The Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost 22nd of August, 2021 Welcome

On behalf of everyone at St. John’s, Toorak, a very warm welcome to this church and faith community. St. John’s welcomes everyone to all services and events, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race or background. This is a wonderful and historic church, founded in 1859, part of the Anglican Church of and a member of the global Anglican Communion, comprised of 80 million people. QR code for church

Regular services of worship are held each Sunday at 8am and 10am, and Wednesday at 7pm. All are welcome. Services are followed by times of fellowship over food and drinks to which everyone is also welcome.

This church actively follows Jesus’ command to love God, love one’s neighbour and to care for all people. Our clergy and parishioners regularly visit the sick, home-bound, and the dying. We care for the poor and needy through service and charitable giving, through our Opportunity Shop run in partnership with the local Catholic and Uniting churches, and by supporting the work of Anglicare, The Brotherhood of St. Laurence and The Anglican Board of Mission. Our clergy regularly baptise new members of the church, preside at weddings and care for the grieving through our funeral ministry. If we can be of service to you or your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch. If you would like to give of your time and talents in the service of others, please also contact the church and we will gladly welcome your contribution.

If you’re visiting for the first time please introduce yourself to a welcomer or member of the clergy, and fill out the blue ‘Welcome’ card found at the end of every pew so we can stay in touch with you.

@stjohnstoorak

Cover Image Andrea del Castagno, St John the Evangelist 1442 Fresco, height of figure 176 cm, San Zaccaria, Venice.

2 INTRODUCTORY RITE please stand

HYMN ‘God's paschal lamb’

1. God’s Paschal Lamb is sacrificed for us; 3. In Christ we see the first fruits of therefore with joy we keep the the dead; Easter feast; though Adam’s sin has doomed forsaking sin, we share the bread all flesh to die, of truth. in Christ’s new life shall all be Alleluia! made alive. Alleluia! 2. Now is Christ raised and will not die again; death has no more dominion over him. Through him we die to sin and live to God. Alleluia!

ACCLAMATION Blessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever.

GREETING The Lord be with you. And also with you.

COLLECT FOR PURITY Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, and from whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by

3 the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

KYRIE ELEISON said together at 8am, and sung together at 10am

CONFESSION Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, with a sincere and a true heart. Merciful God, our maker and our judge, we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, and in what we have failed to do: we have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbours as ourselves; we repent, and are sorry for all our sins. Father, forgive us. Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ABSOLUTION pronounced by the celebrant

4 GLORIA IN EXCELSIS said together at 8am, and sung together at 10am

COLLECT FOR THE THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Creator God, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you: teach us to offer ourselves to your service, that here we may have your peace, and in the world to come may see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

AT 10AM, THE CHILDREN’S ADDRESS At 10am, all children are invited to the chancel step

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

THE FIRST READING 1 Kings 8.22-30; 41-43, Read at 8am by Ted Mouritz; and at 10am read by Stella Jongebreur. 22Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven. 23He said, ‘O Lord , God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth beneath, keeping covenant and steadfast love for your servants who walk before you with all their heart, 24the covenant that you kept for your 5 servant my father David as you declared to him; you promised with your mouth and have this day fulfilled with your hand. 25Therefore, O Lord , God of Israel, keep for your servant my father David that which you promised him, saying, “There shall never fail you a successor before me to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children look to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.” 26Therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant my father David. 27‘But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, much less this house that I have built! 28Have regard to your servant’s prayer and his plea, O Lord my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you today; 29that your eyes may be open night and day towards this house, the place of which you said, “My name shall be there”, that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays towards this place. 30Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray towards this place; O hear in heaven your dwelling-place; heed and forgive. 41‘Likewise when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name 42—for they shall hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm—when a foreigner comes and prays towards this house, 43then hear in heaven your dwelling-place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you, as do your people Israel, and so that they may know that your name has been invoked on this house that I have built. Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

THE PSALM Psalm 84 said together 1 How lovely is your dwelling-place: O Lord God of hosts! 2 My soul has a desire and longing to enter the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. 3 The sparrow has found her a home, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young: even your altar, O Lord of hosts, my King and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house: they will always be praising you. 5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you:

6 in whose heart are the highways to Zion; 6 Who, going through the valley of dryness, find there a spring from which to drink: till the autumn rain shall clothe it with blessings. 7 They go from strength to strength: they appear, every one of them, before the God of gods in Zion. 8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer: give ear, O God of Jacob. 9 Behold, O God, him who reigns over us: and look upon the face of your anointed. 10 One day in your courts is better than a thousand: I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of ungodliness. 11 For the Lord God is a light and a shield, the Lord gives favour and honour: and no good thing will he withhold from those who walk in innocence. 12 O Lord God of hosts: blessed are those who put their trust in you. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

THE SECOND READING Ephesians 6.10-20, Volunteer reader required at 8am; and at 10am read by Jenny Smith 10Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13Therefore take up the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of 7 God. 18Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, so that when I speak, a message may be given to me to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak. Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

HYMN AT 10AM ‘King of glory, King of peace’

1. King of glory, King of peace, I will love thee; 3. Seven whole days, not one in and, that love may never cease, seven, I will move thee. I will praise thee; Thou hast granted my request, in my heart, though not in thou hast heard me; heaven, thou didst note my working I can raise thee. breast, Small it is, in this poor sort thou hast spared me. to enrol thee: ev’n eternity’s too short 2. Wherefore with my utmost art to extol thee. I will sing thee, and the cream of all my heart George Herbert 1593–1633 I will bring thee. Reproduced with permission Though my sins against me cried, thou didst clear me; and alone, when they replied, thou didst hear me.

At both services, please stand if you are able and face the Gospel as it is read 8 THE GOSPEL John 6.56-69

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to St. John. Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

56Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.’ 59He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. 60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ 61But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? 62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64But among you there are some who do not believe.’ For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. 65And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’ 66Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 67So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ 68Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

SERMON The Ordinand, Dr. Scott Kirkland

ANTHEM (AT 10AM) He, watching over Israel [Elijah] Felix Mendelssohn (1809—1847)

THE NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

9 We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father; through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became truly human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE At 8am led by Brenda Mouritz; and at 10am volunteer required

The Prayers end with the following Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers. Grant that what we have asked in faith we may by your grace receive, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE GREETING OF PEACE standing We are the body of Christ. His Spirit is with us. The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

All share with each other a COVIDSafe sign of peace, saying, ‘Peace be with you.’

PARISH NOTICES given by the Vicar

OFFERTORY A monetary collection for the life and ministry of St. John’s is taken here. You may give by contributing to the brass collection plate or paypoint at the rear of the church, or by prior arrangement with the parish office.

10 HYMN ‘At the name of Jesus’

1. At the name of Jesus 3. In your hearts enthrone him, every knee shall bow, there let him make new every tongue confess him all that is not holy, King of Glory now: all that is not true. this the Father’s pleasure He is God the Saviour, that we call him Lord, he is Christ the Lord, who from the beginning ever to be worshipped, was the mighty Word. trusted and adored.

2. Humbled for a season 4. When this same Lord Jesus to receive a name shall appear again from the lips of sinners in his Father’s glory, unto whom he came, there with him to reign, faithfully he bore it then may we adore him, spotless to the last, all before him bow, brought it back victorious as our hearts confess him when from death he passed. King of Glory now.

PRAYER FOR RECEIVING THE OFFERTORY Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness we have these gifts to share. Accept and use our offerings for your glory and for the service of your kingdom. Blessed be God for ever.

11 THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYER All remain standing

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer continues until the following

Therefore, with angels and archangels, and with all the company of heaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, forever praising you and saying/singing:

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer continues until the following

Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer ends with the following

12 THE LORD’S PRAYER As our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF BREAD We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

AGNUS DEI said at 8am, sung at 10am

INVITATION TO COMMUNION This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed are those who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

ADMINISTRATION OF HOLY COMMUNION All baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you do not wish to receive communion and would like to receive a blessing, please come forward and indicate your desire to do so by keeping your arms behind your back. Due to COVID restrictions we can only communicate the bread, not the wine.

13 ANTHEM (AT 10AM) O salutaris hostia Herbert Howells c (1548—1611)

O Saving Victim opening wide All praise and thanks to thee ascend The gate of heaven to man below. For ever more, blest One in Three; Our foes press hard on every side; Oh, grant us life that shall not end, Thine aid supply, thy strength bestow. In our true native land. Amen.

POST COMMUNION PRAYERS which end with Father, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through Jesus Christ our Lord. Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live and work to your praise and glory.

HYMN ’O breath of life, come sweeping through us’

1. O breath of life, come sweeping renewing thought and will and through us, heart; revive your church with life and come, love of Christ, afresh to power; win us, O breath of life, come cleanse, revive your church in every part. renew us, and fit your church to meet this 4. Revive us, Lord! Is zeal abating hour. while harvest fields are vast and white? 2. O wind of God, come bend us, Revive us, Lord, the world is break us, waiting, till humbly we confess our need; equip your church to spread the then in your tenderness remake light. us, revive, restore: for this we plead. Elizabeth Ann Porter Head 1850–1936 3. O breath of love, come breathe Reproduced with permission within us,

14 BLESSING The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

DISMISSAL Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

POSTLUDE Chorale Fantasia on Old 100th Hubert Parry (1848 – 1918)

Order of Service from A Prayer Book for Australia 1995. Broughton Books by E.J.Dwyer (Australia) Pty Ltd, Unit 13, Perry Park, 33 Maddox Street, Alexandria, NSW 2015. © 1995, The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation. With the Liturgical Psalter, Inclusive Language Version English text © 1995 by David L Frost, John A. Emerton, Andrew A. Macintosh. Hymns from Together in Song Australian Hymn Book II. © The Australian Hymn Book Pty Ltd 2006. Registered Office 14 Martin Place (Level 17) Sydney 2000. CCLI Licence Number: 669476.

PARISH NOTICES

Continued Lockdown until September 2, 2021 As you will no doubt be aware, the current lockdown has been extended until September 2. Services during this time will therefore be held on Zoom. If you haven’t joined one of these services, and you are able to, please do! It is a wonderful opportunity to be together, to pray, hear Scripture and even enjoy morning tea together afterward. Our Director of Music plays a beautiful prelude and postlude and the clergy preach. This Sunday our ordinand, Dr. Scott Kirkland, will be our preacher. - Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85616651577?pwd=ZmtOMEhxdGJETXpSa3FobVphT0 1aZz09

Meeting ID: 856 1665 1577 Passcode: 746844 -

As per the Victorian Government’s direction, the church office remains closed, with Sally, Milton and the clergy all working from home. Only Peter is allowed into the office, by virtue of living onsite. However, the office is still contactable via email [email protected] or by phone 0477 091 492. The office is open Monday to Thursday.

Our Wednesday Night Services are currently unable to continue and services of Prayer for Christian Unity are also unable to take place. These will resume as soon as is possible following the end of the current lockdown period.

15 St. John’s Sunday Study Series - Postponed Our very own ordinand and Lecturer in Theology at Trinity College Theological School, Dr. Scott Kirkland, will lead a three week course on the Christian understanding of God. “The doctrine of the Trinity is the way Christians talk about God, but it is simultaneously perhaps one of the most difficult puzzles in Christian theology. Over three sessions we will chart several paths through the history of the development of the doctrine, some of the controversies that have surrounded the doctrine, and, most importantly, the significance of the Trinity for thinking about the shape of Christian life in the contemporary world. More than just a confusing abstraction, the Trinity is the grammar of Christian existence.” No need to sign up, simply come to the guild room with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy.

Be part of our Sunday Services All our ministries are supported by volunteers. The Roster Availability Form for September and October is NOW AVAILABLE. Please decide how you can contribute to the ministry of this church. If you have any queries please talk to the clergy after church on Sunday or contact the parish office. As the rosters will be finalised soon, please email your availability asap to the parish office [email protected]. Thank you.

Archbishop’s Annual Dinner - New Date of 7 October 2021 The Annual Archbishop’s Dinner, in support of Trinity College Theological School continued 'Building our Future' appeal, has been rescheduled due to the current lockdown. The new date is Thursday 7 October, 6.30pm - 10.30pm. Guests are welcome to attend the regular Evensong in the Chapel at 5.45pm. Location: Trinity College Dining Hall, 100 Royal Parade, Parkville. Tickets: $110 per person. To purchase a ticket, go to TryBooking at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=774569&. Enquiries: Matilda Sholly at [email protected] or 03 9348 7527. When you purchase a ticket please ask to be on the St. John’s, Toorak table so we can sit together, unless of course you’d like to sit somewhere else!!

Children’s Ministry Children’s Corner in church At the back of the church, there is a comfortable space for young children, including books and activities. For older children, there is a wonderful book called My Illustrated Prayer Book, which encourages children who can read to follow the service in an age-appropriate way. Please feel free to use them with your children and leave them in the box provided at the end of the service.

Sunday School in the Whitney King Room Sunday School in the Whitney King Room is up and running and is held during the 10am service. Our Sunday School supervisors, Shierly Patterson, Sanae Homberger and Clive Wright have required safety checks and working with children cards, and

16 the Whitney King Room is a welcoming, safe space for children to be together. The next Sunday School session is 29 August.

Children’s resources during lockdown Your children may enjoy activities offered on-line. Sermon4kids offers weekly activities - [email protected]. The Church of England has also produced a number of resources for families and children called Cheeky Pandas. https://cheekypandas.com/

Cinema Group Postponed If any parishioners and their friends are interested in joining us for a film at the elegant Palace Cinemas Como, South Yarra on a Sunday afternoon please leave your contact details with the parish office or contact Celia Langford 0418 552 335 to be put on the mailing list. Generally we gather on a Sunday afternoon, every six weeks or so, arriving early for refreshments and a chat beforehand. Any suggestions for a particular film are always welcome. How wonderful it is to be able to venture to the cinema once again!

The Anglican (TMA) The link to the latest edition of TMA is here. The link to this week’s Newstand is here. The link to the August Prayer Diary and prayer resources is here.

Prayer Requests Prayer requests can be sent to [email protected]. The clergy check emails for prayer requests daily, and pray in solidarity with anyone who would like prayers said for them.

Clergy Days Off Our clergy have one regular day off per week. Our Vicar Peter has Friday and our Assistant Curate Keiron Monday. Please respect their time away from work and unless in an emergency, please refrain from telephoning, texting, visiting the Vicarage, or emailing them on these days. Thank you.

COVID SAFE DIRECTIONS FOR WHEN THE CHURCH IS OPEN

● Everyone must sign in digitally. If you do not have a smartphone, ask a welcomer, a fellow parishioner, or Covid-safe officer to use their phone to record your name and contact details ● Please do not come to church if you are unwell ● Use hand sanitiser, found at each of the doors ● Wear masks as required ● Maintain physical distancing of at least 1.5m from another person unless you are sitting in a family group ● A 4sqm rule applies to ensure social distancing ● Please do not shake hands or hug other people 17 ● The church is cleaned regularly.

Holy Communion remains Bread Only Until government restrictions ease, Communion will be celebrated as usual but only administered in ‘one kind,’ that is, by people receiving the consecrated bread only. This is, and always has been, considered as communion in full and in no way diminished. Please note the clergy use hand sanitiser immediately before the Great Thanksgiving prayer and before administering Communion and giving blessings.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

From the Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of South America; The Diocese of Riverina (Bp Donald Kirk, Clergy & People); Archdeaconry of Melbourne (Heather Patacca); All Saints’ Clayton (Charlie Fletcher, Abraham Amuom, Jeremiah Paul); St Eanswythe’s Anglican Church, Altona – Ordination of Reverend Mark Tibben (Abp Philip Freier); St James Ivanhoe – Pastoral Services (Bp Genieve Blackwell).

For all those who lead us in the Anglican Church, especially: Our Primate The Most Revd Geoffrey Smith, Our Archbishop The Most Revd Philip Freier, and our Bishop, The Right Revd Genieve Blackwell.

For those who lead us in Government: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Governor General David Hurley AC; Prime Minister Scott Morrison; Federal Member of Parliament for Division of Higgins, Dr. ; Premier of , Daniel Andrews; Member for Malvern and Leader of the Opposition, Michael O’Brien.

For Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians: For Aboriginal Anglican clergy and lay-leaders around Australia, their spiritual health and physical well-being, and the people they care for. For Aboriginal and Government leaders and their work together.

For The Toorak Ecumenical Movement: Our partner churches, St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, Toorak Uniting Church, and The Swedish Church.

For The Anglican Board of Mission, The Brotherhood of St. Laurence, and Anglicare.

For those who have died, and the families who mourn them: Barbi Room, Colin Teese, J. Dale Fisher.

For schools in our parish: Geelong Grammar School Toorak Campus, Head of Campus Rachel George; St Catherine's School, Principal Michelle Carroll; and Toorak Primary School, Principal Julie Manallack.

For the sick and all in need: Rosemary Griffith; Maggie Perkins; Rosie Creswell; Gwen; Audrey Leeton; Jean James; Lachie Sullivan; Mary; Delta; Sue; Adrian Hall; Debra Moore; Samantha; and Patricia Williams.

18 For those in aged care and those who are housebound: Teri Lawrence; Beverley Joyce; Val Hurst; Marcia Larsson; Gordon Kennett; Anne Myers; Billee Edwards; Elizabeth Johnson.

Give thanks for those whose Anniversary of Death is this week: Peter Gunnerson; Joan Hossack; Bill Whitton; Faye Duncan.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY This commentary presents one interpretation; others may be possible. Comments are best read with the readings. Text from New Revised Standard version of the Bible (NRSV).

1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11),22-30,41-43 The Temple has been built, as David wished. In his time, the Ark was brought to Jerusalem after he conquered the city; it was placed in the “city of David” (v. 1), as it was then known, in the “tent of meeting” (v. 4). The Ark is now moved, in procession, to the Temple, to the Holy of Holies (“inner sanctuary”, v. 6). After the priests leave the Ark there, “a cloud filled the house of the Lord” (v. 10), a sign of God’s presence (v. 11). In vv. 12-21, Solomon addresses the people, declaring the continuity between God’s covenant with Israel during the exodus, his promise to David, and the Temple – God’s dwelling place among his people. Vv. 22-53 are Solomon’s prayer of dedication (edited by a later hand, during the exile in Babylon.) Solomon asks God to keep his promise to David: that his lineage will continue forever if his descendants (“children”, v. 25) follow God’s ways as David did. The question in v. 27 is rhetorical, for the cloud is evidence of God’s presence. Omni-present as he is, God makes the Temple his earthly home. God’s “name” (v. 29) is symbolic of his presence. Solomon asks that God may always be attentive to prayer in the Temple, and “toward” (v. 30) it (from exile). The King asks God’s attention to his and the people’s “plea”, and gives seven illustrations: (1) by being just (v. 32); (2) when they “turn again” (v. 33) to him after God has punished their waywardness by having an enemy defeat them; (3) when he punishes them with drought (v. 35); (4) when he does so with famine and various plagues (v. 37); (5) to respond to a foreigner’s pleas when he or she seeks and finds the God of Israel (vv. 41-43) – so that people everywhere may know God and hold him in awe; (6) when they battle an enemy and pray for success; and (7) when they “come to their senses ... and repent” (v. 47) and seek freedom, after their sin has caused God to have them exiled. May God hear them, his chosen people – as he promised to Moses (v. 53).

Psalm 84 This psalm praises God as the longed-for goal of the pilgrim. The “dwelling” of God is the Temple (and perhaps also the land of Israel). To live in the Temple is greatly to be desired: those who live there have security and happiness, even the birds (v. 3) who nest in the Temple area. Making a pilgrimage to the Temple offers these hopes. When the pilgrims pass through the arid “valley of Baca” (v. 6) en route to the Temple, it becomes fertile. They become more and more godly (“strength to strength”, v. 7) as they travel, increasing in their knowledge of God. V. 9 is a prayer for the king. (The word translated “anointed” is messiah; later it was taken as referring to the ideal future king who would restore the nation.) Perhaps v. 10 contrasts the fate of the godly and the wicked. God is both “sun and shield” (v. 11): he illuminates and protects, and bestows of blessings. (In Malachi 4:2 he is “sun”.) Life for those who trust in God is clearly superior.

19 Ephesians 6:10-20 The author now concludes his letter. Earlier, he has prayed that his readers may come to know the power of God operative in the resurrection and exaltation of Christ to heaven, and in his victory over the forces of evil. The Church participates in that victory; its members know something of this power in their conversion: a resurrection from a fatalism that viewed the world as continually declining towards evil. Now the author tells them that they must learn to rely on that power: they are to equip themselves with “armour” (vv. 11, 13) provided by God, as they oppose not people (“blood and flesh”, v. 12) but the malevolent forces (“rulers ... authorities”) which control them. The metaphor of the soldier is from Isaiah; here he is girded with “truth” (v. 14) and integrity (“righteousness”); his “shoes” (v. 15) give him firmer footing for (paradoxically) proclaiming the “gospel of peace”. His faith will protect him against attack from the devil (“the evil one”, v. 16). He accepts “salvation” (v. 17). He has one offensive weapon, given to him by the Spirit, “the word of God”. Persistent prayer, prompted by the Spirit, is his aid in interceding for fellow Christians (“saints”, v. 18). In vv. 19-20, the author asks his readers to pray for him that he may be given a gift of the right words in telling of the “mystery”, God’s age-long purpose, now disclosed, to call both Jews and Gentiles to share in Christ’s saving action. Paul is (like) a prisoner awaiting trial (“in chains”) yet is able to tell the good news “boldly” and freely.

John 6:56-69 Jesus has said that he is divine and the living bread. Now he says that partaking in the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper, establishes a lasting relationship, a community of life, a mutual indwelling, between him and the believer. “Living Father” (v. 57) reminds us of “living bread” (v. 51): the Father sent the Son to give life, and the life the Son has is the Father’s, given to the Son; this type of relationship is extended to the partaker in the Eucharist. This bread is “from heaven” (v. 58) as was manna (“which your ancestors ate”), but it is much more effective: it is the eucharistic sacrament of life. Jesus now leaves the “synagogue” (v. 59). Many of his followers find “this teaching” (v. 60) “difficult”, i.e. offensive: eating flesh is repugnant; he offends Jewish belief by claiming to be “from heaven” (v. 58) and to give life (only God can do that). Jesus says (v. 62): if you can’t accept these things, seeing me ascend to heaven will really confound you. I speak spiritually, not literally (v. 63): “it is the spirit that gives life”, is the life-giving factor. Humanity, even Christ in human form, is “useless” without the spirit. Jesus’ words link life with spirit. Some, he says, do not believe, so the Eucharist is nonsense to them (v. 64). Belief in him is a gift from the Father (v. 65). This leads many to desert him (as later many left the Church, v. 66). Jesus offers the twelve the chance to leave him (v. 67). Peter replies on their behalf: we are on the way to knowing you, for we already believe in you; we know why you came (v. 69).

20 A Thankyou Letter from the Richmond Churches Food Centre

Dear Toorak Food for Friends

On behalf of the Richmond Churches Food Centre, I would like to express my appreciation of your very generous donation, it will provide a tremendous amount of help for those that are in need in the area.

Dental care and toiletries seem to be considered a luxury for many of our clients so we feel that it is important to be able to provide things like toiletries and sanitary products in addition to food. Jane took some photos of the toiletries packs that we have made up for clients, let me know if you need any more.

As the lockdowns and covid restrictions continue many are relying on the Food Centre more and more and the items that you have supplied will support many people. Please pass on the thanks and gratitude of everyone at the Food Centre to everyone in your group.

Our food centre has been providing food relief in the City of Yarra for more than 30 years. The challenges of 2020 have continued to 2021, the centre’s work has continued and we have liaised closely with the council and other food relief providers to meet the needs of the community. Due to Covid we currently operate in a different way but still provide food and support to many local residents, some who have never needed assistance before.

Yours sincerely,

Francis Flood

Food Centre Coordinator

Richmond Churches Food Centre Incorporated Postal: PO Box 2231, Richmond, Vic 3121

Street: Behind St Ignatius Parish, 326 Church Street, Richmond, Vic, 3121

P: 0413 660 260 |E: [email protected] ABN: 812 375 394 71

21 THIS SUNDAY

10am Service First Reading: 1 Kings 8.22-30; 41-43, read by Stella Jongebreur Second reading: Ephesians 6.10-20, read by Jenny Smith Gospel Reading: John 6.56-69 Intercessor: Volunteer required

Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter French Preacher: Dr. Scott Kirkland Vicar The Reverend Dr Peter French [email protected]

Wardens Mrs Amanda Bagot, NEXT SUNDAY, 29th August Mrs Stella Jongebreur, Mr Anthony Mannering 10am Service First Reading: Song of Songs 2.8-13, read by Parish Council Gaynor Gould Mr Dougal Colhoun, Mr Craig Cooper, Second reading: James 1.17-27, Volunteer reader Mrs Vivienne Brown, Ms Diana Dunlop, required Dr Jessica Hall, Mrs Claire Morgan, Gospel Reading: Mark 7.1-8; 14-23 Mr Harrison Young Intercessor: Jenny Smith Assistant Curate The Revd Keiron Jones Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter French Preacher: The Revd Dr. Peter French [email protected] Director of Music/Organist Mr Christopher Cook [email protected]

Ordinand Dr. Scott Kirkland

Parish Administrator/Child Safe Compliance Mrs Sally Robertson [email protected]

Child Safe Officer Mrs Vivienne Brown

Family Safety Officer The Revd Keiron Jones

Sunday School Teachers Mr Clive Wright, Ms Shierly & Miss Jo-Jo Patterson

Archivist Professor Geoff Quail OAM [email protected]

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