3rd November 2002
TWENTY FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
Because half a dozen grasshoppers under a fern make the field ring with their importunate chink, whilst thousands of great cattle, reposed beneath the shadow of the British oak, chew the cud and are silent, pray do not imagine that those who make the noise are the only inhabitants of the field; that of course, they are many in number; or that, after all, they are other than the little, shrivelled, meagre, hopping, though loud and troublesome insects of the hour. Edmund Burke 1728-1797
Freedom and not servitude is the cure of anarchy; as religion, and not atheism, is the true remedy for superstition. Edmund Burke 1728-1797
WELCOME
Welcome to our services today. The order of the Eucharist at all of them is from "A Prayer Book for Australia. As we like our worship to flow there are few directions given during the service. Page numbers are printed in this pew sheet as are the Prayer of the Day, Special Sentences, Readings, Psalm and Hymn Numbers.
MUSIC
The organist at 9.30am today is Marjorie Glanville and the Postlude is "Processional" by the illustrious Albury organist, musician and gentleman, G.W. Stocks.
Hymns at 9.30am
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Help us, O God, to stand for the difficult right against the easy wrong. Save us from habits that harm. Teach us to work as hard and play as fair in your sight alone as if all the world saw. Forgive us when we are unkind, and help us to forgive those who are unkind to us. Keep us ready to help others even at cost to ourselves; send us opportunities to do a little good every day, and to grow more like our Lord, Jesus Christ.
William De Witt Hyde 1858-1917
A BROWN FIT
The Sheriff said, "I'm looking for a man with a brown paper hat, wearing brown paper clothes and riding a brown paper horse."
"What do you want him for?"
"Rustling."
SURFEIT
A couple of bushies had finished their fencing contract back o'Bourke and were heading towards town when they were overcome by thirst. So they parked the ute at the front of a lonely little pub and went inside to breast the bar. "What's the beer like?" they asked a stockman, who'd arrived a few minutes earlier and was tying his blue heeler to a fence post out the front. "The beer here? It's flamin' awful," said the stockman. "I'll be glad when I've had enough."
PASSING THE GRAVEYARD
Fr Andrew Neaum
The black backdrop to every little drama on life's stage is death. It haunts most of us. Parish priests need to have something more than well-worn platitudes to offer, if they are to exorcise the universal spectre. There was a memorable scene in the ABC's Sunday night drama of some years ago, "The Lakes". A sympathetically portrayed, liberal and believable priest is abused by a bereaved mother for not offering her conventional platitudes, of the harp-plunking and Peter at the pearly-gates variety. Most folk desire and demand such platitudes. In some of the funerals I take, those paying their tributes to the deceased take upon themselves more than the role of eulogising. They sink to depths of homiletic platitudinousness that make me cringe.
Last week we celebrated the two festivals, All Saints and All Souls. I find the celebration of All Souls' to be wholly in order. To me it seems both psychologically and pastorally necessary as well as theologically entirely justifiable. Unusually for someone of Anglo-Catholic predilections, however, I find the feast of All Saints more problematical. The whole canonisation process seems fraught with difficulty to me. To honour heroes is essential. To beatify and canonise them seems extremely dubious. There is so much about the motivation, even of the most heroic people, that we can never ever know! An article I once read in "The Spectator" about the "fast-tracking" of Mother Theresa's canonisation in no way allayed my concerns.
Every six or seven years, All Souls' Day falls on a Sunday , and when it does I delight to allow it to displace the usual Sunday worship and readings. Everyone is given a candle on their way into church and, at an appropriate time in the service, the acolytes go down and light the candles of the worshippers next to the aisle. The light is passed on, and then everyone comes forward to place a candle on a stand before the altar. Those who have brought a flower place it in a vase at the front provided for the purpose. These actions are gestures of love for our departed and a symbol of our belief in resurrection. The intercessions for the day include the long and melancholy list of all those buried from our parish in the past year, as well as the many more names of deceased loved ones, listed by worshippers on a sheet in the narthex.
On the last such occasion my sermon began with happy John Betjeman's unhappy obsession with death, and quoted his horrifying little poem, "On a Portrait of a Deaf Man":
He liked old City dining-rooms,
Potatoes in their skin,
But now his mouth is wide to let
The London clay come in....
It went on to quote Philip Larkin's "Aubade", with its memorable phrase discounting religion as any consolation in the face of death, calling it a
"...vast moth-eaten, musical brocade
Created to pretend we never die."
It went on to trace the development of attitudes to death and to an afterlife through the Old Testament to the New, where it identified four conflicting attitudes in New Testament Jewish thought, three of them influencing Christian theology profoundly, although sometimes sitting uncomfortably together..
The sermon ended with what to me is one of the most wonderful of little poems by the poet/parson Andrew Young. This poem relies for its effect upon the apparent biological fact, that after every seven years of a person's existence, there is not a cell in his or her body that has not died and been replaced:
Passing The Graveyard
I see you did not try to save
The bouquet of white flowers I gave;
So fast they wither on your grave.
Why does it hurt the heart to think
Of that most bitter abrupt brink
Where the low-shouldered coffins sink?
These living bodies that we wear
So change by every seventh year
That in a new dress we appear;
Limbs, spongy brain and slogging heart,
No part remains the selfsame part;
Like streams they stay and still depart.
You slipped slow bodies in the past;
Then why should we be so aghast
You flung off the whole flesh at last?
Let him who loves you think instead
That like a woman who has wed
You undressed first and went to bed.
SILENCE
Not every truth is the better for showing its face undisguised; and often silence is the wisest thing for a man to heed. Pindar
The environment is everything that isn't me.
Albert Einstein
SUCCESS
Success is never final.
Winston Churchill
All are welcome to BBQ at the Lookout that you get to be driving out towards Lake Hume and turning left into Whytes Road, by the Cattle Yards and then right again. Anyone desirous of a lift ask Fr Ellis or Margaret Neaum, who will be leaving at about 12 noon. Fr Andrew will be arriving later from Talgarno.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Sholto Elliott who celebrates his birthday today, Sunday, and to Gaye Petzke who celebrates hers on Tuesday.
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 Chris Filby or the Parish Office
SACKAN
The sewing group will be meeting from 9am in the Narthex on Thursday morning the 7th of November. Come and join us, have fun and perhaps learn something new.
Julie Skilton 60592093
ST JOHN'S FLOWER SHOW REPORT 2002
Our Flower Show was again blessed with a very lovely display of Flowers and Potted Plants. We are most grateful to all our Exhibitors for their wonderful support in creating a most beautiful and successful Exhibition. Thank you to the Children who presented some fine talent with their various forms of Art and Craft. It would be wonderful to see many more entries in this section next year.
A special feature was the most entertaining singing of the Albury/Wodonga Sing Australia Choir. It was much enjoyed by an appreciative audience.
We gratefully acknowledge the generous support by the Donors of our Trophies, the cash donations, and the Judges who generously gave their time and expertise.
Many thanks too to Bill Elkington and his team of helpers who worked so very hard in transporting, setting up and taking down the tables for our Display, and to Jim Hislop for erecting the extra lighting which was much appreciated by all concerned. To all our wonderful helpers on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday, you all made such a wonderful contribution. Thanks to Fr.Andrew and Janet Whitehead for their assistance in producing our Flower Schedule. Thank you to Marie Draper, Linda McWaters and Jean DeKruiff for their great support with the organization and presentation of our Flower Show.
The Champion Rose Trophy was awarded to Dawn Fraser The Most Successful Exhibitor of the Flower Show went to Trudi & Fred Behrens. The Door Prize was won by Jenny Elford. The Best Entry in the Children's Section was that by Jess Saunders. The Most Successful Exhibitor of the Children's Section was equally shared by Jess Saunders and Phoebe Adams. Jean Ardern (co-ordinator)
FETE REPORT 2002
Because money for the Fete tends to trickle in for a week or two after the event we will publish the takings from each stall and the total profit in next week's pew sheet. However, we confidently expect to have made a profit of about $9000.
As the dust now settles, we can reflect back on another fine event both socially and financially. I will not attempt to individualise on the efforts of people involved, but simply say that I most warmly appreciate the overall contribution from many people in so many various capacities.... the setting up of the "Flower Show" requirements and of the "Fete" stalls; the expert salesmanship, the collection and counting of takings, the provision of an efficient PA system and its fluent use, the provision of refreshments and all the many, many good people who so generously gave such a wide range of saleable items. All of you please accept our sincere thanks!!
It has been pleasing and encouraging to hear the favourable comments relating to this "Annual Event" and I feel that it is important that we should strive to maintain the high standard we have now come to expect.
Bill Elkington, Fete Coordinator.
CARTOONS WITH THANKS
The fine cartoons in these pew sheets come from the best of weekly journals, "The Spectator", with permission and thanks.
WISDOM
By three methods we may learn wisdom: first, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest. Confucius
M U AUSTRALIA
Beginning from this Sunday, the 3rd of Nov-ember, MU will be selling their Christmas cards at 45 cents each, following the 7.30am and 9.30am Sunday Services at St John's, until all are sold. If anyone who attends other services would like to buy some, please contact Sylvia on 602446749. There is a sample card on the Notice Board.
CHRISTIAN MEDITATION
The Christian Meditation group meets regularly on Wednesday mornings at 9.00am in St John's Narthex and finishes in time for the 10.00am Eucharist. There are answers to frequently asked questions about meditation on one of the Notice Boards in the Narthex.
There is a Churchwardens' meeting at 8.45am on Wednesday this week!.
HARK THE HERALD ANGELS SWING
The angels are due to swing again this year on December the 9th. This will be an excellent evening, as it was last year. Book the date. More information later.
SUITE MUSIQUE
Judith Napier, who sings in the St John's choir and, with her family, is one of our parish's great new blessings, has organised a Vocal Recital in St John's on Sunday November 24th at 2.00pm. She will be singing on her own, accompanied by Robyn Krowicky and also with Bohdan Krowicky. This will be a great concert, so do come along and support Judith. ($10, $8 concession). Please spread abroad the flier you received with this pew sheet as well.
IMPORTANT DATES
Nov 20th Pastoral Care Committee Meeting
Nov 27th Pastoral Care Meeting
Nov 30th Concert & Book Launch Wangaratta
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
DUTIES up to and including 10th November
Cleaning & Tea Team 6
Vestry Hugh Elford
Mowing Ross Sceriha
Narthex Anne & Peter Young
Linen Margaret Barkley
Welcome Table Hugh & Jenny Elford
Door Beryl Anson, Anne Merbach, Dianne Smith
Readers Beryl Anson, Roger & Cheryl Cobcroft
Euch Assistant Margaret Barkley
Intercessor Claire Russell
Servers Paige, Melissa, Candice, Aimee, Daniel, Catherine
FOR PRAYER
The Sick
Ed Baumgarten, Maimee Haines, Lyla Hair Joyce Hall, Julie Howe, Audrey Kennedy, Robert Jones, Gail Mahney, Anja Mosse, Janet Murray, Peter Nugent, Christopher Pearson, Thora Pyke, Val Saunders, Grant Savage, Ray Schmidt, Jack Skilton, Sandra Spurling, Mellissa Walsch, William, John Willoughby.
Anniversary of Death
Robert Snowden 3rd, Robert Clay 5th, Isabel Duggan, William Welch 6th, Colin Osburn, Robert Briggs 7th, Albert Elkington, Walter Spurr 8th.
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 4th November
Fr Andrew's Day off
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
Tuesday 5th November
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
9.00am Pastoral Care Meeting - Parish Office
9.30am Clergy Hospital Visits
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Bishop's Certificate - Narthex
Wednesday 6th November
7.15am Mattins only - Emmanuel
8.45am Church Wardens' Meeting - Rectory
9.00am Christian Meditation - Narthex
10.00am Eucharist - St John's
10.00am Home Communions
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
Thursday 7th November
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
9.00am SACKAN
11.00am Eucharist - Westlands
1.30pm Eucharist - Osburn Lodge
2.00pm Stewardship Meeting - Parish Office
3.30pm Children for Christ - Narthex
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Choir Practice - St John's
Friday 8th November Anglican Saints & Martyrs
Fr Ellis' Day off
7.15am Mattins & Trad Rite Eucharist - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Scottish Country Dancing - Narthex
Saturday 9th November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
5.30pm Evening Prayer - St John's
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - St John's
10th November 25th Sunday after Pentecost
7.30am Said Eucharist - St John's
9.00am Uniting Church Eucharist - Emmanuel
9.30am Sung Eucharist - St John's
11.00am Morning Prayer - Bethanga
7.00pm Evening Prayer (said) - St John's
RAFFLE RESULTS
Christmas Stall: 1st Jean Taylor, 2nd Tracey Bean.
Plant Stall: Reg Morley.
Book Stall: Kath Woolford.
Craft Stall: 1st Joy Haddad, 2nd "Pam".
Cake Stall: Faye Colwell.
Toy Stall: Sally Smallpage.
Tom's Hamper: Helen King.
Flower Show: Jenny Elford.