St Mark’s Church News

Announcements

Dear All,

 

Please note the following 10 announcements and reminders:

1.Weekly Spiritual Message

Spiritual message of the week by Father Elijah:

St Isaac the Syrian’s definition of a saintly person is that “While they lived, they were dead.” He is referring here to the importance of being dead to the world. But what does it mean to be dead to the world? How can I do that practically when there are unceasing responsibilities necessary for life?  St Isaac explains that the term “world” is a collective term for a number of the passions. The passions, as explained by St Basil the Great,  are taking the faculties and gifts God has created in us and turning them towards something temporal rather than the Creator.

Therefore, we will be dead to the world when we strive to be free from the passions. What are some of these passions? St Isaac teaches:

– love of wealth

– gathering objects of any kind

– bodily pleasure

–  love of esteem, from which springs envy

– the wielding of power

– pride in the trappings of authority

– stateliness and pomposity

– human glory, which is the cause of resentment

– fear for the body

In light of this list, we observe that it is indeed possible to go about our duties in the world whilst being dead to the world.

– A wealthy person may give generously to those in need.

– We remain unconcerned by accumulating items that today are, and tomorrow will be thrown in the fire ((Matt 6:30)

– We live soberly and temperately, denying our bodies excessive comfort and luxury.

– We love to practice self denial and be falsely accused.

– If we are in a position of authority, we do not “lord it over them”. (Matt 20:25)

– We must practice humility

– We must not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul (Matt 10:28). This is not only people, but sickness, accidents and the like.

We must strive to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:164-19). We must strive to direct our desire and love to God above all else. We must strive to be dead while we live. Christ is Risen!

2. Cornerstone Project – the church is in need of your support

We invite you to participate in a pivotal initiative to build St. Mark’s Coptic Orthodox Church for future generations. We Need Your Support Through Monthly Direct Debits (Tax Deductible). As we aim to secure stable and certain income for these essential projects, we are asking each member of our congregation to consider a monthly commitment to our building fund for the next three years. Please find below and attached document explaining the Cornerstone Project and how you can help build our church.  The link for the online direct debit form is:  https://stmarksyd.chmeetings.com/forms/B17829E46BE4709F  

3. Youth Revival with HG Bishop Bolous – 20 and 21 May

7pm at St Mark’s Church.

4. Biggest Loser Weight Loss Competition

St Mark’s Church Sydney will be hosting a Biggest Loser weight loss competition! This is your chance to be part of the movement for weight loss. We have seen and know how much it will benefit our health and wellbeing.

When?

The competition will start on Monday 20th May and end on 12th July with Apostles Feast

Who can join?

Anyone. This competition is available for everyone who wants the opportunity to lose weight. It is recommended only for adults, for children we will run a healthy family initiative after this competition.

What are the terms?

All participants will put a contribution of $200 to join the competition. The top 3 winners will be awarded top prizes for their hard work. Everyone else’s money will be donated to the church. Winners will be determined by the amount of weight lost, which will only be visible to the 1 female servant who will monitor your weight weekly.

Why?

How many times have you tried to lose weight? What is needed is a collective lifestyle change. This competition will provide that by the following means:

+ Regular spiritual counselling by Fr Jacob, who will also be competing. This will include Andeel prayers every fortnight for participants and a prayer program for self control.

+ The opportunity to eat better as a family; to encourage a whole family to become healthier together. It is important to note children are excluded from the biggest loser, but as a family, a living healthier initiative is more appropriate.

+ Healthcare professional input including: GPs for general advice, Paediatrician for children, Dietitian for dietary support, Physiotherapist for exercise programming. Diets will be supplied and exercise programs supplied to suit general needs for weight loss.

+ The benefit of accountability and collective support. Because we will all be doing this together, we will all join a specific WhatsApp Group for this competition-  it is supportive and encouraging to do it together as a community.

How?

+ Once per week we will have a 30-minute meeting at the church hall, where 1 servant will weigh you and record your weight. Your weight will be confidential from all participants.  This meeting will also include a word of encouragement from Fr Jacob.

+  At the end of the competition, the servant will determine top 3 weight losses and prizes will be awarded accordingly.

+ First Prize is $1000, Second is $600 and Third is $300.

+ Send your interest to Michael Riskallah on 0432 647 785 or Fr Jacob on 0409 666 111 for enrolment. Payment can be made to Fr Jacob via enveloped cash with your name on it.

5. St Marks School of Academic Excellence is offering a UCAT preparation course

Classes will recommence this Friday 10th May. This course is suitable for students in Yr 10-12. It will be held on Friday nights at 6:30pm. Join the WhatsApp group via the QR code on the flyer.