We were reminded at the recent Grandparent conference that children learn by observation. Thinking about this, how does our faith in Jesus come across to visitors and the community at large. Do they see an active living faith, which shows through our words and actions that our faith is heart based not head based. Some thoughts about the heart. In James we read to wait with patience, we are to speak with patience. Rash speech can quickly threaten godly endurance. This was a timely reminder for me during a recent dose of Covid. As I read in a recent devotion, patience is a virtue, patience for others is an expression of love and patience through trials is an expression of faith and perseverance. Aim for prayer to undergird all that we do. Mark 9 presents a heart test for us to check ourselves against. We see earlier in this chapter, an outsider apparently succeeding where Jesus disciples had failed (v28-29). This was too much for the disciples. Rather than celebrate the defeat of dark spirits they try to put a stop to it. The disciples in this moment seem to have narrow, prideful hearts that seem bent on “cornering the market on ministry” as they try to stop the person but Jesus heart is more expansive. Three heart check points: Firstly, mighty works must be matched with honour for the mighty name of Jesus. People can only do miracles in His name if they are in a proper relationship with Jesus. Secondly for the one who is not against us is for us. In their preoccupation with themselves, the disciples draw the circle of insiders around themselves only. Jesus draws that circle much larger. This is a call to beware of being too narrow minded. Thirdly, you belong to Christ. Even the smallest act has great significance when it is done for the greatest Name. Such as the simple act of giving a brother or sister a drink. Jesus is attacking our pride. Pride can be quick to exclude people and draw the circle really small. Pride is also quick to judge the supposed size of the actions. We are called to be at peace with one another not at peace with sin. Do not make peace with the sin of pride. A prideful heart, is always ready to prove others wrong. We must fight the root of pride and its flowering blossoms of divisive tribalism and uproot it from our hearts daily.
Graeme
This Week : 25th August to 1st September
| SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am | |
| MONDAY: | Prayer Group, St Marks, 9.00am – 10.00am |
| Contact: Kevin (0438 234 457) | |
| TUESDAY: | Zoom Prayer Meeting, 1.30pm |
| In recess during school holidays | |
| Zoom Bible Study Group, 7.00pm | |
| Contact Graeme (0490 664 843) | |
| WEDNESDAY: | Holy Communion, 10:00am |
| Bible Study Group St Mark’s,11.00am | |
| “Women of the Bible” Contact Kevin (0438 234 457) | |
| Cuppa, Craft & Chat Group. St Mark’s, 12.30pm | |
| Contact Robyn (0409 425 044) | |
| THURSDAY: | Women’s Bible Study, St Mark’s, 9.30am |
| “Becoming a Woman of Strength” | |
| Contact Fay (0401 404 280) | |
| Men’s Coffee & Chat, Blackthorn Café, 10.00am | |
| Contact Steve (0437 984 679), Keith T (0413 319 327) | |
| or Kevin (0493 234 457) | |
| FRIDAY: | Janice’s DAY OFF |
| NEXT SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am |
Regular Worship Times
| SUNDAY: | 8.45am | Holy Communion |
| 10.30am | Family Worship with Children’s Ministry | |
| (Holy Communion – 1st Sundays) | ||
| 6.00pm | Healing Service – 1st Sundays | |
| Theme: | Praying in faith : and seeking God in earnest | |
| 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:
Acting Vicar today is: Rev’d Alan Hoskin
Our Vicar, Rev’d Janice, is now on 8 weeks Long Service leave and will return to work on Tuesday 8th October. During Janice’s time away we will have Acting Vicars who will lead Sunday and Wednesday services and attend meetings as requested. For urgent Pastoral Care please contact the Wardens: Kevin 0438234457, Richard 0490404563 or Mike 0425736843; who will then call the appropriate Locum.
Alpha…
The next Alpha course commences 3rd October Are you able to bless us with some food ? Please contact Carol Parkinson if you can assist.
Operation Christmas Child..
Operation Christmas Child Packing Party – 22 September This year, we are having a Packing Party to fill boxes after each service in the narthex. All the contents will be provided at a cost of $14.50. It would be great if you are able to pay (or contribute towards) P&H of $12.50. Come and have some fun together. If you like, write a note to the child, and perhaps also send a photo of yourself! In 2023 children from Ukraine were blessed with boxes from Australia. St Mark’s sent 36 boxes – let’s aim for 40 in 2024. For any queries, please contact Heather 0417032817 or Anne 0473562968.
Church Fete (Saturday 2nd November)(Melbourn Cup weekend)…
Times 10am – 2pm. Stalls – Cakes, Preserves/Jams, Plants, Craft, BBQ, Morning Tea & Scones. Start thinking of what you make or add to the day. Cakes = Jen Watson, Preserves = Ellen Brindley, Plants = Robyn Falconer, BBQ = Mens Thursday Group, Morning Tea = Carol Parkinson, Craft = Craft Group. Kids – crafts and Face Painter, Music – Ukulele Group Invited.
Opp Shop…
Our Op Shop is still in need of helpers. If you can assist for a few hours and have your Police Check and Level 1 training, please talk to Cheryl King.
NARTHEX RENOVATION…
THANK YOU to those who came and helped clean out the cupboards in the Narthex in readiness for the refit. It really was a wonderfully productive afternoon. Great fellowship too. Carol Parkinson (on behalf of the Renovation Committee).
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 and Myanmar.
- 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 Holy Trinity Hastings and their Vicar, Rev’d Tim Anderson.
- 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 as she travels overseas.
- For Rev’d Janice O’Gorman our Vicar.
- For our Acting Vicar Rev’d Alan Hoskin.
- 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 next 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 Lorna & Peter, Keith S, Harry, Jen, Bernice, Mike, Pat, Joan R, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert, Jan. David, Guy.
