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Please pass this CANDLE to your friends. Thank you!

THANK YOU TO Revd Adrian Lane from Bush Church Aid (BCA) who has pre-recorded a special message for us on the theme “Get Ready” based on Luke 21.29-31.

Adrian was appointed as the Victorian Regional Officer of BCA in February 2013 and he knows the Australian church and regional Victoria well. Before being appointed as Regional Officer, Adrian served as Senior Lecturer in Ministry Skills at Ridley College in Melbourne for 22 years, where he trained ministers for service in regional Victoria. Adrian served on the Provincial Council, and has led preaching workshops and evangelistic missions to a wide range of regional centres. Adrian has a real heart for rural Australia and regional Victoria in particular, as his family come from Warrnambool, Maryborough, Rupanyup and Rainbow, in the Wimmera.

Please support the mission and ministry of BCA through their website - www.bushchurchaid.com.au

W elcome to the Anglican Parish of St Michael & St Luke e-news. As a result of measures being taken in response to minimise the risk of COVID19 spreading, all public services and parish organised group activities were suspended within the Diocese of Melbourne.

The purpose of continuing to publish the weekly CANDLE is to keep in touch with our parishioners and others joining us through Facebook & the website (www.lumiac.org.au). Please continue to pray and encourage one another during this time of uncertainty. Thank you. ☺

Parables of Jesus (2) ‘GET READY’

• time to share and use your talents here - give, serve, & grow! • your financial treasure. To all who are able, please:

transfer donations or offerings directly to: “St Michael and St Luke Anglican Church: BSB 063249 a/c 10044425” or,

put your contribution into an envelope addressed to P.O. Box 2311 Dandenong North VIC 3175. Please note that if you wish to hand deliver at the post office (Menzies Ave, Dandenong North) you will need to ask for Len. Please write your names stating clearly the purpose of the offerings/donations, “Parish Utilities,” “Parish Maintenance” or “Parish mortgage.”

Prayer for Bush Church Aid: “Lord our God, we pray

for all who live in remote parts of Australia. Thank you for the Bush Church Aid Society, for its ministry of word and sacrament, its medical work and support services, and its care for the young. Encourage workers in loneliness and refresh them in hardship. Call many to stand with them in making Christ known, that your redeeming love might be accepted throughout our land. We pray in Jesus' name. Amen.”

[ from: A Prayer Book for Australia] ***************

There is no doubt in my mind that many are feeling discomfort and pressure during this time of COVID19. Within Metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchel Shire, this feeling is most likely higher than usual. The fact that we are now under Stage 3 restrictions with the

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“ W ha t i s G o d d oi n g ?” S un d a y

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1. Next Sunday (26 July), we will exploring the third part of the “parables of Jesus” series. These three parables of the Kingdom can be found in Matthew 13.44-52. In preparation, please read and meditate on these during this week.

2. To date, the parish COVIDSAFE Officer [CSO] has not been appointed and, systems for each Sunday (cleaners, attendance register, etc.) have not been established. These will need to be established for any activities to recommence in the church building/hall/meeting rooms after the current lockdown restrictions are eased.

3. During this time of many uncertainties, please continue to be faithful in your stewardship promises (if you are able to). Your financial contributions will assist the parish in its mission “to bring the gospel of Christ to the community and the world.”

Genesis 28.10-19; Ps 139.1-11; 2 Thessalonians 1.1-7; Luke 21.29-31 Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that the kingdom of God

is near. (Luke 21.31) Saving God, in Jesus Christ you opened for us a new and living way into

your presence: give us pure hearts and constant wills to worship you in spirit and in truth and, be ready; through Jesus Christ our Lord , Amen.

Reading the Bible together

number of new cases of COVID19 in the continuing to rise daily is not helping either.

It in these trying circumstances, that we read from one of today’s Bible readings, “We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering” (2 Thes. 1.4 GNT)

It is remarkable that among God’s churches, this church in Thessalonica is commended for their endurance despite the persecutions and hardships they faced. The Greek word used for the translated word ‘hardships’ imply “internal pressure that causes someone to feel confined (restricted, "without options").”

Thankfully, we are not experiencing the kind of persecutions and the ensuing injustice faced by the original audience, but we can and do feel being confined and restricted. Today, we cannot move around freely as we used to pre-COVID19. There is no certainty as to when unrestricted movement will return (if ever). In spite of that, we are once again reminded to persevere (or endure) in the faith during this time and during any other challenging time.

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do” (2 Thes. 1.4 NLT). Let us all pray fervently for one another so that we can still accomplish the many good things that God wants to do through us.

Soli Deo Gloria! Santa ☺

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20 July Exodus 28, 29; Acts 7

21 July Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

22 July Exodus 33, 34; Psalm 16; Acts 9

23 July Exodus 35, 36; Acts 10

24 July Exodus 37, 38; Psalm 19; Acts 11

25 July Exodus 39, 40; Psalm 15; Acts 12

26 July Genesis 29.15-28; Psalm 105.1-11; Romans 8.26-39; Matthew 13.44-52

O God our heavenly Father, Your son, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the Great Physician, who healed the sick, cured the blind and deaf and raised the dead, and who, throughout all history, holds dominion over disease and death: In your mercy to this world, arrest and

eradicate this coronavirus. Heal the afflicted and comfort those who have suffered from this scourge; so that those who suffer may know your healing heart and hand, that those who are anxious or burdened may know your comfort and peace that passes understanding, that the watching world may know your sovereign authority, prevailing power, mercy, and grace, and that all may come to know, love and worship you; we ask in the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

[prayer from Diocesan COVID19 update - 8 July]

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The Episcopal Church in the Philippines (Bp Joel Atiwag Pachao); Diocese of Bathurst (Bp Mark Calder, Clergy and People); Angliss Health Services; Parish of Caroline Springs (Jonathan Smith); episcopal visits, Parish of St Martin's, Belgrave Heights w. All Saints, The Carlotta Tye Memorial Church Selby; the Archbishop, Bishops, clergy & lay people of the Diocese in their ministries.

Please pray for: the government and the community in TL for those in authority and for people in fear and anxiety; for the most vulnerable in TL during this time of crisis and for opportunities for Christians to reach out with Christ’s love. We are thankful for your friendship & partnership in the gospel.

Father God, the protector of all that trust in you, we thank you that you know us through and through. Even our anxious thoughts are known to you. As we reflect upon “What is God doing?” in and through our lives as individuals and as a community of faith, we praise you for constantly reminding us that you are always with us in whatever circumstance. We pray for all who gather faithfully in various places to pray, to praise, to learn and to worship. Even as we pray for your blessings upon all who check-in to watch the online services, we pray that you bless all people of the wider community of North Dandenong. Grow in us all the desire to pursue and complete your mission revealed to this parish even though we are in COVID19 restrictions. We pray for all our leaders of this parish, Parish Councillors, Sunday Club teachers and assistants, Playgroup leaders and volunteers, the Youth Group leaders and their families. Sustain and strengthen us all during this time of many uncertainties. Remind us all to support our leaders in these various ministries through prayer and words of encouragement. We thank you for the visit of Adrian Lane this week and your message relayed to us through him. May the words we hear today inspire all of us to trust and rely on you for all things. We pray for all people of this state where higher restrictions have been reintroduced. Be with all security and health personnel during this time during this time of COVID19. Keep them and all people safe. We thank you for the person you have chosen to take on the role of COVIDSAFE Officer, for those who will form the COVIDSAFE Team and for those who will be assisting in recording and producing worship services when we are able to

gather in the church building for worship. Loving Father, we pray for your mercy and grace on all who are marginalised in our society and in the world. We pray for countries going through war, violence and civil unrest due to injustice and/or ongoing discriminatory practices. We pray for wisdom and patience for leaders at all levels of government to work tirelessly towards reconciliation and justice for all. We especially pray that you calm the hearts/minds of all people and pray for all who have been injured or tragically killed (and their loved ones) due to these circumstances. Gracious Father, we pray for the work and mission of all institutions of care everywhere. Enfold all who need your special touch of healing, comfort and peace, this week praying for, Audrey, Claudette, Cynthia, David, Doris, Grenville, Harrison, Leela, Mohona, Nadia, Noreen, Oscar, Rayhaan, Seelan, Theodora, Yacoub, Yvonne, Vera, Vishwa, and all who we remember in our hearts. For all who are sick, we pray that God will use medical means or his direct intervention to heal and for their families to be comforted and encouraged. Thank you Father for all who were healed and/or recovering. Comfort all who mourn the passing of loved ones. This week, we pray for the families, relatives and friends of Jim Whitehead and Ninette Loos who passed away recently. We particularly pray for Jim’s sons, Jamie and Justin and Ninette’s family (Larry and Virginia and their family). We thank you for Jim’s witness for the gospel of Jesus Christ particularly in his ministry to joyfully greet and welcome every person who came to church. We thank you for his faithfulness in this ministry in this parish for many years. May Jim and Ninette rest in peace and rise in glory. Father, we pray that you grant your favour,

grace & patience on all who seek suitable employment, and for all who are thinking of future options in studies/work and life. We pray in Jesus’ name as “Your will be done & Your kingdom come.” Amen.

http://bciowa.org/january-prayer-focus-in-all-things-pray/

For URGENT PASTORAL CARE —

call Santa

PRAYER CHAINS: Cynthia [0408 138 627];

Brian [9791 4496]; Vaughan & Noelle

[9546 0353]

Birthdays: 19 July - Julie Ludlow, Arlette Bijoux 24 July - Lyn Weightman, Chloe Farrell

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parish contacts ... Ministers: All Parishioners! Vicar: Santa Packianathan 9792 4925, 9790 6533, 0438 509 669 stmstlvicar@bigpond.com [Santa is out of office on Thursday] Sacristan: Brian Bird [9791 4496] R U OK Team Coordinator: VACANT-Please call Santa Children’s Ministry: Ellie Martin [0430 416 256] Youth Ministry and Parish Crim-Check Administrator : Vaughan Smith [9546 0353]

Play Group: Julia Packianathan [0400 527 876] Honorary Licensed Lay Ministers:

Brian Bird, Garry Martin, Theo Rutgers, John Singh.

Church Wardens: Larry Loos [9795 7371]; Theo Rutgers [8707 2291]; Ravi Arumanayagam [7018 4706] Council Secretary & Child Safe Officer: Cleoni Loos [9755 7097]: Treasurer: Courtney Cook [0409 332 377] Stewardship: Garry Martin [0433 933 679] Church Office: VACANT - Please call Santa Hall Hire: Anand Raj [0404 043 536]

who we are! The Anglican Parish of St Michael & St Luke is a part of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne. Our Vision is to encourage one another to RENEW our relationship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, to partner

with the LORD to REVIVE God’s church and to REACH OUT to others as the Holy Spirit reveals.

Our Mission is:

Our Values are:

our regular services are: 8AM Sunday - Holy Communion (traditional) 10AM Sunday - Holy Communion & Children’s Church 10AM (3rd Sunday only - unless indicated otherwise) - “What is God doing?” & Children’s Church

[ALL SUSPENDED!]

praying for the mission of Anglican parish of St Michael & St Luke: Living God, you have called us to be the Body of Christ. As we “renew, revive, reach

out,” may our parish be a sign of hope in this community. May all we do, and all we are becoming, bring praise to your name and draw others to your love. We ask these

things in the name of Jesus, who came to serve and bring us the fullness of life. Amen

during term time (ALL SUSPENDED):

SUNDAY CLUB (Kindergarten to Year 6) & YOUTH

GROUP (Year 7 to Year 12) meets during the Sunday 10AM service (except 3rd Sunday). PLAYGROUP meets every Tuesday morning (10AM-

12Noon) BUT is closed indefinitely due to COVID-19. CARE GROUPS meet every week to inspire, support/

pray for one another & grow in faith (Wednesday 10AM-12Noon in Church office; Thursday 7.30PM in the Vicarage)

If you wish to participate in any of these activities or have questions, please contact the church office for more details. We will love to hear from you!

Name:

Address:

Telephone No:

Email:

Prayer need/request/feedback:

If you would like prayer for any reason, please come to the front immediately after Communion. co

nn

ect

how to contact us 1472 Heatherton Road, Dandenong, VIC 3175, AUSTRALIA Church office: + 61 3 9792 4925 Church e-mail: stmandstl@bigpond.com

Website: www.lumiac.org.au

acknowledgment of traditional owners of the land:

We gather on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri and Boonerwrung (or

Bunurong) tribes of the Kulin Nation, and we acknowledge them as the Traditional

Owners. We pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.