Trust defeats fear…

Last Sunday our Acting Vicar Alan quoted part of Isaiah 12:2 “I will trust in him and not be afraid” and asked whether we had anything we were afraid of. There were a couple of responses, before Alan spoke of his fear of death. He then stated that putting his trust in Jesus was the remedy for his fear. Alan’s openness was admirable, and I suspect if we’re honest, others share this fear!! So, I offer what follows in the hope that it deepens our understanding of what the Lord Jesus has achieved for us and encourage trust in Him. “Because God’s children are human beings – made of flesh and blood – the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying” (Hebrews 2:14-15) NLT When Adam and Eve believed Satan’s lie – “you will not surely die” – and ate the fruit, death entered our world. Adam and Eve did die and ever since we too have been, as Hebrews says, subject to a lifelong slavery because of our fear of death (2:15) How amazing then is the good news that Jesus is alive! Hebrews 2 explains how Jesus freed us from our slavery to death: Jesus became flesh and blood, so that he could fully enter into our life and fully enter into our death. When the Innocent One gave himself for the sins of the world, the power of death was broken. Jesus’s life, death and resurrection destroyed the one who has the power of death – the devil – and set free those who look to Jesus in faith. When we face death we have the same choice before us as we have in every area of life: Who will be our Shepherd? Those who trust In Jesus have a Good Shepherd through the valley of the shadow of death into the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23).

Joy and peace, Kevin

This Week : 25th August to 1st September

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Acting Vicar today is: Rev’d Ron Peterson

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…

The next Alpha course commences 3rd October Are you able to bless us with some food ? Please contact Carol Parkinson if you can assist.

Philharmonia Cologne concert..

Philharmonia Cologne concert at St Mark’s will be on Wednesday 15th January 2025.
Ticket information to be advised.

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 George’s Red Hill and their Vicar Rev’d Fiona Goy.
• For the work of the Church Missionary Society and Wei-Han the Victorian Director.
• For Anna Radkovic our CMS Link Missionary in Watamu, Kenya.
• 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 Ron Peterson.
• 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 Pat, Lorna & Peter, Keith S, Harry, Jen, Bernice, Mike, Joan R, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert, Jan. David, Guy.