Koinonia
This lively book group has been meeting monthly since 2007. Facilitated by one of our Knox members Junette Schoell, we gather at Our Saviour’s, Knox, on the second Tuesday of the month to share responses to books we have all read, such as Fully Human, Fully Divine by Michael Casey based on the Gospel of Mark, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s Life Together.
'Koinonia' is the English form of a Greek word used in the early church to express participation, fellowship, relationships and commitment in community. This happens as we share life, experiences and thoughts around the word of God and grow in our understanding and practice of living out our Christian calling. The full meaning of 'koinonia' is expressed in the eucharistic sacrament, in which there is communion with one another in the one body of Christ.
In 2016, with Pastor Peter leading, we studied a Bible commentary by Vincent Smiles on the early epistles of First and Second Thessalonians, Philippians, Colossians and Ephesians. In reading these letters together, we gained insight into questions of doctrine and the issues of practical living addressed by Paul and his fellow missionaries, and learned of the encouragement given to these young churches to remain faithful to Jesus and his message.
Coming from different backgrounds of faith and life experience, we encourage open and free sharing of opinions. The 'unity in diversity in the body of Christ' that we all share enables us to offer a respectful and safe atmosphere at Koinonia. Please join us. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.45pm at Our Saviour's.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach (Romans 12:6,7)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6,7)
Prayer Groups
The famous hymn What a Friend we have in Jesus has the refrain 'Take it to the Lord in prayer'. That we do! Both Ringwood and Knox have weekly prayer groups.
Ringwood’s Monday group gathers for morning tea and discussion of whatever is on people’s hearts and minds, followed by prayer. A smaller group stays for extended prayer time. Prayer ministry may seem invisible, but prayer is powerful! It is one of the best ways in which we can serve.
Knox’s Thursday group usually begins with discussion of local and world events that need our prayers. Prayer follows. Some pray aloud, some silently, some simply listen. The morning concludes with morning tea and fellowship.
Our prayer groups exist because God has invited us to bring our concerns and worries to him in prayer. He doesn’t guarantee to answer us in the way we might want, but he does guarantee to listen; and because he listens, we can leave some of our burdens to him.
Prayer requests are welcomed. Our prayer groups carry the prayers of all who feel unable to pray at a particular time and for that we are very grateful.
Prayer requests can be placed in the prayer boxes at either church or emailed to
- Ringwood: PeterG@RingwoodKnoxParish.org.au
- Knox: JudyB@ringwoodknoxparish@org.au
Martin Luther’s Morning Prayer
I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Meet Tim, one of our members
When I reflect upon situations I’ve faced, some seem challenging or impossible, others seem uncertain or unsafe. During those times I've prayed to the Lord and put my trust in him. Trusting that his will is being done he guides me through these times. This text from Proverbs really speaks to me in these situations: Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” I’ve lived on a farm and in the city; I’ve lived in Australia, the UK and the USA. I’ve seen friends and acquaintances come and go. The one constant no matter where I am in the world is my faith, and going to a Lutheran church.
