This is where our joy lies…

Pentecost 16

Some Bible commentators state that Psalm 16 answers the question: where do we find the greatest human joy? King David pushes us to think about this before he gives us his solution. He is being pursued by his enemies and the situation is extremely dangerous, yet he declares that his trust is in a good and all-powerful God, and asks for his protection. He knows that his joy is only to be found in the Lord, and he wants others who also understand this to surround him. The parable of the pearl of great price illustrates that same perspective post-resurrection – there is nothing more precious or important than Jesus and the Kingdom of God. David had no time for part-time believers, and we too should be full-on for the Lord. The people of Israel must have taken encouragement from Psalm 16 as they seemed to be constantly under attack from surrounding enemies. They had to decide whether to follow God and live among holy people, or to allow idolatry in. The church, and that includes us, should not allow compromise to waterdown the truth we have found in God’s Word. Jesus showed his disciples how important it is to spend time in God’s presence. As the church worldwide faces increased opposition, the words of this Psalm are just as true for us today, and we can also find refuge in God. We might see the disciples negatively at times, but Jesus was happy to have them around him and he called them ‘friends’. We are challenged by the same question about holiness: will we love and ‘cultivate’ holiness as Christ’s community? Will we nurture relationships with fellow-believers? We need to stay grounded in God’s truth, and show grace to one another. Because David sees God as the one and only good thing, he can praise him in the midst of very unsafe circumstances. He feels completely secure in God. So how do we react to the sentiments expressed by David? David understood that the most precious thing was friendship with God. He sees God as abundantly providing for his every need – food, wine, protection and peace. We can have the same confidence in God that David expresses. Jesus, the risen Saviour is our source of pleasure, joy, security and peace, and the One who pleads for us. This is where our joy lies.

Anne

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Save The Date:

Notices:

Message from janice

My surgery has been postponed until Monday 28th September, but I am taking leave for this weekend to work on funeral arrangements with my family and to rest.
Revd. Julia Boyd will be the locum minister for the 13th September.

My mother’s funeral will be held on Thursday 24th September at 2pm at Mount Eliza Anglican Church. All are welcome to attend. My mother has requested that you wear white or colours rather than black.

Peninsula Evensong

The next PENINSULA EVENSONG is at St George’s Red Hill. 5pm on Sunday 27th September followed by refreshments.
Everyone welcome.

Trivia Night

3rd October 6.45pm for 7pm $10 per person. Bookings via Trybooking https://www.trybooking.com/DNRLV This event is part of Senior’s Month and bookings can also be made by giving your name to Keith Thomas.

CMS Anna visit to St Marks

Saturday 31st October – Sunday 1st November Exciting and informative events are planned. Details to follow.

CMS Summer Conference

7th & 8th January at Crossway Baptist Church Early bird tickets are now available online https://my.cms.org.au/ Speak with Steve Parkinson for more details.

This Week’s Prayer Focus

In our country and the world:

• For all affected by the Nepal-Tibet floods, particularly for the missing Australians.
• 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 St George’s Red Hill and their Vicar, Rev’d Jennie Savage
• 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 the success of our building permit application.
• For our Parish, its people and those we reach out to every week.
• For the success of the new Beachside Youth program.
• 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.
• That the Good News of Jesus will be known in Dromana.
• For William, Kevin, Anne, Doris B, Ellen, Ted & Monica, Lorna, Louise, Jen, TJ and family, Karen, Mary, Jan K, David, Belinda, Robyn, Phillip, Nikki, Jason, Rhiannon, Richard, Pat, Keith S, Harry, Mike, Chloe, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert