The Master Potter…

Upon retirement my sister has become a potter and during my recent visit to her in Cornwall she gave me a lesson in her studio. Potting is not as easy as it looks! You’re dealing with a lump of wet, slippery clay on a spinning surface and my efforts were feeble. But in the hands of my sister it was very different The Bible makes several references to our lives being like clay in the hands of our loving Father, the master potter, so here are just a few thoughts. Our Father has a plan. The clay has the potential to be many things but only the potter can fashion it for His intended purpose. We need to be soft and malleable to be moulded. This begins with being centred on the wheel, which means being knocked back and reformed until we are stable. Isn’t that a wonderful picture to help us cope with the disappointments of life! We can see the potential of becoming grounded and steady in our faith. The process of being formed into shape is a very tactile activity. We rest secure in the potter’s hands without much control as to how we’ll turn out but safe in His close embrace. Once shaped the wet clay is taken off the wheel and placed on a shelf to dry out. How often have I cried out to God, “Where are you?” Maybe that’s part of the plan. We need to be patient and wait. Then the real fun begins because the clay needs to go into the kiln and be fired to become pottery (or porcelain if the clay is of particularly fine quality.) This image helps me see why there are times when things feel tough and uncomfortable and sometimes for what feels like a long time. But don’t lose heart, because the potter knows the right time to switch off the heat and open the kiln and, amazingly, there is the pottery awaiting cooling and decoration. The master potter knew what he was up to from the beginning. If there are any experts reading this, I’m sure I’ve left processes out and got things wrong, but you get the gist. The finished article has the potential to be very useful and/or beautiful and last for a very long time. I’m sure we go through these processes many times over a lifetime, but the afternoon with my sister helped me understand a little better what might be going on.

With love from Helen.

This Week : 25th August to 1st September

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Acting Vicar today is: Rev’d Jill McCoy

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…

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)

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.

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 St George’s Red Hill and their Vicar Rev’d Fiona Goy
• 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 our Acting Vicar Rev’d Jill McCoy.
• 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.