Over the past 160 years the St Mark’s church has been a place of prayer, worship and community.

The fact that Christ is risen, that the tomb was empty, is central to our faith as disciples of Jesus.

We are confronted by how easy it is to go from the joyful singing of “Hosanna” to the baying for blood in shouting “Crucify”.

During this time the Church’s liturgy is somber and empresses a sorrowful mood as we focus more intently on the coming crucifixion of Christ.

This Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Lent the Gospel reading is that of the Prodigal Son, that great parable that gives us enormous hope and much to ponder.

In early medieval times it was called the “Annunciation of the Lord” or the “Conception of Christ,” indicating its focus as a festival of the Lord.

The church has at its core offered a daily cycle of prayer what is known as the daily office.

If in Christ we have been tempted, in him we overcome the devil. Do you think only of Christ's temptations and fail to think of his victory?

It is to Christ, the focus of our faith and worship, we direct our silence. Therefore an important part of our services is to be silent, as we open ourselves for Christs revelation.

“May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Love of God and the Fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all. Amen” (NZPB p52).