The veil of unbelief…

Easter 3

This week’s Gospel reading is one of the most loved resurrection appearances. Jesus has been crucified, died, been buried, and it is now the third day. The women have been to the tomb and come back breathless with the news that Jesus is risen and Peter and John have run to the tomb and also come back with the same report. The consternation and growing sense that maybe something amazing has happened would have been in the upper room, but not everyone was expecting to see Jesus alive, even with these reports. Some were still in grief, tired and ready to go home. The Passover is over now and there are things to attend to. Perhaps it’s just that moment when doing what’s familiar is the most comforting thing you can do. Whatever the reason two of the disciples are on their way to Emmaus and they are discussing the weekend’s events on the way. Jesus comes to them, not in disguise, but simply as a fellow traveller. They have no expectation to see Jesus, so they do not recognise their companion. Along the road to Emmaus Jesus helps them to understand the scriptures about his death and resurrection. They invite him into their home because it’s getting late and time for dinner. As is often done in this era, Jesus, as the guest, picks up the bread and blesses it. Suddenly they realise who he is and he vanishes! Why did they recognise him only when he blessed and broke the bread? These men would have been with Jesus on the road and shared so many meals with him. When someone you love speaks and acts in a familiar way there’s no mistaking that. The veil of unbelief lifts and they see, not only that their companion is Jesus, but that this is why his words were so amazing. The effect is immediate. Such news cannot be kept to themselves – so back to Jerusalem they run to find that Simon has seen Jesus too. Last week we saw how Jesus made sure to come to Thomas. In this reading we see how Jesus goes out onto the road to seek out Cleopas and his companion. We can sometimes feel like we have to go looking for Jesus as if he’s hard to reach, but he’s right here, present in the Holy Spirit. What does his voice sound like to you? A familiar scripture? A remembered moment? Look there and listen.

Janice

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Alpha Course

ALPHA runs best if it’s underwritten in prayer and intercession. Please join us in praying for this Alpha Course which runs on Thursdays from 6pm to about 8.30pm, for the guests and the team, John and Helen and Steve and Carol. Would you like to bless us further by offering a contribution to our meal? Can you cook a main course, or part of it? Or can you bake a slice, or provide a salad or bread. Please speak to Carol or leave in the church fridge, or freezer clearly marked with ingredients. Carol will collect on Thursdays after Ladies Bible Study. Thank you.

Calling All Rostered Welcomers, Sidespeople And Morning Tea Providers

Calling all rostered welcomers, sidespeople and morning tea providers and anyone interested in being part of these ministries on sunday 26th april after the 10.30 service (around 12.45pm) we would like to do some training with you to help us all to continue to do a great job at welcoming and caring for our newcomers, regulars and visitors. Please byo lunch and join me as we share what works with one another and refresh our memories on all things welcoming.

Janice.

Registration For The Pvaw Seminar On 23rd May

There will be a sign-up sheet placed in the narthex so we can let them know our numbers.

Janice

Diary Dates (May)

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For de-escalation of the Middle East war.
• For the people of Israel and Iran and Middle East countries.
• For the victims and those who are mourning after the Bondi terrorist attack.
• For all needing support following home invasions and all 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 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 Mornington & Mount Martha Church, and their Vicar Rev’d Colleen Clayton.
• 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 the Christianity Explored seminars and those participating in them.
• That the Good News of Jesus will be known in Dromana.
• For Ellen, Jan H, Ted & Monica, Lorna, Xavier, Yvonne and family, Louise, Jen,
  TJ and family, Cheryl K, Karen, Mary, Jan K, David, Belinda, Joan R, Robyn, Phillip, Nikki, Jason, Rhiannon, Richard, Pat, Keith S, Harry, Mike, Chloe, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert.