Sung Eucharist 8.00am Choral Eucharist 9.30am

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1 Sung Eucharist 8.00am Choral Eucharist 9.30am News from Nungalinya 3 Birthday Greetings 4 Remembering the victims of flight MH17 5 Hello from Fr Peter Hayes 7 Come along to next Bel A Cappela s 10 next concert RIP Cardinal Clancy 13 NCCA Newsletter 13 Gaza & Isarel The Jerusalem 15 From Bishop Philip Huggins Reflection 16 NCCA & Australian moment ABM Gaza Emergency Appeal 22

2 As you take your place in your pew, please make yourself aware of the route to the nearest emergency exit. Should there be a fire, leave quickly, turn right, and assemble by the roundabout on Burwood Road. A first aid kit is located on the wall of the kitchen in the Large Hall behind the church. People with wheelchairs can enter St Paul s most conveniently by the North door at the base of the belltower. Please turn your mobile phone off or on to silent before the service starts. It ll save you much embarrassment later on. Large print copies of the weekly pew bulletin are available on request. Name badges help make St Paul s an inclusive community. If you need a new name badge send your name to the parish office and one will be made and left in church for you. Toilets are available at the entrance to the Parish Hall, located behind the church. Ask a member of the clergy or anyone who s wearing a name badge. We re here to help. Kids are welcome in church at any service. There is a selection of children s books and toys at the back of the church near the font and there are also kid s activity sheets and pencils available at the back of the church on the pew where the pew sheets and prayer books are. Please feel free to bring your children to receive Communion if they have been Admitted to Communion, or for a blessing if you prefer.

3 Dear Dear The 'dry season' break is a great time to catch up on essential maintenance around the college and July was no exception. We are extremely grateful to God for the team from St John's Mona Vale (all 15 of them!) who came and worked tirelessly to improve the college facilities in time for the new term which began on July 28. Students arrived at the college to find classrooms freshly painted and with new carpets. Even the Reception area has been given a facelift. It all makes for a more pleasant environment in which to study. The college even gained a new website! Thanks especially to Blair and Jono who completed a project that was started by Joshua Kuswadi. Nungalinya College benefits greatly from large and small groups of volunteers who come as servants to ensure others can have the best possible experience of studying God's Word. Our heartfelt thanks go to all who have contributed. Every task undertaken helps the college stay viable so that the next generation of indigenous leaders can shine for Jesus in their communities. Prayer Points If you are short on time: Give thanks for the team of volunteers from St John's, Mona Vale who helped out with many practical improvements to the college campus in early July. Genesis ,12-28 The OT Reading Genesis Ps , The Psalm Ps 133 Romans The Epistle Romans (33-36) Matthew The Gospel Matthew 15.(10-20) 21-28

4 Please pray that much-needed Government funding will be guaranteed for next year enabling students to travel to college. Give thanks for the good progress being made by students this term. Pray for perseverance and good health for them and their family members at home. If you have a bit longer: Please pray for our visiting teacher, Warwick Vincent as he teaches the Cert II Media & Discipleship course and for his family while they are without him. Pray for good health among staff and students Please pray that a suitable teacher for the Foundations Studies course will be found soon. We extend our warmest birthday wishes to Ena Wilkins and George Harvey, two of our nonagenarians who celebrated their birthdays during this week - we wish them much happiness and God's richest blessings and our love. Special congratulations to George Harvey who turned 99 on Wednesday 6th August - well done George - keep safe and strong embraced by God's Everlasting grace. Tickets are now available for sale. $2 each or 3 for $5. Prizes include Sandwich maker, One World Garden Utensils, 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle, gold pen, bar utensils. Donations for food or money for the parish pantry are always needed especially soups, meals in a tin, ready to heat meals, tins of corned beef, cereals, sweet biscuits, snack biscuits, juice poppers and small containers of coffee Thank you for your contribution towards our Parish Pantry.

5 Dear Fr James, Thank you so much for visiting Dad on his birthday; he did enjoy & appreciate your visit. Please also thank your Parishioners for the lovely birthday card. I have attached a photo taken today & thought it might give you a smile. Best wishes, Carole. Along with other churches in Australia, St Paul s joined in the national Day of Mourning on Thursday 7th August and a bell was tolled 298 times in memory of all those killed on flight MH17. A Prayer: O lord Jesus Christ, May the tears shed in your earthly life Be balm for all who weep, And may the prayers of your pilgrimage Give strength to all who suffer; for your mercy s sake. Amen. Thank you to those of you who are already busy knitting. We have had an urgent request for more knitted caps. If you can help it would be much appreciated. There are patterns and wool at the back of the church, or you can use any other pattern that you might have. Remember that the sizing is for newborns. Any completed caps can be passed on to Pat Conchar at the 9.30 service or you can give them to Rosemary who will make sure that Pat gets them. In this cold weather mothers are particularly grateful for mittens for their

6 babies. We have attached the pattern below in the hope that you might be able to knit a pair. It is a very simple pattern so even if you are not a very good knitter you should be able to manage these. Mittens Cast on 35 sts Work 17 rows in any pattern you wish (I don t do so many for the mittens) work 5 rows in garter stitch Next row: K2 wool fwd K 2 tog repeat to last 3 sts, K3 Next row: K1, incr into the next stitch, knit to last 3 sts incr once into next st, K2 Knit 29 plain rows Shaping: K1 2tog K4 repeat to end of the row. K4 K 2t, repeat to last st, knit 3rd and alt rows, plain K3, K 2tg kit to last stitch knit K2 k 2tg, repeat to last stitch knit K1 K 2tg. Repeat to last stitch knit Break off the wool and run the end through the remaining stitches, draw up and fasten off securely. Thank you for your help in this ministry to mothers and their newborns.

7 Dear James, My apologies for not being in touch sooner. I don't like making excuses, so I will tell you a bit about what's happening. As you can imagine, life has been quite busy since my Licensing on 8 May. Somebody took snippets of videos but the files are too big to . If you look up Youtube and type in St Michael's Northchapel you will see the congregation singing Waltzing Matilda. After we processed out, the organist cheekily slipped in a couple of bars and the congregation joined in. It was a very joyful welcome. I have had to furnish the house from scratch and it is still a work in progress, but the people have been very kind and I have been given most of what I need. I also had to buy a car and get it insured etc, That was a challenge most companies would not accept my 'no Claims Discount' and quoted huge premiums. Finally Aviva came good with a reasonable quote. Most things area bit different to Aus and not cheap I am finding. I live at Northchapel as you know. It is a nice village, but it has the road to London going through the middle, so you have to be carefu crossing overl. The church here probably dates to the 15th Century, although it's been added to and rebuilt since It has a round of 6 bells and the publican is the tower Captain. Never comes to church, but I go to the pub! The congregation is about 20, and the challenge is to build it up. The village has a primary school, so there is potential with children and family ministry. Lurgashall is a quintessential village, with a green surrounded by houses and the churchyard right next to the pub. One Sunday I finished church and there was a cricket match on the green, so I grabbed the warden and told him he was having a pint of beer with me while we watched the cricket. He didn't need much persuading as he is the brother of famous commentator (dec.) Christopher Martin-Jenkins. There is an elderly but very faithful congregation here. They love their 1200y.o. church and keep it and the grounds in immaculate condition. Britain's foremost clockmaker, John Wilding is a member of the church, and one of his clocks ticks away inside St Laurence's Church.

8 Ebernoe is more a series of hamlets than a village. The Church was built in 1864 because the squire couldn't get to Kirdford in winter to go to church. It has a bright, airy feel to it and they celebrate 4 major agricultural feasts of Rogation, Lammas, Harvest and Plough Sunday. Clearly it had strong agricultural roots, and still has a lot of farming around the area. This Sunday we celebrate Lammas, the first fruits of harvest. I find I'm doing lots of things for the first time, so it's a steep learning curve. I had my first wedding here the weekend before last. Very traditional, with men in tails. The vicar just wore his grey suit! There were 7 bridesmaids and they don't match the number of groomsmen with the bridesmaids here. Registering the wedding is very different here to what we do in Each church has 2 registers. When one is full - even after 50 years or so, you send it to the Registry. Every 3 months you do returns on the weddings in each church. Also you can issue more than one certificate, but they pay for each one. It's very different to what I'm used to. They had the Ebernoe Horn Fair on Friday 25 July. A game of cricket is played while a sheep, donated by the Patron Lord Egremont, is roasting. The players and privileged guests (including the vicar) had a roast made from the sheep, after I said a prayer of blessing. It was a great day, with Ebernoe winning and their top scoring batsman being presented with the horns. There was the obligatory thunderstorm, but they managed to get the game underway again. There was a fun fair after the game and I met up with quite a few parishioners and met a few more people. Those community events are really good opportunities to engage with lots of people. After the two services last Sunday I was invited to a lunch. The other guests were artists and writers from neighbouring towns, so it was a bit different for me. Arty people have their own mindset I find, but it was very interesting talking to them. From there I went straight to my neighbour's place for a barbecue (the weather has been fabulously warm). It was good to meet several young couples there. The challenge is to get them to church, but at least one couple enquired about baptism. I then got a call from a group at the pub. They wanted me to join them, so how could I resist? I regularly have a pint with them on Friday night, and they were having a celebration. It was a long day, but great meeting some new people.

9 I have been watching some of the Commonwealth Games. It's funny seeing the commentary which concentrates on the UK athletes after being used to the Australian coverage back home. The pommies are finally doing ok in the cricket against India as well. I will be going to a one day match soon with my mate from Estonia who used to be Catholic Priest and Army Chaplain. It's always good to catch up at the cricket. I recently took a trip to London to see a friend from Australia and we went to the Tate Modern. I particularly enjoyed seeing the Dali and Picasso works. I must get around to more galleries. The estate manager for Lord Egremont, who is my parish patron, told me that the National Trust regard their collection at Petworth House as their finest collection. That is some praise! Petworth is only 6 miles from here and is full of antique shops. I like it a lot. It's a very quaint, ancient market town. I'm conducted a funeral on Thursday and the family buryied Mum on their property. It is legal, with certain stipulations. Mind you, I don't know who polices these things. This was some experience. They carried her in a wicker casket up a track, across a meadow and into the woods, where the grave had been dug. It all seemed very appropriate for this lady and the men filled in the grave after the committal. I like the hands on approach like that and the family certainly had a wake to remember afterwards. I didn't get home until 11p.m. I have another wedding and also a baptism this weekend.. So as you have gathered, life here is full and very interesting. I am enjoying it very much and am glad I embarked in this venture. Thank you so much for your prayers and I am so grateful that I had time in your parish to get back into the practice of parish ministry. It is where my heart lies. Please pass on my regards to my friends there. I miss you all and you know that you have a place to stay here when you wish to come to UK. May God bless you and your parish and my love to you all, Peter Hayes Priest-in-Charge Lurgashall and Benefice of North Chapel and Ebernoe, Diocese of Chichester

10 Monday nights (6.30pm-8.30pm) or Wednesdays (11am-2pm) or both. Any enquiries to Pam Upcoming Dates: August 2014 September 2014 Monday Evenings: 11,18,25 August 1, 8, 15 September. Wednesday Mornings: 13,20,27 August 3,10,17 September (grouting day, panels 3 & 4) *Could you please look in your change for C piece for the mosaic. We need 2, for front and back views. Thank you.* The blessing of the Mosaic will be on Sunday 12 October after 9.30am Service. Saturday 6 September Parish Fair including tours of the church, belltower, BBQ, and sale of goods. More details to follow soon! Thursday 30 October Parish Trip. Watch out for details soon! Place: Paddington Uniting Church (395 Oxford Street, Paddington) When: Saturday 23 August at 8PM. Musical Director: Anthony Pasquill Lobo: Versa est in luctum Palestrina: Missa Papae Marcelli Cortez: Mortuus est Phillipus Rex and works by Tallis, Josquin, Tomkins, Ramsey, Gambert & Basden Tickets $35 Adults; Senior/ Pensioner $30 For bookings: enquiries@belacappella.org.au or phone:

11 When: Thursday 25 September Time: 7.00 pm for 7.30 pm start Guest Speaker: Archbishop Glenn Davies; Archbishop of Sydney Where: City Tattersalls Club, Celebrity Lounge (Cnr Pittt & Market Streets, Sydney) Cost: $65pp; $60 pensioners/students) (Buy own drinks at Bar) BOOKINGS WITH PAYMENT BY 18 SEPTEMBER 2014 Cheques payable to ANGLICANS TOGETHER INC. C/- St James Church Office, Philip St Sydney 2000; Ph: It is planned to have a table of St Paul's Burwood people at the dinner, if you are interested in being on that table please contact Alan Melrose. Join us at this special event as we affirm and strengthen our faith and commitment for the long haul, striving for peace and justice. When: Friday 29 August Registration from 10am Day Program: 11am pm Evening program: 4.30pm-8.30pm Dinner and Speaker: 6pm Where: Santa Sabina College Hall, 90 The Boulevarde, Strathfield Purpose The Achieving Peace with Justice forum is an opportunity for those engaged in various forms of peace and justice work to affirm and strengthen their faith and commitment for the long haul. While the day includes key note speakers, it has also been designed to allow the wisdom of the participants to be heard and contribute to the conversation. Morning speaker Dr John Falzon, CEO St Vincent de Paul Society, member of Government Advisory Committees, media commentator, poet, author of The language Of The Unheard (2012).

12 Afternoon workshops The purpose of the workshop groups is to first hear from a person with experience in the topic. Then to hear from the group members, exploring our own experiences of action in the chosen area, to share learnings and to look at sustaining our work. The memorial flowers in the south transept are in loving memory of The groups will cover an interesting variety of subjects from interfaith dialogue, and ecology and justice in the Pacific region to non-violent processes with a focus on refugees - and many others. Dinner speakers Joseph Wakim, OAM, independent writer on human rights, founder of the Australian Arab Council, former Victorian Multicultural Affairs Commissioner, author of Sorry We Have No Space (2013). Professor Marion Maddox, Department of Modern History, Politics and International Relations, Macquarie University, author of God Under Howard (2005) and Taking God To School (2014). forever remembered by Ellayne and family. Rest eternal unto him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him! Please smansour@ncca.org.au regarding any dietary requirements. For online registrations please visit achieving-peace-with-justice-tickets For more information Please contact NSW Ecumenical Council on tel or E:kmoroney@ncca.org.au REGISTRATION CLOSES 22ND AUGUST Take this pew sheet home and read it or give it to someone who hasn t been able to worship with us today.

13 The former Catholic Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal Edward Clancy, has died at the age of 90. Cardinal Clancy was the seventh Archbishop of Sydney, serving between 1983 and His leadership was vital in the canonisation of Australia's first saint, Mary MacKillop. Cardinal Clancy died at a nursing home in Sydney's east, the Little Sisters of the Poor in Randwick, after years of ill health. Former Archbishop of Melbourne George Pell, now a senior Vatican official, succeeded Cardinal Clancy as the head of the Sydney church. Cardinal Clancy was born in Lithgow, New South Wales, on December 13, 1923, to school teacher John Bene Clancy and Ellen Lucy Edwards. He entered the seminary at 16 and was ordained to the priesthood in In 1978, he was appointed Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn. Greetings, We remember Jesus walking by the sea of Galilee, calling James and John as they mended nets. They responded, as we have, to Jesus call: follow me Thereafter, our life of discipleship takes us where it takes us. We learn, along the way, to serve, in Holy Spirit, as best we can. Jesus word to those ambitious disciples (and their mum) also disciplines us: You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you. (Mt.20:25). The wisdom and way of Jesus critiques our life of leadership in the church just as it is a counter-cultural model we offer the wider world. Anyway, with all this in mind, I write to you on St. James day, beginning my endeavours as Interim General Secretary for the NCCA.

14 It has been quite a week on which to begin. Various international crises have drawn our prayers, service and advocacy: the destruction of MH17; the conflict in Gaza and Israel; the plight of Iraqi Christians, forced to flee their ancient home in Mosul. Whilst seeking to respond collaboratively to these serious matters, I have been finding out how the NCCA office works. First impressions are powerful. Mine are very positive. People have been very welcoming and helpful. Meanwhile, these compassionate and capable people here have been responding to the above named matters. In particular, you would be aware of Act for Peace Appeals as regards Gaza and Iraq. OR via Please bring these Appeals to peoples notice. We know that many people want to assist as best they can. In addition, in partnership with the General Secretary of the NSW Ecumenical Council the Very Rev Fr Shenouda Mansour. I have met folk from the Assyrian community, prayed and spoken with anguished Church leaders of the Middle East and sent requests to our Government for special assistance. We all wish we could do more, quicker but we are responding as best we can. To reiterate. I am very grateful to meet and now work with (at least for a time) this fine team on level 7 at NCCA! Please let us know your thoughts and feelings.

15 Please keep us in your prayers. Prayers for Sunday: Iraq Fr Shenouda and I wrote this prayer Gracious God, We give thanks for your gift of peace, first gift of our Risen Jesus to the frightened disciples. We pray for the raising up of peacemakers in the region and for the cessation of religious persecution in Iraq and elsewhere. We pray for divine generosity to inspire our Appeal for the support of disciples of Jesus now in Kurdistan. We pray through the strong name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. The heads of Churches in Jerusalem invite Churches to pray with them O God, We give thanks to you for every Community around the world that is praying with us this day for peace. In the unfathomable mystery and love for all, Let the power of your redemption and your peace Transcend all barriers of cultures and religions and fill the hearts of all who serve you here, of both peoples Israeli and Palestinian And of all religions. Amen. You will be aware, with us, of the many calls for ceasefire, access for humanitarian care of the wounded displaced and dead. Where ever diplomatic and political dispute settlement fails and there is resort to military violence, we grieve the impact on the poor and vulnerable. To speak of the cycle of violence in the Holy Land is to speak of that which breaks our hearts. We can but echo Pope Francis call to our diplomatic and political leaders that they are not to spare prayer or any other effort to end every hostility and seek the desired peace for the good of all. In our prayerful imagination, we return to the sea of Galilee and recall Jesus walking along, calling James and John to follow.

16 We imagine the sunshine upon the sea as we pray within Jesus Beatitude: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God. (Mt: 5:9) A prayer for Sunday: Gracious God, Help us better respond to your love within us, that what we do in the NCCA community, in the name of Jesus, helps our human family find the unity and peace which is your divine purpose. We pray for the people of the land we call holy including, Gaza and Israel. We pray for healing and peace through the precious name of Jesus. Amen. Love and Peace in Jesus, Bishop Philip Huggins At our NCCA devotions this week we reflected on Jesus parable of the mustard seed. We pondered the wonderful tree of life which is the Universal Church, growing from the tiny seed of Jesus and a few disciples in Galilee. (Mt.13.31) There is an evocative picture at the entrance to the World Council of Church s, in Bossey, near Geneva, which captures our vivid and wonderful diversity, across every generation and culture. Saints of every land. I am the vine, you are the branches (John15:5) What does this parable and that image say to our NCCA at this point in time? Now placed in this Interim role as General Secretary, my spontaneous response is one of gratitude for what this little particular mustard seed has become:

17 The earlier achievements of an Australia Council of Churches which overcame earlier rivalries and misunderstandings; then it s evolution into our NCCA. Looking at us now, more from the inside, one better appreciates this achievement. Relatedly, one appreciates the missional wisdom which led our founders to look out from the institutional life of the member churches to see how we can better contribute to the common good together, including through Act for Peace and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC). This seventh floor of NCCA in Kent Sydney is a daily Icon of our vital purpose, especially as we also include the NSW Ecumenical Council. Fr Shenouda and I now meet and pray together within Jesus matter of fact word to us, Apart from me, you can do nothing. (John15:5) Our prayers encompass our councils of churches around the nation and all of you who are receiving this Newsletter. What does this parable and that image say to our NCCA at this point in time? Now placed in this Interim role as General Secretary, my spontaneous response is one of gratitude for what this little particular mustard seed has become: The earlier achievements of an Australia Council of Churches which overcame earlier rivalries and misunderstandings; then it s evolution into our NCCA. Looking at us now, more from the inside, one better appreciates this achievement. Relatedly, one appreciates the missional wisdom which led our founders to look out from the institutional life of the member churches to see how we can better contribute to the common good together, including through Act for Peace and the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Commission (NATSIEC). This seventh floor of NCCA in Kent Sydney is a daily Icon of our vital purpose, especially as we also include the NSW Ecumenical Council.

18 Fr Shenouda and I now meet and pray together within Jesus matter of fact word to us, Apart from me, you can do nothing. (John15:5) Our prayers encompass our councils of churches around the nation and all of you who are receiving this Newsletter. In our prayers today, Fr Shenouda and I were drawn to that question echoing from the book of Revelation, as we asked what is the Spirit saying to the Church? (Revelation: 2:29 let anyone who has an ear listen to what the Spirit is saying to the Churches ) As far as our Australia goes we know we are blessed with many advantages which mean we should be a great civilization and a sign of hope to others, at this time in global history. We have economic strengths; political stability; a range of healthy intermediary organisations between the individual and the State to balance political power (including the Churches, Universities, Trade Unions, other faith communities). We have a separation of powers between the legal and political to further protect against power becoming absolute; we have a relatively free media and access to a range of opinion in the digital age. We have a flourishing arts community, as one soon appreciates here in Sydney with a visit to the Archibald and to the White Rabbit Gallery collection of contemporary Chinese art. [This example below remind us of the artists crucial role in helping us see clearly! With all this, we in Australia have a record of multicultural harmony, having settled many people including from war-torn places. We are a nation which encompasses the human family in our glorious and

19 interesting diversity, all of us made in the divine image. Of course there are issues. But what seems most lacking is a high vision of our potential to be a great civilization and a sign of hope as to how the human family can more than just co-exist but authentically flourish in the abundance of life which is God s purpose in our Creation. (John 10:10) Just to use this religious language is already to convey what it is that Spirit may be saying to churches our NCCA in particular! That we are to embody and articulate in our words, images and action this visionary purpose both for ourselves and for our nation. Accordingly, as we look into this period ahead, my encouragement is to live with the highest vision of what is possible for the NCCA and all encompassed in our togetherness! We are called to be a radiant, vital, passionate sign of hope. As Saint Athanasius affirmed; we are An Easter people and alleluia is our song. All this brings us back to the fine prayer for the NCCA at the Inaugural Forum in That is, as we celebrate our 20th birthday in LET US PRAY. God of life, unity and peace, you have called us to be your people. Bring us to closer unity with you within the household of your Church. Direct our steps as we journey in the National Council of Churches in Australia, that we may become what you have called us to be; and that together we may walk in newness of life; new and old, east and west, indigenous and all who have gathered in this land from the corners of the earth. We ask this in the name of Jesus and through grace and communion of the Holy Spirit Amen.

20 To fulfil what the Spirit might be saying to our Australian Churches requires our prayers and intentional practice. A key matter is that we move beyond siloed, somewhat competitive, sometimes confused relations between the churches and between elements of the NCCA. Visionary leadership requires collaborative, co-operative partnerships in the Holy Spirit. Hence this interim period is also one for a review of mandates and structures so we can make the best of everyone s contribution. (2 Corinthians 5:16-21) From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ My dear friends, The Middle East is groaning. You hear about what is happening in Iraq and the many Christians who are being forced to leave their homes and also those who were killed by ISIS (Daash). Over 1,500 have been killed in Gaza and 8,000 were injured in the recent days because of the fighting between Israel and Hamas. Syria is suffering greatly, and we are receiving many Syrian refugees here in Egypt. Libya is struggling with tribal wars and conflicts, and Christ the King Anglican Church in Tripoli is in the midst of this. South Sudan is torn again by fighting and hundreds of thousands are fleeing to neighboring countries, including Ethiopia. Here in Egypt, every other day we hear about a violent and terrorist attack, especially in the Sinai where military and police officers are targeted.

21 What a region, full of flames and blood. In the midst of all this, many people are saying Where are you, God? Why are you allowing this to happen to your people? It reminds me with the cries of King David in Psalm 77 when he said, Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? Has His mercy ceased forever? Has His promise failed forevermore? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? We find the answer to all these questions in the same Psalm, I will remember the works of the Lord; Surely I will remember Your wonders of old. Indeed, we need to think of how God was faithful to his church in this region in the last 2,000 years. Just as the blood of the martyrs became the seeds of many churches throughout this region, we trust that this current turmoil will turn into something good. We don t understand now, but one day we or the next generation will. We don t have any way to heal the situation, except by prayer. One of the good outcomes of this very difficult time for Christians in the Middle East is that last week all churches in Egypt gathered together in the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral to pray. This was a very special time and we felt united in Christ through prayer. We prayed for our fellow Christians and Muslims throughout the region, and we remembered what King Jehoshaphat said in 2 Chronicles 20: For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. We also remembered the words of St Peter Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy (1 Peter 4). Do pray for peace in our region and grace for us. Bishop Mouneer

22 Over the past week, more than 500 tons of explosives have been dropped on an area that is the most densely populated in the world, and home to 1.7 million. People are running out of places to hide & shelter from the airstrikes and bombings as the situation worsens and buildings are torn apart. With over half of the Gaza population being children, the airstrikes have had a tremendous impact on the people of the Holy land. More than 3,600 people have been wounded and the death toll continues to rise, with more than 600 killed. Thousands of homes have been completely destroyed during the bombing, leaving 120,000 people displaced, whilst leaving in excess of 25,000 children traumatized and in need of psychosocial support. The Al- Ahli Arab hospital, which was setup and is run by the Anglican/Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, a Partner of ABM, has been structurally damaged during the airstrikes and its ventilation system in the operating theatre and the emergency room have also now in need of repair. In addition, windows have been broken in many buildings, as well as in the new diagnostic centre. Al-Ahli staff have maintained around-the-clock presence at the hospital during the crisis, receiving wounded people and providing them with the critical medical care that they need. Like other hospitals in Gaza, Al-Ahli Arab hospital is experiencing shortages in medicine, fuel for electrical generators, food for patients and food for parcels for many in the community seeking help. As the authorities have called up 40,000 reserve troops, there are fears the conflict will escalate and many more people will be killed, wounded, or displaced. ABM has already sent funds to the hospital from its Global Rapid Response fund. We are aiming to raise $25,000 for the Al-Ahli Arab hospital.

23 GAZA EMERGENCY APPEAL 2014 DONATION FORM GEAF2014 Name.... Address Suburb...Post code..... Phone. .. Donations can be made online at: OR by filling out the following form: I would like to help ABM support: GAZA EMERGENCY APPEAL Donation Amount $. Please circle Mastercard / Visa / Amex / Diners (min credit card amount $10) / / / Exp Date: / Name on Card Parish.... Date Send to: Anglican Board of Mission - Australia, Queen Victoria Building, NSW OR Donations may also be made by EFT to BSB and Acc# Please put your SURNAME and GEAF2014 in the message in order for us to identify your contribution. Note: Please your details to finance.officer@abm.asn.au so we can issue a receipt if you donate by using EFT. Please remember the people of the Holy Land and the Anglican/Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem in your prayers.

24 Genesis ,12-28; Psalm ,16-22; Romans ; Matthew Jesus walks on water This story is set on and around the Sea of Galilee. Finally Jesus gets some peace and quiet when he goes up the mountain by himself to pray. However it has been anything but peaceful for his disciples who have had a rough night being tossed around in their boat. The Sea of Galilee is noted for it unpredictable winds and dangerous waters so when we think of Jesus calmly walking across the water to his disciples there was no millpond, no calm glassy surface as is so often portrayed in modern accounts of this story. It was much more likely to have been rough and wild and extremely dangerous. Peter tests Jesus in saying if it is indeed him then command him, Peter, to come to him by walking across the water to him. Briefly all goes well, but something happens, in this case a very strong gust of wind and Peter gets frightened and he starts to sink. If this can happen to Peter, who was to become the head of the church, it can happen to us. We would do well to remember that even the leaders have times of doubt, just as we do. This is another metaphor for life. When we lose confidence in ourselves or in others, we have to cope with the consequences. Reach out in faith to the Lord. He will walk beside us in the difficulties of life. Question: Where do I find that solitude that my heart cries out for? Pray that you may grow in your love of God and that your faith may be strengthened by all life s adventures. Pray for the Episcopal Church of Jerusalem and the Middle East, giving thanks for the work they do to further God s mission in the world. Text: Rosemary King, St Paul s Burwood, Sydney Anglican Board of Mission, 2014

25 Office use PR NB WL PV NSE Please return this form to the Parish Office. Surname First Name(s) Address Suburb Postcode Postal address (if different from above) Service(s) you normally attend Phone (h) Phone (w) Phone (m) DOB Occupation I m new to St Paul s I m already on the roll my details have changed I m already on the roll I just need a new name badge

26 Pray for the Anglican Church for Justin, Archbishop of Canterbury; Phillip, Primate of Australia; Glenn, Archbishop of Sydney; Robert, our Regional Bishop; and for all the bishops, priests, deacons and Religious of the Anglican Communion. In the Anglican Cycle of Prayer we are asked to pray today for The Church of the Province of South East Asia, for The Most Revd Bolly Lapok, Archbishop of South East Asia & Bishop of Kuching and for all his clergy and people. Pray for Fr James, and for all the clergy in the parish as well as for their spouses. May God bless them and their ministries and may we support them as they work among us in Christ s name. Pray for St Paul s: God of mercy, strengthen us to help shape a parish where diversity is a source of enrichment, compassion is common, life s poetry realized, suffering lightened through sharing, justice attended, joy pervasive, hope lived, the hum of the universe heard, and together with you and each other we build what is beautiful, true, worthy of your generosity to us, an echo of your kingdom. Amen. (Ted Loder) Pray for, St Matthew s, Zababdeh, (West Bank, Palestinian Territorries), our Anglican Communion Partner: We remember especially their Parish Priest, Fr Saleem Dawani, and his ministry in the parish. We remember also Jameel Maher, who acts as the St Matthew s partnership link person with us. May both our parishes be blessed by the link we are establishing. Pray for the Church s mission: Lord Jesus Christ, you stretched out your arms of love on the hard wood of the cross that everyone might come within the reach of your saving embrace: So clothe us in your Spirit that we, reaching forth our hands in love, may bring those who do not know you to the knowledge and love of you; for the honour of your name. Amen. (Author unknown) Pray for our Children s Church: The Lord said, Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them for such is the kingdom of heaven. Bless, Lord, your children who now stand before you in prayer. Help them to understand the depth of your love. We pray also for all the teachers of our Children s Church. May our teachers be enabled to teach and train your children and help them to grow spiritually. O Lord, bless our Children's Church and all its future endeavours, that through it we may glorify you with

27 your Father and the Holy Spirit, now, always and forever. Amen. Pray for peace: Lead me from death to life, from falsehood to truth; lead me from despair to hope, from fear to trust; lead me from hate to love, from war to peace. Let peace fill our hearts, our world, our universe. Pray for all in need. remembering especially this week all those parents and caregivers who are caring for disabled children. For the sick and their carers: Nidhal Abdulmasseh; Barry Brandy; Margaret Brearley; John Burns; (Sir) John Carrick; (Lady) Angela Carrick; Chris;Yvonne Clarke; Coralie; Beth Davidge; Hilary Davies; Leah Delacruz; Manish Dhakal; Dave Ernst; Ginybuwa; Glenyce; Joyce Gorman; Greg; Fr Brian Harker; George and Joyce Harvey; Mary Harvey; Janene; Trevor Jenkins; Jenny Johnston; Kerry; Josephine Licciardello; Sandra Macleod-Miller; May; Bruce May; Gae McMillan; Barbara Moreton; Ian Murray; Tas Murray; Susan Oddie; Pippa Oddie; Ron O Mally; Alister Palmer; Paul Phillips; Deidre Reid; Heather Robbins-Hayllar; Jenny Rorich; Julie Scott; Patricia Sedgman; Shannon; Marguerite Sheffield; Tony Sheffield; Stephanie; Chris Susilo; Susan; John Telek; Mike Wall; Lynne West; Megan West; Bill Whittle; Valma Woolfrey In love and charity remember the recently departed, Barry Debus & Shirley Pozzi that God grant them a place of refreshment, light and peace. Pray for Florence Phyllis Dobbins, Ron Hillier, Alfred Ernest Drake, Fay Joyce Woods, Sid Stephens, Annetta Lilian Roberts, Patrick Roche Thompson, Raymond Ronald Arthur Robertson, Pauline Gladys Taylor and for any others whose year s mind falls around this time. May they be numbered among the saints, following the Lamb wherever he goes! Thank you for responding to God s generous love.

28 Phone Fax Post PO Box 530, Burwood, NSW 1805 Website Rector Fr James Collins Office Secretary Mrs Caroline Badra (9.30am to 2.30pm, Tuesday to Friday) Lay Minister Ms Rosemary King Rector s Warden Mr Alan Melrose People s Wardens Mrs Elizabeth Griffiths Mrs Pam Brock Priests in the Parish Fr John Hawkins, Fr Jim Pettigrew Director of Music Mrs Sheryl Southwood Organist Mr Edwin Taylor Morning Prayer will be held in the side chapel Monday Friday at 7.30am this week. A Eucharist with prayers for healing will be held in the side chapel on Wednesday at 10.30am. Commemorations noted by the lectionary this week Monday 11 August Clare of Assisi (d.1252) Friday 15 August Mary, Mother of our Lord