Humble and riding on a donkey…

Palm / Passion Sunday

Palm Sunday is the day we remember the entry of Jesus to Jerusalem which began the last week of his earthly life. It is also called Passion Sunday because we will read the account of his trial, crucifixion and death. Jesus does not slip into the city unnoticed. He enters in a way foretold by the prophet Zechariah on a colt, the foal of a donkey. ‘Lo, your king comes to you…humble and riding on a donkey’ (Zech 9:9). People begin laying down their cloaks on the road, a gesture of submission, of honour, of recognition that someone greater is present. Others cut branches and spread them in front of Him, creating a path for a kingly procession. Palm branches were the language of victory, of national hope, of deliverance. They had been used before when enemies were defeated and when freedom was tasted again. The crowd believes their king has come. “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9) These words are from Psalm 118, one of the Psalms sung during Passover. Every pilgrim in that city would have known it. Every family would have spoken this Psalm every Passover. These were not spontaneous words rising from emotion. These were covenant words tied to deliverance from slavery. ‘Hosanna’ which means ‘save us now’ is from Psalm 118:25. The last words, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord’ from Psalm 118:26. These words help us to understand what is happening and why this is the right time for Jesus to give himself for their and our deliverance from the slavery of sin. The crowds saw Jesus as their deliverer and raised their voices in praise using words spoken over the lamb they would select and offer as a sacrifice to remember their deliverance from slavery and death. As they welcomed Messiah they were also preparing the Lamb of God. Sit for a moment with this thought. Nothing is outside God’s timing and purposes. Jesus knew exactly what he was doing. When we act in faith we can also trust him to bring about what is right, even if we can’t see it happening.

Janice

This Week:

* Our public signs have 10.00am as the time for this service so we will be starting at 10.00am not 9.30am as had been advertised in the Pewsheet.
Apologies for any inconvenience.

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Easter services:

Palm Sunday 29th March 10am combined service in the front garden
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 4pm Prayers at the cross
Maundy Thursday 7pm service
Good Friday 9am service
Easter Saturday Easter Musical outreach at IGA – 10.00 – 11.00am
Easter Day 5th April 6.30am Easter communion on the beach 9.30am Easter celebration service

Listening In Lent…

Archbishop Ric has invited all parishioners of Anglican Churches in Melbourne and Geelong diocese to participate in a survey called ‘Listening in Lent’. This is an online survey which can be filled in using the link below. It is designed to allow us to dream for what we would like to see this diocese look like in 2036 and to communicate that to our Archbishop and his leadership team so that they can formulate plans and vision with the voices of those in the churches, schools and other ministries in mind. Please participate in this during this week if possible. https://www.melbourneanglican.org.au/listening-in-lent/ If you are used to using QR codes there is one on the wall in the Narthex. Thanks, Janice

Thank You…

A big thank you to everyone who helped with our Dance-a-thon fundraiser.

Easter Outreach Outside IGA…

Are you able to provide some small chocolate eggs to give out on Easter Saturday during our time outside the IGA store. They can be left in the Narthex or given to Jen Watson or Helen Rogers. Thank you.

Alpha Course

We are running an Alpha Course after Easter Thursday evenings commencing 9th April from 6.00 to 8.30pm at the home of Steve and Carol Parkinson, Mount Martha. Would you consider attending and/or maybe bringing a friend?

You would be signing up to:

• Enjoying dinner in beautiful surroundings
• Watching an excellent TV/video presentation
• Sharing in a discussion or just listening to others

Please see Janice, Carol, Steve, John or Helen for further details.

Men’s Breakfast…

The next breakfast is on 18th April at 8.30am-10.30am in the Narthex. Speaker : Dennis Williamson. Please BYO gf bread. It would be absolutely wonderful if you would RSVP to Steve by Sunday 11th April. Thank you.

Men’s Bible Study…

There is a Men’s Bible Study meeting at 11am Thursday mornings in Mark’s Place. All men are invited to join us exploring the Diocesan Lenten Study and, If you would like to, join us for coffee beforehand from 10am at Blackthorn Cafe. Contact Kevin 0438 234 457 for more information.

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For those who suffered loss in fires and floods.
• 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 Sorrento with St Andrew’s Rye and their Vicar, Rev’d Stephen Dent.
• 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 Ted & Monica, Lorna, Xavier, Yvonne and family, Louise, Jen, TJ and family, Cheryl K, 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.