There is a movement in the Anglican Church which began its life as John Mark Ministries. It was set up to be a place of support and succour to encourage those in ordained ministry and to help them to remain in ministry for the ‘long haul’. Mark, the evangelist to whom the Gospel of Mark is attributed, is also the John Mark who turned back during one of Paul’s journeys. Barnabas, his cousin, defended him, but Paul was unimpressed with his willingness to turn back rather than follow through. Yet this same John Mark was reinstated into the circle of Peter and Paul and wrote down the anecdotes of Peter so that the Gospel would be told and retold for generations to come. He was martyred around AD68. As we look to the future of our parish and seek the Father’s heart for outreach and ministry here, we do well to remember that life can be difficult and sometimes we will be tempted to walk away or give up, but there is always great blessing in following through, even if we need a little time out along the way. To support one another, sharing our burdens and walking the extra mile when needed is the essence of Christian community. Our Lord said we would be known by our love for one another. In love, then, let’s look forward together, not forgetting the past, but faithfully seeking to grow as a loving community that witnesses to the love of Jesus. This church was built in the midst of a terrible economic depression during which many lost everything they had in the collapse of the banking system and one in ten homes in Melbourne were repossessed. Our times are not that hard, but they are not easy either. We are called still to faithfully shine the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the midst of our community. We are called to love those around us in word and in deed, and to bring hope in the midst of discouragement. How will we rise to the challenge of these times?
Janice
This Week
| SUNDAY: | Festival Service, 10:00am |
| Feast of St Mark, Evangelist and Martyr and the | |
| the rededication of our windows by Archbishop | |
| Philip Freier, followed by lunch together. | |
| MONDAY: | Study Group,7.00pm – 9:00pm |
| Contact Kevin or Anne (0438 234 857) | |
| TUESDAY: | Online Study Group, 7.00pm |
| Contact Graeme (0490 664 843) | |
| Zoom Prayer Meeting, 1.30pm | |
| Contact John (0421426156) | |
| WEDNESDAY: | Holy Communion, 10.00am |
| Study Group St Mark’s,11.00am | |
| Contact Keith (0419 551 082) | |
| Festival Prayer Time, St Mark’s, 12.30pm | |
| Cuppa, Craft & Chat Group St Mark’s, 12.30pm | |
| Contact Robyn (0409 425 044) | |
| THURSDAY: | Women’s Bible Study, St Mark’s, 9.30am |
| Contact Fay (0401 404 280) | |
| Men’s Coffee & Chat Blackthorn Café, 10.00am | |
| Contact Steve (0437 984 679) | |
| FRIDAY: | Janice’s day off… |
| NEXT SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am |
Worship Times
| SUNDAY: | 8.45am | Holy Communion |
| 10.30am | Family Worship with Children’s Ministry | |
| (Holy Communion – 1st Sundays) | ||
| 5.00pm | Healing Service – 1st Sundays | |
| WEDNESDAY: | 10.00am | Holy Communion |
Parish Contact Details
| Monitored contact points | 0493 280 691 |
| contact@stmarksdromana.org.au | |
| Parish Web Addresses | www.stmarksdromana.org.au |
| Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/stmarksdromana |
| Pastoral Care Coordinators | Kevin and Anne Cranwell (0438 234 457 Kevin) |
Notices:
A Big Thank You!!
To everyone who helped with all the big and small tasks to prepare for our Festival Weekend including the setting up for the Fete yesterday, and lunch today, and the clean-up both days.
A Parish Letter
Dear Friends,
How can I put into words the gratitude I feel for all the care, prayer, support and practical assistance I have received since I have been ill. Initially when I was in Monash I was acutely aware of what felt like a warm blanket of prayer covering me, and just knew it was the parish “at work”. Since being home I have had so many offers of “call any time” it humbles me. To those who did respond to my calls, and you know who you are, I am deeply indebted. Thank you. For what time I have left I am so blessed to remain part of St Mark’s wonderful fellowship. God bless you and thank you all. Love and daffodils
Irene
Special Services 2023
| 22nd October | Evensong – St Mark’s, Dromana |
| 3rd December | St John’s, Sorrento – Lessons & Carols for Advent |
| 17th December | St Mark’s, Dromana – Lessons & Carols for Christmas |
This Week’s Prayer Focus
In our country and the world:
- For those facing hardship and anguish amid rising costs.
- 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 Mornington & Mount Martha Church, their Vicar, Ven. Helen Phillips, Assistant Priest Rev’d John Phillips, and Children & Families Minister, Rev’d Liz Rankin.
- For the work of the Church Missionary Society and Wei-Han the Victorian Director.
- For Anna Radkovic our CMS Link Missionary. Anna Radkovic has now left Australia and is on her way to Kenya. Her updated prayer letter is on the board in the Narthex.
- 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 Fête and Patronal Festival in September.
- For the success of the new Family and Children’s Ministry.
- For the 9am at home prayer time for the Parish, Dromana & Mornington Peninsula.
- For: Robert, Jan, Pat, David, Margie, Irene, Guy, Ruth.
