St Luke's Anglican Church, Ekibin in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia | Anglican Church

St Luke's Anglican Church, Ekibin

Locality: Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

Phone: +61 7 3848 2123

Address: 193 Ekibin Rd East 4121 Brisbane, QLD, Australia

Website: http://stlukesekibin.org.au

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25.01.2022 Wednesday in Holy Week at St Lukes Dear Parish Friends When Moses saw the burning bush, and heard God speaking to him, he was told that the ground where he stood was holy ground. It was different, set apart for the purposes of God. Moses was told to tell his people that God would make them a holy nation, set apart for the purposes of God. This week we are celebrating Holy Week, and this is a special time in the Churchs year which we set apart to recall that pivotal mo...Continue reading

25.01.2022 Weekly letter from Revd Timothy Dear Parish Friends Amongst all the other responses that came from the recent parish survey was a number of comments about a vision that our services should be joyous occasions with music and greater parishioner involvement in services while maintaining the more formal sacramental elements within the service. I believe that our services are joyous occasions, where we meet with each other and with God through Word and Sacrament. Worshipping... together is a very different experience to attending the theatre or going to a gig; we are not just passive watchers, but active participants. In medieval times the congregation seemed largely spectators, standing in the nave whilst the priest in the chancel said the mass in a language that they did not understand. Hence the use of the sanctuary bell to tell people when the important parts of the liturgy were happening. But all were participating, they were the gathered community of God, meeting to commune with God. Nowadays we can all understand what is being said, and join in with the words of prayers and songs of praise, but the unsaid part of our worship together is perhaps the more valuable our active thoughts, and our just being there. Hence the importance of silence and times for reflection during the service. The Book of Common Prayer exhorted people to prepare for worship. This I commend to you. I will endeavour to email the notice paper out on Friday in future so that you can read the scriptures set for the day in advance. Think too of what you particularly want to bring in prayer: what is in mind when you say the words of the confession, what do you want to give thanks for, what needs should be remembered? We are all involved in the services, but perhaps there are further ways in which people could help facilitate our worship: Help with the childrens ministry. We currently only offer this twice a month. New people who wish to read or be a liturgical assistant would be welcomed. Music is an integral part of our services. Suggestions of what we might sing and how would be good to hear (I know that there are already discussions with the choir people about this). Leading the prayers. In many churches the intercessions (the prayers of the people) are led by a team of people. I would be delighted if anyone would like to become involved in this ministry and can give training and advice. Other ideas? Please let me know. The words of Psalm 19:44, which I pray before I preach, sums up very well the way we all should approach our worship together: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Revd Timothy

25.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends As I write this evening, June and I have just finished hosting the second of the Superstar study group sessions. The theme was miracles which followed nicely on from what we were thinking about last Sunday, with the gospel passage of the feeding of the 5000. The gospel writers, especially John, saw miracles as signs that pointed towards God. This is the key point; a miracle is where God acts in the world. Whether what hap...pens can be explained either at the time, or in hindsight, is not really relevant. With the eye of faith we can see God at work. But then, is the corollary true? If we dont see God at work, is God not there? Bishop David Wilbourne, who wrote the Superstar study booklet quotes from Folktale by the poet RS Thomas. Thomas pictures prayer as a knight on a quest to rescue a princess imprisoned high in a tower, hesitant because hes not sure whether shes even up there at all. The poem continues: I would have refrained long since, the knight admits, but that peering once through my locked fingers I thought I detected the movement of a curtain. Sometimes we see such signs of God, as such movements behind a curtain; maybe a word of scripture, which seems to leap out, a beautiful sunset or a chance encounter. At other times, the curtain seems to be stationary. But even in these times we are reminded that the spirit of God is still at work, and that gives us the courage to persevere. Thursday 6th August is the festival of the Transfiguration of our Lord. This has a similar message. Jesus takes Peter James and John up a mountain where they have a glimpse of the glory of God. This then sustains the disciples through the dark days that were to come. So I encourage you, in these seemingly dark days, with the ever present news of the Coronavirus, explosions and other disasters, to look for glimpses of God, to see miracles in everyday life, and be assured of Gods presence. And pray too for a miracle, as we do every time we meet together: 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 for ever. Amen With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Revd Timothy

25.01.2022 Help us keep in contact with you during these times when we may not be able to meet face to face. We want our community to keep in touch and remain a worshiping and supportive community. Email us with your details at [email protected] to be added to our mailing and email blast lists. Make sure you "like" and "follow" our page to ensure you see our updates and information.

25.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends After remembering ANZAC Day last Sunday, we return to the set readings for next Sundays service, and find the 23rd Psalm, together with a gospel reading from John where Jesus describes himself as both the shepherd and the gate for the sheep. We will reflect on these passages, and the comfort and the challenges that these images bring to us, on Sunday. But as I looked at the other readings set for the day, I was struck by the...Continue reading

25.01.2022 Weekly letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends Next Sunday we will be remembering the work of the Church Missionary Society, and in particular praying for those missionaries whom we, as a parish, support. On their website, CMS Australia reminds us: Even as the world closes its borders, Gods mission is not locked down, or restricted. God is opening doors. By necessity the ways our missionaries do mission has changed but we rejoice in hearing many stories from all around t...he world of people who have come to know Jesus. We are thankful for the creative ways they have found to share the good news of Jesus. We are committed as ever to see a world that knows Jesus. Such stories abound throughout the world in these times, and indeed we have experienced some in our own community. Therefore on Sunday we will pray for not only the work of CMS, but also for our own calling to share the good news of Jesus in new ways appropriate to the times we are in. In years past CMS celebrated Beautiful Feet Sunday, an allusion to Isaiah 52:7: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns. I have suggested that as a symbol of our shared part in this mission, we might care to wear bright (or wacky) socks on Sunday and show them on Zoom. Feel free to put them on your hands if you cant lift up your feet! The daily news is full, not only of the suffering and heartache caused by the coronavirus, but also of the violence and protests fuelled by racial hatred. As you read this verse from Isaiah again, pray that people throughout the world may indeed receive the peace and hope that comes from knowing that God reigns. Talking about feet, Honor Lawer is organising a Covid-19 safe parish walk next Tuesday, 16th June at 12.15pm at Oxley Common, Sherwood Road, Rocklea. We will bring our own lunches and drinks so that we obey the rules of physical distancing. Oxley Common is a flat easy walk, usually with many birds along the way. All levels of fitness can enjoy this place, or if you wish, just bring your lunch to share some fellowship before the walkers head off. Let Honor know if you plan to come or would like a lift. Text/phone her on 0410 423 446. On our website is information about a proposal to install the sanctuary lamp from St Aidans in the chancel at St Lukes. It contains a copy of the notice that we are required to display at the church. Finally, those of you who knew Chris and Lynda Johnson will be delighted to hear that they have been appointed as Rector and Associate Priest respectively of the Parish of Noosa. They will be commissioned on 1st July. With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Revd Timothy

25.01.2022 ZOOM into worship tomorrow at 9am with the St Lukes community. Our service will be a Zoom video conference or teleconference if you prefer or cant joint video. Join on your phone, tablet or laptop. ... From 8:45am you can log in so our worship led by Rev Timothy can start at 9:00am. Go to: https://zoom.us/j/7210725462 Or call 02 8015 6011 and enter the meeting ID 721 072 5462 when prompted.

24.01.2022 Worship this Sunday Dear Parish Friends We will be meeting again for our Sunday services as usual this week at both 7am and 9am, for the Third Sunday after Epiphany. With the easing of the Coronavirus restrictions we are back to operating as we did a few weeks ago. The 9am service will be streamed as usual on Zoom.... In the gospel we hear the call of the fishermen Simon and Andrew, for whom following Jesus seems straightforward. But we also read from the book of Jonah. This is a tale (if you forget about the whale) that reminds us that following God’s path is not always straightforward, and we are sometimes blind to where things are going, but we are assured that God doesn’t give up and therefore we should be encouraged to continue following. Yours in Christ Rev’d Timothy If you want a link to join our Sunday 9am service on Zoom, PM us or call the parish office on 38482123

24.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends I was wonderful to lead worship in person at St Lukes last Sunday, although I have enjoyed the Zoom services of the last few months as well. The new ways of doing things required by the Coronavirus regulations will take a little getting used to, but we need to work together to protect each other and our community at this time. There are some opportunities here though that we can take. Those who are unable to attend in person...Continue reading

23.01.2022 Easter Morning Worship. Sunday 9:00am Join us for our live streamed on-line service led by Rev Timothy. You can connect to our services by Zoom: https://zoom.us.../j/7210725462 or by telephone 3060 0439. PM us for the password to join. Service sheet will be available at www.stlukesekibin.org.au.

23.01.2022 Our Theatre Society is putting on their first production for 2021. Performances will be in the hall at Christ Church Yeronga. Watch this space and their web page for full details.

22.01.2022 Get your democracy sausage and cakes today when you come to vote at St Luke’s.

22.01.2022 Ascension Day Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends Today is Ascension Day, and with that in mind our study group last night looked at the last chapter of St Lukes gospel, which telescopes the whole of the period from the resurrection to the Ascension into a single day. I would like to share a thought from what we read....Continue reading

21.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Revd Timothy Dear Parish Friends In the Easter season, our weekly readings include passages from the book of Acts. The stories of the early church tell of a spirit-driven people, sharing with confidence their experiences of the risen Christ, and day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved (Acts 2:47). It was not always straightforward though; we hear many tales of disagreements, and power struggles over how and to whom the gospel...Continue reading

21.01.2022 Lockdown by Fr. Richard Hendrick Yes there is fear. Yes there is isolation.... Yes there is panic buying. Yes there is sickness. Yes there is even death. But, They say that in Wuhan after so many years of noise You can hear the birds again. They say that after just a few weeks of quiet The sky is no longer thick with fumes But blue and grey and clear. They say that in the streets of Assisi People are singing to each other across the empty squares, keeping their windows open so that those who are alone may hear the sounds of family around them. They say that a hotel in the West of Ireland Is offering free meals and delivery to the housebound. Today a young woman I know is busy spreading fliers with her number through the neighbourhood So that the elders may have someone to call on. Today Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and Temples are preparing to welcome and shelter the homeless, the sick, the weary All over the world people are slowing down and reflecting All over the world people are looking at their neighbours in a new way All over the world people are waking up to a new reality To how big we really are. To how little control we really have. To what really matters. To Love. So we pray and we remember that Yes there is fear. But there does not have to be hate. Yes there is isolation. But there does not have to be loneliness. Yes there is panic buying. But there does not have to be meanness. Yes there is sickness. But there does not have to be disease of the soul Yes there is even death. But there can always be a rebirth of love. Wake to the choices you make as to how to live now. Today, breathe. Listen, behind the factory noises of your panic The birds are singing again The sky is clearing, Spring is coming, And we are always encompassed by Love. Open the windows of your soul And though you may not be able to touch across the empty square, Sing. Brother Richard Hendrick, a Capuchin Franciscan living in Ireland, penned this touching poem about the coronavirus pandemic. Brother Richard shared his poem "Lockdown" in a Facebook post on Friday, March 13. His original post has received more than 19k positive reactions and has been shared more than 34k times.

20.01.2022 Weekly Letter to the Parish Dear Parish Friends Last Sunday we welcomed Sherril Molloy and Sharen Mehan from the Anglican Schools Commission (ASC). They enjoyed meeting with us and sharing their views about the proposed Anglican Early learning Centre. I have their contact details if anyone would like to continue the discussion with them. A summary of last weeks Parish Council has been emailed to our parishioners. You will note that there is to be a special meeting of the cou...ncil next week to fully discuss the ASC proposal, and I will send out a summary of all the information received to date with my letter next week. Whenever there is a big decision to be made in the life of the church, the most important thing that we can all do is to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that whatever decision is made is the right one for the furtherance of Gods mission. We often only see part of the whole picture, and can let our mind be clouded. Therefore please pray for wisdom to make good choices. As James says in his letter, if any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. (James 1:5). The psalmist also reminds us that God says I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. (Psalm 32:8) Please also keep in prayer the families of Fergus Edwards, whose funeral is Thursday (27th) at 1pm, and Shirley Spencer, whose memorial service is Friday (28th) at 11am. Because of the Coronavirus restrictions only those who have been invited by the families can attend the services at St Lukes. We are aware that there are some who are unable attend because of the difficulties of travel, and also members of our congregation who would have wanted to support the family. Therefore, both services will be streamed over Zoom (contact us for details). Finally this week, I would like to congratulate Alan and Barbara Johnson on the occasion of their 65th wedding anniversary. May God continue to bless and protect them. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Revd Timothy

19.01.2022 We had a wonderful celebration of St Luke’s day today. At both services our choir sang during communion. Bishop John Roundhill preached on Luke’s gospel at both services and joined us for morning tea. We also recognised our Liturgical Assistants who help out and support our worship in so many ways. As our Bishop was visiting he re-dedicated the sanctuary lamp from St Aidan’s church that has been hung in our church to complement the St Luke and St Barbara’s lamps already there. Thank you to all who came or joined on Zoom and to those who provided our morning tea goodies.

19.01.2022 WEEKLY LETTER from Rev Timothry Dear Parish Friends As we celebrated Easter Day, and proclaimed Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! I was reminded of a story I read last Easter, as part of a York Study Course:...Continue reading

18.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends As we come to remember ANZAC Day this coming weekend. I am delighted that Revd Denis Galloway has agreed to be our preacher. He has chosen readings from the book of Micah and the gospel of John, so I would like to reflect on the third reading set for that day, Hebrews 10:32-11:1.... Two verses in particular stand out for me (10:35-36): "Do not, therefore, abandon that confidence of yours; it brings a great reward. For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised." In effect, the writer to the Hebrews is telling his readers, in the face of adversity, to be what you were at your best. We are called, not to do the impossible, but to be as honest, kind and courageous as we can be, and in doing so transform life. Clearly in this we can see some of the ANZAC spirit, and an encouragement for us in todays situations. We are reminded of the need to persevere, and to do so in our Christian hope, that God will see us through to the end. The final verse of the lection, Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. This is not wishful thinking, but the blessed assurance of Frances Crosbys hymn. ANZAC Day without the usual gatherings will be different, but it is still important that we remember this occasion. I encourage you to take a look at the RSL site https://rslqld.org/Whats-On/ANZAC-Day The Museum of Brisbane has shared a lovely video showing how to make a paper heart: https://www.museumofbrisbane.com.au//sending-love-from-af/. I look forward to seeing as many of you as are able on Sunday morning as we remember together. For those who prefer to use the telephone rather than a computer to join our service, there is a new way of doing this described on the attached sheet, which although slightly more complex, gives a much better experience. It is through prayer and study that we are reminded of Gods love and the assurance of Gods presence with us. So please remember the opportunities to meet together during the week. Judys book Study is running next Monday (contact her for details), and Evening Prayer is said at 6pm Tuesday to Friday. Although there wont be a study group on Tuesday morning this week, I will open up Zoom at 10am if you would like to join me for a coffee! Beryl Collingwood told me that one of her favourite hymns is What a friend we have in Jesus. The second verse I thing is very appropriate for us today: Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged Take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful, Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; Take it to the Lord in prayer. With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Revd Timothy

18.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends We hear a lot in the news about the Coronavirus situation, but it is often hard for us to understand what is happening from a theological point of view. This Thursday (2nd July) at 7.30pm there will be an opportunity to listen online to Professor Bruce Robinson, who is speaking to the title COVID-19 and Christ. Bruce is a pulmonologist and immunologist, and the principle investigator on an international COVID-19 early thera...peutic intervention program. He is also the author of a book entitled Surviving and Growing from Suffering, which includes strategies for those who suffer, rather than just biblical explanations. You can watch his talk at https://youtu.be/UASxHhwHNN0. This free talk is being run in association with the biannual conference on Science and Christianity, A Hopeful Future? Christians, Creation and the AI World, run by ISCAST (Christians in Science and technology).This is an online conference over the weekend 10-12 July (see https://iscastcosac.org/) and I am looking forward to attending this conference. I will still lead our Sunday @ 9 worship on 12th July, with Revd Denis Galloway preaching. I have never had a problem with being both a scientist and a Christian. It is through the grace of God that the world is rational and that humankind has the wisdom and skill to understand it. As part of our calling to be co-workers with God, we have the ability to cure sickness and cast our demons (see Matthew 10:8). This quotation, attributed to Saint Augustine, I think says it all: Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you. We are expecting (assuming that Stage 3 restrictions have been introduced) to be able to restart services in St Lukes the following Sunday, 19th July. We have received advice from the diocesan General Manager about welcoming back vulnerable volunteers (generally those over 70 or those with chronic medical conditions). Please see the attached document. Finally, here is the July prayer for the Midst of a Crisis from anglican focus: God of our Salvation, you have ordained that we should serve you in serving one another. Look upon your people, burdened at this time with many cares and anxieties, with infection, sickness, and untimely death. Grant us grace to work together, with honest and faithful hearts, each caring for the good of all; that, striving first for your kingdom and its righteousness, we may have added to us all things that we need for our daily sustenance and the common good. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Revd Timothy

17.01.2022 In Church Worship is on tomorrow as normal. You may have heard in the news of increased restrictions on gatherings in Brisbane because of the Covid-19 cases associated with Wacol. St Lukes is operating under an Industry plan and so we will be able to meet tomorrow in person at church as usual, but we need to remain ever vigilant and follow the guidelines to keep each other safe.... See you at 7:00am and 9:00am.

17.01.2022 RETURNING TO WORSHIP IN ST LUKEs THIS WEEKEND! Dear Parish Friends We are looking forward to joining together once again for worship next Sunday at St Lukes. Given the ongoing Coronavirus situation and the necessity to abide by government and diocesan regulations, things will be a little different. Key points to bear in mind are: Please do not come if you have been in contact with a COVID-19 case, or if you are currently, or have recently, experienced cough, fever, sore t...Continue reading

17.01.2022 Rev Timothys weekly letter Dear Parish Friends This week, in our bible study, we looked at Matthew 13. This chapter contains no less than seven of Jesus parables about the Kingdom. We will be reading from this chapter for the next three Sundays. However one verse that struck us was verse 13. Jesus says, in answer to the disciples question:...Continue reading

16.01.2022 At tonights Ascension Day Service, we shared prayer, readings and music. Brian shared a chorale from J.S. Bach Heut Triumphiret Gottes Sohn The translation of the original chorale is: Today Gods only gotten Son... Arose from Death and triumph won, Alleluia, alleluia, In mighty pomp and rich array; His therefore be the praise always. Alleluia, alleluia. Lo! Death is crushed - nay, Death must die, By Jesus smitten hip and thigh; Alleluia, alleluia, Like armours knight, with skilful thrust Christ made his foreman lick the dust. Alleluia, alleluia. by Casper Stolshagius 1591. A fitting Chorale for the Ascension celebration!

15.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends As Queenslands response to the coronavirus pandemic evolves we find ourselves faced with new regulations seemingly every week. The new rules that came out on Monday at very short notice starts to allow us to do more things. We can see a road map for the way forward, and seemingly things are on their way back to normal. Certainly the roads are back to being busy, school children are in uniform and once again you can go out ...for a meal. But the reality is that there is still a long road ahead, and indeed social distancing will be with us for quite some time yet (I do hate that term; we need to keep physical distance, but now all the more need to cultivate our social connections). In Australia we seem to have had relatively few infections, but looking round the world the coronavirus pandemic is still rife, and there is the risk of a second wave of infections. There is much we need to do in Australia to remain vigilant. Many things will never be the same, there will be a new normal. So, you might ask, when will we be able to return to St Lukes? Currently the regulations allow for services with only up to 20 people, which would not allow us to run our Sunday services. Therefore we will not return to St Lukes just yet and will continue to meet together virtually via our online services. Even when we can return, diocesan advice is that we should not sing (as that can transmit virus particles), and that vulnerable people should carefully consider if they should come. We are therefore beginning to explore ways in which we can continue to have an online service, either as a separate service, or by streaming worship from St Lukes. We have learnt much over the last few weeks, and so will not return to what we were doing, but instead embrace the new normal. I would hope too that as part of this we would also discern together how to grow our 24/7 faith. This might seem challenging, but it is the stuff of revival. At many times in the churchs history, internal or external influences meant that they had to reappraise how they operated. It meant that they had to take up again the challenge and the promise of Pentecost. The challenge to be the light and salt in the difficult world. But also to accept and embrace the Spirits gifts of wisdom, understanding, right judgement, courage, knowledge, reverence and wonder. This is what the church is called to do now, and there are signs throughout the world of it happening. The prophet Habakkuk, writing around 600BC, said O Lord, I have heard of your renown, and I stand in awe, O Lord, of your work. In our own time revive it; in our own time make it known; in wrath may you remember mercy. This is indeed a prayer too for us today. With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Revd Timothy

15.01.2022 A chorale for Easter. Christ lag in todesbanden J S Bach BWV625. In deaths strong grasp the Saviour lay, For our offences given; But now the Lord is risn today,... And brings us life from Heaven, Wherefore let us all rejoice And praise our God with cheerful voice, And sing loud Hallelujahs. Hallelujah! Played by Brian on his Allen CF-8 at home.

14.01.2022 Todays organ reflection. It was our last Zoom only service for now, as we go back to in-church worship next week, so there might not be too many recordings in the coming weeks. Will need to be practising again for full services. Looking forward to it. Chorale prelude on When these brief trial days are spent by Siegfried Karg-Elert, op65.

13.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends Yesterday (Wednesday) the church calendar celebrated the birth of John the Baptist. The reading we had at Evening Prayer included this strange verse (Matthew 11:16-17). After telling his listeners about John, Jesus says:...Continue reading

13.01.2022 COVID-19 AND ST LUKES EKIBIN See the following letter from Rev Timothy. Follow us here or on our website for continued updates. Dear Parish friends...Continue reading

13.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends As I write this letter, we have just finished the bible study this week where we took a birds eye look at the gospel of Matthew, as we will be having readings from that gospel on most of the Sundays from now until the end of November. When we read the gospels in the New Testament, we need to remember that they were written as a resource to bring people to faith (see for example John 20:31). Hence, whilst they contain account...Continue reading

10.01.2022 A reflection for the Easter season. Recorded by Brian at home. Jesus Chris our great Redeemer Who hath subdued death, From death awaketh:... The power of sin He breaketh. Have mercy upon us. See more

10.01.2022 Weekly Letter from St Lukes Dear Parish Friends The news from the Queensland Government of a roadmap to the easing of the Covid-19 restrictions is very welcome for the mental health of the community, and for the economic benefits to both individuals and businesses. However we need to remain aware that the virus has not been eliminated and so things will not be back to normal for quite some time yet. Ongoing advice to protect the vulnerable in our community and to prevent a... resurgence of infection will influence what we can and cannot do. For us to return to sharing worship at St Lukes is probably still two-three months away. However the Faith and Worship 365 group who met last Sunday started the conversation about what that may look like. Two points particularly struck me. Firstly, we have learnt a great deal about being the church in this time of doing things differently, such as online services and telephone contacts. What of this can we carry forward into the future? Then this is a great opportunity to review how we act out our mission to be Gods people in this area. We dont need to automatically seek to restart everything just the way it was, but reconsider where our resources are best spent. A summary of our discussion will be included in the next edition of Church news and I welcome your feedback. In our reading next Sunday from Acts (17:22-35), we hear of how Paul speaks a word of God into the situation in which he finds himself. Paul looked around and listened to the Athenian philosophers and then, with an understanding of his listeners needs, told them of the Good News. This is a time for our church to do likewise. We need to listen to each other, and indeed to others in our wider community, and then seek the most appropriate, Spirit-led, way forward into the future. In the Athenians, Paul sensed a spiritual hunger, and shared with them the God who could fulfil this. I read a report from a Danish academic that the number of searches for prayer, or God on Google has doubled for every 80,000 new cases of Covid-19. There is a spiritual hunger in the world. What is our response? In this months Pray Daily (daily prayer points for the church throughout the world) there is this prayer, which we have been using regularly at Evening Prayer which speaks to this. Ever present God, be with us in our isolation, be close to us in our distancing, be healing in our sickness, be light in our darkness, be wisdom in our confusion, be all that is familiar when all is unfamiliar, that when the doors reopen we may, with the zeal of Pentecost inhabit our communities and speak of your goodness to an emerging world. For Jesus sake. Amen. With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Revd Timothy

09.01.2022 Dear Parish Friends This week I would like to share with you something that I read whilst on retreat last week. I picked up a little booklet entitled ‘A time of grace’, which contained suggestions for ways of praying. As Anglicans we often see prayer as what we do from APBA, or ‘the prayers for the world and the church’ that we include in our Sunday service. These, corporate prayer and intercessions for God’s world, are of course important but growing in prayer as an individu...al is a great blessing. One of the suggestions in the booklet that I find particularly helpful is the ‘Examen’, which originated with Ignatius of Loyola. In it we reflect on God’s presence in our lives and become more aware of the grace of God in our life. Take a few minutes to reflect on the day that has passed, looking for times when we were aware of God’s presence, both those immediately obvious but also the less obvious ones. Rejoice and give thanks Take a few minutes to reflect on the day that has passed, looking for times when we missed the mark in our relationships and endeavours. Repent and receive forgiveness. Then call on God’s help for tomorrow, for grace to see God’s presence more clearly. It is in the quiet that we can become aware that God is all around us, even at the times when our busy lives seem to dominate. We need to take these times, and we are in good company: Jesus too sought silence to pray (see for example Luke 6:12 where Jesus goes to a mountainside to pray all night before calling his disciples). The prophet Isaiah reminds us: Thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength. (Isaiah 30:15) Or in the words of David Evans’ hymn: Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here; come bow before Him now with reverence and fear: in Him no sin is found we stand on holy ground. Be still, for the presence of the Lord, the Holy One, is here. With blessings for the week ahead. Yours in Christ Rev’d Timothy See more

09.01.2022 Music for Good Friday The hymn Were you there. Played and recorded by Brian, our organist. (Organ is an Allen CF-8 with Vista Navigator) This is his first go at recording for our on-line services. See our events for service times.

08.01.2022 A reflection for Anzac Day. Jupiters Theme (I vow to Thee my Country) by Gustav Holst (arr. Bryan Hesford). Played by Brian at home.

08.01.2022 Music reflection from todays 9am On-Line service. Thanks for your positive encouragement and comments.

05.01.2022 "Thursday Night Notes from St Lukes" Dear Parish friends The current situation evolves day by day, and the Anglican Church in this diocese is seeking to play its part in following the government regulations to reduce the spread of the virus and protect our communities. We have already had the news that we cannot use our church buildings, even for private prayer and the latest advice received today from the General Manager is that small group gatherings in private homes also ...Continue reading

04.01.2022 State Election Voting is open at St Luke’s Hall from today. We will be running stalls on Election Day Saturday 31st October and hopefully on Saturday 24th also.

02.01.2022 Weekly Letter from Rev Timothy Dear Parish Friends As I write this, I have spent much of the day preparing for the funeral of Grahame Bertram this Friday. From the number of responses I have received to my email I sent out on Monday, I know that he was a much loved member of this congregation, and it is very hard that the current Coronavirus restrictions mean that only the immediate family will be able to attend the service. The family have decided to postpone the interment o...Continue reading