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The World
Three weeks of fires continuing to burn in Western US are causing smoke pollution in the east as smoke and ash rises 10 km into the air. More than 80 fires are raging in extremely dry areas, creating severe difficulties in bringing blazes under control. Floods in China’s central Henan province have inundated homes and subway, and caused landslides. Unprecedented heavy rain has led to evacuations by soldiers amid drownings, rescues and struggles for survival. Meanwhile the German government has announced a rescue package of immediate aid for victims of last week’s devastating floods which killed at least 170 people and caused extensive damage. We pray for South Africans where riots were brought about by high rates of unemployment, vast inequality and economic hardships. The catalyst for violence and looting was the proposed corruption trial of former President Zuma. In Myanmar, women are giving birth in the jungle after fleeing their homes under threat of the military. In Indonesia, hospitals are overwhelmed by COVID cases, so many are isolating, and dying, at home. Thailand is facing its worst wave of COVID infections, and demonstrations in Bangkok calling for the Prime Minister’s resignation in protest over inadequate measures against the COVID pandemic.
Our City and State
As our lockdown extension proceeds and COVID cases continue to rise, we are encouraged that the community has not been subjected to the full force of infections. We continue to pray for all who are impacted by current restrictions in economic, social and personal challenges.
The Anglican Communion
The Scottish Episcopal Church (Primus Mark Strange). We pray for Dr Titre Ande elected by the General Synod of the Congo as its next Primate and Archbishop; and we are mindful of preparations beginning a six month consultation of bishops towards the 2022 Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops.
The Australian Anglican Church
The Diocese of The Murray (Bp Keith Dalby, Dean David Price, Clergy & People). Bp Genieve has challenged Anglicans in Australia with regard to publication of two recent Anglican investigations into Intimate Partner Violence within faith communities. She encourages us all to understand equality of men and women in God’s sight, and all which it implies.
The Diocese of Melbourne
ACCESS ministries (Dawn Penney, CEO); St Andrew's Brighton (Ian Morrison, Michelle Wang). We give thanks for members of churches in storm-affected areas who worked to minimise the damage and trauma suffered by people in the areas of Mt Dandenong, Macedon Ranges and Gippsland.
Our Cathedral
We give thanks that during lockdowns, ministry at the Cathedral has been able to continue through technology, and skill, insight and creativity of those using it. Please pray for initiatives progressing at this time, for the Discipleship programme, for the invitation to “Act now to save our planet”, and for all our regular worship and events.
Those in Sickness or Need
Joan and Bill Woodhouse, Daniel Anneslay, John Zhong, Emilio, Chris, Robyn & David Forbes, Judy Clift, Andrew, Janet Marsden, John, Henri-Felix Vinson, Sum Vita, Hodgson Family, Jennie Carolane-Balks, Farah Le Dupont, Doug Baker, Rhonda Bone, Monique Quinn, Martin, Rebecca, Pam Benstead, Eric Young, Cleopas Zhang.
Recently Died
Merrin James (Flower Guild)
Year’s Minds
25 William Edward Piercey Austin (Choir School Principal) 1930
29 Howard Frederick Dillon (Priest, Canon) 2009
31 Charles James Griffith (Chancellor) 1863
Charles William Haddon Barnes (Lay Canon, Diocesan Registrar) 1973
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