The Revd Keiron Jones (Vicar) and The Revd Dr Andrew Bunting (Parish Minister)
WELCOME!
Introducing a new informal conversation series for 2024. On the first Sunday of each month, a well-known mystic will be explored by different presenters. The venue will alternate between St. John’s in Flinders and St. Mark’s in Balnarring. We begin on Sunday 7 April with a fascinating deep dive into the life of Hildegard of Bingen. All are warmly welcome to any or all conversations. A meal and drink are provided. If you cannot attend in person, you may wish to attend online. If so, please contact Keiron Jones at vicar.flinderswithbalnarring@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
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
Said Service: Thursday @ 10.00am
ST. JOHN’S FLINDERS
Sung Service: Sunday @ 8.30am
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.
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 2024 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
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 for 2024: Tuesday 13 February (Pancake Day); Friday 15 March, Friday 19 April, Friday 17 May, Friday 21 June, Friday 19 July, Friday 16 August, Friday 20 September, Friday 18 October, Friday 5 November, Friday 20 December
OP SHOPS
The parish is fortunate to have two fabulous 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 PRAYERS
A short prayer service or meditation 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 four times annually. However, if you wish to read it online, the link is https://tma.melbourneanglican.org.au/
RECITALS 2024
Please refer to the Recitals Page for details. The series for 2024 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 7 April, 7.30am: Breakfast at St. John’s. 8.30am: Eucharist at St. John’s. 10.30am: Eucharist at St. Mark’s
Sunday 7 April, 4pm – ‘Mystics, Thinkers and Spirituality’ series. This week we explore Hildegard of Bingen. St. John’s Flinders. Meal and glass of wine / soft drink provided. All are welcome.
Tuesday 9 April, 9am: Prayers at St. Mark’s
Tuesday 9 April, 7pm: 1st Balnarring Scouts at St. Mark’s
Wednesday 10 April, 9am: Prayers at St. John’s
Wednesday 10 April, 6.30pm: 1st Balnarring Cubs at St. Mark’s
Thursday 11 April, 10am: Eucharist at St. Mark’s followed by cuppa at Red Hill Baker
Thursday 11 April, 10am: Working bee at St. Mark’s op shop
Friday 12 April, 3pm: Wedding at St. John’s
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.
