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Coming Soon!

• Our guest preacher this Sunday December 8 will be Robyn Whitaker, who teaches at Pilgrim College and is the director of the Wesley Centre (of which MtE is a financial supporter). We continue to seek to get the new A/V system to work as intended; any feedback on this from remote viewers is welcome!
• The MtE Events Calendar

News

Hotham Mission Christmas Appeal

As we are fast approaching Christmas and the end of the year, the team at Hotham Mission would like to share some of the work we have been doing during 2024. Thanks to the hard work of staff and our many volunteers, HM’s work with the local community is still running smoothly, despite an office relocation and significant staff changes. Our regular programming throughout the year includes

• supporting 30 kids from Prep – Year 6 through our Monday and Friday Homework Clubs The program is so successful and popular we had to cap attendance and have a waitlist..

• a weekly Young Women’s program (15 – 25 year olds) and an additional monthly book club, supported by the City of Melbourne Library staff.

• A Food Program which supports 100 local households per week through schools and other local organisations with essential food items in times of need, and some assistance to over 100 students per week through the school breakfast programs of Mount Alexander College and University High. 

• the Renshaw material aid program, which assisted around 100 local High School students to access essential study materials like books and electronic devices.

• Our partnership with the Uniting – Asylum Seeker Project to provide accommodation and other support to asylum seekers

As we approach Christmas and the end of the year we will be providing over 100 Christmas Boxes to local people who are in need. And celebrating the end of the school year with the kids who we regularly work with, across all our programs. And in January 2025 we will have some holiday programs, prior to the start of regular programming for the year.  

If you are interested in assisting Hotham Mission with a tax-deductible donation, you can do so via Give Now, and if you are interested in volunteering or would like to know more, please contact the team on Ph: (03) 9326 8245 or E: programs@hothammission.org.au

From the team at Hotham Mission, we thank you for your ongoing interest and support and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

1. Most recent Assembly news (Nov 27)
2. Most recent Synod News (Nov 28)

Other things which might interest

• Previous sermons and services (video recordings)

Our Lenten Studies for 2025 will use Rowan Williams’ Christ on Trial: How the Gospel Unsettles our Judgement. 

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In this book the former Archbishop of Canterbury looks in depth at the trial of Jesus, using it to teach readers how to face the challenges of life in today’s trying times.

Bringing the biblical accounts of Jesus’ trial vividly to life, Rowan Williams highlights what can be learned about Jesus from each of the four Gospel portraits. Mark shows a mysterious figure revealed as the Son of God. Matthew describes the Wisdom of God tried by foolish men. Luke presents a divine stranger. John speaks of the paradox of divinity submitting to judgement. These discussions are followed by a reflection on Christian martyrdom and a meditation on tyranny, freedom, and truth. 

Throughout the book, Williams draws not only from the Bible but also from fiction, drama, and current events, pointing out ways in which society today continues to put Christ on trial. Even more, he argues that all Christians stand with Jesus before a watching world. Though we may not be directly confronted with death, we are nevertheless called daily to respond to the falsehood of such lures as power, influence, and prestige.

The study groups seek to be ecumenical in participation, with people from MtE, Parkville’s St Carthages, Carlton’s Church of All Nations and Hawthorn’s Habitat Uniting Church being among those participating. (Let us know if you would like to join our online ones!)

At the moment, two online (Zoom) groups are planned from Wednesday March 5 (7.45pm) and Friday March 7 (1.30PM), for six weeks (one week per chapter). (We are, however, hoping to be able to offer other groups in co-operation with other congregations — these will be added to the page here as they are confirmed). (Let us know if you would like to offer a parallel series of studies on this text we could advertise!)

Participants should get their own copies of the book. Amazon will be the quickest, but it is also available at other places more cheaply if you get early. The version of the book (cover) on this page is the “reference” version; the older blue-covered edition has the same pagination if you can find a cheap secondhand copy; the black-covered edition is probably also the same pagination, but unconfirmed! 

You might also be interested in:

• • Quarterly Conversations on the Quarterly Essay
  • Second Quarter Studies 2025 – A Public Faith

Please register your intention to join the Lenten discussions below, so that you can receive the Zoom link for groups!

PLEASE REGISTER BELOW

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Coming Soon!

• For worship on Sunday November 24; a shared luncheon follows the service. AND we’re still working on the new A/V system and our service streaming. Particular apologies to those who are accessing the service online, for which the audio has been quite problematic.
• The MtE Events Calendar

News

• Most recent Assembly news (Nov 19)
• Most recent Presbytery News (Nov 19)

Other things which might interest

• Thursday 28th November at 7:30pm Melbourne time. ‘Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Holy Land: Out of the depths, I cried to you oh Lord’. This online event is being organised through the Uniting Church Assembly’s Working for Justice Circle. Register here for the connection details.

• Previous sermons and services (video recordings)

You’re most welcome to join us at our Christmas celebrations this year!

Sunday December 22 (Advent 4, morning worship): a service of Advent carols and readings with Eucharist, 10am.

We have no Christmas Eve (night of the 24th) services at Mark the Evangelist, but commend the Christmas Eve service at St Mary’s Anglican Church: (11.30pm Christmas Eve Midnight Mass); there is also a Children’s Christmas Service service at St Mary’s on Sunday December 22 at 2pm. or Wesley Uniting Church, Lonsdale Street at 9pm.

Christmas Day (Wednesday 25th): Worship with Eucharist, 9.30am

Normal services will continue, 10am, on December 31 and throughout January; see the calendar for details

ALL SERVICES at MtE are presently being live-streamed from the designated start time, and are available later as a recording: details from streaming link on the Home Page

 

Each year Mark the Evangelist encourages its members and others to contribute to the Christmas Bowl, an annual appeal run by Act for Peace which raises funds for various national and international relief projects.

For an introduction to the focus of the appeal this year, click on the video below. The Christmas Bowl’s own home page is here. To contribute to the appeal, go directly to the appeal’s donation page.

Introduction to the Christmas Bowl Appeal 2024

 

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Coming Soon!

• For worship on Sunday November 17, we welcome Yoojin Song as our guest preacher this year (Yoojin is a candidate for UCA ministry at Pilgrim College). AND we’re still working on the new A/V system and our service streaming — hoping it comes together better this week…
• There will be a hymn-learning session after worship/morning tea this Sunday week, November 17
• Study groups have returned on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• The MtE Events Calendar

News

• Most recent Synod News (Nov 12)

Other things which might interest

• Thursday 28th November at 7:30pm Melbourne time. ‘Prayer Vigil for Peace in the Holy Land: Out of the depths, I cried to you oh Lord’. This online event is being organised through the Uniting Church Assembly’s Working for Justice Circle. Register here for the connection details.

• Previous sermons and services (video recordings)

……………………………………………………………………..

Coming Soon!

• Worship on Sunday November 10, as usual! We’re still tweaking the new A/V system — with particular apology to online viewers, for whom the images have been a bit fuzzy and the sound substandard…
• There will be a hymn-learning session after worship/morning tea next week, Nov 17
• Study groups on Wednesdays and Fridays – an ad hoc series – returning on Nov 13/15 after a week’s break.
• The MtE Events Calendar

Wesley Centre

MtE is a sponsor of the Wesly Centre

• Christian Monastic Wisdom Today
  Join us at the Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne University, for an enlightening conversation between our Director Robyn Whitaker and Cyprian Consiglio, a Camaldolese monk and recently appointed International Secretary General for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. Cyprian’s work focusses on how Christian monastic traditions can inform and enrich contemporary contemplative practices and interfaith conversation.  Given the growing religious diversity in Australia, this exploration of spiritual traditions is particularly timely.  When: Wednesday the 13th of November, 5:30pm – 7pm, in the here: University of Melbourne’s Forum Theatre (153), Arts West – North Wing (148A)

Other things which might interest

• Previous sermons and services (video recordings)

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Coming Soon!

• Worship on Sunday November 3 will be led by Rob Gotch (All Saints). We’re still tweaking the new A/V system. Please note that the wall-mounted camera in the new system which faces the congregation is not in operation during our live streams, only those behind the congregation.
• Study groups have returned on Wednesdays and Fridays – an ad hoc series – come just for one if you’d like! HOWEVER, no studies next week, Nov 6 or Nov 8, returning on Nov 13/15.
• The MtE Events Calendar

News

• Most recent Assembly news (Oct 31)
• Most recent Synod News (Oct 31)

Wesley Centre

MtE is a sponsor of the Wesly Centre

• Theology Matters: How thinking About God Shapes Australia You are invited to join us for a panel discussion to launch a new book edited by Prof. Peter Sherlock and Dr Daniel Nellor, Theology Matters. Theology Matters presents a series of conversations with prominent Australians about how theological ideas and religious practices inform their contribution to public life. Through their stories, it asks the ultimate question: what difference does theology make? Participants in Theology Matters include Deborah Barker, Rufus Black, Frank Brennan, Libby Byrne, Julie Edwards, Dan Fleming, Stan Grant, Sean Lau, Anne Pattel-Gray, Tony Rinaudo, and Kevin Rudd. When: Wednesday 6th of November, 5:30pm – 7pm Where: 4th floor Wesley Place, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne.
• Christian Monastic Wisdom Today
  Join us at the Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne University, for an enlightening conversation between our Director Robyn Whitaker and Cyprian Consiglio, a Camaldolese monk and recently appointed International Secretary General for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. Cyprian’s work focusses on how Christian monastic traditions can inform and enrich contemporary contemplative practices and interfaith conversation.  Given the growing religious diversity in Australia, this exploration of spiritual traditions is particularly timely.  When: Wednesday the 13th of November, 5:30pm – 7pm, in the here: University of Melbourne’s Forum Theatre (153), Arts West – North Wing (148A)

Other things which might interest

• Previous sermons and services (video recordings)

……………………………………………………………………..

Coming Soon!

• Worship returns to the CTM on Sunday Oct 27, 10.00am. The place will look a bit different, on account of a new A/V system having been installed over the last week (which should also enhance the online version of the service).
• Study groups have returned on Wednesdays and Fridays – an ad hoc series – come just for one if you’d like!
• The MtE Events Calendar

News

• Most recent Assembly news (Oct 24)

Wesley Centre

MtE is a sponsor of the Wesly Centre

• Theology Matters: How thinking About God Shapes Australia You are invited to join us for a panel discussion to launch a new book edited by Prof. Peter Sherlock and Dr Daniel Nellor, Theology Matters. Theology Matters presents a series of conversations with prominent Australians about how theological ideas and religious practices inform their contribution to public life. Through their stories, it asks the ultimate question: what difference does theology make? Participants in Theology Matters include Deborah Barker, Rufus Black, Frank Brennan, Libby Byrne, Julie Edwards, Dan Fleming, Stan Grant, Sean Lau, Anne Pattel-Gray, Tony Rinaudo, and Kevin Rudd. When: Wednesday 6th of November, 5:30pm – 7pm Where: 4th floor Wesley Place, 130 Lonsdale St, Melbourne.
• Christian Monastic Wisdom Today
  Join us at the Contemplative Studies Centre, Melbourne University, for an enlightening conversation between our Director Robyn Whitaker and Cyprian Consiglio, a Camaldolese monk and recently appointed International Secretary General for Monastic Interreligious Dialogue. Cyprian’s work focusses on how Christian monastic traditions can inform and enrich contemporary contemplative practices and interfaith conversation.  Given the growing religious diversity in Australia, this exploration of spiritual traditions is particularly timely.  When: Wednesday the 13th of November, 5:30pm – 7pm, in the here: University of Melbourne’s Forum Theatre (153), Arts West – North Wing (148A)

Other things which might interest

• Previous sermons and services (video recordings)

October-November 2024

Angles on World Christianity

Our final study series for 2024 will be discussions of a selection of voices from from the Global Church Project

From Wed Oct 23 — 7.45pm for 5 weeks

and Fri Oct 25   — 1.30pm for 5 weeks

(Note: no meetings Nov 6 or 8)

 

Week 1 (Oct 23 / 25)

• Video: Lamin Sanneh | Engaging Islam and the Post Western Christian Awakening
• AI-generated summary and transcript (expect a few transcription errors)

Week 2 (Oct 30 / Nov 1)

• Video: Melba Padilla Maggay | Transforming Society
• AI-generated summary and transcript (expect a few transcription errors)

NOTE – NO SESSIONS Nov 6 / 8

Week 3 (Nov 13 / 15)

• Video: Alexander Chow | Learning from public faith, theology, & witness in China today
• AI-generated summary and transcript (expect a few transcription errors)

Week 4 (Nov 20 / 22)

• Video: Daniel Jeyaraj | What Indian Christianity Teaches Us Today
• AI-generated summary and transcript (expect a few transcription errors)

Week 5 (Nov 27 / 29)

• Video: Ruth Padilla DeBorst | Pursuing Mission & Practicing Hospitality
• AI-generated summary and transcript (expect a few transcription errors)