St Luke's Enmore with Stanmore           Click here to reflect on the "Mary, Mother of Our Lord" service

An Anglican Parish in the Diocese of Sydney.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost     23^rd August 2015

 Welcome to our worship this morning!
At St Luke's we seek to share God's unconditional love and acceptance of all people, regardless of age gender, race, marital or family status, sexual orientation disability or wealth.

 

Both the writer of 1 Kings and the Psalmist focus today on God’s house. How do you see your church? Is it a place where forgiveness is found? Is it a place where spending a day is better than spending a thousand elsewhere? Or is it a stained-glass fortress that exists to keep you safe from the wider community outside?

*          Give thanks for those churches that play an active part in their communities, and pray for those who have become a ghetto of irrelevance. May the latter find a way to take their place helping God to convert the world through love and care of the community.

*          Pray for the Church of the Province of Myanmar (Burma), giving thanks for the work they do to further God’s mission in the world.

Text:       © Anglican Board of Mission, 2015

Introit Hymn TIS 133.    O Worship the King

Sentence:   Jesus said, ‘It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.’   John 6.63

The Collect:
Everliving God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified:
hear the prayers we offer for all your faithful people,
that in the ministry to which you have called them
each may serve you in holiness and truth;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

First Reading                                                                                      1 Kings 8.22-30, 41-43

A reading from the first book of Kings

Then Solomon stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread out his hands to heaven.  He 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, the covenant that you kept for your servant my father David as you declared to him; you promised with your mouth and have this day fulfilled with your hand. Therefore, 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.”  Therefore, O God of Israel, let your word be confirmed, which you promised to your servant my father David.  ‘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!  Have 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; that 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. Hear 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. ‘Likewise when a foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, comes from a distant land because of your name  <<—for they shall hear of your great name, your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm—when a foreigner comes and prays towards this house, then 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..

For the word of the Lord                                                  Thanks be to God

 

Psalm 84

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 re- | joice 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:
in whose | heart are the | highways to | Zion;

6 Who, going through the valley of dryness,
   finds 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 a-| nointed.

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 un-| godliness.

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.

Second Reading                                                                     Ephesians 6.10-20

A reading from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power.  Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For 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. Therefore 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. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness.  As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace.  With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray 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. Pray 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, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.

For the word of the Lord                                                   Thanks be to God

Gospel Procession

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,
Your words, Lord are | spirit and | life,
you have the words of | ever-| lasting | life.
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia,

The Gospel                                                           John 6.56-69

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according toLuke
X Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ

Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. This 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.’ He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum. When many of his disciples heard it, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?’ But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, ‘Does this offend you? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?  It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.  But 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.  And he said, ‘For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.’ Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him.  So Jesus asked the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.’

For the Gospel of the Lord                                   Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ

The Sermon –

Hymn after Sermon:   TIS 561 – Who would true valour see

Parish Prayer:

Gracious God, we pray for our Parish of St Luke,
for our Acting Rector Philip and all who worship here.
At this time of change, we pray that this Parish
will always have a faithful pastor,
who will faithfully speak your word and minister your Sacraments;
an encourager who will equip your people for ministry and
enable us to fulfil our calling.
Give to those who will choose a new Rector,
wisdom, discernment and patience.
Give to us warm and generous hearts;
for Jesus Christ’s sake. Amen.

Offertory Hymn:: TIS – 516 (St Agnes) – here, gracious Lord, we see you face to face

Hymn during Communion:

Final Hymn:  TIS 210 –O for a thousand tongues to sing

Next Sunday:The Fourteenth  Sunday after Pentecostt

Song of Songs 2.8-13;  Ps45.1-2, 6-9; James 1.17-27; Mark 7.1-8, 14-23

Bible Readings for the Week 17th to 23rd August 2015

Monday	1 Thessalonians 1.1-10	Psalm149.1-5	Matthew 23.13-22
Tuesday	1 Thessalonians 2.1-8	Psalm 139.1-5	Matthew 23.23-26
Wednesday	1 Thessalonians 2.9-13	Psalm 139.6-11	Matthew 23.27-32
Thursday	1 Thessalonians 3.7-13	Psalm 90.11-17	Matthew 24.42-51
Friday	1 Thessalonians 4.1-8	Psalm 97.7-13	Matthew 25.1-13
Saturday	1 Thessalonians 4.9-12	Psalm 98	Matthew 25.14-30

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

St Luke’s Direct Transfer
If you want to ensure regular giving to St Luke’s, but find you never have the right amount in cash, or are sometimes unable to attend on Sundays, then St Luke’s Direct Transfer may work for you.

You can use your own name as a reference, but if you prefer, just use the word Offering as a reference and your name will remain anonymous. Your personal and banking details will not be given to St Luke’s.

Notices for last week of August:

Today – Christmas Market Meeting at 11.30 a.m. Everyone is invited – please bring your ideas along to assist in making this event the best ever.

Tuesday 25 August – 7.30 p.m. Bible Study at Fr Philip & Rosemary’s place, 5 Lincoln St Stanmore.  We are currently reading the Acts of the Apostles. If you would like to join in the meal beforehand, please come at 6.45 p.m.

Friday 28 August 2015 – Anglican’s Together Annual Dinner 7 for 7.30 p.m. at City Tattersall’s Club 194-205 Pitt Street Sydney – Guest Speaker is Bishop Stephen Pickard,  Assistant Bishop in Canberra/Goulburn.

Payment with booking form (now overdue) to Anglicans Together, Level 1, St James’ Hall, 169-171 Phillip Street, Sydney  2000 - Cost $65 pp ($60 conc) and the booking form is on the website  <http://www.anglicanstogether.org/>  After you have booked please let Moya Holle know as she has a table for us to sit together.  Please book immediately to secure your seat!!

Saturday 29 August at 11.00  a.m. - The Feast of the Commemoration of the New Guinea Martyrs at St Luke’s Church, Mosman,

St Luke’s Mosman is at the Corner of Ourimbah Rd & Heydon St, Mosman. Eucharist followed by refreshments in the church grounds.  The Reverend Chris Garland, formerly of the Diocese of PNG, will be the Guest Preacher at this Service.  If you have not been before and would like to come, please see Moya or Ruth.

M.O.W. - AGM Meeting and lecture ‘”Fathers, Heretics and the Failure of Mission” by The Rev’d Andrew Sempell, will follow on at St Luke’s Mosman at 2.00 p.m. after the New Guinea Martyrs Commemoration.

Saturday 5 September – 1.30 p.m. in the City RSL Club (565 George St., down from the Cathedral)  The Anglican Historical Society (Diocese of Sydney) presents -  ROY WILLIAMS on “AN UNDER-RATED LEGACY : AUSTRALIA’S DEBT TO CHRISTIANITY, 1788-2015”. Roy’s recent book, Post-God Nation : How religion fell off the radar in Australia and what might be done to get it back again has been widely reviewed in the media, including the newspaper “Eternity”.    All welcome.  Lunch is available in the adjoining quiet bistro from 12 noon.  (This is a John Bunyan recommendation.)

Saturday 12 September – Coffee’n Garden Group meets at 9.00 a.m. – our grounds and back of the Rectory need a clean up.  Please come along and help!

Sunday 13th September at 2.30 p.m. A Festival of Hymns, with choir, brass, timpani and organ, for the Church Year at St Stephen’s Uniting Church, 197 Macquarie St – opposite Parliament House.

Wednesday 7th October Theatre Party to the New Production of Les Miserables. See John Roe or call him on 0400 955 772 if you have not yet booked a ticket.

Saturday 17th October is our Wardens’ Dinner – Indian Style.

Sunday 18th October is our St Luke’s Patronal Festival with our Guest Preacher, the Rev’d Anastasia Webster-Hawes, Rector of Blayney.

**Notices given in church should be relevant to the parish and mission. If you would like to make an announcement please ask Fr Philip prior to the service if you can do so?   Any other matters should be sent to the parish email  - rector@stlukesennmore.org.au or phoned through to Ruth or Christine Thurley by Thursday prior to the Sunday to be printed in the pew sheet.  The pew sheet is printed early on a Friday morning.


Visit our Bookstall on your way to morning tea!

Lectionaries for 2016 available.
Poetry on the Noticeboard
Br Noel has put up some poetry on the noticeboard for anyone who would like to read them and who shares a love of poetry. Currently we have a selection of short poems by American Poets.

Our ABM Parish Projects for 2015

*        Al-Ahli Arab Hospital Gaza (PS001LH); this hospital is the oldest hospital in Gaza City and has 80 beds.  It provides medical and health services to patients regardless of ethnicity religion, political affiliation or economic status.  It serves everybody in the community.
*        Wontulp-Bi-Buya Theological College in Cairns (AU003WB); trains indigenous people for ordained ministry and lay-ministry.
*        Language, Literacy and Numeracy in Vanuatu VU006EA)
With Opshop profits and your giving we have donated so far this year a total of $5,959.00 to these projects.

BEQUESTS

We have benefited greatly in the past from bequests left to the parish by parishioners who have included St Luke’s in their will.  This has enabled a trust fund from which the parish gains interest for building maintenance and other works.  Some amounts left to the Parish have been large, some very small;  all have been appreciated. The Wardens have elected to retain this capital and generally only use the interest as needed for various projects.  If you would like to think about this and include St Luke’s in your will it is one way of ensuring the ongoing maintenance of this extraordinary parish.

ORGAN PIPES REDECORATING

We are endeavouring to restore the facade pipes of the organ to their original condition to complete the restoration of our historic organ. This will cost in the vicinity of $25,000. Donations of $2 and over are tax-deductible through the trust account. If you would like to contribute, please complete the form in the brochure (available in hall and foyer) and make the cheque out to St Luke’s Enmore – OHTA Fund.  We will transfer it to OHTA who will issue you a receipt.

Intercessions

Prayers for each day of the week Today:    Jacqueline, Michael, Sam & Sophie Hicks; Janet, Susan & Alex Hill; Laykum Ho; Moya Holle; Diana Jefferies. Noel Jeffs. Monday: Linda Jensathit; Kenny Khoo; Eddy, Mint, Atom & Arty Kittirat; Joseph & Esther Kumar. Tuesday:  Robert, Gillian, William & Benjamin Lamb Ross; Lehman & Kuna; Geoff Lindsay & Mandy Tibbey; Fabian LoSchiavo. Wednesday: Evelyn Maack; Amrit MacIntyre & Brett Davies; Donald Thompson & Lea MacNeil Alex Maneekaew; Merrill & Georgie Martin. Thursday: Ken Mason; John Merchant; Ron Morris; Fran Morris; Ron, Anthea, Ronan, Veronica & Rohan Nath; Pauline Newell. Friday: Johnny & Darunee  Nitchacoen; Lorraine O’Sullivan; Mathias Oduro; Stuart Ogg; Katherine Oldfield. Saturday:  Julie Olston; Ann & Rachel Petersen & Wolf; Jenny Praisang; Simon, Annisa & Georgie Probets.   Stuart Grigg & ‘Tricia Blomberry; Neville Hack; Richard Hagen & Somsakdi; John, Martha & Christopher Haly.   Julie & Philippa Olston; Ann & Rachel Petersen & Wolf; Jenny Praisang; Simon, Annisa, Caitlin & Georgie Probets.

Our Prayers for those in need... Shirley Allen; Elizabeth Armstrong; Anne Aylbury; Hannah Ashton; Ross Black; Jason Broadbridge; Anwyn Brook-Evans;  Henry & Maureen Byers; Robert Champion;  Julie Cireeli; Ron Cross;  Les Dixon; Joy Gander; Roslyn Gee;   Judy George; Marissa; Marlene Hicken; Jude, Meg & Isla; Rhiannon Henry  Edwards; Cecily Hentzberger; Linda Jensathit;  Ross Lehman; Simon LoSchiavo; Marie McGrath;  Bp Ken Mason; Eve Moggs;  John Naidu; Pauline Newell;  Ross Ponder & family; Bill & Poppy Prezios; Brian Rawnsley; Alex Regos; Joy Ree;  Michelle Rowlands; Sr Fiona CSC; Saria  Sevilla; John Thomas;  Robert Weatherby; Julie & Alex Wright; Ann Jeffs; Leanne; Bp Richard Hurford. Recent Departed Anniversaries of Deaths. Clarrie Cregann; Jane Harker; .   Saints and Commemorations 24th: Bartholomew, Apostle & Martyr. 27th: Monica, Mother Of Augustine (d.387) 28th: Augustine of Hippo, Bishop and teacher (d.430). 29th: Beheading of John the Baptist.

 

Parish Information  

ABN.78 161 584 893.
SUNDAY WORSHIP   Sung Eucharist and Children's Ministry 9.30 am followed by hospitality in the hall.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Morning Prayer: Tuesday 8.30 am, Wednesday 9.30 am & 10.00 a.m. Eucharist (followed by morning tea); & Friday 8.30am.
CONFESSIONS (Sacrament of Reconciliation) HOME COMMUNIONS, BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES by arrangement.
ACTING RECTOR. Fr Philip Bradford. Ph 9557 4219 - 0431 655 220 (Mob)
PO Box 64. Enmore NSW 2042
Email bradford.pr@gmail.com