Do not be troubled…

Easter 5

When Jesus spoke to his disciples at the Last Supper about what was about to happen to him, he didn’t sugar coat it. He knew he was about to be the victim of a political machinery which would lead to his death, but he intended this all along. The powers of envy and control, of religious rivalry and political expedience were already primed and ready – and Jesus was about to give himself up to them so they could be used to do the Father’s will and bring us the very things which the enemy was trying to kill him to prevent. The most careful planning over many centuries had gone into this moment and all was now ready. Satan thought he had a shot at glory, there were people plotting maliciously to kill Jesus for their own reasons, even one of his own had betrayed him and the Roman Governor who would be his judge was a very astute politician who would bow to the pressure of an angry mob rather than allow a riot. The disciples gathered for their Passover meal, and Jesus taught them once again that he would be arrested, beaten, tried and die at the hands of the Sanhedrin and the Romans. As the truth began to sink in the disciples were understandably troubled. Jesus, without sentimentality, taught them about the beautiful place he was going to prepare for them when their time came. We read these words about the Father’s house and are comforted, but in these hours before the cross and resurrection the disciples had no such comfort. ‘Where are you going, we don’t know the way!’ says Thomas. ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me,’ says Jesus. Phillip asks, ‘Lord, show us the Father’, still not understanding that he has been in the presence of the living God for all this time. Jesus is so gentle in this moment as he corrects their confusion. There is no anger, only a quiet insistence on the truth that those who believe in him already know the Father and will be with him in the end. Are you anxious today? Sit with these words and Jesus’ calm replies. There is absolutely nothing outside his knowledge or ability to bring us through. Do not let your hearts be troubled…

Janice

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Alpha Course

Alpha is now more than half way through. Thank you to those who have contributed slices and meals. Please don’t underestimate the blessing this is to our evenings and how much it is appreciated. Are you able to join us is growing the kingdom of God with prayer and the gift of hospitality. A salad, loaf of bread or slice or part of a main meal I will really help. There are funds available. Please speak to Carol or Helen.

Biggest Afternoon Tea For Cancer

The Craft Group are holding a “Vintage style Afternoon Tea with scones, cream and jam” on Wednesday 20th May at 2pm to 3.30pm in the church. John and Helen will provide a musical interlude with song. All funds raised will go the The Cancer Council, Australia. Suggested donation $5 (cash preferred).

Fundraiser Function 

Flyers are now available to be put up around Dromana for our next fundraiser for the Hall:

A Jazz Concert with Simon Pilbrow and Ron Gillett. A peninsula-based jazz unit, Ron (alto and tenor saxophone, flute) and Simon (piano). Come and enjoy great jazz music here on 20 June 2026 – 7:00pm-9:00pm.

Tickets $30 available via Try Booking https://www.trybooking.com/DLTHC some tickets will be available at the door but it is advisable to book ahead. Speak to Anne for details.

Volunteers Needed

with Ellen Brindley unwell we are short for people to staff the Op Shop. At the moment Janice is covering several shifts on Thursdays and Saturdays to make sure we can stay open over this time. If you can step up and take one of these shifts please speak to Vicki or Janice asap. Training will be provided. You just need to have your current Police Check and completed Level 1 Training..

Diary Dates (May)

Looking Ahead

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 All Saints Rosebud with St Katherine’s McCrae and their Acting Vicar.
• Keiron, Vicar of Flinders/Balnarring.
• 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 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 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.
• For the Christianity Explored seminars and those participating in them.
• That the Good News of Jesus will be known in Dromana.
• For Ellen, Jan H, 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.