What were the disciples thinking? We can be surprised at them talking about greatness in today’s Gospel, but we have the benefit of hindsight. They’ve recently seen Jesus do amazing things: feeding of 4,000 with a few bread loaves and small fish, healing a blind man, and showing his authority by rebuking a group of Pharisees. That’s all great, however he’s said some things that have confused them: he warned about the ‘yeast of the Pharisees’ (false teachings) and rather to seek the ‘bread of heaven’ (himself); he challenged them about the significance of leftover bread after feeding 5,000+ (12 baskets = 12 tribes and 12 disciples, and the 4,000 (7 baskets = perfection). He asked them how they understood his identity, and rebuked Peter when he declared “You are the Messiah” (‘the chosen one’ who would set them free from the Romans and establish a new kingdom). For a second time he predicted his death and said some more confusing things about taking up their cross to follow him, and losing their life to save it. James, John and Peter witnessed the Transfiguration (imagine them recounting this to the others), and then Jesus healed a boy with an unclean spirit. They sure did have things to mull over as they walked. But they got it wrong, thinking it was about glory and earthly power. Jesus spoke about his imminent death, but they didn’t believe him – that couldn’t possibly happen. Finally the man who was obediently moving towards his death, noticed and embraced a small child (who was of no value in those times). What about us? Do we really ‘get’ what Jesus was teaching here? It’s realising our need of him, about knowing him, about our relationship with him, being ‘hungry’ for him, being obedient, depending on him for everything, and having humility. Humility isn’t about weakness, it’s the opposite – it’s a hard thing to lay down all our thoughts, attitudes, plans, jobs, finances, gifting, friends, family – it’s our whole self. But that’s what Jesus calls us to do, and in doing so we become more intimately connected with him. And we’re to love and accept every one. What comes from our heart is proof of the pudding! Our journey may involve challenges at times, but it’s also an
exciting adventure!
Anne.
This Week : 25th August to 1st September
| SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am | |
| MONDAY: | Prayer Group, St Marks, 9.00am – 10.00am |
| Contact: Kevin (0438 234 457) | |
| TUESDAY: | Zoom Prayer Meeting, 1.30pm |
| Contact John (0421 426 156) | |
| Zoom Bible Study Group, 7.00pm | |
| Contact Graeme (0490 664 843) | |
| WEDNESDAY: | Holy Communion, 10:00am |
| Bible Study Group St Mark’s,11.00am | |
| “Women of the Bible” Contact Kevin (0438 234 457) | |
| Cuppa, Craft & Chat Group. St Mark’s, 12.30pm | |
| Contact Robyn (0409 425 044) | |
| THURSDAY: | Women’s Bible Study, St Mark’s, 9.30am |
| “Becoming a Woman of Strength” | |
| Contact Fay (0401 404 280) | |
| Men’s Coffee & Chat, Blackthorn Café, 10.00am | |
| Contact Steve (0437 984 679), Keith T (0413 319 327) | |
| or Kevin (0493 234 457) | |
| FRIDAY: | Janice’s DAY OFF |
| NEXT SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am |
Regular Worship Times
| SUNDAY: | 8.45am | Holy Communion |
| 10.30am | Family Worship with Children’s Ministry | |
| (Holy Communion – 1st Sundays) | ||
| 6.00pm | Healing Service – 1st Sundays | |
| WEDNESDAY: | 10.00am | Holy Communion |
Parish Contact Details
| Monitored contact points | 0493 280 691 |
| contact@stmarksdromana.org.au | |
| Parish Web Addresses | www.stmarksdromana.org.au |
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/stmarksdromana |
| Pastoral Care Coordinators | Kevin and Anne Cranwell (0438 234 457 Kevin) |
Notices:
Acting Vicar today is: Rev’d Philip Higgins
Our Vicar, Rev’d Janice, is now on 8 weeks Long Service leave and will return to work on Tuesday 8th October. During Janice’s time away we will have Acting Vicars who will lead Sunday and Wednesday services and attend meetings as requested. For urgent Pastoral Care please contact the Wardens: Kevin 0438234457, Richard 0490404563 or Mike 0425736843; who will then call the appropriate Locum.
Alpha…
Our next ALPHA will run from 3rd October to 28th November (Thursday’s) from 6pm to finish before 8.45, with a hot meal, video and discussion time. Please pray about whether this is for you and whether you can invite someone to come and hear the good news of Jesus. Speak to Steve or Carol for details (registration forms available soon)
Operation Christmas Child..
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party – 22 September This year, we are having a Packing Party to fill boxes after each service in the narthex. All the contents will be provided at a cost of $14.50. It would be great if you are able to pay (or contribute towards) P&H of $12.50. Come and have some fun together. If you like, write a note to the child, and perhaps also send a photo of yourself! In 2023 children from Ukraine were blessed with boxes from Australia. St Mark’s sent 36 boxes – let’s aim for 40 in 2024. For any queries, please contact Heather 0417032817 or Anne 0473562968.
Church Fete (Saturday 2nd November)(Melbourn Cup weekend)…
Times 10am – 2pm. Stalls – Cakes, Preserves/Jams, Plants, Craft, BBQ, Morning Tea & Scones. Start thinking of what you make or add to the day. Cakes = Jen Watson, Preserves = Ellen Brindley, Plants = Robyn Falconer, BBQ = Mens Thursday Group, Morning Tea = Carol Parkinson, Craft = Craft Group. Kids – crafts and Face Painter, Music – Ukulele Group Invited.
Opp Shop…
Our Op Shop is still in need of helpers. If you can assist for a few hours and have your Police Check and Level 1 training, please talk to Cheryl King.
This Week’s Prayer Focus
In our country and the world:
- For those facing homelessness, hardship, anguish and despair amid rising costs.
- For all in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine and Myanmar.
- 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. Give thanks that Archdeacon Helen is now well and beginning to return to work.
- In our Deanery, we pray for the Parish of St John’s Flinders with St Mark’s Balnarring, their Vicar Rev’d Keiron Jones and Deacon Rev’d Christine Barren.
- For the work of the Church Missionary Society and Wei-Han the Victorian Director.
- For Anna Radkovic our CMS Link Missionary.
- 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 as she travels overseas.
- For Rev’d Janice O’Gorman our Vicar.
- For our Acting Vicar Rev’d Philip Higgins.
- For the finances of our Parish.
- For our Parish, its people and those we reach out to every week.
- For the success of the new Family and Children’s Ministry.
- For the next Alpha program, the leaders and all who will attend.
- For the 9am at home prayer time for the Parish, Dromana & Mornington Peninsula.
- For our Op Shop staff and all who visit each week.
- For Lorna & Peter, Keith S, Harry, Jen, Bernice, Mike, Pat, Joan R, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert, Jan.
