Need for spiritual food…

Greetings! I’m first cab off the rank to write a reflection during Janice’s absence. Here are a few thoughts based on today’s gospel reading from John 6.

In recent weeks we have revisited some of Jesus’ miracles including the feeding of the five thousand. Jesus blesses the humble lunch of a youth, five loaves and two fish, and all are fed. Many of those who witness this miracle are drawn to Jesus and follow him.

In today’s reading Jesus is still concerned with the need for food. However, this is no longer about physical food that satisfies human hunger. Now Jesus is talking about the need for spiritual food. In fact, Jesus teaches that he himself is the food that satisfies. Feeding on Jesus, taking in his life into their (and our) very being, is the food of eternal life. Many, on hearing this teaching, turn away from following Jesus. They decide this is too hard for them. Next Jesus challenges the twelve disciples, “Do you want to leave too?” And Peter is quick to reply, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

As I pondered on this reading, I remembered a time many years ago when I wanted to get to know Jesus better. Yes, it was like a hunger put into my heart. I wanted to grow in things of the Spirit and deepen my walk with the Lord. One day I walked into a Christian bookshop and there it was, a devotional booklet by Selwyn Hughes entitled ‘Spiritual Growth’. As I read those bible readings and reflections my hunger was fed and so began the next part of my journey with the Lord.
There are many choices that we make every day which may affect our future lives. Like the disciples Jesus challenges us day by day. Will we follow Jesus, continue to feed upon him in our hearts, depend on and trust him, and so deepen our relationship with Jesus? Something I have found helpful over the years is belonging to a bible study group. This is a great way that we together can learn, share and encourage one another in our walk with our Lord.
Blessings,

Jan

This Week : 25th August to 1st September

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Alpha…

Our next ALPHA will run from 3rd October to 28th November (Thursday’s) from 6pm to finish before 8.45, with a hot meal, video and discussion time. Please pray about whether this is for you and whether you can invite someone to come and hear the good news of Jesus. Speak to Steve or Carol for details (registration forms available soon)

National Grandparent Movement..

National Grandparent Movement – Started by the Rev Ian Barnett, an Anglican Evangelical minister. “What is the faith legacy we are leaving behind?” The National Grandparent Conference will be held on Sat 31st August at St Paul’s Castle Hill Sydney. The conference livestreams from 0900 to 1630 on the 31st. Six key speakers, plus interviews and worship music presented by City Alight. To attend the livestream more details can be obtained from Cheryl and Graeme King.

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.

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.
• 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 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, Maggie D, Harry, Jen, Bernice, Mike, Pat, Joan R, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert, Jan, David, Guy