St Luke's Enmore with Stanmore           And the week Gwilym did before that?

An Anglican Parish in the Diocese of Sydney.

The Conversion of Saint Paul      25^th January 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.

 

 

 

Introit Hymn: TiS  557   Awake, my soul, and with the sun

Sentence:The Lord said to Saul. I am Jesus whom you are persecuting; but rise for I am sending you to open the eyes of the Gentiles, that they may turn from darkness to light.

Collect:  

Almighty God,
who caused the light of the gospel
     to shine throughout the world
through the preaching of your servant Saint Paul:
grant that we who celebrate his wonderful conversion
may follow him in bearing witness to your truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.   Amen.

First Reading                          Acts 26.9-21

A reading from book of Acts of the Apostles

Paul said to King Agrippa, ‘I myself was convinced that I ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth. And that is what I did in Jerusalem; with authority received from the chief priests, I not only locked up many of the saints in prison, but I also cast my vote against them when they were being condemned to death. By punishing them often in all the synagogues I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was so furiously enraged at them, I pursued them even to foreign cities.  ‘With this in mind, I was travelling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, when at midday along the road, your Excellency, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions. When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It hurts you to kick against the goads.” I asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord answered, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. But get up and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you to serve and testify to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you. I will rescue you from your people and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”  ‘After that, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and throughout the countryside of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do deeds consistent with repentance.

. For the Word of the Lord                   Thanks be to God

Psalm 67

 

 

 

 

1. 1.            Let God be gracious to | us and | bless us:
                           and make his | face | shine up|on us,
   2.         That your ways may be | known on | earth:
                           your liberating | power a|mong all | nations.
   3.         Let the peoples | praise you, O | God:
                           let | all the | peoples | praise you.
   4.         Let the nations be | glad and | sing:
                           for you judge the peoples with integrity
                                and govern the | nations up|on | earth.
   5.         Let the peoples | praise you, O | God:
                           let | all the | peoples | praise you.
   6.         Then the earth will | yield its | fruitfulness:
                           and | God, our | God, will | bless us.
   †7.       God | will | bless us:
   and all the | ends of the | earth will | fear him.
   Glo|ry to | God; Father | Son and | Holy | Spirit.
   As in the be|ginning so | now; and for | ever. | A|men.

 

Second Reading                Galatians 1.11-24

A reading from Paul’s letter to the Galatians

For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me, but I went away at once into Arabia, and afterwards I returned to Damascus. Then after three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him for fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord’s brother. In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie! Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia, and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, ‘The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they glorified God because of me.

For the Word of the Lord                            Thanks be to God

Gospel  Procession    

Gospel Acclamation:
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!
I have chosen you from the world, | says the | Lord.
to go and | bear fruit | that will | last.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia!

 

The Gospel    Matthew 10.16-22

The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to John
X Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ
Jesus said to his disciples, ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

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

Hymn after the Sermon, TiS 436   Lord, keep us steadfast in your word
                                                Tune: Church Triumphant (TiS 376)

Offertory Hymn, 526     Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us          

Communion Chant,    TiS 714

Eat this bread, drink this cup,
come to me and never be hungry.
Eat this bread, drink this cup,
trust in me and you will not thirst.

Hymn after the Blessing, TiS 531   Sent forth by God’s blessing.

Parish Prayer

Gracious God,
we pray for our Parish of St Luke,
for our rector 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.

Notices for January 25th 2015

Please join us in the Hall afterwards for some refreshment and fellowship.
At 12 noon, you are invited to lunch at the Warren View Hotel Bistro (it is child friendly, enter via Enmore Road)
Next Sunday’s Readings      The Presentation of Christ in the Temple, sometimes called Candlemass
Malachi 3.1-4, Psalm 24, Hebrews 2.14-18, Luke 2.22-40
Bible Readings for the Week 26th to 1st February 2015

Bible Readings for the Week 26th to 31st January 2014

Monday	Hebrews 9.15,24-28	Psalm 98.1-6	Mark 3.22-30
Tuesday	Hebrews 10.1-10	Psalm 40.6-11	Mark 3.31-35
Wednesday	Hebrews 10.11-18	Psalm 110.1-4	Mark 4.1-20
Thursday	Hebrews 10.19-25	Psalm 24.1-6	Mark 4.21-25
Friday	Hebrews 10.32-39	Psalm  37.35-41	Mark 4.26-34
Saturday	Hebrews 11.1-2,8-19	Song of Zechariah 1-6	Mark  4.35-41

Saturday 31st January – 10.00 a.m.
Your help would be appreciated to setup the hall for the Farewell Lunch – putting up tables and chairs, setting tables and general preparation.  If you have taken any table cloths or tea towels to wash at home this would be a good time to return them.  They will be needed.  Thank you.
Sunday 1st February: Candlemass – 9.30 a.m. Farewell Service and Lunch. 
As we will have a lot of visitors that day the Wardens request you to:-

•  See the list on the table in the hall and, if you are coming, add your name and the number of your family who will be at the lunch.  We may need to obtain extra chairs.

2. See also the list on the table to put your name down to help:- on Saturday to setup and Sunday to clean up, wash up, put away etc.  Thank you.
3. Parishioners, other than those with disabilities and carrying elderly passengers or those very young children, should come a little earlier, drop off their passengers and food and park in Stanmore Road or in the Cyprus Club Carpark in Stanmore Road – southside, just west of Tupper St.  This information has been given to most visitors as well.

NOTE: The Edgeware Road Car Park has a two hour limit. Marrickville Council said, in June last year that they would change it to 4 hours on a Sunday. It obviously takes more than six months to paint new signs!

Invitation - Dinner for Christians in Middle East
Parishioners are invited to a Dinner in support of Christians persecuted in Syria and Iraq, hosted by the Assyrian Church of the East and the NSW Ecumenical Council, on 1 February 2015.
The dinner is a fundraiser and gesture of solidarity with Christians persecuted in the Middle East. Tickets are $50. Please pay Mandy Tibbey at morning tea today if you are able to attend. We hope to offer lifts to and from St Luke’s for those attending. Several cars will leave from St Luke’s car park at 5.15pm on Sydney 1 February 2015. The dinner will be at Edessa Reception Hall, 7-9 Greenfield Road, Greenfield Park at 6pm for 6.30pm. Do hope that you can attend with the group from St Luke’s. If so, please let Mandy know.
Charlie Hebdo, Free Speech and Violence.
Here is a link to a good article written by a Muslim, Mehdi Hasan, on the limits of free speech.
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/mehdi-hasan/charlie-hebdo-free-speech_b_6462584.html?ir=Religion&ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000051
Here is a link to Pope Francis’ statements about free speech and insulting religion.
http://www.smh.com.au/world/pope-sides-with-muslim-faithful-in-charlie-hebdo-debate-you-cannot-insult-other-peoples-faith-20150115-12rdk8.html
Here is an Australian perspective
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-01-15/bradley-charlie-hebdo-and-18c-could-coexist-in-australia/6018068
And here’s an article about Free Speech and its Contradictions
http://www.abc.net.au/religion/articles/2015/01/12/4160711.htm

A glance into the Crystal Ball of the Future
After Fr Gwilym and Sue leave, our Acting Rector is to be Fr Philip Bradford. Fr Philip and his wife Rosemary actually live within the official borders of the parish, in Stanmore, so they are parishioners. 
Lent 2015.
Ash Wednesday is on the 18th February and we are to be joined by the Brabyn Singers to help make our worship special.
Please consider your Lenten Observance.

• Will you be attending a Bible Study for Lent?
• Will you be fasting in any way?
• What extra charitable giving will you do?

St Luke’s Enmore, the Living Body of Christ
We are the body of Christ because the Spirit of Christ lives in us. We are Christ’s eyes and ears, hands and feet wherever we go, alone or two or three together. At work, at play, at home or on holiday, we are still members of Christ’s body and we should therefore behave that way.
At St Luke’s there are many groups which work together for the good of all. Here are some of them.

• Ministers in the Liturgy of the Church, The Sacristan, Lay Deacons, Servers, Crucifer, Thurifer, Welcomers, Readers, Intercessors
• The Thai Community, with Mac Maitree, our Thai Pastor and about 30 members who meet together at various times and places.
• The Indian Community, centred around the extended Reddy Family at Liverpool, meeting for prayer and worship every Friday.
• The Pastoral Care Group, set up to care for those who miss church and to take Home Communion to those who need it.
• The Children’s Ministry and Sunday School. Encouraging God’s children to take their place in the church’s life and ministry.
• Advent and Lenten Study Groups, working with St Joseph’s catholic parish to learn more about the Scriptures and our faith
• The Wardens and Parish Council. The business part of the church, working with the Diocese and setting strategies for the future.
• Musicians and Singers to help us “make a joyful noise unto the Lord”
• The Committee of the Op Shop and the community of Op Shop helpers. Working with the community to help those who need it and raising money for the mission and work of the church.
• The Boyz Nite Out. Regular fellowship and good Food building friendships and faith.
• The Women’s Reading Group. A monthly meeting for reflection and fellowship.
• Gardeners, Flower arrangers and Cleaners. Making our worship and fellowship spaces a pleasant place to be

A note from the Treasurer:
St Luke’s needs your financial support! Don’t let our income slip!
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.
The easiest way to do it is to set it up using your On-line Banking. You can set any amount for any number of times at any interval of time, using the account details below.

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.

Intercessions

Prayers for each day of the week Today; John, Martha & Christopher Haly; Gwilym & Sue Henry-Edwards; Michael, Jacqueline, Sam & Sophie Hicks. Monday; Janet, Susan & Alex Hill; Lay-kum Ho; Moya Holle; Diana Jefferies; Noel Jeffs; Linda Jensathit; Kenny Khoo. Tuesday; Eddy, Mint, Atom & Arty Kittirat; Joseph & Esther Kumar; Robert, Gillian, William & Benjamin Lamb. Wednesday;  Ross & Kuna Lehman; Geoff Lindsay & Mandy Tibbey; Fabian LoSchiavo; Evelyn Maack. Thursday; Bret & Amrit Davis/ MacIntyre; Donald & Lea Thompson/ MacNeil; Mac Maitree. Friday: Alex Maneekaew; Merrill & Georgie Martin; Ken Mason; John Merchant; Ron Morris. Saturday; Fran Morris; Ron, Anthea, Ronan, Veronica & Rohan Nath; Pauline Newell; Johnny & Darunee Nitchacoen.

Our Prayers for those in need... Shirley Allen; Hannah Ashton; Antonieta Barrera; Sr Ann-Mechtilde; Todd Bassingthwaighte; Ross Black; Henry & Maureen Byers; Gillian Carpenter; Francesca; Ken Harrison; Rhodri, Bonnie, Callum & Rhiannon Henry-Edwards; Joy Gander;  Surrinder Kayla; Ross Lehman;  Marie McGrath; Marissa; Eve Moggs; June Nash; Barbara Noble;  Loraine O’Sullivan; Bill &  Poppy Prezios; Peter Purcell; Brian Rawnsley; Joy Ree, Alex Regos; Brenda Robinson; Steve Rougellis; Maria Sevilla;  Raboom Takham; Julie & Alex Wright; Sakorn & Waew Wongjam. Anniversaries of Death Frank Clarke; Ron Buckingham. Saints and Commemorations Mon: Australia Day. Tues: John Chrysostom, bishop of Constantinople, teacher (d.407) Wed: Thomas Aquinas, theologian ( d.1274) Frid: Charles, King of England (d.1649)

ABN.78 161 584 893.
SUNDAY WORSHIP    Sung Eucharist and Children's Ministry 9.30am Thai Worship in the Chapel 11.30am
WEEKDAY SERVICES: Morning Prayer Tuesday 8.30, Wednesday 9.30am followed by 10.00 a.m. Eucharist; Thursday 8.30am, Friday 8.30am.
CONFESSIONS (Sacrament of Reconciliation) HOME COMMUNIONS, BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES by arrangement.
RECTOR. Fr Gwilym Henry‑Edwards. (Ph 9557 4219 Mb 0418 641 189)
11 Stanmore Road, Enmore                         PO Box 64. Enmore NSW 2042