The Anglican Parish of

St Luke Toowoomba (in partnership with the Parish of St George-Dirranbandi)

Fourth Sunday in Lent

22 March 2020

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GATHERING IN GOD’S NAME

¶ The service begins in silence. The Sanctuary party enters in silence.

¶ The Invocation

Bless the Lord who forgives all our sins,

Whose mercy endures for ever.

May our sharing in community reflect the grace of God,

And our lives embrace God’s love.

¶ The Greeting.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the

fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

And also with you.

¶ The Sentence.

‘I am the light of the world,’ says the Lord; ‘those who follow me

will have the light of life.’ John 8.12

¶ Introit hymn. As pants the hart (TIS 25)

As pants the hart for cooling streams

in parched and barren ways

so longs my soul for you, O God,

and your refreshing grace.

For you my God, the living God,

my thirsting soul will pine:

O when shall I behold your face,

your majesty divine?

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God of my strength, my tears have been

by day and might my food;

the mockers taunt continually

and say: ‘Where is your God?’

Why restless, why cast down, my soul?

Hope still and you shall sing

the praise of him who is your God,

your health’s eternal spring.

Nahum Tate 1652-1715 and

Nicholas Brady 1659-1726 alt.

The congregation kneels.

¶ Prayer of Preparation.

Let us pray

Almighty God,

to whom all hearts are open,

all desires known,

and from whom no secrets are hidden:

cleanse the thoughts of our hearts

by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit,

that we may perfectly love you,

and worthily magnify your holy name,

through Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ The Two Great Commandments.

Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love

the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul,

and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' Jesus said:

'This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it:

you shall love your neighbour as yourself.'

Lord, have mercy on us:

and write Your law in our hearts by Your Holy Spirit.

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¶ Confession

For love which has limits,

Lord have mercy

For compassion which has limits,

Christ have mercy

For hope which has limits,

Lord have mercy.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal,

have mercy on us.

After a short time of silence the Prayer of Absolution is declared.

The priest says

Almighty God,

who has promised forgiveness to all who turn to him in faith:

pardon you and set you free from all your sins,

strengthen you in all goodness

and keep you in eternal life,

through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

¶ The Collect of the Day:

Gracious God,

in order that we children of earth

might discern good from evil

you sent your Son to be the light of the world:

as the light of Christ shines upon us,

may we learn what pleases you,

and live in truth and goodness;

through the same Jesus Christ our Lord,

who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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THE MINISTRY OF THE WORD

May our hearts be open to hear God speaking to us.

¶ The First Reading, from the Old Testament, 1 Samuel 16.1-13

1 The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you grieve over Saul? I

have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with

oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I

have provided for myself a king among his sons.’ 2 Samuel said,

‘How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.’ And the Lord

said, ‘Take a heifer with you, and say, “I have come to sacrifice to

the Lord .” 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what

you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to

you.’ 4 Samuel did what the Lord commanded, and came to

Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling,

and said, ‘Do you come peaceably?’ 5 He said, ‘Peaceably; I have

come to sacrifice to the Lord ; sanctify yourselves and come with

me to the sacrifice.’ And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and

invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they came, he looked on

Eliab and thought, ‘Surely the Lord ’s anointed is now before the

Lord .’ 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his

appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected

him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the

outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’ 8 Then

Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He

said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this one.’ 9 Then Jesse made

Shammah pass by. And he said, ‘Neither has the Lord chosen this

one.’ 10 Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and

Samuel said to Jesse, ‘The Lord has not chosen any of these.’ 11 Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are all your sons here?’ And he said,

‘There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep.’

And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit

down until he comes here.’ 12 He sent and brought him in. Now

he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The

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Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; for this is the one.’ 13 Then

Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of

his brothers; and the spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David

from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah.

At the end, the reader says:

Hear the word of the Lord,

thanks be to God.

Notes on 1 Samuel 16.1-13

¶ The psalm for today is Psalm 23 and we will sing The Lord is my

Shepherd (TIS 659)

The Lord is my shepherd,

and I want to follow

wherever he leads me,

wherever he goes.

Over the mountains,

the waters and byways,

valleys and highways

he’s waiting for me.

God has different eyes to us. Looking through God’s eyes the world, people,

everything looks different. What sometimes seems like success is not what

God sees as success. In military and economic terms Ahab was one of the

most successful kings of Israel. Yet he is among the most criticised from

God’s perspective. Samuel looks with his perspective and sees a strapping

young man, tall, well built, handsome and thinks ‘YES, here we have

Saul’s replacement.’ But God has other ideas. Paul Mitchell

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

When have you been surprised about the difference between what God

wants and what you think could or should have happened?

What are the qualities which you think make for good leadership?

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I want to go to meet him there,

to lay myself down in his love.

The Lord is my shepherd

and I want to follow

wherever he leads me,

wherever he goes.

And while on the journey

to where we are going

he promised to be there

to help us along,

and over the mountains

we’ll walk on together,

to know all the wonders

he’s given to me. Brian Kerry Boniwell 1949-

based on Psalm 23

Notes on Psalm 23

This well-known psalm is about constant presence and unconditional

love. Even if we haven’t ever looked after sheep we get it. Even if we have

never lain down in a green pasture, relaxed and looked at the clouds in the

sky, we get it. Even if we haven’t been hiking to the tops of mountains or

through dangerous valleys, we get it. We are loved and God walks with

us. Paul Mitchell

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

When does this psalm come into your mind, into your thoughts and

prayers? What effect does it have on you, praying this psalm?

When are the times in your life when you have felt this protected, this

loved?

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¶ The Second Reading, from the New Testament, Ephesians 5.8-14

8 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light.

Live as children of light— 9 for the fruit of the light is found in all

that is good and right and true. 10 Try to find out what is pleasing

to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness,

but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to mention

what such people do secretly; 13 but everything exposed by the

light becomes visible, 14 for everything that becomes visible is

light. Therefore it says, ‘Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and

Christ will shine on you.’

At the end, the reader says:

Hear the word of the Lord,

thanks be to God.

Notes on Ephesians 5.8-14

It has been said that the quality of a person is revealed by how they act,

think and speak when no-one is watching. The hidden things of our lives

are ‘in the dark’. Part of the call we share as Christians is to live with

integrity, to have all the pieces of our lives patterned in ways which are

consistent. Is there anything we do because we can get away with it and

no-one will notice, no-one will know? This is not ‘big brother’ waiting to

catch us out. This is not God hanging off the side of a cloud waiting to

zap us for wrongdoing. This is a call to be whole, using that evocative

metaphor of light being shone into the whole of our lives. Paul Mitchell

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

How do you react to this invitation? Is there any part of your life that

you think should be away from the light of Christ? Why or why not?

Why does integrity matter?

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¶ Gradual hymn. Seek, O seek the Lord (TIS 464)

God be with us in our lives,

direct us in our calling;

break the snares the world contrives,

keep us from falling.

Refrain

Seek, 0 seek the Lord, while he is near;

trust him, speak to him in prayer, and he will hear

God, increase in us the life

that Christ by dying gave us:

though we faint in mortal strife

his blood will save us.

Strengthen in our hearts the love

we owe to one another;

how can we love God above

and not each other?

James Phillip McAuley

1917-76 alt.

¶ The Gospel Reading (John 9.1-41) All stand

The Lord be with you

And also with you.

The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, according to Saint

John, chapter nine, beginning at the forty-first verse.

Glory to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

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1 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His

disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents,

that he was born blind?’ 3 Jesus answered, ‘Neither this man nor

his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might

be revealed in him. 4 We must work the works of him who sent

me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As

long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.’ 6 When he

had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the

saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7 saying to him,

‘Go, wash in the pool of Siloam’ (which means Sent). Then he

went and washed and came back able to see. 8 The neighbours

and those who had seen him before as a beggar began to ask, ‘Is

this not the man who used to sit and beg?’ 9 Some were saying, ‘It

is he.’ Others were saying, ‘No, but it is someone like him.’ He

kept saying, ‘I am the man.’ 10 But they kept asking him, ‘Then

how were your eyes opened?’ 11 He answered, ‘The man called

Jesus made mud, spread it on my eyes, and said to me, “Go to

Siloam and wash.” Then I went and washed and received my

sight.’ 12 They said to him, ‘Where is he?’ He said, ‘I do not know.’ 13 They brought to the Pharisees the man who had formerly been

blind. 14 Now it was a sabbath day when Jesus made the mud and

opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also began to ask him how

he had received his sight. He said to them, ‘He put mud on my

eyes. Then I washed, and now I see.’ 16 Some of the Pharisees said,

‘This man is not from God, for he does not observe the sabbath.’

But others said, ‘How can a man who is a sinner perform such

signs?’ And they were divided. 17 So they said again to the blind

man, ‘What do you say about him? It was your eyes he opened.’

He said, ‘He is a prophet.’ 18 The Jews did not believe that he had

been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents

of the man who had received his sight 19 and asked them, ‘Is this

your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now

see?’ 20 His parents answered, ‘We know that this is our son, and

that he was born blind; 21 but we do not know how it is that now

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he sees, nor do we know who opened his eyes. Ask him; he is of

age. He will speak for himself.’ 22 His parents said this because

they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that

anyone who confessed Jesus to be the Messiah would be put out

of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, ‘He is of age; ask

him.’ 24 So for the second time they called the man who had been

blind, and they said to him, ‘Give glory to God! We know that this

man is a sinner.’ 25 He answered, ‘I do not know whether he is a

sinner. One thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.’ 26 They said to him, ‘What did he do to you? How did he open

your eyes?’ 27 He answered them, ‘I have told you already, and

you would not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you

also want to become his disciples?’ 28 Then they reviled him,

saying, ‘You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We

know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do

not know where he comes from.’ 30 The man answered, ‘Here is an

astonishing thing! You do not know where he comes from, and

yet he opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not listen to

sinners, but he does listen to one who worships him and obeys his

will. 32 Never since the world began has it been heard that anyone

opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this man were not

from God, he could do nothing.’ 34 They answered him, ‘You were

born entirely in sins, and are you trying to teach us?’ And they

drove him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had driven him out, and

when he found him, he said, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ 36 He answered, ‘And who is he, sir? Tell me, so that I may believe

in him.’ 37 Jesus said to him, ‘You have seen him, and the one

speaking with you is he.’ 38 He said, ‘Lord, I believe.’ And he

worshipped him. 39 Jesus said, ‘I came into this world for

judgement so that those who do not see may see, and those who

do see may become blind.’ 40 Some of the Pharisees near him

heard this and said to him, ‘Surely we are not blind, are we?’ 41 Jesus said to them, ‘If you were blind, you would not have sin.

But now that you say, “We see”, your sin remains.

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At the end, the reader says:

Hear the Gospel of the Lord.

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.

Notes on John 9.1-41

Light brings clear sight. This is a story about seeing clearly, clouded vision

and the arrogance that sometimes comes with presuming that we have

already got 20/20 vision and insight and complete understanding. The

significant amount of repetition in this story may seem to make it

unnecessarily long, yet part of the point is that the story was told and told

and told and STILL the people who should have seen what was going on

didn’t. They even claimed firmly to understand what was going on, and for

that arrogance they were criticised even more by Jesus. Bringing our lives

into the light often does require a hefty dose of humility. Paul Mitchell

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:

How do you think the world would appear to you if, whatever your age,

you were seeing for the first time?

Where do you think your blind spots might be? (ask your friends and

those who love you. they will know).

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¶ Nicene Creed. Please stand.

Lay Assistant: Let us together affirm the faith of the Church.

We believe in one God,

the Father, the almighty,

maker of heaven and earth,

of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ,

the only Son of God,

eternally begotten of the Father,

God from God, Light from Light,

true God from true God,

begotten, not made,

of one Being with the Father;

through him all things were made.

For us and for our salvation

he came down from heaven,

was incarnate of the Holy Spirit

and the virgin Mary

and became truly human.

For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate;

he suffered death and was buried.

On the third day he rose again

in accordance with the Scriptures;

he ascended into heaven

and is seated at the right hand of the Father.

He will come again in glory to judge 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 proceeds from the Father and the Son,

who with the Father and the Son

is worshipped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets.

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We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church.

We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.

We look for the resurrection of the dead,

and the life of the world to come. Amen.

¶ A member of the community shares their Journey of Faith.

Silence follows.

THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

¶ Let us pray for all people and for the Church throughout the

world.

The prayers are led by a member of the congregation

¶ The Lord’s Prayer

As 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 us from the time of trial

and deliver us from evil.

For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours

now and forever. Amen.

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THE GREETING OF PEACE

¶ All stand for the Greeting of Peace.

Christ has reconciled us to God in one body by the cross.

We meet in his name and share his peace.

The peace of the Lord be always with you.

And also with you.

All may exchange a sign of peace.

¶ Offertory hymn. Take my life (TIS 599).

During this hymn a collection is taken up to support the work

of the church here. If you would like to contribute on a regular

basis please contact our parish office.

As many people no longer carry cash, but are willing to make

contributions, the QR code printed here can be used to access a

donations page for this parish.

Take my life, and let it be

consecrated, Lord, to thee.

Take my moments and my days,

let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move

at the impulse of thy love.

Take my feet, and let them be

swift and beautiful for thee.

The worldwide spread of COVID 19 – Coronavirus leads us to take

greater care in how we look after each other. The virus is

transmitted in simple ways including by hand. Please wash hands

regularly and, when available, please use alcohol based hand

sanitisers. As a way of caring for each other please, for the time

being, exchange the peace verbally without shaking hands. Where

possible we will provide hand sanitiser at each centre.

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Take my voice, and let me sing

always, only, for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be

filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold,

nothing, Lord, would I withhold.

Take my intellect, and use

every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;

it shall be no longer mine.

Take my heart, it is thine own;

it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love: my Lord, I pour

at thy feet its treasure- store.

Take myself, and I will be

ever, only, all for thee. Frances Ridley Havergal

1836-79 alt.

¶ The Offertory:

Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.

Through your goodness we have these gifts to share.

Accept and use our offerings for your glory

and for the service of your kingdom.

Blessed be God for ever.

THE GREAT THANKSGIVING

¶ The priest takes the bread and wine for the communion, places them on

the Lord’s Table, and says the following Prayer of Thanksgiving and

Consecration.

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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.

All glory and honour, be yours always and everywhere,

mighty Creator, everliving God.

We give you thanks and praise for your Son,

our Saviour Jesus Christ,

who by the power of the Holy Spirit was born of Mary

and lived as one of us.

He was tempted in every way as we are, yet He did not sin.

By his death on the cross and rising to new life,

he offered the one true sacrifice for sin

and obtained an eternal deliverance for his people.

By His grace we are able to triumph over every evil,

and to walk in the way of His love.

Therefore with angels and archangels,

and with all the company of heaven,

we proclaim your great and glorious name,

for ever praising you and saying:

Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might,

heaven and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna in the highest.

And now, gracious God, we thank you

for these gifts of bread and wine,

and pray that we who receive them,

in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit,

according to our Saviour’s word,

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in remembrance of his suffering and death,

may share his body and blood.

On the night before he died, Jesus took bread,

and when he had given you thanks

he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying,

‘Take and eat. This is my body which is given for you.

Do this in remembrance of me.’

After supper, he took the cup,

and again giving you thanks

he gave it to his disciples, saying,

‘Drink from this, all of you.

This is my blood of the new covenant

which is shed for you and for many

for the forgiveness of sins.

Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.’

We eat this bread and drink this cup

to proclaim the death of the Lord.

We do this until he returns.

Come, Lord Jesus!

Father, as we recall his saving death and glorious resurrection,

may we who share these gifts

be renewed by your Holy Spirit

and united in the body of your Son.

Bring us with all your people

into the joy of your eternal kingdom,

there to feast at your table and

join in your eternal praise:

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,

to receive praise and honour

and glory and power

for ever and ever. Amen.

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THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD AND THE COMMUNION

¶ Breaking of the Bread:

As this broken bread was once many grains,

which have been gathered together and made one bread:

so may your Church be gathered

from the ends of the earth into your kingdom.

Jesus, Lamb of God, have mercy on us.

Jesus, bearer of our sins, have mercy on us.

Jesus, redeemer of the world, grant us your peace

The gifts of God for the people of God.

Come let us take this holy sacrament of the body and blood of

Christ in remembrance that he died for us, and feed on him in our

hearts by faith with thanksgiving.

¶ The priest and other communicants receive the Holy Communion.

The sacrament is given with the following words.

The body of Christ, keep you in eternal life.

Amen.

If you are a communicant member of another church community

you are welcome to share the Sacrament of Communion with us.

The worldwide spread of COVID 19 – Coronavirus leads us to take

greater care in how we look after each other. While it is extremely

unlikely that the virus (or any disease) can be transmitted through the

common cup, for the time being we will share Holy Communion using

only the bread. Anglican theology and understanding of this sacrament

which we share has long declared that Christ is fully present in both

‘kinds’ (bread and wine). While it is preferable to share both when

celebrating Holy Communion in certain circumstances it is reasonable

to receive one ‘kind’ only. This will be reviewed as more information

becomes available. This is offered as part of caring for one another.

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THE SENDING OUT OF GOD’S PEOPLE

¶ Prayer after Communion.

Let us pray.

Compassionate and loving God,

through your Son Jesus Christ

you have fed us

and have reconciled your people to yourself.

Following his example of fasting and prayer,

may we obey you with willing hearts

and serve one another in holy love.

Lord,

draw us closer to you

lead us in deeper faithfulness

and send us into the world

empowered by your love. Amen.

¶ Notices

A prayer of thanks

Thank you, Lord, for all who care

Bless them with your love.

Thanks for mothers everywhere

Bless them with your love.

For those who brighten up our day

Bless them with your love.

Who always have the right words to say

Bless them with your love.

Thanks for hugs, and love and smiles

Bless them with your love.

Thanks for all those extra miles

Bless them with your love.

And when they feel they’re not enough

Bless them with your love.

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BLESSING OF SIMNEL CAKE

This day is celebrated as ‘Mothering Sunday’ (also known as

‘Refreshment Sunday’ or ‘Laetare Sunday’). For those who have been

observing Lent strictly this was a day to be a bit lighter on yourself!! It

was a day when, in England in past centuries, girls in ‘service’ were

allowed to return to their homes to see their mothers. The tradition of

baking and taking special cakes developed and the ‘simnel cake’ became

the symbol for thanksgiving for our mothers. We share it with one

another and (for those still blessed to have their mothers alive and

nearby) often a piece of blessed cake will be taken and shared with them.

Almighty God, giver of all joy: Receive at our hands this cake,

that it may be to us a symbol of our communion with you and

with one another; as its flour was once scattered over our land as

wheat and now is one, so let us be one in anticipation of your gift

of the new Jerusalem which, as your redeemed people, is our joy,

our hope, our destiny, and our home. Hear us, O Lord, through

Jesus Christ your Son, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be

all honour and glory, now and for ever.

Amen.

¶ Prayer

Christ our Saviour draw you to himself, that you may find in him

crucified a sure ground for faith, a firm support for hope, and the

assurance of sin forgiven.

¶ The dismissal.

Lay assistant:

Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.

In the name of Christ. Amen.

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¶ Missional Song. I heard the voice of Jesus say (TIS 585)

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

‘Come unto me and rest;

lay down, O weary one, lay down

your head upon my breast.’

I came to Jesus as I was,

weary and worn and sad;

I found in him a resting-place,

and he has made me glad.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

‘Behold, I freely give

the living water; thisty one,

stoop down and drink and live.’

I came to Jesus, and I drank

of that life-giving stream;

my thirst was quenched, my soul revived,

and now I live in him.

I heard the voice of Jesus say,

‘I am this dark world’s light;

look unto me, your morn shall rise,

and all your day be bright.’

I looked to Jesus, and I found

in him my star, my sun;

and in that light of life I’ll walk

till travelling days are done. Horatius Bonar

1808-89 alt.

Text © Anglican Church of Australia Trust Corporation. Used by permission

The Liturgical Psalter is © 1976, 1977, David L Frost, John A Emerton, Andrew A Macintosh.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New Revised Standard Version.

Copyright 1989 by the division of Christian Education by the National Council of Churches of

Christ in the USA.

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Sharing Good News.

Sharing Good News Tip # 25

Pray. You have been reflecting on how welcoming we are, and you have asked for a frank and honest appraisal of our welcoming. Now to put that learning into practice. Next Sunday, or the next time you come to join in a service of worship, plan to arrive early. Make sure you find out what is happening that day. Anything special? Baptisms or other celebrations? What resources are going to be available that day for children? Will there be a children’s talk? What resources are we using this day for everyone? Booklets, hymn books, hymns on the screens? What is coming up in the life of the church community? Are there social events and other opportunities for people to participate. All that preparation will help you to be more welcoming. Wear your name badge! Greet people at the door or outside. Be friendly and open (no ‘pouncing’!). For the regulars, smile and say whatever you would usually when you see them. If they ask why you are out here doing this explain, and suggest that they might like to do the same next week. For people you don’t recognise,

• Ask if they have been here before;

• Tell them your name and ask for their name(s). Remember or write the names down so that you can introduce them to others!);

• Offer to help if they need anything explained;

• If they seem at all hesitant or unsure offer to sit with them during the service;

• Point them to the desk or place where they will get a booklet or whatever is being used for the day;

• If they have children explain what will be happening that day and where there are books, etc, for children.

• If there is hospitality after the service invite them to stay for that;

• If you have not gone inside to sit with someone new, when you do come in sit nearby any newcomers and be prepared to help them find their way;

• At the greeting of peace greet the newcomers, by name;

• After the service take time to talk with any newcomers. Introduce them to others. Ask what they thought of the service. Listen. What they share, good or bad, is a gift.

• If you are really brave, and have begun to make a connection, invite them to lunch! (You might like to prepare by having a few others already invited this day so that it is a shared meal).

• Invite them to come again and invite them to things that are coming up in the church community.

Record this experience in your ‘Good News Journal’. Talk with others. Some people have a great heart for welcoming. Could you, and they, be part of doing this regularly?

Read and reflect on Philemon. The whole letter. It is not that long!!

“God, you embrace us, you call us into relationship and you enfold us in love, you

prepare a table for us where we are always welcome. May we be as you are, always. In

Jesus’ name, amen.”

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Parish Roll Update If you have moved or changed your contact phone or e-mail address since joining St Luke’s Parish, please e-mail your updated contact details to stluke.tmba@bigpond.com or visit the Parish Office M-F 9am-1pm. New to St Luke’s Parish? Would you like to be added to our Parish Roll? Please ask one of our Centre Wardens or clergy for a Welcome Card to complete at the back of the Church Centres or visit the Parish Office. Being on our roll will ensure that you don’t miss out on upcoming information that is posted or e-mailed .

Today is Mothering Sunday. Mothers Union coordinated retiring collection for overseas mission in Papua New Guinea. Please bring your donation to the Parish office.

Services

There will be no Service gatherings until further notice.

Services will be broadcast live on the parish Facebook page at 9am Sundays and

weekdays. There will also be links provided on the website for those who do not have

Facebook. Printed copies of services can be obtained through the Parish office. Please

phone or call in during office hours.

If you are following on line, please have your Bible and a copy of the Prayer book

handy. Copies of the weekday morning prayer services will be available from the

parish office.

St Luke’s church will remain open from 8am to 3pm daily for prayer.

St Luke’s Mothers Union “ Lady Day Service and Wave of Prayer” Monday 23 March 2020 at 10.00 am. Outside near St Luke’s Labyrinth This will be a short service of prayer, readings and music presented by MU, Everyone welcome.

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anglican focus is the official news site of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland, with over 150 contributors from across our Diocese. To keep up to date with parish, Bishop, school and ministry news, subscribe to the fortnightly e-news by visiting https://anglicanfocus.org.au/subscribe/

Parish Direct via ANFIN is an easy way of giving. Please consider using this secure and convenient way for you and your family to show your commitment to your parish community. Your nominated contribution is debited from your bank account regularly each week, fortnight or month as you request, by electronic funds transfer (EFT). Gifting certificates are available if you wish to have something to place in the plate at Church. Gifting in this regular way helps our parish leadership plan more easily for our future needs and for outreach into the community. Leaflets are available in our parish churches if you would like more information or to arrange your giving in this way.

Thought for the Week from Mothers union Australia Sunday 22 March 2020

Nurturing

This week begins with Mothering Sunday and then Lady Day follows on Wednesday. The observance of Mothering Sunday is still well observed in the UK. Prayers and liturgies are available on the MU website. Posies and cake touch every heart and there is much to be gained by the recognition of those who nurtured our faith whether mother, father or ‘the lady who showed me the place in the prayer book’. Let us be that nurturing person and help to hand down the care.

He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep. Isaiah 40:11

This week as we also remember Mary Sumner’s vision, let us pray for those children unable to be cared for by their parents and who need the safety and security of foster parents. Love is the healer of all wounds. Let us pray for those children starved of love.

Parish Small Groups Are suspended at present.

Every Day with Jesus March/April 2020 editions available from the Parish Office. $10 each.

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ABM stamps Please drop your used stamps into the Parish Office M-F 9am-1pm.

Parish Larder • Soup

• Tinned vegetables

• Tinned meals

• Tuna (S,M,L)

• Baked beans/Spaghetti

• Pasta

• Juice

• Sweet/Savoury biscuits

This list is updated each week to reflect the immediate needs. Thank you to all who regularly contribute. Please make a habit of putting at least one item in your trolley or bag each time you shop and bring it to the Parish office.

Recycling For Larder Thank you for your amazing response. Total raised in 2019: $1,375.70. 2020 YTD: $552.50. Keep up the great work.

Pastoral Care Coordinators

St Luke’s: Evie Rennick 0407 064 778 Jeanette Maguire 4638 2904

St Mark’s: Val Johnston 4635 5428 Joy Lemin 0434 406 340 Jennifer Murray 0439 011 494

All Saints: Sue Smith 0412 228 255 Helen Moffatt 0437 440 580

Please make contact to share needs

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Please Pray for: John Warbrick, Desleigh Kane, Jonathan Marsh, Katherine Evans, Glenn Harcourt, Maureen Price, Juanita Kennedy, Sarah McLeod, Barbara Lavers, David Mayen, Marie Harris, Joan Warbrick, Andrew Bannah, Geoffrey & Janet Brown, Peter Millar, Sue Warbrick, Kim & Dave Booth, Gwen Levingston, Tessa Tamvakis, Matthew Weatherley, Caz Gratian, Marion Ellem, Helen Mitchell, Paul Merry, Frank Wippell, Greg Rawkins, Sharon Mitchell, Irene Dimmick

Please take and use these suggestions for prayer (as well as the other plans and events mentioned throughout this bulletin). Let all that we are doing and all our plans inform your offering of prayer.

Pray for State School Chaplains: Joeleene Lochel-Rangeville Kevin Murray– Toowoomba East Jason Berry- Centenary Heights

Pray Daily

• Pray for the Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui: †Paul Kwong - Archbishop of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui & Bishop of Hong Kong Island • The Diocese of Rockhampton: Vacant; Clergy and People • The Parish of Pittsworth: Frances Andrews • Abri Residential Aged Care – Gold Coast • St John’s College UQ: Rose Alwyn – Warden; Chaplain – Ceri Wynne; Chair of Council – John Peden; members of College Council; staff & students

St George-Dirranbandi: Please keep praying for our partners

No Games Morning With regret games mornings are in recession until further notice.

Craft, Coffee & Chat Group

Monday mornings 9.30am – 11.30am St Luke’s Church Come and enjoy the care, comfort and company of a relaxed group who come together sharing in craft and friendship. Bring your own craft.

Contacts: Evie Rennick 0407 064 778 Jeanette Maguire 4638 2904

St Luke’s Mothers Union meeting 24 March. 7.30pm at St Mark’s

Men’s Group 27 March at 6pm 12 Derwak Street, Harristown $10 for Dinner—BYO drinks—wine provided RSVP to the Parish Office on 4639 1910

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Parish Clergy:

The Reverend Paul Mitchell 0437 391 910

rector@stlukestoowoomba.org.au

Paul takes Tuesdays off

The Reverend Peter Mayen 0410 488 195

peter@stlukestoowoomba.org.au

Peter is working in the parish on Sundays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Honorary Associate Priest: The Reverend Sharon Mitchell 0407 735 327 Other Clergy licensed to this Parish:

The Revd. Terry Leonard 4696 2046

The Revd. Malcolm Twine 0412 247 879

Bishop Clyde Wood 0439 877 240

The Revd. Bill Watson 0400 094 438

Rector’s Warden Judy Bond 0412 010 668 Parish Wardens Steve Rigney 0408 718 173 Sandy Lee 0407 578 658

Centre Wardens St Luke’s Gordon Lee 0417 726 930 Alan Rennick 0428 214 649 St Mark’s Patricia Wilson 0429 351 196 Jeffrey Martin 0408 157 455 All Saints Stephen Hart 0435 845 144 Kimberley Browning 0438 598 626

St Luke’s- Corner of Herries and Ruthven Streets, Toowoomba

St Mark’s- Corner of High and Angle Streets, Rangeville

All Saints- 26 Arthur Street, East Toowoomba

Readings for next Sunday 29 Mar

• Ezekiel 37.1-14

• Psalm 130

• Romans 8.6-11

• John 11.1-45

Web: www.stlukestoowoomba.org.au Ph: 4639 1910 Fax: 4639 5127 Office Hours: Mon-Fri, 9.00am-1.00pm Address: PO Box 2434, Toowoomba Email: stluke.tmba@bigpond.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/StLukesParish

We acknowledge the Jarowair and Giabal peoples as the original custodians of this land.