You are the Messiah…

Pentecost 13

This week and next week we will have the pleasure of a sermon from Rev’d Julia Boyd who is locum in my place. I am taking some much needed leave. Julia will be focusing on the Exodus and Romans readings, so I thought I would reflect on our gospel readings. Matthew 16:13-20 is a pivotal narrative which falls very close to the half way point in the book itself. Here Jesus brings his disciples to the region of Caesarea Phillipi, which is an area in northern Israel where there was a strong pagan Roman presence. In this area there are mountains and rocky areas, greenery around streams of clear water, and a place commonly known as ‘the gates of hades’ because it had a cave which was used for human sacrifice. In this setting, amongst the pagan temples and idols of Roman culture, after asking his disciples who others think he is, Jesus challenges the disciples to identify who he really is. ‘Who do you say that I am?’. Simon Peter answers as he often does on behalf of the group, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God’. There it is. No maybe, no hesitation, just a direct statement. Jesus is Messiah, Son of God. Jesus’ response tells us how important this declaration is. Firstly, he blesses Peter, then he says this was revealed to Peter by the Father, not any human source. This tells us that it is the work of the Spirit to fully reveal Jesus to us. This is why explanations and talking often don’t work on those with closed hearts. Then he tells Peter how his church will be built on himself and not even the gates of hades will prevail against it. This tells us that Jesus’ authority as Son of God will always stand against Satan’s attacks therefore the church Jesus builds will also stand firm in him. Lastly Jesus tells Peter that whatever he binds on earth is bound in heaven and whatever he looses on earth is loosed in heaven. This tells us that the authority and power of Jesus which will work through the church by faith in him is part of what it means to be one who speaks in Jesus’ name. This is not our power but the power of Jesus Son of the living God whose authority we have when we speak by faith in him. Notice all this comes only with Peter’s declaration that Jesus is the Son of the Living God, the Messiah. What the Lord does he only does through those who can truly speak those words and believe them. Who do you say that Jesus is? Can you declare those words too?

Janice

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Save The Date:

Notices:

Janice on a short break.

Janice is away on leave from Saturday 22ndAugust to Friday 4thSeptember inclusive. While she is away, please call Jan Glass 0421 047 513 for any urgent pastoral matters. On Sundays our Locum will be the Rev’d Julia Boyd. Wednesday services will continue as normal..

CMS Anna

7th September – Alf Stanway lecture at Ridley college. Anna Radkovic our link missionary, now on home assignment, will speak with Wei Han Kuan about her work in Kenya. (Arrangements will be made to join the livestream together in the church)

CMS Anna visit to St Marks

Saturday 31st October – Sunday 1st November Exciting and informative events are planned. Details to follow.

National Grandparents Conference

National Grandparents Conference on Saturday 29th August 9am to 4.30pm livestreamed online at St Mark’s direct from the conference happening in NSW. Please let Graeme King know this Sunday 16 August afternoon on 0490664843 if you are planning to be there so registrations can be finalised. Cost $30 (discounted for a group of 10 or more)

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

Australian Anglican Church Calendar 2027

These are now available at a cost of $18 each plus postage of $5.80. Please contact Keith Thomas by late August if you wish to buy one. Bulk orders incur reduced costs (depending on numbers ordered).

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For Colombia and all who have suffered in the devastating earthquake.
• 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 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 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 William, 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.