1st December 2002

ADVENT SUNDAY

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

The delegation of death is one of the more idiosyncratic aspects of Western industrialised society. The advent of the funeral home marked the end of domestic death. What was once a matter of community became a matter of commerce, the scent of lilies barely masking the smell of money. Where once the laying-out woman, often the village midwife, tended the dead with nosegays of rosemary and winding sheets, now men in moon-suits slice and sluice them in a disinfected world of trolleys and rubber gloves, a procedure which appears on the bill as 'hygienic treatment'. The living-room is literally that, and while we are happy to 'morgue out' with prime-time pathology on television, we treat our own dead like toxic waste and can't wait to get them out of the house. In a strange substitution for personal involvement, we prefer to pay for a multitude of mysterious services and props that go into the production that is a funeral, and these days we're demanding an approach that is more Merchant Ivory than Ken Loach.....

Kate Berridge (Spectator 9th November 2002)

WELCOME

Welcome to our services. The order of the Eucharist is from "A Prayer Book for Australia". We like our worship to flow, so there are few directions given during the service. Page numbers are printed in this pew sheet as are the Prayer of the Day, Readings, Psalm and Hymn Numbers.

MUSIC

The organist at 9.30am is Elizabeth Neaum and the Postlude is a Chorale Prelude appropriate to Advent. It is "Vom Himmel hoch, da komm' ich her" (From Heaven Above to Earth I come), by Pachelbel.

Hymns at 9.30am 192 198 193 201

PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Set a watch, dear Lord, before our mouth and keep the door of our lips, and let not our heart be inclined to any evil thing; that the words of our mouth and the meditation of our heart may be always acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer. Amen.

INTEGRITY

She had been working at an investment bank, but decided it was time to go out on her own. Being shrewd and diligent, she did very well and so made up her mind to hire an in-house lawyer. She began interviewing candidates. "As you will understand," she said to one of the first applicants, "in a business like this, our personal integrity must be beyond question. Are you an honest lawyer?" "Honest?" replied the candidate. "Let me tell you something about honesty. I am so honest that my father lent me $15,000 for my education and I paid back very penny as soon as I had tried my first case." " And what sort of case was that?" The applicant squirmed in his seat and replied, "Well, Dad sued me for the money."

AUTHENTIC WORSHIP

Fr Andrew

One of the best things about an authentic church congregation is its inclusiveness. Most regular gatherings of human beings are exclusive in some way. Rotarians, Lions, Soroptimists and the members of most service clubs, tend to be all of a kind. Freemasons black ball the undesirable. Golf clubs are for golfers, philately clubs for philatelists and so on.

Church congregations, on the other hand, are for everyone, in sweet mainline Anglicanism, even for half-believers and non believers. There is no quizzing at the door, the Creed needn't be said, the reception of Communion, though generally for the confirmed alone (because to be fully appreciated and efficaciously utilised it requires a level of commitment), is not refused to anyone. The ideal Church congregation encompasses a variety of races, both sexes, the straight and the bent, the sane and the insane; the fully committed, the half committed and the uncommitted; the ancient, elderly, middle-aged and young; the good, the bad and everything in between. All are united only by a common admiration of, and some sort of a devotion to, Jesus of Nazareth and what he stood for and stands for.

I have been at the heart of such inclusive congregations all my life. Often and indeed usually decent, upright, lovely and admirable people have predominated in them. Jesus of Nazareth does tend to pull in the best. But just as in ancient Palestine, so still today the halt, lame, damaged, hurt and sinful are attracted to him too, and insofar as they are, they authent-icate our gatherings in his honour and for his sake. Those who congregate around him today, to be authentic, need to be like those who congregated around him so long ago.

I particularly valued Jeanie who used to come with her mother Mary Cheesley. Jeanie, very occasionally, would let out a bellow and she apparently understood little of what was going on, but her mother's great love of her helped remind us all that our Lord loved Jeanie too and revelled and revels in such company.

I also particularly value young children, there are far too few of them. Parents, by and large, are too lily-livered these days to be able to cope with the great effort that is demanded in minding their children, in amusing, pacifying and disciplining them week by week in church. Such lily-liveredness is to the very great detriment of their children. How delightful are those who do come though. Any noise or distraction from them is to be delighted in not complained of. Our Lord talked of millstones about the neck for complainers, for he welcomed children and so they too are a sign of authenticity in a congregation.

I also particularly value Verbi and her little dog. How lovely it is that such an inseparable pair should not have to be separated in the company of their Lord! There is no better behaved little being in church than Sugar. She is an African, and when she was a member of the congregation of Johannesburg Cathedral she was honoured by one of the congregation in rather less than accomplished. But heartfelt verse thus:

In silken coat of white, splashed burnished gold

She stands, a tranquil figure to behold,

The pews on either side, the aisle between:

This Holy place - this Sanctuary so bold.

Her favourite spot, much loved, the choir stall

Where steadfastly she goes without befall

To glide the padded leather hassocks, then

To nudge those friendly cassocks without call.

Winter, Zephyr breezes are sometimes gruff;

She's warm in purple robe with fluted ruff!

Her mistress leads her to the altar rails

For Blessing, sits - obedience prevails.

O people take example from this cause

And reconcile how homage never fails!

SIPPING AND DIPPING

Fr Andrew

One of the great symbols of community in Anglicanism is the common cup, the chalice. It is a symbol so powerful, so accepting of neighbour and fellow Christian, that to refuse it, for me, would be as unloving and rebuffing as to refuse the fellowship proffered by an outstretched hand for a handshake, or the love and affection proffered in a kiss. For me the common cup is a vital part of what communion, community, and love of each other, in the Lord, are all about.

The risk of infection from the use of the common cup is minimal. Church of England clergymen, I read once, are right at the top of the league stakes in longevity, for all that they not only more regularly than anyone else share the common cup, but at the end of Communion Services drain its dregs!

We live in a society so hygiene and health obsessed that it will not be long before people begin to refuse to go out of their house without a mask on, and to retch over the smell even of a rose in case the breath of an earwig in its petals infects them with earwig herpes!

However, I am aware that a few folk remain concerned about hygiene vis a vis the common cup, in spite of my restrained and delicate arguments to the contrary! This was one of the reasons that we held a meeting of Eucharistic Assistants last week. At that meeting we agreed that all Eucharistic Assistants, as well as the priests, should not only wash their hands thoroughly before a service, as they do, but should also participate in the ceremonial washing of the fingers in church, with the priest, at the time of the offering of the bread and wine or as they enter the sanctuary to assist.

Those who still do not wish to take the common cup should either: 1) take only the consecrated bread, and then return to their seat, or 2) hold the bread until the chalice bearer comes who will then take the bread, dip it in the consecrated wine and place it on the tongue. In this way we avoid a multi-plicity of finger nails (great collectors of dirt) being dipped inadvertently, but almost unavoidably, into consecrated wine that others drink.

At the 9.30am Sunday Eucharist, for greater economy of time, we will be reverting to the two chalice bearers working in pairs together, presenting the chalice to alternate communicants as they move along the rail.

NEXT SUNDAY! HAVE YOUR SAY

After the 9.30am service next Sunday, the 8th December, there will be a meeting of all who are able in order to discuss priorities for our parish for the next three years. This is to help us form some sort of strategy to fit in with and direct our plans for the new hall, stewardship, children's ministry and so on. The more good ideas, suggestions, gentle criticisms and the like that we have the better! Do try to attend. If you can't, but have some good ideas, phone us or put them on paper...

SACKAN

The Sewing Group meets in the Narthex from 9.00am on Thursday the 5th December. Come and join us.

Julie Skilton 60592093

PASTORAL CARE SERVICE

The Eucharist at 10.00am on Wednesday this week is especially for those who normally find it difficult to get to Church. A lift is organised for anyone who needs it and there is a cup of tea and something to eat afterwards. Please come along to greet those who come, bringing a plate of something to eat if you can, and more importantly, someone who normally can't get to church. Anyone in need of a lift ring the Parish Office.

CHURCHWARDENS

There is a Churchwardens' meeting on Wednesday at 8.45am.

STEWARDSHIP MEETING

There is a Stewardship Meeting on Tuesday at 2.00pm

CAROL SERVICE

The St John's Carol Service, which, though I say so myself, is possibly the best in Albury Wodonga, takes place this year on Saturday 21st Dec and will be followed by a glass of wine and a nibble.

HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SWING

Last year some of our local jazz musicians got together and presented one of the very best of pre-Christmas bashes. They are doing so again this year, a generous percentage of the profits coming to us at St John's. This really will be a good night out and the admission price of $8.00 includes supper and a glass of wine. The musicians enjoy themselves thoroughly with tunes we all know, throwing the tunes about, improvising on them, turning them inside out and their enjoyment is mightily infectious. Come along and bring a friend.

REFUGEE RIGHTS

There is a public forum in St Matthew's Parish Centre on Tuesday, 17th December from 7.30 - 9.00pm. The topic is "Refugees have Rights Too". Guest speaker is Julian Burnside QC and entry is $5.00 or $2.00 for low-income earners. Supper will be provided.

ECHOES OF ENGLAND

The St Matthew's Consort holds a concert of music by Holst, Vaughan Williams, Elgar, Parry and others at 2.30pm this Sunday. More details are on the Notice Board.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Alex Johnston who celebrates his birthday today, to Margaret Lacey and Mavis Chapple who celebrate theirs on Tuesday the 3rd, and to Claire Moodie, Joan Dickens and Jean Taylor, who celebrate theirs on Thursday the 5th. Congratulations as well to Stan and Alice Windley who's anniversary is on Wednesday the 4th and to Margaret and Brian Wright and Fr Ed and Lyn Richardson for Friday the 6th.

YOUTH SUICIDE

After the 9.30am Eucharist on Sunday the 15th of December there will be a showing of a video on youth suicide. It is all about a scheme to help those contemplating suicide and is sponsored by the Mothers' Union. Anyone who would like to stay on and watch is welcome to and as many MU members as are able should.

FRIENDS OF OUR LADY

The Friends of our Lady and Pastoral Care Eucharist and Coffee Morning will be held this Wednesday at 10.00am. Please support this day, not least because it is the last get-together of the year, and bring along a plate of something suitable for morning tea.

WILLIAM RECOVERS WELL

Bev Holmes wishes to convey her thanks to all who have been praying for and asking after, her grandson William Christian, since early September. Following many weeks in Woden Hospital in Canberra and several more in the Brain Trauma Unit in Lavington, and having received marvellous attention and care at both places as well as initially at Walwa Hospital he is now at home and has made wonderful progress. He continues to need some rehabilitation, on a restricted level, after which he should be back to his former fitness. Our thoughts and prayers have been appreciated very much.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

A young lady of twenty six, an employed/student, is looking for shared accommodation in Wodonga. Please contact Chellsie on 0412 773 567

IMPORTANT DATES

Dec 4th Friends of our Lady & Pastoral Care Mass

Dec 9th Hark the Herald Angels Swing

Dec 15th Children's Church and Nativity Play

Dec 21st Carol Service

Feb 7th Meeting Place Opening and Dinner

Feb 9th Meeting Place Opening Service

Mar 2nd AGM St John's

Mar 4th Pancake Party

Mar 7th World Day of Prayer ( Sacred Heart)

Mar 13th Street Stall

Mar 19th Friends of our Lady Eucharist & Coffee Morn

May 4th Patronal Festival

Jun 16th Friends of our Lady Eucharist & Coffee Morn

May 31st Synod

July 23rd Fish and Chip night

Aug 14th-16th Choral Festival

Sep 17th Friends of our Lady Eucharist & Coffee Morn

Aug 17th Possibly Confirmation Day

Oct 5th Possible St Francistide Pet Service

Oct 25th Flower Show and Fete

Dec 3rd Combined Friends of our Lady & Pastoral Care

DUTIES up to & including 8th December

Cleaning & Tea Team 10

Vestry Dave Gillard

Mowing Stan Best

Narthex Clare Russell, Liz Elliott

Linen Linda McWaters

Welcome Table Jenny Cook, Judy Dicker

Door Jean Ardern, Lyla Richards, Ethel Elkington

Readers Beryl Anson, Lyla Richards, Margaret Morse

Euch Assistant Roger & Cheryl Cobcroft

Intercessor Celebrant

Servers to be arranged

FOR PRAYER

The Sick

Ed Baumgarten, Gwen Goldsworthy, Maimee Haines, Lyla Hair, Joyce Hall, Julie Howe, Audrey Kennedy, Robert Jones, Gail Mahney, Anja Mosse, Janet Murray, Peter Nugent, Christopher Pearson, Thora Pyke, Di Smith, Val Saunders, Grant Savage, Ray Schmidt, Jack Skilton, Dawn Smallpage,Sandra Spurling, Mellissa Walsch, William, John Willoughby.

Anniversary of Death

.Evelyn Edney, Joseph Silva, Shannon Taylor 1st, Thelma Barton 2nd, Mary Shellard, Mavis Hickford 3rd, Rodney Barber 4th,Violet Robertson, Martha Heiner, Betty Adams 5th, Lionel Baldock, Jessie Robinson, Edward Roberts 6th, Robert Winnett, Harold Huggins 7th.

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

Monday 2nd December Frances Perry

Fr Andrew's Day off

7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's

5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's

Tuesday 3rd December Francis Xavier

7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's

9.30am Clergy Hospital Visits

12.30pm Ministers' Fellowship Luncheon

2.00pm Stewardship Meeting - Parish Office

5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's

7.30pm Bishop's Certificate Course - Narthex

Wednesday 4th December Nicolas Ferrar

7.15am Mattins only - Emmanuel

8.45am Church Wardens' Meeting - Rectory

10.00am Eucharist - St John's (Pastoral Care)

10.00am Home Communions

11.45am School's Service - St John's

5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's

7.30pm Emmanuel Council Meeting

Thursday 5th December

7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's

9.00am SACKAN - Narthex

11.00am Eucharist - Westlands

1.30pm Eucharist - Osburn Lodge

3.30pm Children for Christ - Narthex

5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's

7.30pm Choir Practice - St John's

Friday 6th December St Nicholas of Myra

Fr Ellis' Day off

7.15am Mattins & Eucharist (Trad) - St John's

5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's

6.00pm Strategy Meeting - Wangaratta

7.30pm Scottish Country Dancing - Narthex

Saturday 7th December

7.45am Mattins & Eucharist -

9.30am Strategy Meeting - Wangaratta

6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - St John's

8th December 2nd Sunday in Advent

7.30am Said Eucharist - St John's

9.00am Uniting Church Eucharist - Emmanuel

9.30am Sung Eucharist - St John's

11.00am Eucharist - Talgarno

7.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's