the support of Anna Radkovic our CMS link Missionary in Kenya. There is plenty of time to make preserves, plant cuttings, and work on craft projects to make the fete successful. There will be no Christmas Fete this year. Let’s make this weekend a great witness to our Lord and showcase our beautiful church. If you would like to work on craft projects in a group, the Common Threads Craft Group meet on Wednesdays at 12.30pm during term time.

Contact Carol for more information (0411 405 597).

St Mark’s Op Shop

Volunteers still needed. Can you help once a month?

Please contact Edna South 0428 551 082 if you are able to help.

Special Services 2023

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For those facing hardship and anguish amid rising costs.
• For families affected by violence.
• For those affected by natural disasters in around the world.
• For King Charles III, the UK and the Commonwealth.
• For peace and unity in countries around the World.
• For aid agencies such as “Save the Children”, Oxfam, CARE, UNICEF, World Vision.

In our community:

• For teachers and students.
• For doctors, nurses, paramedics, Coast Guard, the CFA & SES.
• For local community outreach groups such as the Dromana Community House and “Food for All”.

In our Diocese and beyond:

• For Archbishop Geoffrey Smith’s ministry as Primate of Australia.
• For Archbishop Philip Freier’s ministry in the Diocese of Melbourne.
• For the ministry of Bishop Paul Barker in the Jumbunna Region and for Archdeacon Helen Phillips in the Frankston Archdeaconry as she recovers from surgery, and for John as he supports Helen.
• In our Deanery, we pray for the Parish of Mornington & Mount Martha Church, their Vicar, Ven. Helen Phillips, Assistant Priest Rev’d John Phillips, and Children & Families Minister, Rev’d Liz Rankin.
• For the work of the Church Missionary Society and Wei-Han the Victorian Director.
• For Anna Radkovic our CMS Link Missionary as she spends time learning language and culture in Kenya while exploring long-term opportunities in discipleship ministry and conservation.
• For Christian churches around the world to be free to worship and be witnesses of the love of God as shown through the coming of His Son.

In our Parish:

• For our leadership and ministry teams.
• For Rev’d Janice O’Gorman our Vicar.
• For the finances of our Parish.
• For our Parish, its people and those we reach out to every week.
• For the Fête and Patronal Festival in September.
• For the success of the new Family and Children’s Ministry.
• For: Jessica and Guy, the family of Eric Haughton,  Ruth.