Today, with the death of Charlie Kirk, I’ve been reflecting on the impact of one life on the world. Our Gospel reading this Sunday is a reflection of this as it emphasises the importance Jesus places on the rejoicing in heaven at just one sinner saved, and is a reflection of the worth of each and every one of us no matter who we are. Each one of us is precious and each one has a place in God’s kingdom, which Jesus rejoices over when we say our ‘yes’ to him. We are all sinners whom Jesus calls into life, and we are all called to share our faith that others may also come. From the suffering of Auschwitz comes a story which talks about the importance of one person caring for the one in front of them. Anton was a Jewish Baker, owner of one of Germany’s most beloved bakeries. When people asked how he survived the Holocaust he would share a story that revealed both courage and compassion. It began in a train bound for Auschwitz, where he and countless others were packed into freezing wagons without food, water, or coats. Snow fell outside and death loomed in the bitter cold. Among the prisoners was an elderly man who trembled uncontrollably in the night. Anton, though frozen himself, used his hands to rub warmth into this man’s arms, face, and legs. He spoke to him, encouraged him, and held him close until morning. When daylight broke, Anton made a heartbreaking discovery: everyone else in the wagon had perished in the cold. Only he and the old mane were still alive – kept alive by the warmth they had shared. Reflecting on his moment Anton would explain the lesson he carried all his life: “The secret of survival is to warm the heart of others. When you give warmth, you receive warmth. When you help someone live, you too will live.” Jesus wanted the scribes and pharisees and everyone else listening to him to discover that he is the Messiah and to spread that news to the world. Every singe human being sits freezing in a cold world and needs to know the warmth of love in the heart of their Creator for them and be saved. Will we take the warmth of the love of Jesus with us into this world and be Anton to them? Even if we only save one the angels will rejoice.
Janice
This Week:
| SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am | |
| MONDAY: | Prayer for the Parish, St Mark’s, 4.00pm |
| Contact: Janice | |
| TUESDAY: | Zoom Bible Study, 7.00pm |
| Contact: Graeme (0490 664 843) | |
| WEDNESDAY: | Holy Communion Service – 10.00am |
| Bible Study Group St Mark’s, 11.00am | |
| Contact: Janice | |
| Cuppa, Craft & Chat Group, St Mark’s,12.30pm | |
| Contact: Robyn (0409 425 044) | |
| THURSDAY: | Men’s Coffee & Chat, Blackthorn Café, 10.00am |
| Contact Steve (0437 984 679), Keith T (0413 319 327) | |
| Women’s Study Group, St Mark’s, 9.30am | |
| Contact: Carol (0411 405 597) | |
| FRIDAY: | JANICE’S DAY OFF |
| SATURDAY: | Evensong Choir Rehearsal, 3.00pm |
| NEXT SUNDAY: | Holy Communion, 8.45am |
| Family Service, 10.30am | |
| Parish Council Meeting, 1.30pm |
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 (0438 234 457 Kevin) |
Notices:
Church heating upgrade…
For many years we have needed reverse cycle heating and cooling in the church, but it was not possible with our heritage overlay. Our Wardens have now found a way forward and we are happy to announce that on Monday 6th October it will be installed. The cost is $9100 and Parish Council would like to invite any who have the capacity to do so to donate toward covering that cost, either by direct deposit into the church’s account with the reference ‘aircon’ or by an envelope with ‘aircon’ written on it into the offering. Thank you in advance. Janice.
Hope Explored…
On Thursday 25th September 7.30pm We will meet for 3 Thursday evenings, 7.30 to 9.00pm in the church to watch a short video, share some supper and ask any question exploring what the Christian hope is about. If you’re interested or you know someone who might be, please give Janice a call or text on 0401 717 435. Invitations to give to a friend will be available this Sunday. Please consider coming along with your friend!
Operation Christmas Child…
21 September will be box packing day as we did last year. All items will be provided. Price per box TBA.
Pleasant Sunday Afternoon (12th October)…
If you have a favourite hymn or song, please let Kevin or Anne know by 21 September. More details later.
BYRD Song Choir…
BYRD SONG CHOIR – Conducted by John Rogers
Sunday 28th September 5pm at St Marks Dromana, Evensong Service
Refreshments will follow service.
Church Fete Saturday 22nd of November 10:00am – 2:30 pm…
Morning Teas, Luncheon, Cakes, Plants, Art Show, Jams, Books, Craft, BBQ. Kids crafts and face-painting. Would you like to be involved?? We could use lots of help. Please contact Janice or Cheryl if you would like to be involved. Does anyone have a 3 x 3 marquee we could borrow on the day?
This Week’s Prayer Focus
In our country and the world:
- For all needing support following shooting of Police, and 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 Archbishop Philip Freier’s ministry in the Diocese of Melbourne.
- 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 Holy Trinity Hastings and their Vicar, Rev’d Tim Anderson.
- 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 Hope25. That the Good News of Jesus will be known in the community of Dromana.
- For Ellen and family, Marlene, David, Belinda, Joan R, Family of Barbara Vance, Lynda & Ian, Robyn, Phillip, Nikki, Jason, Noel and family, Rhiannon, Richard, Pat, Lorna & Peter, Keith S, Harry, Jen, Mike, Chloe, Ted, Monica, Jessica, Audrey, Backy, Fred, Robert, Jan, David.
