WELCOME
Welcome to the website of St. John’s Flinders with St. Mark’s Balnarring. We are a thriving Christian community in the Anglican tradition. We meet and worship on the land of the traditional owners – the Bunurong / Boon Wurrung.
Our parish includes two beautiful historic churches: St. John’s was dedicated in 1892, St. Mark’s in 1914. Whether you live locally or are visiting this region, you are always welcome to any service, or you may simply enjoy looking around the churches and grounds
OUR VISION
To be courageous, embrace change, and live God’s word in today’s world.
OUR MISSION
We are a welcoming, inclusive community showing Christ’s love to all.
As a Christian community, each one of us is on a journey of discovery: discovering more about our world, which can be so beautiful and challenging at the same time, discovering more about ourselves, and discovering more about the person Christians follow: Jesus of Nazareth. We’re all somewhere on the journey, from lifelong Christians to those newly pondering who this person Jesus really was and is. We encourage questions and definitely don’t have all the answers. We encourage a sense of wonder at the beauty that surrounds us here on the Peninsula. We encourage graceful conversations. We commit ourselves to living out the gospel message of loving God and loving neighbour for a more just and equitable world.
The Parish is committed to welcoming and including all, regardless of background, politics, faith position, sexual orientation, or anything else that can divide us instead of uniting us.
CHURCH SERVICES
ST. MARK’S BALNARRING
Sung Service: Sunday @ 10.30am
Thursday @ 10.00am
Informal Conversations every first Sunday of the month at 4pm in the hall. Come along for a relaxed conversation over a glass of wine and simple meal. Each month a different theme is explored. The theme for August is ‘Mystery’. What does this rather complex word mean? What is a mystery? What lies beyond our immediate comprehension? Lots to chat about!
ST. JOHN’S FLINDERS
Sung Service: Sunday @ 8.30am
Informal Conversation every fourth Sunday of the month at 4pm in the hall. Come along for a relaxed conversation over a glass of wine and simple meal. Each month a different theme is explored. The theme for August is ‘Mystery’. What does this rather complex word mean? What is a mystery? What lies beyond our immediate comprehension? Lots to chat about!
Morning tea is provided after Sunday services. The Thursday congregation heads over the road to Red Hill Bakery for a coffee or lunch after the service.
Covid Safety: Masks no longer need to be worn indoors but are still recommended.
CHRISTINE’S PLAYGROUPS
Balnarring Group: Tuesdays at 10.00am at St. Mark’s hall Balnarring.
Flinders Group: Wednesdays at 10.00am at St John’s hall Flinders.
Limited places are available. Please register your attendance for 2023 on 5989 8620 or email sunningfields62@gmail.com.
We are planning to run additional groups if we have enough interest. So even if we cannot accommodate you at this moment, please contact us and register your interest.
The playgroups run in term time only.
FRIDAYS@4.30pm
The young people’s service is up and running! This gathering is for primary and secondary aged students who meet once a month, enjoy fun activities, and have a delicious meal. All are welcome. Dates coming up are:
TERM 3: Friday 4 August (with baptism of three children), Friday 1st September
TERM 4: Friday 6th October, Friday 3rd November
OP SHOPS
The parish is fortunate to have two outstanding op shops, cared for by dedicated, skilled volunteers.
St. Mark’s Op Shop:
1 Balnarring Road, Balnarring: 0413 058 906
Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10am to 1pm.
St. John’s Op Shop:
38 Cook Street, Flinders: 5989 1169
Open Monday, Thursday and Saturday 10.30am to 2.00pm.
MORNING MEDITATION
A short (20 minute max) meditation service is held at St. Mark’s Balnarring at 9am each Tuesday morning, and at St. John’s Flinders each Wednesday morning. Come as you are. Bring your dog if you’re out for a walk. Bring your coffee if you’re passing and want to call in. All are warmly welcome.
THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN
Hard copies of the Diocese newspaper The Melbourne Anglican (TMA) are delivered to the church each month. However, if you wish to read it online, the link is https://tma.melbourneanglican.org.au/
RECITALS 2023
Details of the exciting Recital Series for 2023 are now available! Click on the button ‘Recitals’ above to access details and the TryBooking links. The series for 2023 is generously supported by Bendigo Bank Balnarring & District Community Bank.
GENERAL RECITAL ENQUIRIES
To John Barren, Recitals Coordinator for St John’s Flinders on 5989 8620.
This week
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK:
Sunday 27 August 8.30am Eucharist at St. John’s Flinders
Sunday 27 August 10.30am Eucharist at St. Mark’s Balnarring
Sunday 27 August 4.00pm Informal Service at St. Johns – pizza, wine and nibbles. The theme for this month is ‘Mystery’
Tuesday 29 August 9am Prayers at St. Mark’s Balnarring
Tuesday 29 August 10am Music Circles for pre-school children, St. Mark’s hall
Wednesday 30 August 9am Prayers at St. John’s Flinders
Wednesday 30 August 10am Music Circles for pre-school children, St. John’s hall
Thursday 31 August 10am Eucharist at St. Mark’s Balnarring, followed by cuppa at Red Hill Bakery
Thursday 31 August 4.00pm St. Mark’s Op Shop Committee Meeting, St. Mark’s hall
Friday 1 September 8.30am Gentle Exercise at St. John’s hall
Friday 1 September 10am Pilates at St. John’s hall
Friday 1 September 1pm UFOs – Unfinished Objects craft group at St. John’s hall
Saturday 2 September 10am – 11.30am ‘What is the Bible?’ seminar series at St. Mark’s Balnarring hall. The Revd Canon Dr Bob Derrenbacker, is Dean of Trinity College Theological School is our guest speaker. All are welcome. Refreshments provided. This seminar series on each Saturday in September is for anyone at all.
Events
Recent Events
Feast for Freedom: Sharing a meal in solidarity with people seeking asylum and raise funds for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC).
Recent Events
The bishop of Jumbunna Episcopate, The Rt Revd Dr. Paul Barker, led the service for the 130th anniversary of the dedication of St. John’s Flinders, on Sunday 23 January 2022. He also dedicated two magnificent windows designed and installed by glass artist Mr David Wright, with creative input by his wife, The Revd Sue McPhee-Wright. A Bible generously donated was also blessed.
On 4 December 2022, The Most Revd Dr. Philip Freier, Archbishop of Melbourne, dedicated the final of the three Sea Windows, ‘The Light’, and blessed a garden dedicated to David Wright and Sue McPhee-Wright in gratitude for their gift to St. John’s and the wider community.
