On this Sunday we consider Jesus’ declaration of himself as the good shepherd. This beautiful image of the shepherd who loves the sheep because they are his own and who will give his life to keep them safe is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice of the cross, and also as we approach ANZAC Day, the sacrifice of every man, woman and child who has responded to the call to defend our country by joining up to fight, volunteering to tend to the wounded, being part of a women’s auxiliary or contributing at home by helping out in the empty places left by those who have gone to war. John’s knowledge of Jesus was intimate and he was acutely aware of how much Jesus loved his own disciples, as well as the many who were not yet his followers. John understood that Jesus didn’t just throw his life away for a few, but gave his life in order to save as many as would believe in him. Jesus speaks in the passage in john 10 of knowing his sheep and his sheep knowing him, and of the many who ‘are not of this fold’ – people who have not yet had the chance to hear the good news of Jesus and are from places where Judaism has never been heard of. People of every race, colour and belief system are sheep waiting for their shepherd to come and save them. No matter where they come from, once saved they become part of the one flock under Jesus – one body in Christ is how Paul put it. The love of our good shepherd extends past our own boundaries and reaches across the world for these lost ones.It is a universal truth which requires a specific obedience. The call has gone out to love one another as Jesus has loved us. To show our love for Jesus by showing Jesus’ love to others who may not be ‘part of this fold’ yet. to give as Jesus did in whatever way we can so that we can fulfil Jesus’ call to love our neighbour. It is not a call to war, though spiritual warfare is always part of the deal when we step out in faith, but it is a call to sacrifice. We are to be a people who serves before we seek to be served, as Jesus did. Even if that means our own lives are given away in the process. What opportunities to serve our community do you see? A neighbour who needs a shoulder to cry on or a hot meal? An opportunity for ministry which will ask a sacrifice of time and energy? People who need you to show them the good shepherd’s love for them? How are we loving one another as Jesus first loved us?
Janice
This Week
| SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am | |
| MONDAY: | Prayer Group, 9.00am – 10.00am St Marks |
| Contact: Janice | |
| Zoom Bible Study Group, 7.00pm | |
| Contact Graeme (0490 664 843) | |
| TUESDAY: | Zoom Prayer Meeting, 1.30pm |
| Contact John (0421 426 156) | |
| Zoom Bible Study Group, 7.00pm | |
| Contact Graeme (0490 664 843) | |
| WEDNESDAY: | Bible Study Group St Mark’s,11.00am |
| “Book of Daniel” Contact Keith (0419 551 082) | |
| Cuppa, Craft & Chat Group, St Mark’s, 12.30pm | |
| Contact Robyn (0409 425 044) | |
| THURSDAY: | ANZAC DAY |
| There is a service at the cenotaph which will begin at 9.30am. The march to the service begins at 9.15am in O’Donohue St near the church. We will be laying a wreath at this service. | |
| 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 | |
| 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:
Thank You…
A big thank you to all who contributed to the service and morning tea following the baptisms and confirmation last Sunday, and to those who set up tables in the church after the service, served morning tea and cleaned up afterwards.
Monday Morning Prayer Group…
A new prayer group time has begun on Monday mornings between 9am and 10am in the church led by Janice. This group will focus on prayer for the parish. All are welcome to join us.
Even Song…
John Rogers has advised that he is conducting an Evensong service at St John’s Anglican Church, Sorrento, on Sunday, 21st April, at 5.00pm. The service will be followed by refreshments.
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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.
Roster / volunteers….
If you would like to be on a roster for anything from welcoming to reading to prayers, or if you are currently on the rosters for our worship services, there will be a training time following the 10.30 service on Sunday April 28th so we can keep growing in our skills and encourage one another. The suggestion is that we bring something for lunch and eat together while we train. This will also give us a chance to make sure everyone is up to date on our Child Safety requirements.
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.
- 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 All Saints Rosebud with St Katherine’s McCrae and their Vicar, Rev’d Lynda Crossley.
- 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: Madeley family, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Joan, Backy, Margie, Fred, Robert, Jan, David, Guy.
