G’day everyone and welcome to Church. Today we will be focusing on two accounts from Mark’s Gospel (6:14-44). At first glance, these back to back accounts seem to interrupt the . . . → Read More: The Tale of two Banquets and the Cost of Discipleship]]>

The Tale of two Banquets and the Cost of Discipleship

 Mark 6: 14-44

G’day everyone and welcome to Church. Today we will be focusing on two accounts from Mark’s Gospel (6:14-44). At first glance, these back to back accounts seem to interrupt the flow of the narrative in that the mission of the twelve (6:7-13) and their reporting back to Jesus (6:30) is placed either side of the beheading of John the Baptist (6:14-29). What Mark is employing is a literary device called a ‘sandwich construction’ in order to draw some comparisons.

        The point of comparison from today’s reading is that each story is about a banquet. This comparison draws many contrasts, for whilst Herod’s banquet was held in a palace, Jesus held his in the open air and upon the greening hills of Galilee. And whilst Herod only invited VIP’s, Jesus catered for all, wether great or small. And unlike Herod, whose primary purpose for holding a banquet was to bolster his position and boost his standing, the reason for Jesus’ banquet was simply to provide for needy people. Finally, whilst Herod’s banquet ends in a horrific and unjustified death, Jesus’ banquet was to sustain and satisfy life.

Yet there is another point of comparison in this sandwich construction. Mark brackets the martyrdom of John the Baptist with the mission and the reporting back of the disciples to emphasise the connection between mission and martyrdom, discipleship and death. Whoever wants to be a follower of Christ must first consider the fate of John, for John’s martyrdom not only foreshadows Jesus’ death but highlights the cost of discipleship. Later on in Mark, Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it” (Mark 8:34-35 NLT).  

World Day of Prayer ‘Let Justice Prevail’ 10am Friday 2nd March Uniting . . . → Read More: Bulletin | lismore anglicans bulletin]]> Lismore Anglican Bulletin

National Day of Prayer & Fasting
Sunday 19th February
Pray for the Renewal and Transformation of Australia as a nation with Jesus Christ as Lord.
For info - www.nationaldayofprayer.com.au

World Day of Prayer ‘Let Justice Prevail’
10am Friday 2nd March Uniting Church, Keen Street, Lismore
Also
10.30am Friday 2nd March Goolmangar Hall Speaker – Rev. Mark Harris Lunch afterwards.
Also
7.30pm Friday 2nd March St. Matthew’s, Dunoon Supper afterwards.

Anglican Diocese of Grafton
Men’s Retreat 2012
Glenreagh March 9-11
Retreat Leader: The Very Reverend Donald Kirk, Dean of Grafton. 
Theme: “Renewing our Faith in Jesus.”
Cost $100, forms at rear of St. Andrew’s

Anglican Women of Australia
Retreat & Reflection Weekend “Fun and Wholeness”
Leaders Rev. Bruce & Pamela Sligo
9-11th March Star of the Sea, Yamba
Costs $35-$220 as per forms at rear of St. Andrew’s.

Parish AGM
Sunday 26th February 11.30am in St Andrew’s
Nomination forms at rear of St. A’s.
Last day for reports will be Sunday 12th February.

OP-SHOP
The Op-Shop needs to move to alternate premises.
Please do not make any donations of goods for sale, until further notice.
Please pray that suitable alternative premises may be found.

ConcertChamber Philharmonia Cologne
Monday 13th February 8pm At St. Andrew’s
More information  as it comes to hand
Tickets on sale at the door.

Regional Ultreya
What does the Lord require of you?
Lismore is holding a Regional Ultreya and all Cursillistas and interested parishioners are warmly invited.
St. Andrew’s Parish Centre, Saturday 25th February; 9.30am for 10am.  Morning tea provided.
BYO lunch if you wish to stay. R.s.v.p. Wendy Kilroy 6621 2615

Wednesday Services in LentDuring Lent there will be a service of Holy Communion in the side chapel of St. Andrew’s at 8am.
All welcome.

Lismore Parish Centre PreschoolAGM, Wed 22 Feb, 5.30pm in the preschool, behind the church.
Your Offertory Envelopes for 2012 are at rear of St. Andrew’s.

 Ride-on Mower Needed
Ride-on mower for Nimbin Church Grounds needed.  Do you have an old one not being used?
Contact Jim on 6689 1080

Education for Ministry (EfM)
The group is planning to start on Monday 5^th March. We need applications (including enrolment fees) by Sunday 12^th February in order to have the materials on time. Enquiries and applications to the Office 66213200

Fundraising Committee
Committee meetings have been changed to Sunday mornings 9am to enable more people to attend. Fresh ideas are welcome & your input appreciated. We fundraise throughout the year to try to meet our budget for the running of our parish. This can be a very rewarding experience. In 2011 we contributed just under $20k. Quite a big effort. Our next meeting is on 25th March. Please join us.

Sat 12th May—OpShop Fashion Parade & Mother’s Day stall.
Sun 20th May—Cake Stall
Sun 3rd June—Parish Breakfast—Something New! Breakfast at approx 9am so both congregations can enjoy bacon, sausage, egg, toast or just cereal if you prefer. There will be a list put up for names for catering purposes. Full breakfast $10 p.p.   Glenda Roe, secretary

Lismore Anglican Bulletin

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This week we join the crowds following Jesus and his disciples as he . . . → Read More: The Parables of Jesus]]> The Parables of Jesus

 
Welcome to church today! We hope you discover the joys of being part of a family where Jesus’ love can be seen by words and actions.

This week we join the crowds following Jesus and his disciples as he begins teaching in the streets and villages – much to the disgust of the synagogue teachers of the Law.

Jesus uses parables or short stories to help illustrate and convey the deeper meanings of his message. A parable compares something familiar (eg crops and soil) to something unfamiliar (eg the truth of God’s Kingdom). Parables use everyday examples to help us understand hidden spiritual truth.

Parables compel listeners to discover truth while at the same time concealing the truth from those too lazy or stubborn to see it. Originally parables were delivered orally – they were spoken to an audience that was largely illiterate. We must be careful not to read too much into parables, giving them unintended meaning. Each parable has a central theme unless otherwise specified by Jesus.

Agricultural images were familiar to the rural first-century listeners, so Jesus tells the Parables of the Four Soils hoping his meaning will become clear, even carefully explaining to be certain.

The four soils represent the different ways people respond to God’s message. This might refer to different kinds of people, but may also refer to different seasons of our lives, or even being selective in how we receive God’s message. Do we welcome the truth in some areas yet resist it in others? Our challenge is to become fertile soil for God’s truth in every area of our Christian life. Likewise as modern sowers, we should spread the seed of God’s message without losing heart when it fails to bear fruit.

¹¹And he said to them, ‘To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside, everything comes in parables; ¹²in order that “they may indeed look, but not perceive, and may indeed listen, but not understand; so that they may not turn again and be forgiven.” ’ [Mark 4: 11-12]

This week we continue our journey with Jesus as he begins his earthly ministry of . . . → Read More: Using God’s Strength ]]> Using God’s Strength

Welcome to church today! We hope you discover the joys of being part of a family where Jesus’ love can be seen by words and actions.

This week we continue our journey with Jesus as he begins his earthly ministry of teaching and healing with his small band of disciples who have left everything to follow him.

Jesus’ reputation spreads quickly after several spectacular healings and the crowds flock to him bringing the sick and afflicted.

Simon Peter’s mother-in-law returns to health after an encounter with Jesus and is a fine example of dedication and service as she immediately sets herself to work in God’s name.

Popularity brings increasing demands on Jesus and his team. However it’s in the in-betweens that we catch a glimpse of Jesus’ attitude to prayer and spending time with the Father as a means of spiritual and physical refreshment. For Jesus, prayer is not simply an exercise or a ritual but the very breath of life itself.

Jesus never mentioned unanswered prayer. He had the absolute certainty that prayer to the Father is always answered.

Do we share his certainty? Do we expect God to answer prayer? Do we think that our prayers have gone unheard because God chooses to respond in ways we may not recognise or prefer?

God answers prayer in the best way – not some of the time – but every time. Only when we discover the deep joy of ‘praying without ceasing’ do we glimpse that intimate relationship with our Father that was so natural to our Lord.

We’re on a mission from God was the constant refrain of Elwood from the classic film ‘The Blues Brothers.’ No matter what difficulties or resistance the Blues Brothers encountered along the way they would not let . . . → Read More: We’re on a mission from God]]> We’re on a mission from God…

(Mark:1:29-45)

We’re on a mission from God was the constant refrain of Elwood from the classic film ‘The Blues Brothers.’ No matter what difficulties or resistance the Blues Brothers encountered along the way they would not let anything hinder them from accomplishing what they understood to be their God ordained mission. Now whilst their mission was clearly dubious and therefore to be taken comically, it does provide us with a way in to understanding today’s reading from Mark 1:29-45.

After the amazing reception Jesus received from those who attended his ministry in the Synagogue, which resulted in his fame spreading rapidly throughout the region, providing ongoing ministry opportunities, one would assume, as the disciples did, that the focus of his ministry was to be a worker of miracles. However, early the next morning, Jesus quietly slips away to a secluded place to pray. His disciples, led by Simon, seem to think that he was making a big mistake not capitalizing on the huge potential that his recent publicity had brought. But Jesus, knowing his purpose, refused to be sought out as a mere miracle worker. Instead, he wanted to be recognized as a saviour.

You see, Jesus time spent in prayer galvanized in his mind what he was to be about. He was on a mission from God which stretched far beyond performing miracles in the local area but ultimately encompassed the offer of salvation to the entire world. Nothing was going to stop him from accomplishing this purpose, for he was indeed, on a mission from God.

Ending Saturday28 Feb at 10.00am.

Heaps of free time with lots of opportunities to grow in our friendships, Bible talks and small group discussions.

All meals included, but . . . → Read More: St Pete's Goonellabah Weekend Away]]> St Pete’s Goonellabah Weekend Away -

Camp Drew Lennox Head

Commencing  Friday 24 Feb 6.00pm wityh dinner

Ending Saturday28 Feb at 10.00am.

Heaps of free time with lots of opportunities to grow in our friendships, Bible talks and small group discussions.

All meals included, but please bring a plate to share for morning tea.

 Cost: Adults $70, Family $250, Day visitor $25

more info? contact Perko ph 0448878448 email markperkins88@gmail.com

On the way to Lit2012 in training. Danielle Scott, Kenneth McDonald, Jordigan Clapham, Blayd Reid, Joe Harris, David Hatchman, Caleb Harris, Rebecca Weir.

On the train heading back to the airport, to fly home after an AWESOME . . . → Read More: Young Leaders in Training 2012]]> Young Leaders in Training 2012

On the way to Lit2012 in training. Danielle Scott, Kenneth McDonald, Jordigan Clapham, Blayd Reid, Joe Harris, David Hatchman, Caleb Harris, Rebecca Weir.

On the train heading back to the airport, to fly home after an AWESOME week at LiT2012!

Parish Council MeetingTuesday 7th February 7.00pm

Parish AGMSunday 26th February 11.30am Reports to the office by Sunday 12th February 

Laurie & Penny Orchard Farewell Saturday 4th February 10am Morning Tea in Church Hall Please . . . → Read More: Bulletin | lismore anglicans bulletin]]> Lismore Anglicans Bulletin

No services at Dunoon and Wyrallah during January.

Parish Council MeetingTuesday 7th February 7.00pm

Parish AGMSunday 26th February 11.30am
Reports to the office by Sunday 12th February 

Laurie & Penny Orchard Farewell
Saturday 4th February 10am
Morning Tea in Church Hall Please bring a plate.
All welcome.

Be Still and Know that I am God
A warm invitation is extended to all Cursillistas and interested parishioners to join the regional Ultreya at Tweed Heads.
Saturday 28th January
9.30 for 10.00am start (NSW time)
St. Cuthbert’s, cnr Florence & Powell Streets, Tweed Heads
BYO Lunch Carpool operating—info Wendy Kilroy 6621 2615

Education for Ministry (EfM)
Ministry can be anywhere, any time, to anyone.
EfM gives us skills to express our faith in words and actions. In a safe group environment we share our faith journeys and reflect on issues from our studies, our ministries and our lives. The whole EfM programme takes four years to complete: students enrol for one year at a time.
Would you like to join us in our exploration?
Our EfM group will start again in February 2012, meeting weekly during term time. Note that there is an enrolment fee.
For further details contact the Office 66213200

Sunday Journal
Gospel Comments; Scripture Insights; Sunday Readings with ideas for reflection.
November—January $12.50
Please contact Ministry Centre if you would like a Journal 6621 3200

Provincial Mission Convention
Canberra January 26-29 2012
Keynote Speaker Canon Phil Potter
See notice at rear of St. Andrew’s.
For further info ring 66213200

Aussie Sunday Lunch - 2012
You are invited to participate in the Aussie Sunday Lunch program in 2012 by hosting 2 new international students for lunch. The dates of the lunch in 2012 are Sunday 26 February and Sunday 17 June. You might like to volunteer for one or both of these days. (More hosts are needed for February than June.)  More information is available from your church office and further details will be available in early February.
(The Aussie Sunday Lunch is organized as part of Chaplaincy services by Robert Lingard – Ph 0407 203 390, chaplaincy@scu.edu.au )

CMS Commissioning Service
For Dene, Rachel, Eliott & Simeon Hughes
Sunday January 22nd 9.30am
Sojourn Bible Church, Dutton Park Primary School, Annerley Road, Dutton Park.
All welcome.

Flower Roster
members meeting on Wed 25th Jan 10am in the Flower Room.  Other interested people are very welcome.  More info: 66213200

Rosters
The perpetual rosters will be used for the time being.  Could you please take a form from the back of St A’s if you wish to be on the revised roster. Please complete one even if you are presently rostered on.  Any enquiries, contact the Ministry Centre 6621 3200.

Anglican Diocese of Grafton Men’s Retreat 2012
Glenreagh March 9-11
Autumn is a time to slow down, what better way than to come to the men’s retreat.  Good food, good company, great discussions and of course the presence of the Holy Spirit right there with us. 
Retreat Leader: The Very Reverend Donald Kirk, Dean of Grafton. 
Theme: “Renewing our Faith in Jesus.”
Cost $100, forms at rear of St. Andrew’s

Mission Giving 2011
July Distribution $4,960.00
December Distribution $7,500.00
Special Appeals:-
B.C.A. Box openings $1,717.05
A.B.M. Lenten appeal $849.20
C.M.S. Beautiful Feet $206.10
C.M.S. Visit of Jeremy Gehrmann $570.80
Bible League $1,295.70 Anglicord Bishops Appeal $560.00
African Enterprise $50.00 Christmas Bowl—
Act for Peace $875.50
Total $18,584.35
Thankyou, many will benefit from your generous support.

Concert: Chamber Philharmonia Cologne
Monday 13th February 8pm
At St. Andrew’s More information  as it comes to hand
Tickets on sale at the door.

World Day of Prayer
‘Let Justice Prevail’
10am Friday 2nd March Uniting Church, Keen Street, Lismore

Anglican Women of Australia  Retreat & Reflection Weekend
“Fun and Wholeness”
Leaders Rev. Bruce & Pamela Sligo
9-11th March Star of the Sea, Yamba
Costs $35-$220 as per forms at rear of St. Andrew’s.

Lismore Anglicans Bulletin

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