Palm Sunday…

The Palm Sunday procession is a reminder of the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem which began the series of events which lead to his death and resurrection, but it is an act of praise to Christ the King who reigns and triumphs on the cross, and it expresses our own readiness to take up our cross and follow our crucified and risen Lord, as we go with him to the place of suffering and death, thus the Palm procession is followed by the reading of the Passion of Jesus Christ. We move from the praise and celebration of the triumph of Jesus to remembering how that battle was won. We contemplate the kingly power of Christ which is the power of self-giving love, even unto death. This brings us into the heart of Holy Week, and sets us on the journey to remember and walk with Jesus as he faces his suffering and death for our sake, all the while holding in tension the joy of the resurrection to come, and the terrible beauty of the true meaning of discipleship. For we are in need always of the means of grace that the death of Jesus brings to us: the cleansing of the blood of the Lamb, the freedom from sin and shame, and the healing power of the Holy Spirit. In comparison to his suffering and death, our discipleship to Jesus costs us so little here in our very free society, yet we are called to die for him; to die to the world’s demands and to our own self; to live in the Spirit rather in the wants and feelings of our own hearts and minds. We are called to choose each day how we will act, speak, think, according to how the Father calls us to live through the scriptures, and to learn to do this in the power of Holy Spirit who is given to us for this purpose. Holy Week is a time to pray through, think through, love through, laugh through and sit with this call of God in our lives. It is a time to enter into silence and listen for the voice of God directing us in the places where we require his loving call to repentance, encouraging us in the places we are working through, and calling us ever closer to the Father’s heart; for he loves us so much that he sent his only Son to die that we might live eternally with him. If we can trust his love for us completely, then we should also be able to entrust ourselves to his leading through Holy Spirit for there is no risk in the arms of One who loves you to the point of dying for your sake. This Holy Week spend some time with Jesus. Come and walk the way of the cross in our front garden or come to services or just pray, listen and wait

Janice

This Week

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Alpha Celebration…

Thank you to all who contributed to and attended the Alpha Celebration.

Easter Service at Calwell manor…

Thursday 28 March at 10.30am, 111 Country Club Drive, Safety Beach.
Parishioners are welcome to attend this service.

Fencing & Security Project…

As you all know we are upgrading the fencing and security around St. Mark’s. Rev. Janice has spoken about this and we would welcome any contributions. If you would like to make a donation towards this project, please put any cash into an envelope marked “Fencing/Security” and put it in the offering bag on a Sunday. We will provide you with a receipt and keep these monies aside for the project. If you wish to give to this project electronically, please speak to Janice as we are keeping these monies in a special account.

Bishop Paul Barker is visiting us on Sunday 14th April….

We will be having a combined service at 10am which will include two baptisms and two confirmations. The invitation is still open for anyone else who would like to commit themselves to The Lord Jesus for the first time or recommit themselves to him. We will follow the service with a Morning Tea. If you are interested in contributing food please see Kevin Cranwell or Susan Buckman.

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For all in Israel, Gaza, and Ukraine.
• For those facing homelessness, hardship, anguish and despair 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 St John’s Flinders with St Mark’s Balnarring, their Vicar Rev’d Keiron Jones and Deacon Rev’d Christine Barren.
• 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 2024 Alpha program, its leaders, and all who attend.
• For the 9am at home prayer time for the Parish, Dromana & Mornington Peninsula.
• For the 2024 Alpha program, its leaders, and all who attend.
• For the Alpha Holy Spirit Day next Saturday 9th March.
• For: Ted, Monica, Joy, Jessica, Audrey, Joan, Backy, Margie, Fred, Robert, Jan, David, Gu