Vicar's News - 3 August 2025

Fr Ian
3 days ago
3 min read

You can see our 10am service on-line by clicking this link.

Titian, Transfiguration 1560 — Titian, *Transfiguration* 1560

The Transfiguration

The Transfiguration is a pivotal event in Christian theology. Jesus appearance transformed, revealing his divine glory to three of his disciples, Peter, James, and John. It is described in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and is also referenced in Peter's second letter.

Jesus took Peter, James, and John up a mountain to pray. There, Jesus' appearance changed; his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah, prominent figures from the Old Testament, appeared and spoke with Jesus about his impending "departure," which refers to his death and resurrection.

A voice from a bright cloud declared, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" This is a revelation of Jesus's divine nature and a glimpse into his future glory. It also signifies the fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and the Prophets (Elijah) in Jesus.

Though the disciples do not understand its meaning, the Transfiguration and Jesus' charge to the disciples present a promise of what is to come. There is hope, because he will soon triumph over sin and death, and be raised in the fullness of glory – the glory of which they have just been given a glimpse.

Music on Sunday

TENOR & BASS EUCHARIST @ 10.00 AM

Prelude: An Interlude - Harold Darke (1888-1976)

Hymns: Processional Christ, whose glory fills the skies

Gradual How good, Lord, to be here

Thanksgiving Now thank we all our God

Post Communion Lord, the light of your love is shining

Setting: St. Andrew’s Mass – Timothy Mallis (b.1996)

Psalm: 96 (NPCW)

Anthem: Oh how amiable – Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)

Motet: Ave verum – Plainchant

Postlude: 'Toccata' from Suite Gothique - Leon Boëllmann (1862-1897)

Return of the chalice and the communion rail

Since the advent of COVID in 2000, we have offered the sacrament of Holy Eucharist in one form only - the bread - intincted with a cross applied with wine. This has been to avoid breathing into the chalice and potentially spreading COVID. Communion is fully received by having one form only, but partaking of both elements of communion - bread and wine is part of our Anglican heritage as Muriel Porter recently wrote in The Melbourne Anglican - which you can read here.

This weekend we are following the lead of our Sat@6 service and are returning to offering the chalice as well as the bread at all our services. We will do this at the communion rail. Many of us may have forgotten how to approach and leave the rail (it has been 5 years) without creating a traffic jam, so the sidespeople will assist on Sunday, following the directions for people on each side of the church nave as shown in the diagram below.

The centre of the communion rail will be marked with a ribbon.

At the rail, you may either kneel or stand.

Those on the left hand side will come to the centre of the communion rail, and fill the left side from the centre - exiting down the steps behind the pulpit. The bread and wine will begin at, and return to, the centre of the communion rail. Those on the right hand side will come to the far right side and fill the spaces to the left up to the centre line. The bread and wine will begin at, and return to, the far right side of the communion rail.

You do not have to consume the wine - you can leave the communion rail as soon as the person on your left has received their wafer. It is your choice whether to drink from the chalice or not. No judgement by others.

If you are going to partake of the chalice, please avoid dunking the wafer into the chalice (intinction) as this is generally considered less hygienic than drinking from the chalice and can increase the risk of spreading germs.

Vale- Ian Mence OAM

We record our regret that Ian Mence OAM has died. Ian was a regular parishioner at our 10am service and a great patron of Mazi Café. He will be greatly missed as the bon vivant of Church Street. The family tribute below records some of Ian's contribution to society and our local community. Our condolences to Suzie, David and Cameron and their families at this difficult time.