To an unknown god…

Easter 6

Sometimes in life we find ourselves in a place for which we have no real map. We haven’t travelled this way before, or perhaps we have, but from a different direction, and it all seems so unfamiliar. As we travel along, we look for landmarks, street signs – whatever will give us way to know where we are. In Acts 17 the Apostle Paul was in this sort of predicament. Looking at the many statues of Greek gods in Athens with their altars and temples, he was distressed and a bit lost amongst them because this was such unfamiliar territory. Finally, he found what he was looking for. The re was an altar erected with the inscription ‘To an unknown god’. Now he has some way of connecting with these people in such a foreign place. Paul can use the many gods he has seen to compliment these very religious people, then point them to the one altar he could get his bearings from – altar to an unknown god. Seeing no connection to the God he knew there, this gave him a place to say that he knew the ‘unknown god’ and wanted to tell them about him. It was a brilliant way to help the Athenians see Jesus for what he is using their own terms to connect the dots. Paul is invited to speak at the Areopagus – a place designed for public speaking where the people expected to hear from all sorts of people on all sorts of topics – and so he spoke, telling them about his God and ours, helping them to understand that there is more to the Lord than a statue of stone. He serves a living God who is the creator of everything and can be known through a man whom he has raised from the dead. Suddenly the road is open and the way for the Athenians to hear the gospel has been marked on Paul’s map. Some want to hear more and some think what he says is rubbish, but Paul has found the place the Lord prepared for him to speak in. Are you feeling a bit lost at the moment? Not sure where you’re going, or knowing where to go but not sure of the road to take? Be assured, if it is God’s road, he will lead you there and has already prepared the way for you. Keep praying and seeking his street signs. He will lead you to the place which is his place for you to find your feet. He is the Way.

Janice

This Week:

Regular Worship Times

Parish Contact Details

Notices:

Alpha Course

Alpha is now more than half way through. Thank you to those who have contributed slices and meals. Please don’t underestimate the blessing this is to our evenings and how much it is appreciated. Are you able to join us is growing the kingdom of God with prayer and the gift of hospitality. A salad, loaf of bread or slice or part of a main meal I will really help. There are funds available. Please speak to Carol or Helen.

Biggest Afternoon Tea For Cancer

The Craft Group are holding a “Vintage style Afternoon Tea with scones, cream and jam” on Wednesday 20th May at 2pm to 3.30pm in the church. John and Helen will provide a musical interlude with song. All funds raised will go the The Cancer Council, Australia. Suggested donation $5 (cash preferred).

Fundraiser Function 

Flyers are now available to be put up around Dromana for our next fundraiser for the Hall:

A Jazz Concert with Simon Pilbrow and Ron Gillett. A peninsula-based jazz unit, Ron (alto and tenor saxophone, flute) and Simon (piano). Come and enjoy great jazz music here on 20 June 2026 – 7:00pm-9:00pm.

Tickets $30 available via Try Booking https://www.trybooking.com/DLTHC some tickets will be available at the door but it is advisable to book ahead. Speak to Anne for details.

Volunteers Needed

with Ellen Brindley unwell we are short for people to staff the Op Shop. At the moment Janice is covering several shifts on Thursdays and Saturdays to make sure we can stay open over this time. If you can step up and take one of these shifts please speak to Vicki or Janice asap. Training will be provided. You just need to have your current Police Check and completed Level 1 Training..

Diary Dates (May)

Looking Ahead

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 St John’s Sorrento with St Andrew’s Rye and their Vicar, Rev’d Stephen Dent.
• Keiron, Vicar of Flinders/Balnarring.
• 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, Ted & Monica, Lorna, Louise, Jen, TJ and family, 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.