27/08/2026
๐๐ผ๐ป๐๐ถ๐ป๐๐ฒ ๐๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ป๐ฒ๐
On Tuesday, 25 August, Portland 1 Congregation in Rocklands District, was served by Apostle Bradley Bourne and accompanied by District Rector Priest Denzil Paulse.
The Bible text as basis for the Divine Service:
๐๐ผ๐ต๐ป ๐ฎ๐ญ:๐ฑโ๐ฒ
"๐โ๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐ ๐ข๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐กโ๐๐, โ๐ถโ๐๐๐๐๐๐, โ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข ๐๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐?โ ๐โ๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐ ๐ค๐๐๐๐ ๐ป๐๐, ๐ด๐๐ ๐ป๐ ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐กโ๐๐, โ๐ถ๐๐ ๐ก ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐โ๐ก ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐๐๐ก, ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐๐ข ๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐.โ ๐๐ ๐กโ๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐ ๐ก, ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ค ๐กโ๐๐ฆ ๐ค๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐ ๐ก๐ ๐๐๐๐ค ๐๐ก ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ข๐ ๐ ๐๐ ๐กโ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ก๐๐ก๐ข๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ โ"
The bible text taken from the familiar account of the disciples who had fished throughout the night but caught nothing. At Jesusโ instruction, they cast their net on the other side of the boat, and experienced an abundant catch.
The Apostle reminded the congregation that this account is about far more than fish and a boat. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are shown more of Jesus Christ, His grace and His nature, as well as what He is doing for humanity.
The message highlighted the symbolism of the account:
๐ฃ The boat โ the Church of Christ
๐ธ๏ธ The net โ the Gospel
๐ The fish โ people whom God desires to save
We were encouraged not to become tired or discouraged when our efforts seem to produce little fruit. Our responsibility is simply to keep casting the net, trusting that the Lord knows where and when the catch will come.
The Apostle emphasized that the Gospel is for everyone. Just as the net contained every kind of fish, people within the Church come from different backgrounds, cultures, personalities and life experiences. Differences and challenges are part of our journey together, but we should never allow them to become reasons for judgment or exclusion.
Instead, we are called to seek peace, remain in the net, receive forgiveness, and become more like Christ.
Holy Sealing
During the Divine Service, the Apostle also dispensed the Act of Holy Sealing, with two souls receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit from our Heavenly Father. Parents were encouraged in their responsibility to nurture their children in the faith, teaching them the importance of church, Holy Communion and the work of Christ.
Following the Divine Service, the Apostle greeted the congregation and expressed his appreciation to the ministers for their dedication, preparation and the joy of working alongside them.
The evening concluded with warm fellowship, memorable moments and photographs shared among the congregation.
May we continue to cast the net of the Gospel with love, faith and perseverance, trusting in the Lordโs guidance.
