Sixth Sunday of Easter

Sunday, May 10, 2026

Eternal God,

whose Son Jesus Christ is

the way, the truth, and the life:

grant that we may walk in his way,

rejoice in his truth, and share his risen life;

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever. Amen.

Stay In Touch

Father Ted Starr - Priest-in-Charge - 0451 929 180 - edward.starr@anglicanchurchsq.org.au

Mrs Liz Peters - Rector’s Warden - 0400 844 946

Mrs Gail Symons - People’s Warden - 0409 618 511

Mr Tony Hughes - People’s Warden - 0468 764 009

Zoom Church - 328 492 8300 - 548 747

Readings

for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 17:22-31

Psalm 66:7-19

1 Peter 3:8-22

John 14:15-21

Giving

Offering - 704 901 - 0000 0780

Building Fund - 704 901 - 0001 4767

Want to give in other ways? Cards are on sale at the back of the church.
Floral Festival Fundraising now begins. Your giving in the brown envelopes now go towards funding this important outreach ministry.

For Your Prayers

We ask of your goodness, Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, and especially Shirley and Alan Kimber, Rosina, Alex, Ann, Lois, Barbara, Kevin, Helena, Ian, Uncle Peter, Chris, Bill Tattam, Jeff Byrne, Karne, Greg, Aaron, Joanne, Grace and Faith, Beryl Old, Fr David, Nina and Sophie. Please contact Fr Ted to be on this list.

We also give thanks for those whose year’s mind occurs at this time. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Mission and Outreach

Thank You: I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone from our church family for the cards, kind words, and care shown to Gary and me during his cruel illness and following his passing. Your compassion and support have meant more to us than words can express. With sincere gratitude, Colene McKenzie.

Rectory Fundraising envelopes are now in circulation. Almost there!

Meals for Woody Point Special School are starting again. Please label your meal with title, ingredients and date cooked, then freeze it, and bring it to church on Sunday. Meal containers are on the back table. Alternatively, give a monetary donation or supermarket gift card. For more information on both of these ministries, contact Elizabeth on 0404 080 861.

Ministry During the Week

Mother’s Union meets at a new time: Third Wednesdays at 9am.

Thursday Fellowship: every first and third Thursday from 9:30am to 11:30am. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat. Bring your craft to work on or just enjoy the company.

Caring and Sharing: every fourth Wednesday after Holy Communion.

Talent Table: every last Sunday after each service.

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 9am and Thursdays at 7pm. All welcome; all materials supplied.

Beaumont Aged Care: Holy Communion every third Friday at 10am.

Recycling will begin again in June. New Location: the small white shed at the back of the property.

The Week Ahead

Tues, 12 May

8:00 am - Holy Communion

9:30 am - Bible Study

Wed, 13 May

10:00 am - Holy Communion

Thu, 14 May

9:00 am - Growth Committee

12 noon - Ascension Day Holy Communion

7:00 pm - Bible Study

Fri, 15 May

10:30 am - Holy Communion at Beaumont

Sun, 17 May

7:00 am & 9:00 am - Holy Communion for the Seventh Sunday of Easter (The Ascension of Jesus Christ will also be celebrated)

From The Ladies Guild

Please Note: The Ladies Guild will not be holding the May Talent Table, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Prayer Space with Leisa

This week, as we continue in the joy of Easter, you are invited to slow down and remember Christ’s promise: that he is with us, and that his peace is given to us. You may wish to use the following prayer during the week — at the beginning or end of the day, or in any quiet moment — allowing its words to draw you back into God’s love and presence. As you pray, take your time, breathe deeply, and rest in the assurance that the risen Lord abides with you always.

 Risen Lord Jesus Christ,
who promised your disciples the gift of the Holy Spirit
and the abiding presence of your peace:
open our hearts to receive your love,
and teach us to keep your commandments with joy. 

Send us your Spirit, that we may not be troubled or afraid,
but dwell in the assurance of your living presence;
strengthen us to love one another,
as you have first loved us,
and to bear faithful witness to your grace in the world.

Abide with us, O Lord,
that our homes, our church, and our lives
may be places of your peace and truth;
through you, who live and reign with the Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.

Article 15: Of Christ Alone Without Sin

Christ in the truth of our nature was made like unto us in all things, sin only except, from which he was clearly void, both in his flesh, and in his spirit. He came to be the Lamb without spot, who, by sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world, and sin, as Saint John saith, was not in him. But all we the rest, although baptized, and born again in Christ, yet offend in many things; and if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

There once was a star Rugby player who played for Australia. His teammates gave him the nickname “Nobody” because, as the saying goes, nobody’s perfect. Today’s Article calls doubt on that saying by confirming that, in fact, there was somebody who was perfect: Jesus of Nazareth. The text itself draws our mind to one reason why this is important: since Christ was perfect, he was able to stand before the judgement seat of God and take our punishment. He was without sin and so had no punishment due to him – “the Lamb without spot, who, by sacrifice of himself once made, should take away the sins of the world.” The eternal punishment due sin was able to be taken by Jesus because he had none to pay for himself. But this is not the only benefit of Christ’s sinlessness. Remember that Christ is the image of the invisible God. And so, we can look at Christ and see God’s perfection embodied in him. There are many ideas floating around about who and what God is like. But we see God revealed in Christ and we see that God is perfect, and perfectly good. Then there is the second half of this Article, which refers to us and the fact that we are “although baptized, and born again in Christ, yet offend in many things”. We are not sinless. But Christ became like us in every way (except for our sin nature) and so is able to sympathise with us in our weakness. Therefore, we are able to approach the throne of heaven with full confidence that our Lord and our God knows exactly what it is like for us (Hebrews 4:14-16). The Article quotes 1 John 1:8-10 in order to confirm our imperfection – and this just points us back to Jesus, who is perfect, and knows exactly what it is like for us to go through this life and all its trials and temptations, and is always here for us to help us through it all. Finally, there is that bit about how we “yet offend in many things” even though we have been baptised. This is probably in the historic context (a context which persists to this day) of an idea floating around that once we come out the other side of our baptism, we theoretically should be sinless and perfect. It is an idea which, in its original sense is fine, has been taken to its extreme and runs into error. Because while we do affirm that the Holy Spirit dwells within the Christian in a special way, leading them into righteousness, this process is a life journey, not a power switch that suddenly switches on. And so we once again return back to the start: that Christ alone is perfect and without sin, revealing to us God’s perfection and goodness (in which we are called to trust and rely on), his sacrificial death supplying all we need to escape death, and now in his glorified state continually caring for us.

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Sunday, May 03, 2026

Saving God,

who called your Church to witness

that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:

help us so to proclaim the good news of your love,

that all who hear it may be reconciled to you;

through him who died for us and rose again

one God, now and forever. Amen.

Stay In Touch

Father Ted Starr - Priest-in-Charge - 0451 929 180 - edward.starr@anglicanchurchsq.org.au

Mrs Liz Peters - Rector’s Warden - 0400 844 946

Mrs Gail Symons - People’s Warden - 0409 618 511

Mr Tony Hughes - People’s Warden - 0468 764 009

Zoom Church - 328 492 8300 - 548 747

Readings

for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

Acts 7:55-60

Psalm 31:1-5, 17-18

1 Peter 2:11-25

John 14:1-14

Giving

Offering - 704 901 - 0000 0780

Building Fund - 704 901 - 0001 4767

Want to give in other ways? Cards are on sale at the back of the church.
Floral Festival Fundraising now begins. Your giving in the brown envelopes now go towards funding this important outreach ministry.

For Your Prayers

We ask of your goodness, Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, and especially Shirley and Alan Kimber, Rosina, Alex, Ann, Lois, Barbara, Kevin, Helena, Ian, Uncle Peter, Chris, Bill Tattam, Jeff Byrne, Karne, Greg, Aaron, Joanne, Grace and Faith, Beryl Old, Fr David, Nina and Sophie. Please contact Fr Ted to be on this list.

We also give thanks for those whose year’s mind occurs at this time, especially Paula Tuffin and Grace Atkinson. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Mission and Outreach

Meals for Woody Point Special School are starting again. Please label your meal with title, ingredients and date cooked, then freeze it, and bring it to church on Sunday. Meal containers are on the back table. Alternatively, give a monetary donation or supermarket gift card. For more information on both of these ministries, contact Elizabeth on 0404 080 861.

Barnabas Brekkie is on Saturday, 9 May to raise money for persecuted Christians in Ghana. Your parish needs you! Do you have a CostCo membership? Can you cook eggs and bacon, brew tea and coffee, wash dishes,or  move furniture? Contact Florine, Dale or Gail if so.

Redcliffe Chappy Week Breakfast is on Thursday, June 11, 7am-8:30am at the Redcliffe State High School hall. $30 entry in support of local school chaplains.

Ministry During the Week

Mother’s Union meets at a new time: Third Wednesdays at 9am.

Thursday Fellowship: every first and third Thursday from 9:30am to 11:30am. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat. Bring your craft to work on or just enjoy the company.

Caring and Sharing: every fourth Wednesday after Holy Communion.

Talent Table: every last Sunday after each service.

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 9am and Thursdays at 7pm. All welcome; all materials supplied.

Beaumont Aged Care: Holy Communion every third Friday at 10am.

Recycling will begin again in June. New Location: the small white shed at the back of the property.

The Week Ahead

Tues, 05 May

8:00 am - Holy Communion

9:30 am - Bible Study

Wed, 06 May

NO HOLY COMMUNION

Thu, 07 May

9:30 am - Friendship and Craft Group

7:00 pm - Bible Study

Sat, 09 May

8:00 am - Barnabas Brekkie

Sun, 10 May

7:00 am - Holy Communion for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

9:00 am - Holy Communion for the Sixth Sunday of Easter

Thank You From The Ladies Guild

The Ladies Guild were most appreciative of all the help we were given to enable us to cater for the ANZAC Day service at Woody Point. We could not have managed without this assistance. We were thanked by several people for providing the refreshments. Each year the numbers increase. Thank you once again for your help. It is an important outreach that needs to continue. – The Ladies Guild

Article 14: Of Works Of Supererogation

Voluntary Works besides, over, and above, God's Commandments, which they call Works of Supererogation, cannot be taught without arrogancy and impiety: for by them men do declare, that they do not only render unto God as much as they are bound to do, but that they do more for his sake, than of bounden duty is required: whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done all that are commanded to you, say, We are unprofitable servants.

If we were to take the 39 Articles of Religion as a historical document only, then we can get a pretty good idea of the hot button issues of the time. It seems our spiritual forebears were very concerned about making sure we all understood the absolute irrelevance of our deeds when it comes to God’s opinion of us. In the 16th century, when they were first drafted, there was a great scandal amongst theologians about this idea of “works of supererogation”. I appreciate that this is a five-dollar word neither of us understands. Fortunately for both of us, the Article tells us exactly what it means: “voluntary works besides, over, and above God’s Commandments”. If the word “supererogation” is a bit too much, I think we all understand what they meant by going “over and above” what God wants us to do. Believe it or not, this was, at the time, official church doctrine: that it was possible for the Christian to go above and beyond what God asks of them. The question I have is, what purpose to these works serve? If I were to go above and beyond what God asks of me, what would be the point? Do I get something more out of him for being extra good? As with most things related to the Reformation, it seems there is a link back to the idea of Purgatory: that when we die, we go to a sort of in-between place, where all our remaining sin is burnt off us until we are good enough to get into heaven. Works of supererogation mean you spend less time in purgatory. Apart from purgatory being 1. pretty horrific, and 2. not found anywhere in Scripture (but you can read it back into a certain place in the Apocrypha, see article 6), it steals from Christ’s work on the cross, and his glory in his atoning death for us. Follow the logic: if I can be “extra good” in this life, and therefore get more from God, then Christ’s death merely opened the possibility of my salvation. He died, hoping I would be saved by his death, but never being certain until I did something about it. If instead we affirm that Christ’s death on the cross accomplished everything for my salvation, then there is nothing else I need to  do except to appropriate it for myself by faith – that faith itself being a gift from God. The Reformers were, if nothing else, jealous for the glory of Christ Jesus: “Works of Supererogation cannot be taught without impiety and arrogancy”. Something else we can confidently assert about the Reformers is that they were soaked in Scripture; and not only well-versed in the text, but in the meaning of the text. We get a quote from Luke 17:7-10: [Jesus said] 7 “Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? 8 Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded? 10 So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”  We are God’s servants in this world. The things we do (our “works” or our “deeds”) are instructions from our Master. They are not ways to earn extra points, or to gain his favour, or shave off years in purgatory (which doesn’t even exist). But it doesn’t end there: consider the first task human beings were ever given: to “be fruitful” and “take dominion” of the earth, having been made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26-28) We are God’s image bearers, bringing about his loving rule (taking dominion), acting in line with the Holy Spirit who works through us (being fruitful). There is no sense of “I do this, so God doesthat”. There is instead a very enchanted view of humanity, living in God’s creation, as God’s image bearers, saved by God himself, to live with God for ever.

APRIL NEWSLETTER 2026

What a prayerful, inspiring and joyous Easter was experienced by everyone during Holy Week and Easter celebrations. The services were well attended and meant so much to many people with more involvement, wonderful music, sung responses and a feeling of true joy. Some have asked why Communion was given at Good Friday. The elements are set aside in the Tabernacle on Maudy Thursday and are used, already blessed, on Good Friday when consecration is not done. This service is the longer version for Good Friday and hence its inclusion. Thank you to Fr Ted for his ministering words to us all.

Redcliffe Floral and Art Festival is well underway with the theme ‘A Picture Paints 1000 Words’. This year the festival is focussing on visual art from five artists whose art journey has helped others with art as therapy and a different view of the world. These include working with ADHD children, domestic violence, mental and physical health survivors as well as looking at the world through the lens of a camera. Look out for the REDCLIFFE GUIDE June edition.

All floral installations will show past famous artists whose art changed the world and the world changed them. If you have any OLD FRAMES, especially larger ones, please could they be donated/borrowed for these displays. No pictures or glass, just the frames.

 If anyone has contacts with AGED CARE or RETIREMENT villages who take clients on visits and have transport, please contact LIZ PETERS 0400 844 946. North Lakes Seasons are already on board.

Thursday June 18 at 6pm is Opening Night with Bishop Sarah Plowman. Along with musical performances, invited guests, congregation and family members followed by refreshments on the deck it should be an excellent night.

Opening times for Friday June 19 and Saturday June 20 will be 10am till 4pm.

We always open later on the Sunday due to our Patronal Church Service with Bishop Sarah Plowman at 9:00am (the only service that day) which will be followed by a brief morning tea on the Deck.  From 11:00am the Festival will be opened with the Redcliffe Scottish Pipe band. During the day we are fortunate to have St Peter’s Band as well as an amazing Brass Quintet to entertain us, with closing time at 3:00pm.

We need $1 500 for FLOWERS to put on the amazing Festival that has a following far and wide for the last eight years, this is the ninth. Last year, the proceeds from the Festival were approximately $9 000. Flowers are the only major expense for a festival which could potentially pay for the rectory veranda rebuild. Visiting artists, jewellery and pottery exhibitors give donations from their proceeds, musicians and artists give freely of their time and efforts. There are no costs for the raffles and cards or the Opening Night refreshments. These are all donated.

There will be scone donation envelopes, nearer the time, as the café is so popular, raising approximately another $3 000, especially with the offering of a variety of soups, slices and cake. Please contact Dale Jarman (04231 79212) for details and for cooking, baking and volunteering on the festival days.

There will be plenty of opportunity to help in other ways too, as the PLANT STALL is the biggest fund-raising stall, at around $3 000. Please take the free pots on the table on the deck now to re-pot any cuttings and divided plants so they are established.

The week prior to the Festival commencing after the 9am Service June 14 we will need volunteers to relocate the furniture into Festival mode and during that week, to collect tents and raffles, erect the plants stall and other sundry jobs. Volunteer timetables will be out mid May for you to write your name on a slot suiting your availability.

There will be lots of seated volunteer jobs during the Festival such as selling of cards, raffle tickets and plants sales. Please see/contact Liz Peters on 04008 44649 liz.grant73@gmail.com  or add your name to the volunteer timetable. There is a lot of hard work in that week but it is definitely worth it to outreach to our local area and beyond.   It is a wonderfully happy festival, as so many of our returning and new visitors continually remark on its friendliness and delight.

The Rectory renovations have been completed (approx. $10 000) and painting of the veranda will also begin in approx.3 weeks. (awaiting quote). The residence has been photographed and is now up for rent. This will be a great help in securing funds. There will be a Working Bee from 8am on Saturday May 2 at 38 Baringa St, the rectory, to remove some items and give a clean over inside and out before Open days commence.

Thank you to the Thursday Friendship group who made Easter decorations with the Kindy class from Sesame Lane and to Vivienne who made crosses for our congregations over Easter.

Remember to contact your Care and Connect Team leader if you need help or clarification about parish services or events. We remember Colene and the families, in our prayers, after the loss and funeral of Gary.

Luke12:27   Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Sunday, April 26, 2026

O God,

whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people:

help us when we hear his voice

to know him who calls us each by name,

and to follow where he leads;

who with you and the Holy Spirit

lives and reigns, one God

for ever and ever. Amen.

Stay In Touch

Father Ted Starr - Priest-in-Charge - 0451 929 180 - edward.starr@anglicanchurchsq.org.au

Mrs Liz Peters - Rector’s Warden - 0400 844 946

Mrs Gail Symons - People’s Warden - 0409 618 511

Mr Tony Hughes - People’s Warden - 0468 764 009

Zoom Church - 328 492 8300 - 548 747

Readings

for the Fourth Sunday of Easter

Acts 2:42-47

Psalm 23

1 Peter 2:1-10

John 10:1-10

Giving

Offering - 704 901 - 0000 0780

Building Fund - 704 901 - 0001 4767

Want to give in other ways? Cards are on sale at the back of the church.
Floral Festival Fundraising now begins. Your giving in the brown envelopes now go towards funding this important outreach ministry.

For Your Prayers

We ask of your goodness, Lord, to comfort and sustain all who in this transitory life are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity, and especially Shirley and Alan Kimber, Rosina, Alex, Ann, Lois, Barbara, Kevin, Helena, Ian, Uncle Peter, Chris, Bill Tattam, Jeff Byrne, Karne, Greg, Aaron, Joanne, Grace and Faith, Beryl Old, Fr David, and Nina. Please contact Fr Ted to be on this list. 

We also give thanks for those whose year’s mind occurs at this time, especially Allan Wells, Edmund Simon, and Bob and Ken Jones. Rest eternal grant unto them, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon them.

Mission and Outreach

Meals for Woody Point Special School are starting again. Please label your meal with title, ingredients and date cooked, then freeze it, and bring it to church on Sunday. Meal containers are on the back table. Alternatively, give a monetary donation or supermarket gift card. For more information on both of these ministries, contact Elizabeth on 0404 080 861.

Barnabas Brekkie is on Saturday, 9 May to raise money for persecuted Christians in Ghana. Your parish needs you! Do you have a CostCo membership? Can you cook eggs and bacon, brew tea and coffee, wash dishes,or  move furniture? Contact Florine, Dale or Gail if so.

Working Bee at the rectory on Saturday, 2 May from 8am. We are almost there – please do come and help make this last leg of the race a joyful one.

Ministry During the Week

Mother’s Union meets at a new time: Third Wednesdays at 9am.

Thursday Fellowship: every first and third Thursday from 9:30am to 11:30am. All welcome for a cuppa and a chat. Bring your craft to work on or just enjoy the company.

Caring and Sharing: every fourth Wednesday after Holy Communion.

Talent Table: every last Sunday after each service.

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 9am and Thursdays at 7pm. All welcome; all materials supplied.

The Week Ahead

Tues, 28 Apr

8:00 am - Holy Communion

9:30 am - Bible Study

Wed, 29 Apr

10:00 am - Holy Communion for St Catherine of Siena, spiritual teacher (d. 1380)

Thu, 30 Apr

9:00 am - Growth Committee

7:00 pm - Bible Study

Sat, 02 May

8:00 am - Working Bee to get the rectory rent-ready (almost there!)

Sun, 03 May

8:00 am - Holy Communion for the Fifth Sunday of Easter

Rectory Update

Wardens and Parish Council have been working hard behind the scenes for many months now getting the rectory rent-ready. A special thanks goes to Gail and Liz, for whom this has been the equivalent of working an extra part-time job on top of everything else.

You will notice that we have marked a working bee in the calendar – this is the last stretch, to clear out those last bits of dust and bits and pieces lying around the place, before tenants can move in. Your support in this will make this last job a cheerful one.

As well as this, the parish has gone above and beyond in their financial generosity. The huge investment that has gone into this building is obvious to see – even the real estate agent was impressed at the palatial offering we are putting on the rental market.

As your parish priest, I am thankful to God for you. Your faithful stewardship is to be commended.

Once the rectory goes on the rental market, new opportunities for ministry will become available. Please pray for God’s blessings on our next season of ministry. And God bless you all for getting to where we are.

Article 13: Of Works Before Justification

Works done before the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of his Spirit, are not pleasant to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith in Jesus Christ, neither do they make men meet to receive grace, or (as the School-authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea rather, for that they are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done, we doubt not but they have the nature of sin.

Today’s Article is a tough one – tough to try and decode the old language, and then tough to accept once you have! It makes a bit more sense if we remember the last few Articles, which affirmed that we are justified (made right with) God by our faith in Christ, and nothing else, no matter how much good we do in our lives can be sufficient. This Article then comes in to make sure for certain that we are under no illusion: God wants us to love and trust him, and not to try and earn our way into his good graces. There is a way of looking at this as if it were a maths sum. It compares two different ways of looking at salvation:

Faith + Works = Salvation

Faith = Salvation + Works

Today’s Article rejects the first and affirms the second. It is talking about “works done before the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of his Spirit”. Once we have been saved, once God has opened our eyes to his wonderful love in Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection, we are given new hearts to love and serve God. And so it is at that point we have “the grace of Christ, and the Inspiration of his Spirit” and are able to do works that are “pleasant to God”. Without this work of God in our lives, anything we do, even with the best of intentions, “are not done as God hath willed and commanded them to be done”. Remember the sum: have faith in Christ, receive salvation, and be given good works to do. Without the first step of faith in Christ, there is no obedience to God, and so they are, by definition, works of disobedience against God. And therefore being works of disobedience against God, “we doubt not but they have the nature of sin”. I said this was a tough one. It might not make sense to our eyes – look at all the good things non-Christians do in the world! How could God be upset at that? I suppose if we remember who God is and who we are, it might make more sense. God has the power to do whatever he likes; no amount of good works by non-Christians can even come close to what good he can do. God doesn’t want it. What God does want is our love and trust: to place our faith in his Son, Jesus Christ. Then we can get on with loving one another with our good works, by his grace and in his power.