He will establish your way…

In 2 Kings 2, the great prophet Elijah recognises the Lord is calling him home and makes the journey to the Jordan river near Jericho, accompanied by his protégé Elisha. Elisha understands that Elijah will be called home to the Lord and wants to be there when it happens, so despite repeated attempts by Elijah to get him to stay behind Elisha is there to see the chariots of fire and horses of fire which carry Elijah away. Elisha has been mentored by Elijah and is ready now to take over the ministry. As the chariots of fire take Elijah up to heaven, Elisha he takes up Elijah’s mantle and strikes the river which parts before him – and Elisha steps into his role as the next great prophet of Israel. This moment is a witness to the fact that both Elijah and Elisha were prophets called and empowered by God. This is very important, since many at this time in history claimed the gift of prophecy but were not called by God and gave what turned out to be sometimes disastrously false words. The clear actions of God in taking Elijah up to heaven right in front of Elisha and fifty others, and the clear witness to Elisha’s calling in the way God separated the waters of the Jordan for Elisha to cross it showed those watching, and all who heard the story, that the Lord had called these men – since no one else could do those miracles. Elisha, therefore, had no need for building a reputation before taking up a ministry. From the beginning his word was accepted as Elijah’s had been before him. God established Elisha as his own prophet and witnessed to that on purpose to make sure there was no doubt. Have you felt God calling you to step into a role? Have you been afraid to fail and unsure if you should do it? Elisha had big shoes to fill but God made sure he was called, anointed, mentored and established in his ministry. If you are called to a ministry the Lord will be with you in that calling. It’s not a question of your ability but of his ability to empower you for what he’s called you to do. Look for the right mentor to help you to discern your path. Speak to those who can help train and equip you for it. Above all, remember that if the Lord calls you, he will establish your way.

Janice

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Newcomers and recent arrivals lunch…

On Sunday 13th July following the 10.30 service anyone who has joined our parish over the past year, or who has missed other events like this, is welcome to attend a lunch in the church at which we will learn about the parish and how it works, be introduced to our leadership, and have space for Q & A. Lunch will be provided.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to Keith Thomas via email: keith.thomas@stmarksdromana.org.au or via phone: 0493 280 691

Team leader wanted…

A Team Leader is wanted to coordinate working bees for cleaning the inside of our lovely church every few months. Perhaps you are not up for the cleaning but are happy to lead a team who can, or maybe cleaning is your secret power. Either way, if this is you, please talk to Janice or one of the Wardens – Kevin, Mike or Jan Glass. Thanks.

Janice: Time off…

Rev’d Janice is on leave from 26th June to 4th July inclusive. For any urgent pastoral matters please speak to Kevin Cranwell on 0438234457 and he will arrange for clergy to assist you. All services will continue as normal with the assistance of our Lay Leaders and Rev’d Keith South.

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For all suffering loss and grief resulting from the NSW floods.
• For families suffering as a result of violence and home invasions.
• For all affected by the worsening antisemitic attacks around Australia and the world.
• For those facing homelessness, hardship, anguish and despair amid rising costs.
• For all in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine and Myanmar.
• For all women in Afghanistan now banned from hearing each other’s voices.
• 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 Archbishop Philip Freier’s ministry in the Diocese of Melbourne.
• 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 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 our Op Shop staff and all who visit each week.
• For all members of the Parish Council.
• For Hope25. That the Good News of Jesus will be known in the community of Dromana.
• For Grace and Fanning family, Lynda & Ian, family of Bill Uhe, Robyn, Ellen, Phillip, Nikki, Jason, Bernadette & family, Noel and family, Rhiannon, Richard, Pat, Lorna & Peter, Keith S, Harry, Jen, Mike, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert, Jan, David.