According to His will…

Pentecost 15

Our state is having an election in November and the political scene has been ramping up for some time. In Paul’s time the Roman government wasn’t really elected anymore, the democratic processes at the top of the social order had begun to collapse with the rise of the emperor cult. As he writes Romans, he is writing to people who are finding it hard to work within the confines of Roman persecution and the ongoing pressures this produced. In this atmosphere you might think that Paul would write to the Christians recommending civil disobedience or some sort of revolt to free themselves from Roman Tyranny. Instead, Paul recommends that they be subject to their governing authorities because they are there by God’s design and purpose. He calls on the Romans to recognise that the Lord is sovereign in appointing our leaders and so revolt against our leaders is revolt against the Lord’s plan for them. He points out that government exists to maintain order so those who keep order should not fear the government. Those who disobey and are wrongdoers are those who are subject to punishment. Paul goes on to say we should always pay our taxes – ‘revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honour to whom honour is due’. What is the take-away from this part of Romans? Governments are not supposed to be agents of evil but of good, and we are supposed to be subject to them in the things which are theirs to govern. For many Christians in Rome, the government was hostile and they had reason to fear it, but Paul has just reminded them in Romans 12 not to repay evil for evil and not to seek revenge, but to recognise the Lord as judge and the only one with the right to bring vengeance. Our response, says Paul, is to care for our enemies and do good to them. In this way we will not be overcome by evil but will overcome evil with good. This is our context for the passage in Romans 13. Even though governments can seem like our enemy, they are given authority over us by the Lord’s sovereignty so the call is to live in love for one another and for those around us, to fulfil the law by loving our neighbour and doing no wrong to them. In this way we don’t give in to evil but overcome evil with the good which only comes in Jesus. Pray for our politicians and for the candidates for the upcoming election and bless them. Ask the Lord to raise up a good and moral government for this state which will legislate according to his will.

Janice

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Save The Date:

Notices:

Janice time off

Janice has some surgery scheduled for next Friday 11th September, so will be back with us this week but on sick leave from Friday 11th for a few days afterwards (not sure how long that will be). A locum minister will be here for the 13th September

Global Week of Prayer for 2026

The Global Week of Prayer for 2026 runs from 6th to 13th September and is organised by the 24-7 Prayer. This global initiative invites believers across every nation to lift up the name of Jesus and pray for transformation in their communities and the world. We can take part in this by getting together with others or linking up online and through the Lectio 365 App on our phones.

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.

Peninsula Evensong

The next PENINSULA EVENSONG is at St George’s Red Hill. 5pm on Sunday 27th September followed by refreshments.
Everyone welcome.

Trivia Night

3rd October 6.45pm for 7pm $10 per person. Bookings via Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/DNRLV This event is part of Senior’s Month and bookings can also be made by giving your name to Keith Thomas.

CMS Summer Conference

7th & 8th January at Crossway Baptist Church Early bird tickets are now available online https://my.cms.org.au/ Speak with Steve Parkinson for more details.

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For all affected by the Nepal-Tibet floods, particularly for the missing Australians.
• 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 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.