am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.”

John 10:14 NKJV

The rejected lamb

)Bummer Lamb( Bummer Lamb

It is a lamb that is rejected and ostracised by its mother sheep. Sometimes, the mother sheep gives birth to three lambs at once, and her milk is not enough for all three. So, she chooses the two strongest and healthiest lambs and prevents the third from nursing. If the rejected lamb insists on trying, the mother sheep becomes aggressive towards it and kicks it, causing serious harm. Other times, the mother sheep suffers from mastitis )inflammation of breast tissue) after giving birth, which makes her aggressive towards her newborn and she rejects and kicks it.

In other cases, the mother sheep dies during childbirth, leaving the lamb rejected and without a mother to care for it in its early days.

The appearance of the bummer lamb is clear; in addition to its unfulfilled basic physical needs, the lamb suffers from a fracture in its spirit, resulting in a head droop. It curls up and hides, and its head noticeably droops downwards.

The most shocking reason is when the mother sheep realizes that her baby is not in good health, as if suffering from an illness, which she senses instinctively, and she rejects it. In this case, the shepherd decides to get rid of this lamb because he does not want a defective animal in his flock, which is not necessary for him.

However, a good shepherd is aware of everything that is going on with his flock and quickly notices the bummer lamb. He brings a warm blanket and wraps the lamb in it because its body temperature is low and it has not nursed. He holds it close to his chest so that the lamb can hear his heartbeat, which the lamb needs during nursing from the mother sheep. The shepherd feeds this lamb with a bottle every two hours in the first two weeks of its life. The shepherd takes this rejected lamb to his own house away from the others and takes care of it in this way for a period that can last up to two months until it becomes strong and passes the difficult stage. Then, the shepherd returns it to the flock, with its head held high and its body strong. It is worth mentioning that every time the shepherd calls the rejected lamb, it comes running to him. It recognizes the one who saved it and took care of it when it was rejected by its mother. Never is it surprising that the Lord says about Himself: “As for me, I am the good shepherd, and I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

Ref: St George’s Church Community Viber site

Published by Rev Fr Thomas Abdelmalik

Mother Day

Sunday

14th May

+ Annual Commemoration: Next Wednesday 17th May

2023 the Annual Commemoration for Late Mr Emmanuel Daoud Antoun. He is brother of Mr Gobrael Antoun, Miss Magdoline Antoun and Miss Rosaline Antoune and Professor Michael Antoun. He is nephew of His Emminanance Metroplolitan Daniel of good memory. at St Mary’s Chuerch during the Divine Liturgy 9 - 11am.

. May the Lord repose his soul and grant peace and comfort for all family members.

St Mary’s Church Building Project Progress

On 21st March (Commemoration of Saint Fr Beshoy Kamel), the builder started erecting to walls of Ground and First Floors. The work is still continuing through this week. We thank our Lord for all the great works the Lord is blessing us with.

Total cost of the project; $13 million dollars. The Architecture and consultants cost is not included )estimated at $1.5 million Dollars(

Amount paid to the builder so far $4,355,775 - mostly from donations.

Current funds still available at the church accounts: $925,000

Government grant for the Child Care: $1,045,442 )50% has been paid to the church. The balance will be paid on October)

Amount drawn from the Bank Loan so far: $950,000 out of $8 million. Builder remaining cost to be paid by November 2023: $7 million May the Lord reward all for their prayers, generous donations and support.

Sudanese Refugee Emergency Appeal

“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another.” Romans 12:15

Beloved congregation of the Diocese of Melbourne and Affiliated Regions, Ekhristos Anesti, Alithos Anesti

Recently we have learnt of the civil unrest affecting our brothers and sisters in Sudan. The situation in Sudan has been escalating and fighting has erupted as the army and paramilitary forces clashed, leaving hundreds of people dead and thousands injured.

We pray to the Lord for the repose of the souls of those who perished and for speedy recovery of those injured.

Coptic Hope Charity has partnered with the Bishopric of Public, Ecumenical and Social Services )BLESS( to provide financial relief to those affected by the civil unrest.

Coptic Hope Charity confirms all donations collected for the Sudanese Refugee Emergency Appeal is to aid those affected and relocated to Egypt.

To contribute to Coptic Hope Charity - Sudanese Refugee Emergency Appeal, please donate with reference “Sudanese Refugee Emergency Appeal” to the following bank account or via our Paypal account at www.coptichope.org.au

Account Name: Coptic Hope Charity Limited ATF BSB: 063-159

Account Name: 10686722

Tax deductible receipts for all donations above $2 will be issued upon receipt. All funds raised by Coptic Hope Charity are for the sole purposes of the services provided by Coptic Hope Charity to serve the poor and in need.

On behalf of Coptic Hope Charity, we would like to thank you for your love, generosity and support. For further information please call Nagy Banoub on 0423 411 715 or email: info@coptichope.org. au