Pew Bulletin for 23rd December 2012

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Southern Anglican Dec 2012 - Jan 2013

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Pew Bulletin for 16th December 2012

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Bulletin for 2nd December 2012

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Bulletin for 25th November 2012

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Bulletin for 18th November 2012

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Pew Bulletin for 11th November 2012

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PEW BULLETIN - 4TH NOVEMBER 2012

Pew Bulletin for 4th November 2012 can be downloaded

Pew Bulletin for 28th October 2012

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The Catholic Guy at St. Damien's Dawesville

St Damien’s Catholic Parish, Dawesville is hosting The Catholic Guy. See attached poster  here

DATES:  October 31st - November 6th 2012

ADDRESS: St Damien of Molokai Church, 3 Nyabing Pass, Dawesville WA

SESSION TIMES:
Session One
Wed 31st Oct at 7.30pm OR Thurs 1st Nov at 9.00am
Session Two
Thurs 1st Nov at 7.30pm OR Fri 2nd Nov at 9.00am
Session Three
Fri 2nd Nov at 7.30pm OR Mon 5th Nov at 9.00am
Session Four
Mon 5th Nov at 7.30pm OR Tues 6th Nov at 9.00am
Session Five
Tues 6th Nov at 7.30pm

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Do I need to come to all sessions? No, come to ask many as you wish. However, you will have the best experience if you come to all five sessions as they do follow a journey.
Will I have to do anything? No. Nobody will put you on the spot and nothing will be awkward or threatening. Come just as you are.
Who is this event for? Everyone. Women, men, young, old, Catholic and non-Catholic. Everyone will love this event.
How long do the sessions go for? Each session is approximately 1.5 – 2 hours in length.
What actually happens at the sessions? Each session includes a mix of talks, prayer, music and the arts. Some sessions will also include interviews and other special items. You will also laugh more than you expect.
If admission is free, how is it funded? A collection will be taken for anyone who wishes to contribute. The Catholic Guy Ministry also receives additional donations that enable these events to take place.

Road closures - Sunday 21st October 2012

Due to the Ironman event in Mandurah on Sunday 21st October 2012 roads will be closed around the church. For details see

http://www.usmevents.com.au/Triathlon___Multi_Sport/Ironman_Mandurah/General_event_info/Traffic_impacts.htm

or

http://www.usmevents.com.au/Assets/USM+Digital+Assets/Mandurah/Mandurah_roadclosures.PDF

Sunday School Newsletter - October 2012

The Sunday School Newsletter for October 2012 can be downloaded here

Pew Bulletin - Sunday 7th October 2012

The Pew Bulletin for this week starting Sunday 7th October 2012 can be downloaded here

Sermon - 30th September 2012

The Sermon for Sunday 30th September 2012 can be downloaded here

Pew Bulletin - 30th September 2012

The Pew Bulletin for Sunday 30th September can be found here

Short course: Introduction to Pastoral Care

The BCM (Bishop’s Certificate in Ministry) course “Introduction to Pastoral Care” will be presented by Mrs Mandy Davies, a trained nursing sister, at  Christ's Church, Mandurah on Friday night 19^th October 2012 and Saturday morning 20^th October  2012. This unit is particularly helpful to anyone ministering in the area of Pastoral Care, the Op-Shop or Emergency Relief, as it will give them valuable skills that are needed for these ministries. If you miss this weekend, it will probably be another four years before we can teach it in our area again.  Information leaflets are available from the church office. You do not have to complete the whole of the BCM if you attend this unit:  it can be completed as a one off unit, or be a starting point for you.

Sermon 23rd September 2012

The sermon for Sunday 23rd September 2012 can be downloaded here

Sermon 16th September 2012

The Sermon for Sunday 16th September can be downloaded here

Pew Bulletin for 23rd September 2012

Pew Bulletin for 23rd September 2012 is now a available
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Sermon - 9th September 2012

The Sermon for Sunday 9th September 2012 can be downloaded here

Job Vacancies - Anglicare WA

Anglicare WA has vacancies for a:

- housing Support Worker – Rockingham

- housing Support Worker – Mandurah
See http://www.anglicarewa.org.au/careers/vacancies/current-vacancies/default.aspx for details. 

An evening of Classical Violin - 2nd October 2012

As part of its 2012 WA Spring tour, Attilla Sautov will be performing in Mandurah at Christ's Church Anglican Church, cnr Sholl St and Pinjarra Rd, on Tuesday 2 October 2012 at 7 p.m., with a beautiful and extremely versatile program.

DOWNLOAD THE POST HERE

Attilla started playing the Violin at the age of 4 in Tashkent. His enormous talent and master classes with some of the world’s best violin players would soon allow him to win many international competitions.

In the year 2000 he moved to Germany where he worked as concert master in several leading Orchestras, among others, The Cologne New Philharmonic  Orchestra. With them he did performances in the most prestigious venues all over the world like the Sydney Opera House, the Berlin Concert Hall, the Ottawa National Art Centre and the Hong Kong Art Centre.

He has become known for his extrovert and flamboyant stage presence and his tremendous command of the violin. One of his favorite composers is Paganini and playing his very difficult parts always turns out to be a jaw dropping experience sending thrills and plucking pizzicatos down your spine.

Go and hear him play with the Mueller International Chamber Orchestra and be transported, listening to some of the most powerful, impassioned and colorful music in the solo violin repertoire:

P.Tchaikovsky

Waltz from Serenade in C for Strings op.48

F. Mendelssohn

Concerto No. 1 in D minor for Violin and Orchestra

N. Paganini        

Moses Variation on One String on Rossini’s Theme

J. Brahms

Hungarian Dance No. 5 for violin and orchestra

V. Monti

Czardas for violin and orchestra (Gypsy Air)

C.Gardel

"Tango Scent of a Woman'' for violin and orchestra

+ Encores

Tickets available on www.trybooking.com  and at the door 1 hour prior to the concert.  For information call 0469 566 618 or write to: micomanagement@gmail.com  Ticket prices:  Full $30, Concessions $25, Students $20. www.attillasautov.com

Sermon - 2nd September 2012

The sermon for week one of Passionate Spirituality: shaped by God, for God and in God can be downloaded here

Photos from Blessing of the fleece

Prayers following the deaths of five Australian Soldiers in Afghanistan

29-30 August 2012

In the space of 24 hours we've lost five Australian soldiers in two separate incidents in Afghanistan, which occurred on Wednesday and Thursday (29-30 August 2012).

Three Brisbane based soldiers were killed in a "green on blue" attack when someone wearing an Afghan army uniform turned their weapon on them. Two other soldiers were wounded.

In a separate incident, two Special Forces soldiers have died in a helicopter crash.

Please pray for the members of the Australian Defence Force and their families, especially for the families who are grieving.

A Prayer inspired by James 1:17

Every generous act of giving, every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

- James, 1:17

Silence

God of unchanging love, shine your light on our nation as we mourn the loss of five young lives, members of the Australian Defence Force.

In this time of darkness and shadow, we uphold each and every member of their family and friends that they may know the consolation of your love.

(We pray for each mother, father, son and daughter; we pray for each brother, sister, niece, nephew and grandparent.)

We ponder and wonder about the circumstances of our loss;

we pray for the injured, for other members of their units;

we pray for all deployed personnel and military chaplains who care for them.

Seeking true peace and justice for our world, give wisdom and courage to our national and military leaders as they commit and deploy men and women who serve our nation each day, ready, even to give up their own lives.

Silence

We gather our prayers in the faith of Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to save us, and now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit in glory for ever.  Amen.

A Payer for the Australian Defence Force

Eternal God, the only source of peace,

We pray for all who serve in the defence force of this land.
Give them courage and comfort in danger,
Patience in waiting, and discipline in the just use of force.
Help us to seek for all people
The freedom to serve you and each other in compassion and peace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

A Prayer for Military Chaplains

Lord God of Hosts,

we pray for your clergy whom you called to the ministry of uniformed chaplaincy, and for those who proclaimed you love and compassion on battlefields and Defence establishments where Australian military personnel serve.

Lord, strengthen their faith as they seek to witness to you in the secular world.

Protect them from all dangers and comfort them in the long separation from their families and the familiar things of church that they must endure.

Lord who blessed peacemakers,

bless especially those chaplains serving overseas, helping to bring peace to nations new and old which are struggling to find their identity and place in the world.

We ask in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

These prayers may also be found on the Defence Anglicans website:

http://www.defenceanglicans.org.au/featured/prayers-following-the-deaths-of-five-australian-solidiers-in-afghanistan-29-30-august-2012

Pew Bulletin for 26th August 2012

Pew Bulletin for 26th August 2012 is now available.
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Pew Bulletin for 19th August 2012

Pew Bulletin for 19th August 2012 is now available:
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Pew Bulletin for 12th August 2012

Pew Bulletin for 12th August 2012 is now available
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Pew Bulletin for 5th August 2012

The Pew Bulletin for the 5th August is now available:
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Pew Bulletin for 29th July 2012

The Pew Bulletin for 29th July 2012 is now available
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A Service of Thanksgiving for The Ven Ken Drayton

Dear Friends at Christ's Church,

The funeral service for the The Ven Ken Drayton will take place at the Anglican Parish of Cottesloe on Friday 27th July 2012 at 10am. Then for those unable to attend in Perth, a service of Holy Communion will be held at Christ's Church on Friday 3rd August 2012 at 10am. The service at Christ's Church will not be a second funeral or memorial service but rather an opportunity for parishioners to come together to give thanks to God for the life of Ken with Holy Communion and for special prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Please would you continue to uphold the Drayton family in your prayers.

God Bless

Fr. Darryl Cotton

Funeral service: The Revd. Ken Drayton

The funeral service for the Revd. Ken Drayton will take place at the Anglican Parish of Cottesloe on Friday 27th July 2012 at 10am. 

Then for those unable to attend in Perth, a service of Holy Communion will be held at Christ's Church on Friday 3rd August 2012 at 10am. The service at Christ's Church will not be a second funeral or memorial service but rather an opportunity for parishioners to come together to give thanks to God for the life of Ken with Holy Communion and for special prayers of thanksgiving and praise. Please would you continue to uphold the Drayton family in your prayers.

A Farmer's Prayer

The Farmers of Western Australia have asked for our prayers this coming Sunday 29th July 2012. They have written to Bishop Allan Ewing who has given his endorsement for use of the prayer found here

Wearne House Auxiliary Volunteer wanted

Join a unique group. Anglican Amana Living has 14 Aged Care Residences in WA but only Mandurah has a body of people giving love and support. We do a little fund raising to provide special treat or extras for the resident but the main need now is to provide social contact for the residents.We meet @ Wearne House 2^nd Friday of each month @ 9.30 Please join us at our next meeting 10^th August 2012  9.30am. Ring Judy Rule for any further information

Blessing of the Fleece - 1st September 2012

A visit is planned to the Parish of Kondinin/Corrigin for Saturday 1st September. The plan is take a coach to Kondinin and back on the Saturday for those who can only spare a day,  however there is the option for people to go and stay for the weekend. More details will be given in the Bulletin next week. It is proposed to hold a Eucharist in the Karingal shearing shed which will include shearing of a sheep. The cost for the one day trip will be $20.00 per person.  Booking sheet is on the table at the back of the Church.  Enquiries to Jim or Dorothy Boxall MAP

Sung Evensong - 29th July 2012

EVENSONG

WILL BE SUNG AT

CHRIST’S CHURCH

SUNDAY 29^th JULY at 5.00pm

Introit: “ Blessed Are the Pure in Heart” (H. Walford Davies )

Anthem:  “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” (John Rutter)

Blessing:   Dresden “Amen”

Come and enjoy this beautiful service

and the wine and nibbles to follow

Pew Bulletin - 22nd July 2012

The Pew Bulletin can be downloaded here

Sermon - 15th July 2012

The Sermon for Sunday 15th July 2012 can be downloaded here

Pew Bulletin - 15th July 2012

The Pew Bulletin can be downloaded here

Sermon - Sunday 8th July 2012

The Sermon for Sunday 8th July 2012 can be downloaded here 

Pew Bulletin 8th July 2012

The Bulletin for Sunday 8th July 2012 is available for download at the following link.
Click here to view Bulletin

Sermon - 1st July 2012

Sermon delivered

by The Revd. Jeanie Hands

at Christ’s Church Anglican Church Mandurah

Sunday 1^st July 2012 on Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Mark 5:21-43

In the name of God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen

Introduction

Pentecost is the season when we focus on the gift of God’s Holy Spirit with us, in our lives. Last week we learned that when the disciples were troubled by storms at sea, they called out to Jesus to save them and he stilled their storm. So Jesus revealed his power is greater than any storm or calamity in life. This week the narrative continues and we learn that even when complete strangers, like this woman or Jairus reach out to Jesus in their time of need, that God cares and makes them well again. Jesus reveals that his power is greater than any sickness or disease in life, even greater than death itself.

Many have cried to God for help

This made me think about the many people who’ve cried out to God in times of need, when they or someone they know, need help or healing. Most of us know how it feels when someone we love is injured or unwell, when someone close to us is facing serious or terminal illness. It can be overwhelming and so debilitating. The sense of powerless we feel when our loved one needs comfort, pain relief or intervention, but it’s beyond our ability to help.

I remember one sunny afternoon when our youngest daughter was playing as children do, hand stands and cart wheels, laughing and having fun… Then the air was filled with the sound of something like a twig breaking. Daniella was no longer laughing; that sound was not a twig but her arm, now badly broken. Philip was aghast at the sight of his daughter with her arm so disfigured; he was alarmed, as any father would be. My immediate reaction was to pray, pray and ask God to help us in our time of need. So praying, I resolved to be as calm as possible and drove us to hospital.

Country life can be tough enough but more so when you’re waiting at hospital in Emergency. When they finally saw us, they couldn’t actually help but offered kid’s pain killers and sent us home again. We were told to go the next day to the other hospital which is further away! It wasn’t going well but I just kept praying and believing that somehow it would be alright despite our powerlessness and the intensity of our desperation. Sure enough, eventually it was and what became apparent was that our faith in God really helped bring comfort and peace to the situation.

The unnamed woman reaches out to Jesus in faith

Faith is such a powerful and understated thing in life. In Mark’s gospel we’re introduced to a woman who is nameless except for her display of character and determination. She goes way beyond the social expectations in reaching out to Jesus. She, who would otherwise be quarantined, boldly pursues Jesus, realising he’s the source of her needs. She says to herself (v28), “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” and with remarkable faith she does the unthinkable, ignoring the quarantine she touches him. Yet this touch of faith, transforms her from isolated and vulnerable to healed and whole.

Jesus then says to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace”. This is where we learn how profound faith can be. Jesus says the healing occurred because of her expectancy, that it was her faith that started the chain of events. Without her boldness and faith filled action in reaching out and touching Jesus, the healing wouldn’t have occurred. Jesus affirms her faith and the transforming power it brings, he assures her that her hopes and desires have come to pass with a parting blessing of peace.

Jairus reaches out to Jesus in faith

This is inspirational… and just in case the sceptical voice inside us wants to somehow discount the oomph of what’s just happened or rationalise away the transformational healing that’s just occurred, Mark provides another narrative to reinforce it. We’ve been introduced to Jairus, the man who reaches out to Jesus, asking for healing on behalf of his daughter. He says (v23), “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.”

But now this story takes a rather unexpected turn of events. Jairus learns that he’s acted too late, and his daughter has died, yet knowing this, Jesus says (v36), “don’t fear, just believe”. You can almost imagine how frustrated and upset this dad would be feeling. He’s come all this way and now he’s too late. It’s understandable to imagine that he’d feel that all’s lost and that there’s no hope for his child. Yet Jesus is unwavering, he said, “don’t fear, just believe”.

What does it mean to reach out to God in faith?

Sometimes in life it can be hard to know what to believe, yet faith means to believe the incredible, to see the invisible, to accept and receive the impossible. Jairus needed to let go of what he might think was about to happen, to release the fear, to turn from doubt and embrace this kind of faith which could transform his daughter’s situation. It was a big ask, in anyone’s language, yet Jesus had said, “don’t fear, just believe”. The criteria are simple enough, and as Jesus leads Jairus back to his daughter, we learn she’s restored back to perfect health.

The simplicity of faith in action, and the gift of transformation which results, is evident here. Jesus shows his power is greater than any sickness or disease in life, even greater than death itself. In this case, it was God’s will for Jairus’ daughter to be restored to health, but sometimes people to pass from this life and their return to God is the final healing. As we’re sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading and guidance in life, we’re able to understand that somehow, sometimes healing miracles don’t just happen but that people receive grace to endure their circumstances.

God doesn’t show partiality to those who reach out

It’s interesting to note, Jesus doesn’t cater to the demands of the socially privileged at the expense of the destitute. No-one is greater or more privileged than the other, whether beloved disciple or mere stranger, whether church man or unnamed woman, all are equal in God’s economy. Jesus reveals there’s sufficient time for all to find healing - that in their time of need, God cares and will make them well again. This is the good news which we hear this week, God’s grace is impartial and everyone can receive, we’re all invited to have faith; don’t fear, just believe.

We are called to have such faith

In the same way that Jesus told Jairus, “just believe” we’re encouraged to do the same, to look past the obstacles and hindrances in life and have faith. Have faith in God, who’s already proven to be more powerful than the forces of nature and any sickness or disease in life. Have faith in God who’s Son Jesus, revealed God’s power to be mightier than death itself. Have faith in our awesome God who’s given each of us the gift of the Holy Spirit to help us grow in our faith journey.

We aren’t alone, we’re never alone, no matter what the circumstances look like, not matter how devastating our situation might seem. God promises to be with us, God’s Holy Spirit will lead and guide us in the way we’re to go. As we exercise our faith, God will meet us in our times of need and deliver us from every set back - so we can proclaim God’s everlasting grace and goodness, to all people in the world.

Conclusion

In closing, I offer these words of encouragement:

Doubt sees the obstacles. Faith sees the way!

Doubt sees the darkest night, Faith sees the day!

Doubt dreads to take a step. Faith soars on high!

Doubt questions, “Who believes?” Faith answers, “I”

It’s natural to wonder when obstacles and challenges in life arise making it hard to see the way. Yet our gospel passage today urges us to be aware of the Holy Spirit’s leading, to have faith and just believe. So let’s invite the Holy Spirit to come again into our hearts and lives, and respond together with the simple and yet profound prayer, “Lord, I believe, help my unbelief”

Amen.

Pew Bulletin 1st July 2012

The Bulletin for Sunday 3rd July 2012 is available for download at the following link.
Click here for Pew Bulletin

Bookshop July Special

All $2.00 Cards half price for the month of July only.
Get in quick and stock up.!!!! 

Free Concert at Christ's Church tonight at 6pm

MANDURAH CITY CHORAL SOCIETY invite you to a free concert tonight, Saturday 30th June 2012 held in Christ's Church Mandurah and performing FAURÉ’S REQUIEM.   The concert is an hour from 6-7pm.

Sunday 1st July 2012 - Children's service 10am

This coming Sunday we will be having our children leading the worship service at 10am. The children will be welcomers at the door, readers, do intercessions, lead worship and so on. Please do join us for this incredible acts of worship.

Readings for Sunday 1st July 2012

First Reading:

Lamentations 3: 22-33

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning;   great is your faithfulness. ‘The Lord is my portion,’ says my soul, ‘therefore I will hope in him.’ The Lord is good to those who wait for him,to the soul that seeks him. It is good that one should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. It is good for one to bear the yoke in youth, to sit alone in silence when the Lord has imposed it, to put one’s mouth to the dust   (there may yet be hope), to give one’s cheek to the smiter, and be filled with insults. For the Lord will not reject for ever. Although he causes grief, he will have compassion according to the abundance of his steadfast love; for he does not willingly afflict or grieve anyone.

Hear the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Psalm:  30  (page  249 in the green Prayer Book)

Second Reading:

2 Corinthians 8: 7-15

 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking.   I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something— now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has—not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it
is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, ‘The one who had much did not have too much, and the one  who had little did not  have too little” 
Hear the word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Gospel Reading:  Mark 5: 21-43

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Mark chapter 5 commencing at verse 21

Glory to you Lord Jesus Christ

When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered round him; and he was by the lake. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, ‘My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.’ So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, ‘If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.’ Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, ‘Who touched my clothes?’ And his disciples said to him, ‘You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, “Who touched me?” ’ He looked all round to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.’ While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, ‘Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?’ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, ‘Do not fear, only believe.’ He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, ‘Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.’ And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, ‘Talitha cum’, which means, ‘Little girl, get up!’ And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

This is the Gospel of our Lord

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

Women's Fellowship Service

Australian Church Women Inc are holding a Fellowship Day Service at St Damien’s Catholic Church, Dawesville, on Friday 20th July at 1.00 pm. The theme of this service is “Love Stands the Test”.   All enquiries to Mrs Pauline Brown or Church Office.  Invitation letter on church Notice Board.

Bulletin Prayer List

As this List is becoming too lengthy and we are not being kept informed of the progress, or otherwise, of the people named thereon, all names will be deleted for the beginning of each new month and we would appreciate parishioners entering names afresh. This will ensure that we are up-to-date with our details.

ALSO WOULD PARISHIONERS NOTIFY OUR PRAYER CHAIN GROUP OF PEOPLE THEY WISH TO GO ON THE PRAYER CHAIN LIST AND KEEP THEM UP-TO-DATE ON PROGRESS.  Contacts: Ruth Arnell and Hilary Kan 

Men's Fellowship meeting - 13 July 2012

The next meeting of our Men’s Fellowship will be on Friday July 13th.  Fr. Darryl will be filling the role of guest speaker.  His topic will be on the future direction of our group, and it's goals within our growing church, and the changes and composition occurring within the congregation, since the original concept of our Men’s Fellowship was adopted. I will be looking for input from all, so please give this matter some thought, and more importantly, pray for guidance. We fulfil an important role within the church, but we have to adapt to changes, and this can best be achieved by everyone contributing.  Remember it is your group and I appeal to ALL male members of our congregation to come along and participate. I will be looking for ideas etc. to re-invigorate our group, and, if need be, feel free to have a chat with me or Fr. Darryl at any time, especially if you do not feel like presenting your thoughts at the meeting, and we will gladly present them for you.

Looking forward to seeing you there.

Lionel Cruttenden

Lay Retreat

FRIDAY 14TH—SUNDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER

The theme for this Lay Retreat is “Love and Fear”. Application Forms are available on the table at the back of the Church.   How often do we yearn for a time of quiet?  You are encouraged to attend this Retreat and experience the nourishment and joy of an essentially silent retreat. It would be wise to register early for this due to the limited number of places available at the Retreat Centre.

Download the application form here

Emergency relief needs blankets and food

Last Tuesday I was struggling to fill the much needed bags, when an angel called Shirley Abbott walked through the door with simply loads of food. We thank all of you who give so generously, but we still need your help urgently! Just about everything is required except for beans of any style, including baked beans and tinned fruit. But we ran out of milk, pasta, and pasta sauces, and were very low on the rest. We took 8 blankets we had knitted over To Church of the Way, and they have all gone! But any clean, warm blankets would come in handy, please.

Judy Davis

Cursillo

Ladies, only a few more days for you to book in to attend the Cursillo weekend?  Leaders have been busy preparing for this three-day weekend, and we only have a few participants.   This special three-day weekend is being held at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School from Thursday 12th July to Sunday 15th July.  

This is a very spiritual and uplifting weekend which can give you a fresh outlook on your ministry, and also enable you to make new friends throughout the Diocese.

For more information please contact Lyn Pushong or Irene Weber 

also

There will be a get-together of Cursillistas in the new Canon Ken Barrett Activity Room, Sunday 1^st July commencing at noon.   Anyone in the congregation who wishes to join us is most welcome.

LLM training Day

Please be advised that we will be holding two further Diocesan Lay Ministers (LLM) Training days for those who are licensed as “Liturgical Ministers” and we encourage you to attend as the subject to be covered (see below) are important.  The first is to be held in Christ’s Church Mandurah on Saturday 21^st July, while the second is to be held at the Church of Living Water in Oyster Harbour on Saturday 28^th July 2012.  Those who attended the training day at the Cathedral Grammar School on the 21^st April need not attend these, as the material covered at all three will be the same.  However it is important that you attend one of the three.

The programme for the day will be as follows:

  9.00 am    Gather for a cuppa

  9.30 am    Eucharist by Bishop Allan Ewing

10.30 am    The Extended Communion (booklet) by Bishop Allan Ewing

11.30 am    Feedback and Parish implications by Fr Joe Hopkins

12.00 noon Sermon Appreciation by Bishop Allan Ewing

12.30 pm    Lunch

  1.15 pm    Resources within the Prayer Book by Fr Joe Hopkins

  2.15 pm    Closing Prayers by Bishop Allan Ewing

  2.30 pm    Finish

It is important that both the Clergy and Licensed Lay Assistants attend these training days so that we can all be properly informed about the changes to the way that the Extended Communion service will be led throughout the Diocese.  This new “order of service” will replace all other orders of service currently being used throughout the Diocese.

Those attending are asked to bring their own lunch:  tea and coffee will be supplied.  Would you also please bring a copy of the Red Prayer Book from your Parish for the session titled “Resources within the Prayer Book”.

Please put which ever day is more convenient to you into your diary now to ensure your participation.  We hope to see you there.

Vacancy - Mission to Seafarers Bunbury

The Bunbury Mission to Seafarers Committee is looking for a new Manager to join their leadership team.  This challenging position involves working with the Committee and managing the day to day affairs of the Mission.  The person appointed will have administrative skills, but more importantly will be able to work as part of a team and have good people skills.  This person will be ministering to Seafarers from all over the world, who have a different cultural, religious and language base, to our own.  A small salary and accommodation on site are provided for this position. 

The ministry of the Mission to Seafarers is an outreach ministry from the Anglican Church worldwide.  Therefore the person appointed will be one who supports the Christian ethos of the organisation, is a good communicator and has interpersonal skills in order to work effectively with a variety of people. 

How to apply

If you feel a calling to this ministry position and are able to work well with and encourage other members of the ministry team, we would like to hear from you.  Your application should be in writing and have your CV attached and be sent to -

                   Fr Joe Hopkins

                   Chair – Bunbury Mission to Seafarers

                   P O Box 15

                   BUNBURY    WA    6231

or email      amdo@bunbury.org.au

Please feel free to phone Fr Joe Hopkins – 9721 5010 if you have any questions.  Upon receiving expressions of interest, two documents will be forwarded to you.

                  

·        Duty Statement and Job Description

·        Terms and Conditions of Employment

Closing date for applications will be Friday 20^th July 2012.

Fete Coordinator required

We require a parishioner to coordinate our upcoming fete in October. There is a complete explanatory manual available that has been put together by the previous few coordinators. If you would like to undertake this important role in our parish please give the church office a ring.

Sermon for Sunday 24th June 2012

Sermon delivered by the Revd Darryl Cotton

At Christ’s Church Mandurah

On 24^th June 2012

Our redeeming God

Psalm 107

May the words of my mouth and the meditation of all our hearts, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord God our strength and Redeemer. Amen

Very seldom do I  preach on the Psalms but this morning I thought I would preach on our Psalm for today, Psalm 107[i]. So would you please open your prayer books to Psalm 107, (page 337) which is a remarkable Psalm telling us of the saving nature of our God.

Psalm 107 opens with the words:

¹O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good :
 for his loving mercy is forever.
²Let the Lord’s redeemed say so :
 whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
³And gathered in from every land,
   from the east and from the west :
 from the north and from the south.

 (Psalm 107:1-3)

To begin then, it is thought that Psalm 107 is a community hymn of praise and was most likely a liturgy of thanks offered by worshipers at a festival at the temple in Jerusalem. These first three verses give the message of the Psalm and tells us to give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;... Let the redeemed of the LORD (or those who have been saved by God) say so, for he has redeemed them from trouble.

Verse 3 tells us that there are four groups of people who have been saved by God. The Psalmist refers to them as those from the east, the west, the north and the south. So four groups of people appear in the following verses, together representing, perhaps all of the earth.

Group 1: Those lost in the desert are directed

The first group, those from the East, are found in Verses 4-9 which tell us of a group of wanderers who are lost in the desert, but who finally arrive at their destination. The historical setting for this is that to the East of Palestine there was a massive desert which separated Palestine from the Fertile Crescent of Mesopotamia. Very few travellers in the ancient Near East dared any attempt to travel through this terrain and it was common for those who tried, to get lost in the desert.

Group 2: Those imprisoned are set free

The second group, those from the West, are found in Verses 10-16 which tell us the story of prisoners who are set free. Now why the west? Well, the West is the place where the sun sets and because of this the ancient mind understood the west to be a deathly place of darkness. It is also easy to see the connection between darkness and imprisonment. Those who are imprisoned are unable to free themselves, just like those in darkness are unable to find a way out of the darkness.

Group 3: Those suffering from sickness are healed

The third group, those from the north, are found in verses 17-22, which tell us of “sick” people who are healed. Once again, the historical context for this is that in Jewish thinking all sickness was a direct result of a person’s sin. So it is no coincidence that the Hebrew word for “sick” and the Hebrew word for “foolish one” are exactly the same word. You see the Jewish people associated sickness with foolishness because they understood sickness as God's punishment for sin (see Psalms 32:1-5 and 38:3, 5). This makes sense doesn’t it? If you know sin make you sick, then you must be foolish to sin. To put this in a modern context – if you know smoking gives you cancer, then when get lung cancer from smoking, you must be foolish.

Now why are they referred to as the North? Well, the Jewish people understood that all of God’s punishment came from the North. This was probably because the Babylonians were in the north, and in the Old Testament books of the prophets, the North was often depicted as the direction from which the punishment of God came to the ancient Israelites. 

Group 4: Those caught in a storm of life are saved

The fourth group, those from the south, are found in Verses 23-32, which tell us the story of a group of sailors who are saved from shipwreck. It begins, in verse 23 which says, “Those who go down to the sea in ships, and follow their trade on the great waters”, and continues in verse 26 describing the experience of being in a storm saying, “They go up the sky, and again down to the depths, their courage melts away in the face of disaster. They stagger like drunken men..”

Now why are they called the group from the south. Well, the Hebrew word for “sea” and the Hebrew word for “South” and again one and the same. 

Four groups representing life’s troubles

So Psalm 107 gives us four groups of people who find themselves in four different kinds of trouble: We have those who are lost in life, wandering around without direction; we have those imprisoned and unable to free themselves, feeling like they are trapped in utter darkness; we have those who sick and in need of healing, suffering because of their own sins; and then we have those caught in the storms of life, feeling like they are about to go under at any moment.

Perhaps you might identify with one of these four situations. Are you perhaps feeling directionless in life, not knowing which way to turn next? Are perhaps feeling imprisoned by an addiction that has you in its grips or perhaps do you feel like you are stuck in darkness? Are you perhaps feeling like sin is making you sick? Are you perhaps feeling like a boat battered by the waves caused by the storms of life? If so learn from these four groups of people.

Each group has one thing in common. They cry out to God for help. In verses 6, 13, 19, 28 we are told, “Then they cried to the LORD in their distress, and God took them out of their trouble.” So each group is saved, redeemed, and finds their salvation; and the Psalmist encourages them to recognise the source of their salvation and so he says, “Let them thank the Lord for his goodness : and for the wonders that he does for the children of Adam.”

This theme of God saving people from times of distress is what we find, of course, in our Gospel reading as well. Mark tells us Jesus and his disciples are in a boat and a great storm rose up. We are told Jesus is sleeping when this happens and so the disciples woke him up and said to him, ‘Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?’ Jesus woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace! Be still!’ Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.

Finally Jesus says to them, “‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’ ⁴¹And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, ‘Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?’”

Conclusion

Now we may never find ourselves literally wandering lost in a desert wasteland, or literally forced to dwell in a place of deep darkness; we may never find ourselves sick to the point of death, or caught in a tumultuous storm at sea, but each of us have or will face those times when we desperately need the redeeming hand of God. Psalm 107 provides a model for us on how to handle those times.

Firstly, recognize and acknowledge the situation you are in; secondly cry out in faith to God for help; thirdly accept the deliverance that God brings; and then give thanks to God.

Psalm 107 finishes with these words, “They are weakened and brought low: through stress of adversity and sorrow. But he lifts the poor out of misery:  and increases their families like flocks of sheep. The upright shall see it and rejoice: and all wickedness shall shut its mouth. Whoever is wise, let them observe these things: and consider the loving-kindness of the Lord.”

Amen.

Psalm 107

Introduction

¹O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good :
 for his loving mercy is for ever.
²Let the Lord’s redeemed say so :
 whom he has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
³And gathered in from every land,
   from the east and from the west :
 from the north and from the south.

Those lost in life

⁴Some went astray in the wilderness and in the desert :
 and found no path to an inhabited city;
⁵They were hungry and thirsty :
 and their heart fainted within them.
⁶Then they cried to the Lord in their distress :
 and he took them out of their trouble.
⁷He led them by the right path :
 till they came to an inhabited city.

⁸Let them thank the Lord for his goodness :
 and for the wonders that he does for the children of Adam;
⁹For he satisfies the thirsty :
 and fills the hungry with good things.

Those imprisoned

¹⁰Some sat in darkness and in deadly shadow :
 bound fast in affliction and iron,
¹¹Because they had rebelled against the words of God :
 and scorned the purposes of the Most High.
¹²So he bowed down their hearts with affliction :
 they tripped headlong, with none to help them.
¹³Then they cried to the Lord in their distress :
 and he took them out of their trouble.
¹⁴He brought them out from darkness and deadly shadow :
 and broke their chains in two.

¹⁵Let them thank the Lord for his goodness :
 and for the wonders that he does for the children of Adam;
¹⁶For he shatters the doors of bronze :
 and cleaves the bars of iron.

Those suffering from sickness

¹⁷Fools were far gone in transgression :
 and because of their sins were afflicted.
¹⁸They sickened at any food :
 and had come to the gates of death.
¹⁹Then they cried to the Lord in their distress :
 and he took them out of their trouble.
²⁰He sent his word and healed them :
 and saved their life from the Pit.

²¹Let them thank the Lord for his goodness :
 and for the wonders that he does for the children of Adam;
²²Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving :
 and tell what he has done with shouts of joy.

Those caught in a storm

²³Those who go down to the sea in ships :
 and follow their trade on great waters,
²⁴These men have seen the works of God :
 and his wonders in the deep.
²⁵For he spoke, and raised the storm-wind :
 and it lifted high the waves of the sea.
²⁶They go up to the sky, and down again to the depths :
 their courage melts away in the face of disaster.
²⁷They reel and stagger like drunken men :
 and are at their wits’ end.
²⁸Then they cried to the Lord in their distress :
 and he took them out of their trouble.
²⁹He calmed the storm to a silence :
 and the waves of the sea were stilled.
³⁰Then they were glad because they were quiet :
 and he brought them to the haven they longed for.

³¹Let them thank the Lord for his goodness :
 and for the wonders that he does for the children of Adam;
³²Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people :
 and praise him in the council of elders.

Summary of God’s goodness

³³He turns the rivers into desert :
 and springs of water into thirsty ground.
³⁴He makes of a fruitful land a salty waste :
 because its inhabitants are evil.
³⁵He turns the wilderness into a pool of water :
 and parched ground into flowing springs.
³⁶And there he settles the hungry :
 and they build a city to live in.
³⁷They sow fields and plant vineyards :
 which give them fruitful harvest.
³⁸He blesses them, and they multiply greatly :
 he does not let their cattle diminish.
³⁹But he pours contempt upon princes :
 and makes them stray in the pathless desert;
⁴⁰They are weakened and brought low :
 through stress of adversity and sorrow.
⁴¹But he lifts the poor out of misery :
 and increases their families like flocks of sheep.

⁴²The upright shall see it and rejoice :
 and all wickedness shall shut its mouth.
⁴³Whoever is wise, let him observe these things :
 and consider the loving-kindness of the Lord.

---

[i] Based on a commentary on Psalm 107 by Nancy deClaissé-Walford, Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Languages, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA