Encounter with God?…

Pentecost 8

Have you ever had an encounter with God? A dream or a vision? Perhaps a moment in prayer where the presence of the Lord has been physically tangible? If we’ve never had the experience, we can be dismissive of these things. Yet for those who have had experiences like these they are unforgettable and often life changing. In our reading from Genesis today we read of one such experience which happened to Jacob while on his way to a place called Haran. Stopping overnight on his journey, Jacob had a dream. He saw a ladder extending from earth to heaven and God’s angels going up and down it. The Lord stood beside him in the dream and gave him a promise which continued the one he had given to Abraham. When Jacob rose from sleep he called the place Bethel – house of God – and set a stone pillar in place there so he would know it when he returned there. On this promise from the Lord Jacob journeyed forward, and returned in time. That place features in the lives of God’s people for centuries after this. Bethel was the place where the Ark of the Covenant was kept for many years until David brought it up to Jerusalem. It was a place inhabited by the many descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – and still is. The impact of that one dream from the Lord was lasting for Jacob. It is one of hundreds of such experiences recorded in scripture which have been part of the way in which the Lord has made sure to help his people to know what he wants them to do or say, or to build or tear down. If you have had an experience like these don’t be too quick to dismiss it. Write it down so that you can remember the details for later, and pray about it, seeking clarification in the scriptures as to what God is saying since a word from the Lord will always agree with his written word. Lastly, bring it to someone you trust who knows the Lord well. If they agree too then take it seriously. Encounters with the Lord can happen in all sorts of ways and genuine ones will always impact us in a way that is in line with God’s character. They are a sign of the truth that Holy Spirit is present within us.

Janice

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Save The Date:

Notices:

The LORD: slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love

Old Testament talks by Bishop Paul Barker on the Character of God These talks will take place over 3 Wednesday evenings on July 22, 29 and August 5 at 7.30pm in person at GWAC but can be live streamed via the link www.gwac.org.au/livestream Well worth the watch!

Op Shop

If you have a 1/2 a day spare once in a while and would like to assist us in the shop, we have a variety of ways in which you can help out including : Tip Runs , working B’s. Weekly sorting, cleaning, sewing counting jigsaw pieces!, or going on the shop roster once a month. Every little helps and we would love to hear from you.

Vicki. 0425770197.

Can You Help

We are again putting carry bags in the Samaritan’s Purse boxes this year. Could you please look through your fabric box and see if you have any pieces you could donate. The fabric pieces need to be a minimum of 50cm X 85cm of light weight cotton in cheery prints. They can be given to Edna or put in the box in the narthex.

Listening in Lent

What We Heard draws together the main themes that emerged from almost 3,000 responses and engagements across the diocese. It offers an initial summary of the hopes, concerns, prayers, and invitations that were shared, and has helped shape the shared journey now emerging across the diocese.
You can read the summary here: melbourneanglican.org.au/listeninginlent

2026 National Grandparents Conference

leaving a faith legacy for our grandkids 29 August 9am – 4.30pm at St Mark’s via online link to actual event in NSW. Cost online $30 per person. Discount if we have 10 or more participants. For details and booking contact Graeme King 0490664843 prior to 23rd July for expression of interest.

Step Back In Time: A Simple Biblical Meal Experience

You are warmly invited to share in a special evening inspired by the simplicity and spirit of meals in Biblical times. Gather around a table where food is shared, not rushed-where conversation, connection, and quiet reflection are part of the experience. Rather than recreating a perfect historical feast, this evening offers a gentle step back in time-an opportunity to experience how people once gathered, ate simply, and connected deeply with one another. All welcome.

Saturday 5th September 2026 6pm to 9pm here at St Mark’s
Cost $33 per person. Bookings via https://www.trybooking.com/DNRMY

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For de-escalation of the Middle East war.
• For the people of Israel and Iran and Middle East countries.
• For the victims and those who are mourning after the Bondi terrorist attack.
• For all needing support following home invasions and all other violent attacks.
• For Government action to address the out-of-control protests in Melbourne.
• For the Government plans to address the rise of antisemitism in Australia.
• For families suffering as a result of violence and home invasions.
• For those facing homelessness, hardship, anguish and despair amid rising costs.
• For all in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine and Myanmar.
• 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 Melbourne Archbishop-elect Right Reverend Dr Richard (Ric) Thorpe as he prepares to move from London to Melbourne.
• For Archbishop Geoffrey Smith’s ministry as Primate of Australia.
• For the ministry of Bishop Paul Barker in the Jumbunna Region and Archdeacon Rev’d Sam Bleby, in the Frankston Archdeanery.
• In our Deanery, we pray for the parish of Mornington & Mount Martha Church, and their Vicar Rev’d Colleen Clayton.
• 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.
• For the finances of our Parish.
• For the success of our building permit application.
• For our Parish, its people and those we reach out to every week.
• For the success of the new Beachside Youth program.
• For the Alpha program, the leaders and all who will attend.
• For the 9am at home prayer time for the Parish, Dromana & Mornington Peninsula.
• For all members of the Parish Council.
• That the Good News of Jesus will be known in Dromana.
• For Kevin, Anne, Doris B, Ellen, Ted & Monica, Lorna, Louise, Jen, TJ and family, Karen, Mary, Jan K, David, Belinda, Joan R, Robyn, Phillip, Nikki, Jason, Rhiannon, Richard, Pat, Keith S, Harry, Mike, Chloe, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert