The Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost 15th 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 Jan van Eyck, Portrait of Christ, 1440 Oak panel, 33.4 x 26.8 cm, Groeninge Museum, Bruges.

2 INTRODUCTORY RITE please stand

HYMN ‘How firm a foundation’ tune 143 at 8am only verses 1 & 4 are sung

1. How firm a foundation, you 4. When through fiery trials your people of God, pathway shall lie is laid for your faith in his his grace all-sufficient shall be excellent word; your supply; what more can he say than to the flame shall not hurt you, his you he has said, only design to all who for refuge to Jesus your dross to consume and your have fled? gold to refine.

2. Fear not, he is with you, and be 5. The soul that on Jesus still leans not dismayed. for repose for he is your God, and will still he will not, he cannot, desert to give you aid: its foes; he’ll strengthen you, help you, that soul, though all hell should and cause you to stand, endeavour to shake, upheld by his righteous, he never will leave, he will never omnipotent hand. forsake.

3. When through the deep waters Author ‘K –’ (?Richard Keen) in John he calls you to go, Rippon’s Selection of Hymns 1787 alt. the rivers of grief shall not you Reproduced with permission overflow; the Lord will be with you in trouble to bless, and sanctify to you your deepest distress.

3 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 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 TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life: give us grace that we may always thankfully receive the benefits of his sacrifice, and also daily endeavour to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same 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 2.10-12; 3.3-14 Read at 8am by Scott Kirkland; and at 10am read by Barbara Brown 10Then David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city of David. 11The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned for seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

5 12 So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom was firmly established. 3Solomon loved the Lord , walking in the statutes of his father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places. 4The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal high place; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt-offerings on that altar. 5At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, ‘Ask what I should give you.’ 6And Solomon said, ‘You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart towards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. 7And now, O Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. 9Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’ 10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11God said to him, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, 12I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you. 13I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honour all your life; no other king shall compare with you. 14If you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your life.’ Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

THE PSALM Psalm 111 said together 1 O praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord with my whole heart: in the company of the upright and among the congregation. 2 The works of the Lord are great: and studied by all who take delight in them. 3 His deeds are majestic and glorious: and his righteousness stands for ever.

6 4 His marvellous acts have won him a name to be remembered: the Lord is gracious and merciful. 5 He gives food to those that fear him: he remembers his covenant for ever. 6 He showed his people the power of his acts: in giving them the heritage of the heathen. 7 The works of his hands are faithful and just: and all his commandments are sure; 8 They stand firm for ever and ever: they are done in faithfulness and in truth. 9 He sent redemption to his people, he ordained his covenant for ever: holy is his name and worthy to be feared. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and of good understanding are those that keep his commandments: his praise shall endure for ever. 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 5.11-21 Read at 8am by Lindsay Hosking; and at 10am volunteer reader required 11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ 15Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, 16making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Be subject to one another out of reverence for Christ. Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

7 HYMN AT 10AM ‘Be known to us in breaking bread’

1. Be known to us in breaking 2. There sup with us in love divine; bread, your body and your blood, but do not then depart, that living bread, that heavenly Saviour, abide with us, and wine, spread be our immortal food. your table in our heart. James Montgomery 1771–1854 alt. Reproduced with permission

At both services, please stand if you are able and face the Gospel as it is read

THE GOSPEL John 6.51-58

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.

51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’ 52The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ 53So Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55for my flesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 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

8 that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live for ever.’ This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

SERMON The Assistant Curate, The Revd Keiron Jones

ANTHEM (AT 10AM) Verily, verily I say unto you Thomas Tallis c (1505—1585)

THE NICENE CREED We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. 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 volunteer required; and at 10am led by John Horan

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.

9 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.

HYMN ‘Praise to the Lord, the Almighty’

1. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation; 4. Praise to the Lord, who when O my soul, praise him, for he is darkness of sin is abounding, your health and salvation. who, when the godless do Come all who hear, triumph, our best hopes brothers and sisters draw near, confounding, praise him in glad adoration. sheds forth his light, scatters the horrors of night, 2. Praise to the Lord who in all saints with his mercy things is wondrously reigning surrounding. and, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining: 5. Praise to the Lord! O let all that is have you not seen in me adore him! all that is needed has been All that has life and breath, come sent by his gracious ordaining? now with praises before him. Let the Amen 3. Praise to the Lord, who will sound from his people again: prosper our work and defend us; gladly for ever adore him. surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend us: Joachim Neander 1650–80 ponder anew tr. Catherine Winkworth 1827–78 and others what the Almighty can do Reproduced with permission as with his love he befriends us. 10 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.

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

11 Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer ends with the following

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.

12 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.

ANTHEM (AT 10AM) Ave Maria Robert Parsons c (1535 – 1571/72)

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 ’Tell out, my soul’ (at 8am verses 1 & 4 are sung)

his holy name - the Lord, the 1. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of Mighty One. the Lord! Unnumbered blessings, give my 3. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of spirit voice; his might! tender to me the promise of his Powers and dominions lay their word; glory by. in God my Saviour shall my Proud hearts and stubborn wills heart rejoice. are put to flight, the hungry fed, the humble lifted 2. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of high. his name! Make known his might, the 4. Tell out, my soul, the glories of deeds his arm has done; his word! his mercy sure, from age to age Firm is his promise, and his the same; mercy sure. Tell out, my soul, the greatness of

13 the Lord Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith 1926– based to children’s children and for on Luke 1:46–55 in The New English Bible evermore!

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 Fugue on the Magnificat [BWV 733] Joh Seb Bach (1685—1750)

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 The current lockdown has been extended by a week and therefore our service on Sunday 15 August is via Zoom at 10am. The link to this Sunday’s service is https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89080328023?pwd=TGhtY1NXcWlFVVF3YkMzbXJaU HRqZz09 Meeting ID: 890 8032 8023 Passcode: 432399

The church office is also closed; however, the office is still contactable via normal means of email [email protected] or by phone 0477 091 492.

Wednesday Night 7pm Service on 18 August is cancelled Normally, each Wednesday at 7pm everyone is welcome to this quiet service of eucharist in the Angel Chapel, with a light supper to follow. When services are permitted to resume, please do come along and experience this hidden gem in the middle of a week, especially if you’re unable to attend church on Sunday or need some prayer and community during a busy week.

St. John’s Sunday Study Series, August 22, 29 and September 5, all at 11.30am 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 14 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.

Prayers for Christian Unity On Thursday 26 August, at 10.00am, at Toorak Uniting Church. All are welcome.

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

15 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 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!

In the Church Foyer The following pamphlets and newsletters are currently in the foyer: Flying for Life The Quarterly Magazine of MAF Australia.

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

● 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 16 ● Please do not shake hands or hug other people ● 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 Southern Africa (Abp Thabo Makgoba); Ministry with the Aboriginal people of Australia (Bp Chris McLeod, National Aboriginal Bishop, Aboriginal Clergy & People); Archdeaconry of Maroondah (Bruce Bickerdike); Oaktree Anglican Parish of St Mary’s Caulfield with St Clement’s Elsternwick (Mark Juers, Andrew Stewart, Kate Jacob, Karen Winsemius); Provincial Visit to Ballarat – 150th Anniversary of St Paul’s Clunes (feast of Mary – Ballarat Cathedral) (Abp Philip Freier); St James’ & St Peter Kilsyth/ Montrose – Pastoral (Bp Paul Barker); Holy Trinity Doncaster – Confirmation Service (Bp Genieve Blackwell); St Johns Diamond Creek – Pastoral Services (Bp Kate Prowd).

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 celebrating birthdays: Sarojini Maclarn on Thursday; Val Hurst on Saturday.

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

17 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.

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: Allan Wright; Jean Allsep; David Caro; Karen Holmes; Peter Richards; David Ayre; Jean Stewart; Beryl Whitfield; Kirsty Hamilton; Margaret Bailey-Smith; William Dimmick; Claude Ullin; Roland Walker.

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).

Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14 As this book begins, David is an old and infirm man, with a circulatory disorder. The medical remedy of the day, receiving warmth from the body of a young maiden (Abishag) does not help. His days as king are over, for he is unable to “know her sexually” (1:4). A struggle for the throne erupts. Adonijah, his oldest living son, hopes to become king, but the choice of successor is David’s (1:20). Adonijah’s candidacy is backed by Abiathar (for the priesthood) and Joab (military commander). Perhaps Adonijah follows pagan ways (1:9). Solomon is supported by Nathan (prophet to David), the priest Zadok, and Benaiah (leader of the Philistine forces who served David). Bathsheba, David’s wife and mother of Solomon, tells David of Adonijah’s plot, sacrifices and revelry; Nathan confirms them (1:21-27). David announces that Solomon is his successor (after Bathsheba reminds him of his oath to make Solomon his successor). David orders Nathan and Zadok to make his choice visible to the people, and to anoint him king. Solomon declines to punish his opponents (1:28-48). David instructs Solomon to “keep the charge of the LORD your God, walking in his ways ... keeping ... his commandments” (2:3) per the “law of Moses”; if he does, David’s lineage under God will continue. Now David dies and is buried in Jerusalem. He conquered the city in the seventh year of his reign as King of Judah (2:11). Solomon firmly established (2:12) his kingdom by killing or banishing Adonijah and his supporters (2:13-46). The era of Solomon begins. He walks in God’s ways, worshipping (before the Temple was built) at “high places” (3:3), on mountains. “Gibeon” (3:5) was 6 km (4 miles) north of Jerusalem. As elsewhere in the Old Testament, God appears to Solomon in a dream (3:6). Solomon shows humility (“only a little child”, 3:7): he needs God’s help in all that he does (as “go out or come in”, a Hebrew phrase, indicates.) He seeks judicial wisdom, as the final arbiter in disputes (3:9); he seeks to govern well, for the good of his people. God finds his request for “understanding to discern what is right” (3:11) fitting, so he grants him this (3:12), and also “riches and honour” (3:13) above other kings (something he did not ask). Further, if he follows God’s ways, he will enjoy a long life. In the ancient mind, these are all marks of wisdom. 18 Psalm 111 This is a hymn of praise to God for his great deeds, especially for making and keeping his covenant with Israel. The psalmist is a wise person, for whom holding the Lord in awe is the beginning of knowing him (v. 10a) and for whom wisdom comes from increasing knowledge of God. He speaks from his innermost being, his “whole heart” (v. 1), in the select group (“company of the upright”) and in “the congregation”. He praises God for his “works” (v. 2) or “deeds” (v. 4). V. 4b is from Exodus 34:6, part of God’s proclamation after he replaced the stones bearing the Commandments – a symbol of renewal of the covenant. He nourishes those who hold him in awe. His works include the gift of Palestine (v. 6b), his interventions in the world (v. 6a) and his commandments. What he does lasts forever (v. 8a). His deeds show him to be “holy and awesome” (v. 9). Living by his commandments is the start of understanding of him.

Ephesians 5:15-20 The author has given his readers, apparently new converts, some points regarding conduct as members of the Church. He has told them not to harbour anger, to actively care for the poor, to emphasize people’s goodness in speaking to them, and thus to build up the community. They should cast aside vices, adopt virtuous ways, and forgive and love as Christ has shown them. Now he tells them that wisdom is a characteristic of Christian living (because we are privileged to share in God’s wisdom and insight through Christ.) Jewish belief was that society would become extremely decadent (“evil”, v. 16) before the Messiah comes: we are to use this time wisely, effectively – to be alert to God’s will (v. 17). (Wisdom and foolishness, v. 17, are opposites.) Joyful fellowship arises from being filled with the Spirit, not drunkenness; show this joy liturgically (“among yourselves”, v. 19), prompted and assisted by the Spirit, “giving thanks” (v. 20) to the Father “at all times” for the whole of creation, in the name of Christ.

John 6:51-58 In 20:30-31, John tells us the purpose of the book: that we may believe in Jesus as Christ or Messiah. Thus far, Jesus has emphasized belief in him as divine and as living bread. But now he speaks of a reality. For John, the context is the Church. In v. 51, Jesus says: “the living bread ... that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh”; “whoever eats of this flesh will live forever”. This is how God will save the world: see 3:16-17. Jesus became flesh (1:14), i.e. assumed complete human nature. He offered himself to God in death, thus giving life, available to all. “The Jews” (v. 52, possibly some Jewish Christians) take him literally; that to eat someone’s flesh was a Semitic figure of speech for to slander did not make Jesus’ statement easier to understand! Then v. 53: the only way to salvation (“life”) is through “eat[ing] the flesh ... and drink[ing] his blood”, i.e. just believing in Christ is insufficient. Sharing in the Eucharist provides “eternal life” (v. 54) and resurrection – to union with God. Why? Because it requires faith, trust, that the flesh and the blood are “true” (v. 55), real – the ultimate reality. It is through sharing in the Eucharist that we are joined to Christ. Note the word “abide” (v. 56): it involves remaining in a relationship. Believers dwell in Christ, and he in them, through participating in the Eucharist. Then v. 58: both the Eucharist (Christ) and manna “came down from heaven”, but while manna nourished for a finite time, sharing in the Eucharist is the key to surviving the judgement at the end of time.

19 THIS SUNDAY

8am Service First Reading: 1 Kings 2.10-12; 3.3-14, read by Scott Kirkland Second reading: Ephesians 5.11-21, read by Lindsay Hosking Gospel Reading: John 6.51-58 Intercessor: Volunteer required

Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter French Preacher: The Revd Keiron Jones Vicar The Reverend Dr Peter French 10am Service [email protected] First Reading: 1 Kings 2.10-12; 3.3-14, read by Barbara Brown Wardens Mrs Amanda Bagot, Second reading: Ephesians 5.11-21, Volunteer Mrs Stella Jongebreur, reader required Mr Anthony Mannering Gospel Reading: John 6.51-58 Intercessor: John Horan Parish Council Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter French Mr Dougal Colhoun, Mr Craig Cooper, Preacher: The Revd Keiron Jones Mrs Vivienne Brown, Ms Diana Dunlop, Dr Jessica Hall, Mrs Claire Morgan, Mr Harrison Young

Assistant Curate The Revd Keiron Jones NEXT SUNDAY, 22nd August [email protected] 8am Service First Reading: 1 Kings 8.22-30; 41-43, read by Ted Director of Music/Organist Mouritz Mr Christopher Cook Second reading: Ephesians 6.10-20, Volunteer [email protected] reader required Gospel Reading: John 6.56-69 Ordinand Intercessor: Brenda Mouritz Dr. Scott Kirkland

Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter French Parish Administrator/Child Safe Preacher: Dr. Scott Kirkland Compliance Mrs Sally Robertson [email protected] 10am Service First Reading: 1 Kings 8.22-30; 41-43, read by Child Safe Officer Mrs Vivienne Brown Stella Jongebreur Second reading: Ephesians 6.10-20, read by Jenny Family Safety Officer Smith The Revd Keiron Jones Gospel Reading: John 6.56-69 Intercessor: Volunteer required Sunday School Teachers Mr Clive Wright, Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter French Ms Shierly & Miss Jo-Jo Patterson Preacher: Dr. Scott Kirkland Archivist Professor Geoff Quail OAM [email protected]

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