Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost and the Baptism of Harvey Vic Damien August 26 th, 2018 We acknowledge the Jaara Jaara people, of Dja Dja Wurrung language group, the custodians of this land where we gather. We pay our respects to their elders past and present and pray for reconciliation.
GATHERING IN GOD S NAME Gathering Hymn 153 God is love The Lord be with you. And also with you Baptism is the gift of our Lord Jesus Christ. When he had risen from the dead, he commanded his followers to go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. We have come together today to obey that command. Baptism with water signifies the cleansing from sin that Jesus death makes possible, and the new life that God gives us through the Holy Spirit. In baptism, the promises of God are visibly signed and sealed for us. We are joined to Christ, and made members of his body, the Church universal. So we welcome you, Harvey, with your Godparents and your family. We give thanks for you, and pray that you may know God s love and faithfulness for ever Hear, O Israel. The Shema (page 120 of the prayer book) The Confession and absolution (page 120 of the prayer book) Let us confess our sins in penitence and faith, confident in God s forgiveness. We take a moment of silent reflection
Merciful God Knowing that we are forgiven, we sing The Gloria (page 121 of the prayer book) Let us pray 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. MINISTRY OF THE WORD A reading from the first book of Kings chapter 8, verses 22 to 43 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! Regard 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 toward this house, the place of which you said, My name shall be there, that you may heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. Hear the plea of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward 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 toward 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 A reading from St Paul s letter to the Ephesians chapter 6 verses 10 to 20 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 Hymn Come to the water Come to the water! You who are thirsty! Though you have nothing, I bid you come! And be filled with the goodness I have to offer! Come! Listen! Live Why spend your money on what cannot fill The emptiness deep in your heart? Listen to my word and you will enjoy: Goodness and peace in your heart! Just as the heaven are high above earth My ways and thoughts beyond you. Call me your father and know I am near I will be father to you Just as the rain falls to water the earth Just as a seed becomes bread My word up on you can never return Until my longing is filled Refrain Refrain Refrain Please stand and turn to face the Gospel book as the words of Jesus are proclaimed.
The Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to John, chapter 6 beginning at the 56 th verse 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 forever. 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 The Baptism of Harvey Vic Damien The baptism party is invited to stand near the altar
THE PRESENTATION We welcome Harvey who comes to be baptised. I invite his Godparents to present him now. Godparents: We present Harvey to be baptised. Will you accept the responsibilities placed upon you in bringing Harvey for baptism? Godparents: I will Are you willing to answer on behalf of Harvey? Godparents: I am By your own prayers and example, by your friendship and love, will you encourage Harvey in the life and faith of the Christian community? Godparents: I will, with God's help Before God and this congregation, on behalf of Harvey you must affirm that you turn to Christ and reject all that is evil. Do you turn to Christ? Godparents: I turn to Christ Do you repent of your sins? Godparents: I repent of my sins Do you reject selfish living, and all that is false and unjust? Godparents: I reject them all Do you renounce Satan and all that is evil? Godparents: I renounce all that is evil Almighty God deliver you from the powers of darkness, and lead you in the light of Christ to his everlasting kingdom. Amen Will you, by God's grace, strive to live as a disciple of Christ, loving God with your whole heart, and your neighbour as yourself, until your life's end? Godparents: I will, with God's help People of St Mary s, you have heard Harvey s Godparents respond to Christ's call. Will you support them in this high calling? All: We will
Let us pray Grant, merciful God, that Harvey may be so buried with Christ in baptism that the new nature may be raised up in him. Amen May he know Christ s forgiving love, and continue in the fellowship and service of his Church. May he proclaim, by word and example, the good news of God in Christ. Amen We thank you for the ministry we have in your world and to each other in the household of faith. Hasten that day when the whole creation shall be made perfect in Christ. Amen The Baptism party moves to the font THE BLESSING OF THE WATER The Lord be with you. And also with you. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise. We give you thanks that at the beginning of creation your Holy Spirit moved upon the waters to bring forth light and life. With water you cleanse and replenish the earth; you nourish and sustain all living things Thanks be to God. We give you thanks that through the waters of the Red Sea you led your people out of slavery into freedom, and brought them through the river Jordan to new life in the land of promise. Thanks be to God. We give you thanks for your Son Jesus Christ: for his baptism by John, for his anointing with the Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God.
We give you thanks that through the deep waters of death Jesus delivered us from our sins and was raised to new life in triumph. Thanks be to God. We give you thanks for the grace of the Holy Spirit who forms us in the likeness of Christ and leads us to proclaim your kingdom Thanks be to God. And now we give you thanks that you have called your servant Harvey to new birth in your Church through the waters of baptism. Pour out your Holy Spirit in blessing and sanctify this water + so that those who are baptised in it may be made one with Christ in his death and resurrection. May they die to sin, rise to newness of life, and continue for ever in Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we give you praise and honour in the unity of the Spirit, now and forever. Amen THE PROFESSION OF FAITH I now ask you to affirm as yours the faith of the Church. Do you believe in God the Father? I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Do you believe in God the Son? I believe in Jesus Christ, God's only Son, our Lord. who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead. On the third day he rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven, is seated at the right hand of the Father, and will come again to judge the living and the dead. Do you believe in God the Holy Spirit?
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen This is the faith of the Church. This is our faith. We believe in one God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Harvey, I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen Harvey is signed with the cross using oil blessed by the bishop at Easter. Harvey I sign you with the sign of the cross to show that you are marked as Christ's own forever. Live as a disciple of Christ, fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith. Confess Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, look for his coming in glory. A candle is presented to Harvey God has brought you out of darkness into his marvellous light. Shine as a light in the world to the glory of God the Father. God has called you into his Church We therefore receive and welcome you
as a member with us of the body of Christ, as a child of the one heavenly Father, and as an inheritor of the kingdom of God. We are the body of Christ His Spirit is with us. The Greeting of Peace The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you. Offertory Hymn 491 Father welcomes During this hymn we will take up a collection of food and money to support the ongoing mission of God s church in this place. We give thanks for the offered gifts God our sustainer, receive the gifts we bring before you, and feed us continually with that bread which satisfies all hunger, and the wine that quenches all thirst, your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.for ever praising you and singing The Great Thanksgiving We turn to page 128
Holy, holy, holy Lord God of power and might, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the Highest Blessed is he who comes in the Lord s name Hosanna in the Highest we say together Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. in songs of never-ending praise Blessing and honour and glory and power Are yours for ever and ever. Amen. With our hearts set on the kingdom and our hands open to serve, we pray as Jesus taught us 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 Everyone is welcome to the table of the Lord. The Sending out of God s people Prayer after communion...
The Notices Final Hymn A LAND FOR ALL Australia s land should be a place, to greet people whatever race, to welcome from beyond our shores, new immigrants, not less, but more. We must not fear, or be confined, from racist views of narrow minds. but broaden out a wider view with greater hope to see us through. Today so many feel the pinch, from those who will not give an inch, yet there is still another way embrace all races, come to stay. Christ died not for an empty dream, but rather love through high esteem, hate has no place in faith s true call, God welcomes truly one and all. So let us stand for what is right, give hope to all who suffer plight, of strife, hostility abroad and welcome home, as does our Lord. 2018 Ian Howarth 15 August The Blessing and Dismissal
God of this ancient land, through baptism you have given us an inheritance into one family, give us grace to walk together in the unity of Christ Jesus; and the blessing of God almighty, the One who loves you, the One who calls you, and the One who makes you holy, be upon you and remain with you always. Amen Go in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen. ***some thoughts from Rev. Mel. There has been a lot of news this week; a lot of back room deals, and shouting, and number crunching. But here s a number you might not have heard this week: 68,500,000*. That is the approximate number of refugees in the world, of which just 100,000 were settled by the international community in 2017. Why do I tell you give you this? Today is the Day of Prayer for Refugees in the church. The day when we are to intentionally pray for these poor people driven from their homes by conflict, poverty, hunger, or climate change. In the Old Testament books of the law (the Torah) there are many mentions of the poor, windowed, and alien in the land and how we, as people of God, are to treat them. Leviticus 19:33-34 and Leviticus 19:9-10 are just two examples Jesus said, among other things, Love God, love your neighbour. Therefore as the people of God, we must do what we can to help those in need. We have a calling to the radical empathy of Jesus and the first step towards that is prayer. So we pray this day, and all days, for an end to the current crisis, for
open hearts and minds and arms, and for the courage to search for real and lasting solutions so that we can honour Jesus message to the world. Peter asks in today s gospel reading to whom can we go? The answer is go to the words of Jesus and live them and be them and honour them in everything that you do...that means love your neighbours all of them. Blessings and peace, Mel * https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/world-refugee-day-2018 ************************** Pew Bulletin Youth Ministry Group Our Youth Ministry Group meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 5-7pm in the hall. Safe Church If you haven t yet done a Safe Church Workshop there is another happening on Saturday 8 September at Holy Trinity, Flora Hill. To book your spot please go to http://www.bendigoanglican.org.au/safe-church-awareness-workshops/ or ask Rev. Mel for assistance Australian Anglican Church Calendar Our parish features in the 2019 Calendar! Each calendar is $18. Please see Carol Barker to place your order. Tree Planting A tree will be planted in the garden at St Mary s in memory of Uncle Gene Roberts; a great friend of the parish and a tireless worker for healing between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians. September 15 th at 11am in the garden at St Mary s. We will be raising money for the indigenous literacy foundation on the day. https://www.indigenousliteracyfoundation.org.au/
Car Boot Sale Our parish has been offered a free spot at the Woodend Car Boot Sale on October 6. Details to come closer to the day but start gathering your second hand goods to sell and raise funds for the parish. Trivia Night Our annual trivia night, a major fun and fund raising event for our parish, will be held on Saturday October 20 this year. News from the Guilds St Mary s Guild: The Guild will meet on August 29 th after the 10am service. Intercessions our prayers are asked for: John, Sam, Andrea, Alison, Ethan, Kirsten, Carole, Wendy, Judy, Jeanette, Trevor, Rudi, Trish, Hugh, Joshua and family, Alan, Faye, Lynne, Kay, Don, Kristina and John, Linda, Carmela, Heath, Helen, Jim, Barry and family, Aldyth, Bev and Stuart. Birthdays and anniversaries Happy birthday this week to Jeff Gillis, Sylvia Tett, and Keith Turner. Years Mind and those who have died recently We remember this week June English, Violet Winterton, and Maria Milaw Readings for next week Song of Songs 2.8-13 Psalm 45.1-2, 6-9 James 1.17-27 Mark 7.1-8, 14-23 PO Box 699, Woodend, VIC 3442 www.woodendanglican.org.au Priest: Rev d Melissa Clark 0411 722 718 Wardens: Derek Shepherd 0417 252 222 Robyn Leeder 0415 216 711 www.facebook.com/woodendanglican/www.facebook.com/woodendan glican/