Vicar's News - 30 August 2026
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Jesus carries his cross, St Cassian's Centre, Kinterbury, England
Penetcost 14
The deeper meaning of this week's Gospel reading (Matthew 16.21-28) reading is that following Jesus requires a complete shift from worldly ideas of success and power to a life of self-sacrifice and trust in God's plan.
Jesus tells his disciples for the first time that he must go to Jerusalem to suffer, die, and rise again. The disciples expected a political king who would use military might to free them from Roman rule, not a suffering saviour. This statement shatters their expectations. Peter tries to stop Jesus from facing death. He is thinking like a human, not like God's thinking. Jesus rebukes Peter referring to him as him as "Satan", because Peter's advice tempts Jesus to avoid the hard path of the cross. Jesus rejects this shortcut to power.
The Cost of Discipleship is taking up our own cross - Carrying a cross meant facing death. Jesus uses it to mean giving up our own selfish control - denying ourselves: Jesus' followers must put God’s will ahead of their own comfort, fear, and social status. If we try to save our physical comfort and worldly safety, we miss true spiritual life. If we surrender our lives to Jesus, we find true meaning that lasts forever. Gaining wealth or power in the world means nothing if we lose our souls in the process.
Music on Sunday
CHORAL EUCHARIST @ 10.00 AM
Prelude: Trio Sonata in D minor BWV 527 - J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Hymns: Processional My song· is love unknown
Gradual King of Glory, King of peace
Thanksgiving God who made heaven and earth
Post Communion Ye holy angels bright
Setting: Parish Eucharist - Michael Dudman (1938-1994)
Psalm: 105.1-7 (RSCM) - Soaper in D
Anthem: Verily, verily I say unto you - Thomas Tallis (1505- 1585)
Motet: My eyes for beauty pine - Herbert Howells (1892- 1983)
Postlude: 'Allegro' from Concerto in A minor BWV 593 (after Vivaldi) -
J.S. Bach (1685-17 50)
Vale
With great sadness we record the death of Winston McKean, who worshipped with us for many years. Winston's funeral will take place in the church on Tuesday at 2pm.
'May he rest in peace and rise in glory'.
Royal Australian Navy Band
Last Sunday the Royal Australian Navy Band joined us for a concert. We had a number of guests join us at 10.30am and were impresse by the band's performance of works well beyond marching tunes. The acoustics for their performance were excellent. They have kindly offered to return for a different performance and, no doubt, we will accept that offer in the future.
Moon Cake Festival
on Friday evening
Chess challenge
On Sunday next between 4-5pm, aspiring Chess Master, Anthony Hain, will be playing multiple chess partners in simultaneous games on our front lawn. Come along and challenge him!
This will also be an opportunity for us to soft-launch our new mission initiative -
the St Andrew's Chess Club
which will be starting in October.
Wednesday service
Every Wednesday we have a mid-week eucharist at 10.30am. This service offers a quiet, prayerful pause in the heart of the week with lots of friendship and laughter. Following the service we have refreshments in the Lady Chapel or at the Dendy Deli.
This Wednesday's service will be a healing service with anointing. All are welcome.
This Week
