Stilling the Storm, by Ted Henninger
Psalm 4.8 and Proverbs 3.24 tells us that the sleep of believers will be sweet and peaceful because they know the Lord is with them. Our Gospel reading reveals two important points about the true humanity of Christ - he needed rest and time away from crowds, and he was so exhausted that even the waves battering the boat did not awaken him. Jesus was genuinely human with the same basic needs we all have. Christ’s humanity is part of what qualifies him to be our merciful intercessor between us and God the Father (Hebrews 2:17).
The men with Jesus were quite familiar with the ways of the sea; certainly, this was not their first squall on the Sea of Galilee, which is known for its sudden raging storms. Even these professional fishermen were frightened by this storm, to the point of fearing they would die. “The waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But [Jesus] was in the stern, asleep on the cushion” (Mark 4:37–38). It is significant that Jesus’ sleep was deep and sound, even through the storm, which was “already filling” the boat. This is why Jesus, when He was awakened, rebuked the disciples with the question “Have you still no faith?” (Mark 4:40).
Music for Sunday
CANTOR EUCHARIST @ 10.00 AM
Prelude: Berceuse from Dolly Suite – Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) (arr. Martin Setchell)
Hymns: Processional Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us
Gradual Eternal Father, strong to save
Thanksgiving Now we come, our heavenly Father
Post Communion Through all the changing scenes of life
Setting: Parish Eucharist – Michael Dudman (1938-1994)
Psalm: 9: 9-20 NPCW
Anthem: Crossing the Bar – Calvin Bowman (*1972)
Motet: Dear Lord and Father of mankind – C.H.H. Parry (1848-1918)
Postlude: Toccata in d minor BWV 538 – J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Parish Dinner
What a super event we had at Pantry on Wednesday evening. It was the largest Parish Dinner at Pantry to date (as we have a large choir this year) and the musical offerings were excellent - well done choristers (save for my attempt at the 'Hymn of Introduction' - no wonder I didn't win a prize in the raffle). Many thanks to the Pantry staff for a lovely meal and to the SACPA parents for their participation and the organisation of the raffle.
Safe Church 1
Due to the continuing updates to the Diocesan requirements for safe church - ministry to children and the vulnerable - as mandated by the State Government, all volunteers must now acknowledged that the Parish operates under certain safe ministry policies, and have completed the Level 1 training video provided by the Diocese. I will be contact all those who need to complete this training individually, so we can determine whether you would prefer to join a group training courses here if you cannot do so individually on-line. Stay tuned.
Safe Church 2
For the safety of all, it is no longer possible for us to sanction parishioners giving other people a lift to and from church services or events. We don't have any oversight of such journeys and cannot be responsible for might occur. For the safety of all concerned, it is preferable for individuals to use an Uber or a taxi, particularly where discounted fares may apply. Please refrain from asking another person for a lift so as not to cause embarrassment when they are obliged to decline. In an emergency, please see me and I will arrange transport for you.
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