The Twelfth Sunday afterPentecost

15th of August, 2021

WelcomeOn behalf of everyone at St. John’s, Toorak, avery warm welcome to this church and faithcommunity. St. John’s welcomes everyone to

all services and events, regardless of age,gender, sexual orientation, race or

background.This is a wonderful and historic church,

founded in 1859, part of the Anglican Churchof Australia and a member of the globalAnglican Communion, comprised of 80

million people.QR code for church

Regular services of worship are held each Sunday at 8am and 10am, and Wednesdayat 7pm. All are welcome. Services are followed by times of fellowship over food and

drinks to which everyone is also welcome.

This church actively follows Jesus’ command to love God, love one’s neighbour andto care for all people. Our clergy and parishioners regularly visit the sick,

home-bound, and the dying. We care for the poor and needy through service andcharitable giving, through our Opportunity Shop run in partnership with the local

Catholic and Uniting churches, and by supporting the work of Anglicare, TheBrotherhood of St. Laurence and The Anglican Board of Mission. Our clergy

regularly baptise new members of the church, preside at weddings and care for thegrieving through our funeral ministry. If we can be of service to you or your family,

please do not hesitate to get in touch. If you would like to give of your time andtalents in the service of others, please also contact the church and we will gladly

welcome your contribution.

If you’re visiting for the first time please introduce yourself to a welcomer ormember of the clergy, and fill out the blue ‘Welcome’ card found at the end of every

pew so we can stay in touch with you.

@stjohnstoorak

Cover ImageJan van Eyck, Portrait of Christ, 1440

Oak panel, 33.4 x 26.8 cm, Groeninge Museum, Bruges.

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INTRODUCTORY RITE please stand

HYMN ‘How firm a foundation’ tune 143 at 8am only verses 1 & 4 are sung

1. How firm a foundation, youpeople of God,is laid for your faith in hisexcellent word;what more can he say than toyou he has said,to all who for refuge to Jesushave fled?

2. Fear not, he is with you, and benot dismayed.for he is your God, and will stillgive you aid:he’ll strengthen you, help you,and cause you to stand,upheld by his righteous,omnipotent hand.

3. When through the deep watershe calls you to go,the rivers of grief shall not youoverflow;the Lord will be with you introuble to bless,and sanctify to you your deepestdistress.

4. When through fiery trials yourpathway shall liehis grace all-sufficient shall beyour supply;the flame shall not hurt you, hisonly designyour dross to consume and yourgold to refine.

5. The soul that on Jesus still leansfor reposehe will not, he cannot, desert toits foes;that soul, though all hell shouldendeavour to shake,he never will leave, he will neverforsake.

Author ‘K –’ (?Richard Keen) in JohnRippon’s Selection of Hymns 1787 alt.Reproduced with permission

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ACCLAMATIONBlessed be God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.Blessed be God’s kingdom, now and for ever.

GREETINGThe Lord be with you. And also with you.

COLLECT FOR PURITY

Almighty God, to whom all hearts are open, all desires known, andfrom whom no secrets are hidden: cleanse the thoughts of our hearts bythe inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, andworthily magnify your holy name, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

KYRIE ELEISON said together at 8am, and sung together at 10am

CONFESSIONLet us confess our sins in penitence and faith, with a sincere and a trueheart. Merciful God, our maker and our judge, we have sinned againstyou in thought, word, and deed, and in what we have failed to do: wehave not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved ourneighbours as ourselves; we repent, and are sorry for all our sins.Father, forgive us. Strengthen us to love and obey you in newness oflife; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ABSOLUTION pronounced by the celebrant

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GLORIA IN EXCELSIS said together at 8am, and sung together at 10am

COLLECT FOR THE TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOSTAlmighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us both a sacrificefor sin and also an example of godly life: give us grace that we mayalways thankfully receive the benefits of his sacrifice, and also dailyendeavour to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through thesame Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

AT 10AM, THE CHILDREN’S ADDRESS At 10am, all children are invited to the chancel step

THE LITURGY OF THE WORD

THE FIRST READING 1 Kings 2.10-12; 3.3-14 Read at 8am by Scott Kirkland; and at 10amread by Barbara Brown10Then David slept with his ancestors, and was buried in the city ofDavid. 11The time that David reigned over Israel was forty years; hereigned for seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years in Jerusalem.

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12 So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingdom wasfirmly established. 3Solomon loved the Lord , walking in the statutes ofhis father David; only, he sacrificed and offered incense at the high places.4The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the principal highplace; Solomon used to offer a thousand burnt-offerings on that altar. 5AtGibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said,‘Ask what I should give you.’ 6And Solomon said, ‘You have shown greatand steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walkedbefore you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of hearttowards you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, andhave given him a son to sit on his throne today. 7And now, O Lord myGod, you have made your servant king in place of my father David,although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in.8And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, agreat people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. 9Giveyour servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people,able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your greatpeople?’ 10It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. 11God said tohim, ‘Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself longlife or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourselfunderstanding to discern what is right, 12I now do according to yourword. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you hasbeen before you and no one like you shall arise after you. 13I give you alsowhat you have not asked, both riches and honour all your life; no otherking shall compare with you. 14If you will walk in my ways, keeping mystatutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I willlengthen your life.’

Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

THE PSALM Psalm 111 said together1 O praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord

with my whole heart:in the company of the uprightand among the congregation.

2 The works of the Lord are great:and studied by all who take delight in them.

3 His deeds are majestic and glorious:and his righteousness stands for ever.

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4 His marvellous acts have won him a nameto be remembered:the Lord is gracious and merciful.

5 He gives food to those that fear him:he remembers his covenant for ever.

6 He showed his people the power of his acts:in giving them the heritage of the heathen.

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just:and all his commandments are sure;

8 They stand firm for ever and ever:they are done in faithfulness and in truth.

9 He sent redemption to his people,he ordained his covenant for ever:holy is his name and worthy to be feared.

10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,and of good understanding are thosethat keep his commandments:his praise shall endure for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was inthe beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

THE SECOND READING Ephesians 5.11-21 Read at 8am by Lindsay Hosking; and at 10amvolunteer reader required11Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead exposethem. 12For it is shameful even to mention what such people do secretly;13 but everything exposed by the light becomes visible, 14for everythingthat becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise fromthe dead, and Christ will shine on you.’ 15Be careful then how you live,not as unwise people but as wise, 16making the most of the time, becausethe days are evil. 17So do not be foolish, but understand what the will ofthe Lord is. 18Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but befilled with the Spirit, 19as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songsamong yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in yourhearts, 20giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything inthe name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 21Be subject to one another out ofreverence for Christ.

Hear the word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

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HYMN AT 10AM ‘Be known to us in breaking bread’

1. Be known to us in breakingbread,but do not then depart,Saviour, abide with us, andspreadyour table in our heart.

2. There sup with us in love divine;your body and your blood,that living bread, that heavenlywine,be our immortal food.

James Montgomery 1771–1854 alt.Reproduced with permission

At both services, please stand if you are able and face the Gospel as it is read

THE GOSPEL John 6.51-58

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to St. John.Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

51I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of thisbread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of theworld is my flesh.’ 52The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying,‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ 53So Jesus said to them, ‘Verytruly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink hisblood, you have no life in you. 54Those who eat my flesh and drink myblood have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day; 55for myflesh is true food and my blood is true drink. 56Those who eat my fleshand drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. 57Just as the living Fathersent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will livebecause of me. 58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like

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that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats thisbread will live for ever.’

This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

SERMON The Assistant Curate, The Revd Keiron Jones

ANTHEM (AT 10AM) Verily, verily I say unto you Thomas Tallis c (1505—1585)

THE NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven andearth, of all that is, seen and unseen.We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternallybegotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God fromtrue God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father; throughhim all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came downfrom heaven: was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, andbecame truly human. For our sake he was crucified under PontiusPilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose againin accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and isseated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory tojudge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceedsfrom the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son isworshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the Prophets.We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledgeone baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection ofthe dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE At 8am volunteer required; and at 10am led by John Horan

The Prayers end with the followingAlmighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers.Grant that what we have asked in faith we may by your grace receive,through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

THE GREETING OF PEACE standingWe are the body of Christ. His Spirit is with us.The peace of the Lord be always with you. And also with you.

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All share with each other a COVIDSafe sign of peace, saying, ‘Peace be with you.’

PARISH NOTICES given by the Vicar

OFFERTORYA monetary collection for the life and ministry of St. John’s is taken here. You may give bycontributing to the brass collection plate or paypoint at the rear of the church, or by prior

arrangement with the parish office.

HYMN ‘Praise to the Lord, the Almighty’

1. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,the King of creation;O my soul, praise him, for he isyour health and salvation.Come all who hear,brothers and sisters draw near,praise him in glad adoration.

2. Praise to the Lord who in allthings is wondrously reigningand, as on wings of an eagle,uplifting, sustaining:have you not seenall that is needed has beensent by his gracious ordaining?

3. Praise to the Lord, who willprosper our work and defend us;surely his goodness and mercyshall daily attend us:ponder anewwhat the Almighty can doas with his love he befriends us.

4. Praise to the Lord, who whendarkness of sin is abounding,who, when the godless dotriumph, our best hopesconfounding,sheds forth his light,scatters the horrors of night,saints with his mercysurrounding.

5. Praise to the Lord! O let all that isin me adore him!All that has life and breath, comenow with praises before him.Let the Amensound from his people again:gladly for ever adore him.

Joachim Neander 1650–80tr. Catherine Winkworth 1827–78 and others

Reproduced with permission

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PRAYER FOR RECEIVING THE OFFERTORY

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation. Through your goodness wehave these gifts to share. Accept and use our offerings for your glory andfor the service of your kingdom. Blessed be God for ever.

THE EUCHARISTIC PRAYERAll remain standing

The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer continues until the following

Therefore, with angels and archangels, and with all the company ofheaven, we proclaim your great and glorious name, forever praising youand saying/singing:

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer continues until the following

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Let us proclaim the mystery of faith:

The Great Thanksgiving Prayer ends with the following

THE LORD’S PRAYERAs our Saviour Christ has taught us, we are confident to pray: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 usfrom the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, thepower, and the glory are yours now and forever. Amen.

THE BREAKING OF BREADWe break this bread to share in the body of Christ.We who are many are one body, for we all share in the one bread.

AGNUS DEI said at 8am, sung at 10am

INVITATION TO COMMUNION

This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Blessed arethose who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you,but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

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ADMINISTRATION OF HOLY COMMUNIONAll baptized Christians are welcome to receive Holy Communion. If you do not wish to

receive communion and would like to receive a blessing, please come forward and indicateyour desire to do so by keeping your arms behind your back. Due to COVID restrictions we

can only communicate the bread, not the wine.

ANTHEM (AT 10AM) Ave Maria Robert Parsons c (1535 – 1571/72)

POST COMMUNION PRAYERS which end withFather, we offer ourselves to you as a living sacrifice through JesusChrist our Lord. Send us out in the power of your Spirit to live andwork to your praise and glory.

HYMN ’Tell out, my soul’ (at 8am verses 1 & 4 are sung)

1. Tell out, my soul, the greatness ofthe Lord!Unnumbered blessings, give myspirit voice;tender to me the promise of hisword;in God my Saviour shall myheart rejoice.

2. Tell out, my soul, the greatness ofhis name!Make known his might, thedeeds his arm has done;his mercy sure, from age to agethe same;

his holy name - the Lord, theMighty One.

3. Tell out, my soul, the greatness ofhis might!Powers and dominions lay theirglory by.Proud hearts and stubborn willsare put to flight,the hungry fed, the humble liftedhigh.

4. Tell out, my soul, the glories ofhis word!Firm is his promise, and hismercy sure.Tell out, my soul, the greatness of

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the Lordto children’s children and forevermore!

Words: Timothy Dudley-Smith 1926– basedon Luke 1:46–55 in The New English Bible

BLESSING

The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts andminds in the knowledge and love of God, and of his Son, Jesus Christ ourLord; and the blessing of God almighty, the Father, the Son, and the HolySpirit, be among you and remain with you always. Amen.

DISMISSALGo in peace to love and serve the Lord. In the name of Christ. Amen.

POSTLUDE Fugue on the Magnificat [BWV 733] Joh Seb Bach (1685—1750)

Order of Service from A Prayer Book for Australia 1995. Broughton Books by E.J.Dwyer (Australia) Pty Ltd, Unit 13,Perry Park, 33 Maddox Street, Alexandria, NSW 2015. © 1995, The Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation.

With the Liturgical Psalter, Inclusive Language Version English text © 1995 by David L Frost, John A. Emerton,Andrew A. Macintosh. Hymns from Together in Song Australian Hymn Book II. © The Australian Hymn Book Pty Ltd

2006. Registered Office 14 Martin Place (Level 17) Sydney 2000. CCLI Licence Number: 669476.

PARISH NOTICES

Continued LockdownThe current lockdown has been extended by a week and therefore our service onSunday 15 August is via Zoom at 10am. The link to this Sunday’s service ishttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/89080328023?pwd=TGhtY1NXcWlFVVF3YkMzbXJaUHRqZz09Meeting ID: 890 8032 8023 Passcode: 432399

The church office is also closed; however, the office is still contactable via normalmeans of email enquiries@saintjohnstoorak.org or by phone 0477 091 492.

Wednesday Night 7pm Service on 18 August is cancelledNormally, each Wednesday at 7pm everyone is welcome to this quiet service ofeucharist in the Angel Chapel, with a light supper to follow. When services arepermitted to resume, please do come along and experience this hidden gem in themiddle of a week, especially if you’re unable to attend church on Sunday or needsome prayer and community during a busy week.

St. John’s Sunday Study Series, August 22, 29 and September 5, all at 11.30amOur very own ordinand and Lecturer in Theology at Trinity College TheologicalSchool, Dr. Scott Kirkland, will lead a three week course on the Christianunderstanding of God. “The doctrine of the Trinity is the way Christians talk about

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God, but it is simultaneously perhaps one of the most difficult puzzles in Christiantheology. Over three sessions we will chart several paths through the history of thedevelopment of the doctrine, some of the controversies that have surrounded thedoctrine, and, most importantly, the significance of the Trinity for thinking about theshape of Christian life in the contemporary world. More than just a confusingabstraction, the Trinity is the grammar of Christian existence.” No need to sign up,simply come to the guild room with a cup of tea or coffee and enjoy.

Be part of our Sunday ServicesAll our ministries are supported by volunteers. The Roster Availability Form forSeptember and October is NOW AVAILABLE. Please decide how you can contributeto the ministry of this church. If you have any queries please talk to the clergy afterchurch on Sunday or contact the parish office.

Prayers for Christian UnityOn Thursday 26 August, at 10.00am, at Toorak Uniting Church. All are welcome.

Archbishop’s Annual Dinner - New Date of 7 October 2021The Annual Archbishop’s Dinner, in support of Trinity College Theological Schoolcontinued 'Building our Future' appeal, has been rescheduled due to the currentlockdown. The new date is Thursday 7 October, 6.30pm - 10.30pm. Guests arewelcome to attend the regular Evensong in the Chapel at 5.45pm. Location: TrinityCollege Dining Hall, 100 Royal Parade, Parkville. Tickets: $110 per person. Topurchase a ticket, go to TryBooking athttps://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=774569&.Enquiries: Matilda Sholly at events@trinity.unimelb.edu.au or 03 9348 7527. Whenyou purchase a ticket please ask to be on the St. John’s, Toorak table so we can sittogether, unless of course you’d like to sit somewhere else!!

Children’s MinistryChildren’s Corner in churchAt the back of the church, there is a comfortable space for young children, includingbooks and activities. For older children, there is a wonderful book called MyIllustrated Prayer Book, which encourages children who can read to follow the servicein an age-appropriate way. Please feel free to use them with your children and leavethem in the box provided at the end of the service.

Sunday School in the Whitney King RoomSunday School in the Whitney King Room is up and running and is held during the10am service. Our Sunday School supervisors, Shierly Patterson, Sanae Hombergerand Clive Wright have required safety checks and working with children cards, andthe Whitney King Room is a welcoming, safe space for children to be together. Thenext Sunday School session is 29 August.

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Children’s resources during lockdownYour children may enjoy activities offered on-line. Sermon4kids offers weeklyactivities - sermons4kids@goto.sermons4kids.com. The Church of England has alsoproduced a number of resources for families and children called Cheeky Pandas.https://cheekypandas.com/

Cinema GroupIf any parishioners and their friends are interested in joining us for a film at theelegant Palace Cinemas Como, South Yarra on a Sunday afternoon please leave yourcontact details with the parish office or contact Celia Langford 0418 552 335 to be puton the mailing list. Generally we gather on a Sunday afternoon, every six weeks orso, arriving early for refreshments and a chat beforehand. Any suggestions for aparticular film are always welcome. How wonderful it is to be able to venture to thecinema once again!

In the Church FoyerThe following pamphlets and newsletters are currently in the foyer: Flying for LifeThe Quarterly Magazine of MAF Australia.

The Melbourne Anglican (TMA)The link to the latest edition of TMA is here. The link to this week’s Newstand ishere. The link to the August Prayer Diary and prayer resources is here.

Prayer RequestsPrayer requests can be sent to prayers@saintjohnstoorak.org. The clergy checkemails for prayer requests daily, and pray in solidarity with anyone who would likeprayers said for them.

Clergy Days OffOur clergy have one regular day off per week. Our Vicar Peter has Friday and ourAssistant Curate Keiron Monday. Please respect their time away from work andunless in an emergency, please refrain from telephoning, texting, visiting theVicarage, or emailing them on these days. Thank you.

COVID SAFE DIRECTIONS

● Everyone must sign in digitally. If you do not have a smartphone, ask awelcomer, a fellow parishioner, or Covid-safe officer to use their phone torecord your name and contact details

● Please do not come to church if you are unwell● Use hand sanitiser, found at each of the doors● Wear masks as required● Maintain physical distancing of at least 1.5m from another person unless you

are sitting in a family group● A 4sqm rule applies to ensure social distancing

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● Please do not shake hands or hug other people● The church is cleaned regularly.

Holy Communion remains Bread OnlyUntil government restrictions ease, Communion will be celebrated as usual but onlyadministered in ‘one kind,’ that is, by people receiving the consecrated bread only.This is, and always has been, considered as communion in full and in no waydiminished. Please note the clergy use hand sanitiser immediately before the GreatThanksgiving prayer and before administering Communion and giving blessings.

FOR YOUR PRAYERS

From the Anglican Cycle of Prayer: The Anglican Church of Southern Africa (Abp ThaboMakgoba); Ministry with the Aboriginal people of Australia (Bp Chris McLeod, NationalAboriginal Bishop, Aboriginal Clergy & People); Archdeaconry of Maroondah (BruceBickerdike); Oaktree Anglican Parish of St Mary’s Caulfield with St Clement’s Elsternwick(Mark Juers, Andrew Stewart, Kate Jacob, Karen Winsemius); Provincial Visit to Ballarat –150th Anniversary of St Paul’s Clunes (feast of Mary – Ballarat Cathedral) (Abp PhilipFreier); St James’ & St Peter Kilsyth/ Montrose – Pastoral (Bp Paul Barker); Holy TrinityDoncaster – Confirmation Service (Bp Genieve Blackwell); St Johns Diamond Creek –Pastoral Services (Bp Kate Prowd).

For all those who lead us in the Anglican Church, especially: Our Primate The MostRevd Geoffrey Smith, Our Archbishop The Most Revd Philip Freier, and our Bishop, TheRight Revd Genieve Blackwell.

For those who lead us in Government: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; Governor GeneralDavid Hurley AC; Prime Minister Scott Morrison; Federal Member of Parliament forDivision of Higgins, Dr. Katie Allen; Premier of Victoria, Daniel Andrews; Member forMalvern and Leader of the Opposition, Michael O’Brien.

For Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians: For AboriginalAnglican clergy and lay-leaders around Australia, their spiritual health and physicalwell-being, and the people they care for. For Aboriginal and Government leaders and theirwork together.

For The Toorak Ecumenical Movement: Our partner churches, St. Peter’s Roman CatholicChurch, Toorak Uniting Church, and The Swedish Church.

For The Anglican Board of Mission, The Brotherhood of St. Laurence, and Anglicare.

For those celebrating birthdays: Sarojini Maclarn on Thursday; Val Hurst on Saturday.

For those who have died, and the families who mourn them: Barbi Room, Colin Teese,J. Dale Fisher.

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For schools in our parish: Geelong Grammar School Toorak Campus, Head of CampusRachel George; St Catherine's School, Principal Michelle Carroll; and Toorak PrimarySchool, Principal Julie Manallack.

For the sick and all in need: Rosemary Griffith; Maggie Perkins; Rosie Creswell; Gwen;Audrey Leeton; Jean James; Lachie Sullivan; Mary; Delta; Sue; Adrian Hall; Debra Moore;Samantha; and Patricia Williams.

For those in aged care and those who are housebound: Teri Lawrence; Beverley Joyce; ValHurst; Marcia Larsson; Gordon Kennett; Anne Myers; Billee Edwards; Elizabeth Johnson.

Give thanks for those whose Anniversary of Death is this week: Allan Wright; JeanAllsep; David Caro; Karen Holmes; Peter Richards; David Ayre; Jean Stewart; BerylWhitfield; Kirsty Hamilton; Margaret Bailey-Smith; William Dimmick; Claude Ullin;Roland Walker.

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARYThis commentary presents one interpretation; others may be possible. Comments are best

read with the readings. Text from New Revised Standard version of the Bible (NRSV).

Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14As this book begins, David is an old and infirm man, with a circulatory disorder. The

medical remedy of the day, receiving warmth from the body of a young maiden (Abishag)does not help. His days as king are over, for he is unable to “know her sexually” (1:4). Astruggle for the throne erupts. Adonijah, his oldest living son, hopes to become king, butthe choice of successor is David’s (1:20). Adonijah’s candidacy is backed by Abiathar (forthe priesthood) and Joab (military commander). Perhaps Adonijah follows pagan ways(1:9). Solomon is supported by Nathan (prophet to David), the priest Zadok, and Benaiah(leader of the Philistine forces who served David). Bathsheba, David’s wife and mother ofSolomon, tells David of Adonijah’s plot, sacrifices and revelry; Nathan confirms them(1:21-27). David announces that Solomon is his successor (after Bathsheba reminds him ofhis oath to make Solomon his successor). David orders Nathan and Zadok to make hischoice visible to the people, and to anoint him king. Solomon declines to punish hisopponents (1:28-48). David instructs Solomon to “keep the charge of the LORD your God,walking in his ways ... keeping ... his commandments” (2:3) per the “law of Moses”; if hedoes, David’s lineage under God will continue.

Now David dies and is buried in Jerusalem. He conquered the city in the seventhyear of his reign as King of Judah (2:11). Solomon firmly established (2:12) his kingdom bykilling or banishing Adonijah and his supporters (2:13-46). The era of Solomon begins. Hewalks in God’s ways, worshipping (before the Temple was built) at “high places” (3:3), onmountains. “Gibeon” (3:5) was 6 km (4 miles) north of Jerusalem. As elsewhere in the OldTestament, God appears to Solomon in a dream (3:6). Solomon shows humility (“only alittle child”, 3:7): he needs God’s help in all that he does (as “go out or come in”, a Hebrewphrase, indicates.) He seeks judicial wisdom, as the final arbiter in disputes (3:9); he seeksto govern well, for the good of his people. God finds his request for “understanding todiscern what is right” (3:11) fitting, so he grants him this (3:12), and also “riches andhonour” (3:13) above other kings (something he did not ask). Further, if he follows God’sways, he will enjoy a long life. In the ancient mind, these are all marks of wisdom.

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Psalm 111This is a hymn of praise to God for his great deeds, especially for making and

keeping his covenant with Israel. The psalmist is a wise person, for whom holding theLord in awe is the beginning of knowing him (v. 10a) and for whom wisdom comes fromincreasing knowledge of God. He speaks from his innermost being, his “whole heart” (v.1), in the select group (“company of the upright”) and in “the congregation”. He praisesGod for his “works” (v. 2) or “deeds” (v. 4). V. 4b is from Exodus 34:6, part of God’sproclamation after he replaced the stones bearing the Commandments – a symbol ofrenewal of the covenant. He nourishes those who hold him in awe. His works include thegift of Palestine (v. 6b), his interventions in the world (v. 6a) and his commandments. Whathe does lasts forever (v. 8a). His deeds show him to be “holy and awesome” (v. 9). Livingby his commandments is the start of understanding of him.

Ephesians 5:15-20The author has given his readers, apparently new converts, some points regarding

conduct as members of the Church. He has told them not to harbour anger, to actively carefor the poor, to emphasize people’s goodness in speaking to them, and thus to build up thecommunity. They should cast aside vices, adopt virtuous ways, and forgive and love asChrist has shown them. Now he tells them that wisdom is a characteristic of Christianliving (because we are privileged to share in God’s wisdom and insight through Christ.)Jewish belief was that society would become extremely decadent (“evil”, v. 16) before theMessiah comes: we are to use this time wisely, effectively – to be alert to God’s will (v. 17).(Wisdom and foolishness, v. 17, are opposites.) Joyful fellowship arises from being filledwith the Spirit, not drunkenness; show this joy liturgically (“among yourselves”, v. 19),prompted and assisted by the Spirit, “giving thanks” (v. 20) to the Father “at all times” forthe whole of creation, in the name of Christ.

John 6:51-58In 20:30-31, John tells us the purpose of the book: that we may believe in Jesus as

Christ or Messiah. Thus far, Jesus has emphasized belief in him as divine and as living bread.But now he speaks of a reality. For John, the context is the Church. In v. 51, Jesus says: “theliving bread ... that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh”; “whoever eats of thisflesh will live forever”. This is how God will save the world: see 3:16-17. Jesus became flesh(1:14), i.e. assumed complete human nature. He offered himself to God in death, thusgiving life, available to all. “The Jews” (v. 52, possibly some Jewish Christians) take himliterally; that to eat someone’s flesh was a Semitic figure of speech for to slander did notmake Jesus’ statement easier to understand! Then v. 53: the only way to salvation (“life”) isthrough “eat[ing] the flesh ... and drink[ing] his blood”, i.e. just believing in Christ isinsufficient. Sharing in the Eucharist provides “eternal life” (v. 54) and resurrection – tounion with God. Why? Because it requires faith, trust, that the flesh and the blood are“true” (v. 55), real – the ultimate reality. It is through sharing in the Eucharist that we arejoined to Christ. Note the word “abide” (v. 56): it involves remaining in a relationship.Believers dwell in Christ, and he in them, through participating in the Eucharist. Then v.58: both the Eucharist (Christ) and manna “came down from heaven”, but while mannanourished for a finite time, sharing in the Eucharist is the key to surviving the judgementat the end of time.

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THIS SUNDAY

8am ServiceFirst Reading: 1 Kings 2.10-12; 3.3-14, read byScott KirklandSecond reading: Ephesians 5.11-21, read byLindsay HoskingGospel Reading: John 6.51-58Intercessor: Volunteer required

Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter FrenchPreacher: The Revd Keiron Jones

10am ServiceFirst Reading: 1 Kings 2.10-12; 3.3-14, read byBarbara BrownSecond reading: Ephesians 5.11-21, Volunteerreader requiredGospel Reading: John 6.51-58Intercessor: John Horan

Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter FrenchPreacher: The Revd Keiron Jones

NEXT SUNDAY, 22nd August

8am ServiceFirst Reading: 1 Kings 8.22-30; 41-43, read by TedMouritzSecond reading: Ephesians 6.10-20, Volunteerreader requiredGospel Reading: John 6.56-69Intercessor: Brenda Mouritz

Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter FrenchPreacher: Dr. Scott Kirkland

10am ServiceFirst Reading: 1 Kings 8.22-30; 41-43, read byStella JongebreurSecond reading: Ephesians 6.10-20, read by JennySmithGospel Reading: John 6.56-69Intercessor: Volunteer required

Celebrant: The Revd Dr. Peter FrenchPreacher: Dr. Scott Kirkland

Vicar The Reverend Dr Peter Frenchvicar@saintjohnstoorak.org

Wardens Mrs Amanda Bagot,Mrs Stella Jongebreur,

Mr Anthony Mannering

Parish CouncilMr Dougal Colhoun, Mr Craig Cooper,

Mrs Vivienne Brown, Ms Diana Dunlop,Dr Jessica Hall, Mrs Claire Morgan,

Mr Harrison Young

Assistant Curate The Revd Keiron Jonescurate@saintjohnstoorak.org

Director of Music/OrganistMr Christopher Cook

accook2001@yahoo.com.au

OrdinandDr. Scott Kirkland

Parish Administrator/Child SafeCompliance Mrs Sally Robertsonenquiries@saintjohnstoorak.org

Child Safe Officer Mrs Vivienne Brown

Family Safety OfficerThe Revd Keiron Jones

Sunday School Teachers Mr Clive Wright,Ms Shierly & Miss Jo-Jo Patterson

Archivist Professor Geoff Quail OAMgeoffrey.quail@monash.edu

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