We were truly blessed to celebrate our annual Easter Fair at church last Sunday. As is custom at St John's, our servants put in outstanding effort to ensure it was a fun-filled and generous day, one that will be etched in our children's collective memories for years to come.
The day featured a much-loved bubble fairy spreading joy across the church concourse, a treasure hunt, arts and crafts, and a very special visit from the Easter Bunny.
We are so grateful for your love, care and thoughtful service, which make these days so meaningful for all of our children. If you would like to join the event service team and help contribute to the beautiful work of St John's events group, ask at the church office or through the St John's app.
Praying on Sunday
Fr David
This week at St John's
Wed
Early Liturgy, 5 to 7am
Thu
Morning Liturgy, now weekly, 8:30 to 10am Bible Study, 6:30 to 7:30pm Kids Karate (ages 7+), 6:30 to 7:30pm English Classes, 6:30 to 7:30pm Tasbeha, 7:30 to 8:30pm Babysitting available, 6:30 to 8:30pm Mothers group and Thursday Liturgy recommence on 7 May
Sun
Divine Liturgy, 8:30am Kids Liturgy with Fr Luke, 8:30am, doors close 9:15am (ages 5+ only) The Way: coffee and a chat to delve deeper into our faith, 11 to 11:45am
St John's app
An important update is out for Apple and Android. Install the latest version for bug fixes and to order food and coffee this week food pre-orders open Saturday at 3pm
The first page of this sermon wasn't among the newsletter pages we have, so it picks up part way through.
Just as someone waits for the sunrise, knowing it will come, we wait for God with hope, even in uncertainty.
And Christ did come. He appeared to Thomas and invited him to touch His wounds. Thomas received something unique: he not only saw the risen Lord, but touched Him.
This moment has even shaped traditions in the Church, reminding us of the deep reverence for Christ's body.
From this, we learn that God meets us at our level. When we bring Him our doubts sincerely, He responds.
So today, we are invited to do the same. Bring your doubts to God. Do not hide them. Do not let them drive you away.
If you doubt His existence, ask Him to reveal Himself.
If you doubt His power, ask Him to show it.
If you doubt His presence, seek Him until you feel it.
And when God answers, remember it. Record it. Hold on to it. Because those moments will strengthen you in future struggles.
Like David, who remembered how God delivered him from the lion and then faced Goliath with confidence, we grow in faith step by step. Each small experience builds toward greater trust. Even the saints grew this way: gradually, through experience.
So on this Thomas Sunday, we do not judge Thomas. Instead, we learn from him. We bring our doubts to Christ, trusting that He will meet us where we are.
"Come and see. Come and touch." And He will overcome our doubt.
Glory be to Him forever. Amen.
Notices
Church noticeboard
Sundays, 11:15am to 12pmThe WayLearn more about your Coptic Orthodox faith over a coffee and a chat.
Thursdays, 8amThursday LiturgyMatins at 8am, Liturgy at 8:30am.
Every second Thursday morningMums who PrayOur mothers' fellowship meeting, with coffee and breakfast provided.
11 to 12 SeptemberWomen of St John's RetreatSave the date. Details to follow.
Saturday 25 April, 5:30 to 10pmSt Wanas Kids Charity GalaWith our special guest His Grace Bishop Makarios, Coptic Orthodox Bishop of El-Minya, at Waterview at Bicentennial, Sydney Olympic Park. Tickets were sold through Givergy.
