Children of God…

In our readings today Jesus comes to his disciples and shows them again that he is not a ghost. Sitting down with them to eat, Jesus once again teaches them about everything written about him in the scriptures. He is clear that he is the Messiah and that they cannot stay silent, but that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. Jesus then gives the punch line – ‘you are witnesses of these things’. Jesus is clear and to the point. He does not want them to back down from their calling to bring the gospel to the world. John writes to the churches calling them to focus on Jesus and make sure they keep him at the centre of their faith. He warns them not to love the world or the things of the world but to love God who loves them and has made them his children. He calls them to purity, repenting of any sin they commit immediately so that they may remain in Him. John is adamant that we who are children of God remain in God’s love and follow Jesus only. He is clear and to the point. John won’t back down on his call to be a witness. We have this same call. We are to be witnesses to Jesus and to keep reaching out and working out the love of God in our lives. As we celebrate with Melanie and Blake in the baptisms and confirmation today, we come as family to support them to grow in this Christian life, which is not always easy. It requires discipline in following Jesus and a clear choice to remain pure in our hearts and minds and actions. If, however, we are following Jesus then the Holy Spirit is our strength and the place of peace through Jesus which is ours to enter and rest in, not so we can hide there forever, but so that we can walk on in faith as John did, never backing down. Today perhaps you are in need of the Holy Spirit’s strength, perhaps you are aware of your shortfalls and are finding it hard to walk with Jesus right now. Perhaps the gospel is challenging to share so you’re feeling it’s all too hard. Remember that Jesus has sent Holy Spirit to help us. We are his family members – brothers and sisters – in whom he lives, and through whom he wants to save the world. This is a relationship in which we can go to him today and seek the grace, peace, forgiveness and strength to walk by faith and not back down: “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” 1 John 3:1

Janice

This Week

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Welcome, Bishop Paul Barker…

Today we welcome the Rt Rev’d Dr Paul Barker, Bishop of the Jumbunna Episcopate who is presiding over our baptism and confirmation service. We also welcome our candidates for baptism and confirmation: Blake Papadopoulos, who is 7 months old and is being brought for baptism by his mother Alycia, and Melanie McClelland, who is being baptised and confirmed, sponsored by her husband Craig.

Thank You…

A big thank you to all who contributed to the afternoon tea, those who monitored the car park, and those who welcomed and provided other support for Betty Madeley’s funeral. It was very much appreciated.

Monday Morning Prayer Group…

A new prayer group time has begun on Monday mornings between 9am and 10am in the church led by Janice. This group will focus on prayer for the parish. All are welcome to join us.

Men’s Breakfast…

Saturday 20th April 0830 to 1030 – topic to consider in open forum – DNA and heritage research – is it worth it?

Even Song…

John Rogers has advised that he is conducting an Evensong service at St John’s Anglican Church, Sorrento, on Sunday, 21st April, at 5.00pm. The service will be followed by refreshments.
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Fencing & Security Project…

As you all know we are upgrading the fencing and security around St. Mark’s. Rev. Janice has spoken about this and we would welcome any contributions. If you would like to make a donation towards this project, please put any cash into an envelope marked “Fencing/Security” and put it in the offering bag on a Sunday. We will provide you with a receipt and keep these monies aside for the project. If you wish to give to this project electronically, please speak to Janice as we are keeping these monies in a special account.

Roster / volunteers….

If you would like to be on a roster for anything from welcoming to reading to prayers, or if you are currently on the rosters for our worship services, there will be a training time following the 10.30 service on Sunday April 28th so we can keep growing in our skills and encourage one another. The suggestion is that we bring something for lunch and eat together while we train. This will also give us a chance to make sure everyone is up to date on our Child Safety requirements.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 2024 Alpha program, its leaders, and all who attend.
• For the 9am at home prayer time for the Parish, Dromana & Mornington Peninsula.
• For the 2024 Alpha program, its leaders, and all who attend.
• For the Alpha Holy Spirit Day next Saturday 9th March.
• For: Madeley family, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Joan, Backy, Margie, Fred, Robert, Jan, David, Guy.