George got up early to pray, as was his custom, and was not prepared to start his busy day until his soul was in a “happy place.” I am writing about George Muller, a German minister who was born in 1805. He became a Christian whilst at Halle University. Upon graduation he wanted to train as a missionary so moved to London to attend college but dropped out. He moved to Bristol in SW England, married his wife Mary, and became the minister of Bethesda Chapel, which had a special interest in feeding and educating needy kids. A recent cholera epidemic had left plenty of orphans. After praying specifically for 5 months he began opening orphanages. By 1870 he had built 5 housing 2000 children. During his ministry he cared for over 10,000 children, started 117 schools’ and educated 120,000 kids raising over 2 million dollars without ever asking for money. Todays Gospel reading tells us of the special place children had in Jesus’ life. “Let them come to me,” he said. He goes on to challenge the rich young ruler to sell all he has and give everything to the poor and needy. For me, Muller is a shining example of putting this teaching into practise. The effects of Muller’s ministry is still felt today. Not everyone approved of his work. A common complaint was that he educated the children too well and they became too successful rising above their expected station in life! Not many of us will be able to achieve as Muller did but we can live out our faith by beginning our days in meaningful prayer. We can meet some of the needs of those around us. We can be generous and creative in all we do and make a difference in our communities. If you have never heard of George Muller why not look him up and delve a bit deeper. He’s left us a wonderful example to follow.
Helen Rogers
This Week:
| SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am | |
| MONDAY: | Prayer for the Parish, St Mark’s, 4.00pm |
| Contact: Janice | |
| TUESDAY: | Zoom Bible Study, 7.00pm |
| Contact: Graeme (0490 664 843) | |
| WEDNESDAY: | Holy Communion Service – 10.00am |
| Bible Study Group St Mark’s, 11.00am : Contact: Janice | |
| Cuppa, Craft & Chat Group, St Mark’s,12.30pm | |
| Contact: Robyn (0409 425 044) | |
| THURSDAY: | Men’s Coffee & Chat, Blackthorn Café, 10.00am |
| Contact Steve (0437 984 679), Keith T (0413 319 327) | |
| Women’s Bible Study Group, St Mark’s, 9.30am | |
| Contact: Carol (0411 405 597) | |
| FRIDAY: | JANICE ON ANNUAL LEAVE UNTIL 1st NOVEMBER |
| NEXT SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am | |
| Healing Service, 6.00pm |
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 | |
| 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 (0438 234 457 Kevin) |
Notices:
Nominations: Parish Council…
We are prayerfully seeking nominations for : Church Wardens (2) and Parish Councillors (6). Keith Thomas has nomination forms for your use. Nominations close on 12th November, 2025.
The Small Hall Project…
The concept design is now available for inspection in the Narthex until 2nd November, and will be discussed at the Annual Meeting to inform the next step in the Project. Keith Thomas will be available for comment and questions whilst our Vicar Janice is away on annual leave.
Parish Roll…
Please check if you are on the roll or if you need to be added. Only those on the roll can vote at the Annual Meeting Roll entries close on 1st November More details from Keith Thomas.
Church Fete Saturday 22nd of November 10:00am – 2:30 pm…
Morning Teas, Luncheon, Cakes, Plants, Art Show, Jams, Books, Craft, BBQ. Kids crafts and face-painting. Would you like to be involved?? We could use lots of help. Please contact Janice or Cheryl if you would like to be involved. Does anyone have a 3 x 3 marquee we could borrow on the day?
Church Hedges And gardens Working Bee…
A church working bee is planned for Friday 24th October 25 commencing at 10am. (Weather dependant). BYO gardening tools including hedge trimmers, lunch etc. Please let Graeme King know if you are able to attend in case the event has to be postponed due to weather. If anyone has a spare current (25-26 yr) tip voucher could they please give it to Graeme.
2025 Annual Meeting…
The Annual Meeting of St Mark’s will be held in the church on Sunday 16th November following a combined service at 10.00am. Contact Keith Thomas if you have any questions or an apology.
This Week’s Prayer Focus
In our country and the world:
- For all needing support following shooting of Police, and 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 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 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 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 Hope25. That the Good News of Jesus will be known in Dromana.
- For Jeff Carter and family, Karen, Mary, Jan K, Steve (not Parkinson) and
family, Marlene, David, Belinda, Joan R, Lynda & Ian, Robyn, Phillip, Nikki, Jason, Rhiannon, Richard, Pat, Lorna & Peter, Keith S, Harry, Jen, Mike, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert, David.
