Christ gives the keys of the kingdom to Peter, detail – Perugino, approx 1450-1523
Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
(No live-stream this week)
This Sunday’s Gospel offers us deep insights into the essence of our faith and the foundation upon which the Church stands. In Matthew 16:13-20, we witness a pivotal moment when Jesus engages in a dialogue with His disciples, questioning them about His identity and eventually revealing the truth that becomes the bedrock of our faith. The disciples share the opinions circulating among the people – some see Him as John the Baptist, others as Elijah or Jeremiah. In a world of confusion and competing ideologies, isn't this scenario all too familiar? Our own lives are often filled with the noise of differing voices, each claiming to hold the truth. But then comes the pivotal moment, as Jesus asks, 'But who do you say that I am?' Peter, ever impulsive, speaks with conviction: 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God' In this confession, Peter not only recognizes Jesus' identity but also acknowledges the divine nature of Christ – the very cornerstone of our faith. The learning we draw from this passage is the unifying power of faith. Just as Peter's confession became the foundation of the Church, our shared belief in Jesus as the Christ unites us as one body. Archbishop Justin Welby beautifully encapsulates this truth, saying, 'In Jesus, God has established a unity that transcends our differences.' This unity isn't mere uniformity of thought, but a profound spiritual bond that crosses cultures, languages, and generations. May God bless you.
Music
Sunday 27 August 10am
CANTOR EUCHARIST @ 10.00 AM
Prelude: ‘Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir’ (Psalm 130) BWV 687 – J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Hymns: Processional All hail the power of Jesus’ name TiS 224
Gradual Let our choirs new anthems raise NEH 219
Thanksgiving Now we come, our heavenly Father TiS 462
Post Communion Ye watchers and ye holy ones NEH 478
Setting: St Andrew’s Mass – Timothy Mallis (b.1996)
Psalm: 130; TiS 81
Anthem: The people that walked in darkness from Messiah – G. F. Handel (1685-1759)
Motet: A Song of Trust – Charles Villiers Stanford (1852-1924)
Postlude: ‘Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir’ (Psalm 130) BWV 686 – J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Vale
Our much-loved friend Frances Nicholls has died.
Her funeral will be in the church on Friday 1 September at 11.00am.
May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Autumn Moon Festival
All welcome
Thursday 14 September 10.30am-2.00pm
Pioneer Chapel
RSVP / sign-up here is not essential, but will assist with planning Inquiries to Rev'd Xeverie email or 0413 111 277
Rosters
