13th July 2003
FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire is compelling in its sheer readability; no ill-carpentered paragraphs in Gibbon's prose require re-reading to extract the sense.:.......it might have been bad luck for Archbishop Hollingworth that John Howard would appear not to be a Gibbon fan. Constantine the Great, the first Roman emperor to turn Christian, was devoted to the early church; in particular, he kept a kindly eye on its peculiar institution of bishop. So much so, in fact, that he declared that if he ever were to surprise a bishop in the act of adultery, he would cover him over with the imperial purple mantle, rather than there be a scandal. Peter Ryan (Quadrant July/August)
THIS AND THAT
Fr Andrew Neaum
It is on Thursday mornings that I get this pew sheet together and last week the day began at about 5.20am with the composition of a short funeral homily. I then made my way over to the cold chapel for a time of quiet and to listen to a Bach Cantata before Mattins and the Eucharist. The Cantata was BWV 8, entitled, less than cheerfully I thought, "Dearest God, when will my death be?". The opening chorus unutterably fascinating, with plucked strings and a high flute playing a staccato single note over and over again to represent the tolling of the death knell, the voices singing beautifully:
Dearest God, when will my death be?
Now my days run ever on,
And the heirs of the old Adam,
In whose number I, too, am,
Have this for their legacy,
That they for a little while,
Poor and wretched, earth inhabit
And then are with earth united.
Death played a much bigger part in the lives of people in Bach's day than today. Few families escaped several premature deaths and many were decimated by such. Because of this attitudes to death were more robust and less evasive. The words of the final chorale of this particular chorale end positively:
Ruler over death and living,
Let at last my end be good;
Teach me how to yield my spirit
With a courage firm and sure.
Help me earn an honest grave
Next to godly Christian men,
And at last by earth though covered
May I never ruin suffer!
What with a funeral homily and a cantata on the subject of death there was a deathly beginning to my Thursday, but there was life as well. On the way to chapel a blackbird on the narthex parapet tentatively ran through and practised a love song as the mating season gets underway, and how lively our parish is at present! There are all sorts of things going on.
In two weeks time, on the 27th of July, the Bishop will be at St John's at the 9.30am Eucharist to confirm fourteen candidates whose ages range from the teens to the eighties. A big day this, everyone who can possibly be present should be so to welcome our candidates into full membership of the Church.
On the 24th of August the Bishop returns again for the opening of the Parish Centre. This is another big day in the life of the parish and should be great fun. It all begins with the 9.30am Eucharist, presided over by the Bishop. There will be the usual cup of tea and at 11.30am, with many of the Richardson family and friends in attendance, as well as a good number of parishioners, I hope. Mr Bill Richardson will deliver some well-crafted words, the Rector will recite a piece of light verse celebrating the Centre and the Bishop will bless and open the new facility. The building should be near enough to completion to engender general pride and delight. We will then repair to the Narthex for a drink and there will follow a finger lunch in the new centre a little later. The names of those wishing to attend should be put on the list in the Narthex, the cost of $10.00 can be paid on any weekday morning from 9.00am to 12 noon at the parish office or to Margaret Andrews on Sundays.
On Wednesday 23rd of July there is the great Fish and Chips evening. Mr Greenspan's prognostications and deliberations in America not withstanding, nor even the ravages of globalization and the rise and fall and rise again of the Australian dollar have affected the price of this notable event. The cost of the meal, with a glass of vin ordinaire remains a modest $5.00. Anyone not in attendance has no eye for a bargain, no ear for good conversation and no taste for good company.
Then there is the GREAT RAFFLE. For thirteen or so weeks we need teams of people to sit cheerfully at chilly tables inviting people to buy tickets in what is likely to be our last GREAT RAFFLE. In years to come you will be able to say with pride to your great grandchildren, "I participated in the very last GREAT RAFFLE held at St John's Church, Wodonga" and your listeners will fall silent in awe. We might even strike a medal for participants to wear on ANZAC day. Please, either let Jenny Elford know in person, or put your name down on the list to participate. The cooperation of everyone is needed and sought, please don't let us down.
The forthcoming event that fills me with the most trepidation of all, however, is the St Francistide Pet Service. I have been trying for weeks to let it fall off the calendar of forthcoming events, but Margaret Andrews has refused to let me do so! This takes place on the Sunday I get back from my holidays (5th October) and you are invited to bring your pet or pets to the 9.30 service for a blessing, to them show off, to allow them to look for a prospective mate, to join in the praise of God and to remind us all of our solidarity with all of creation. Eventually there will be yet another list in the narthex to sign pets in! We need to know, for example, if anyone is bringing a hippopotamus that hates cats.
In addition to all of these extraordinary activities the normal active life of the parish goes on. You can join in Meditation on Wednesday mornings at 9.00am. A wonder-ful three quarters of an hour of peace with God. You can come along to weekday Eucharists. Fr Ellis' weekly bible bash is soon to restart. You can offer to help with Children's Club on Thursday afternoons, urgently needed, or to mind the Parish on weekday mornings. You can join the choir or Friendship Group, SACKAN, Scottish Dancing, Mothers' Union and so on..... Then there are the rostered activities, every week, good folk involved in this that and the other, not to mention the immense and dedicated work going on in the new Parish Centre under the eye of Dave and Rob.
Our Parish hums with activity, God is present and active in human effort, common action, interaction, friendship, conflict, relationship, liturgy, communion, week in, week out. The Parish and Parish Church is where he is most readily found and known and loved and revealed. Those who say, or most usually whine: "You don't have to go to Church to be a Christian" tell the truth, but it is piddle-thin, lowest-common denominator, diluted truth that no full-blooded lover of God and neighbour could ever be satisfied with! Thank God for our parish, all parishes, all Christian congregations, Diocese, dioceses and Communions and for God revealed in them.
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Lord, let me rejoice when compassion is no longer a religious virtue, but becomes part of human life. Let me be glad to see goodness in ordinary lives. Let me be thankful as governments take over charitable care from the churches; knowing that the Kingdom of God is becoming in some measure the Kingdom of the world. Let me praise you, O God, that the more fully human we become, the closer we get to the divine, as seen in the life of him who was true God and full man, even Jesus Christ, your incarnate Son. George Appleton
ASK A SILLY QUESTION
A salesman rang the bell at a suburban home and the door was opened by a nine year old boy puffing on a long black cigar. Hiding his amazement, the salesman asked the young man, "Is your mother home?" The boy took the cigar out of his mouth, flicked ashes on the carpet, and asked, "what do you think?"
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Shirley McKernan who celebrates her birthday on Tues.the 15th, to Ashley and Jayne Merbach for Wed. the 16th, to Wendy McGregor for Thurs. the 17th and to Lucy Clelland for Fri. the 18th.
FINANCE AND PARISH COUNCIL
There is a meeting of the Finance Committee on Tuesday at 5.00pm and a meeting of the Parish Council on Wednesday at 7.30pm. The minutes for the latter are available in the Narthex.
OFFICE WORKERS
Office Workers are required for August and September, many regulars being away. If you can help please speak to Margaret Andrews.
MOTHERS UNION NEWS
Mothers' Union members are reminded that there will not be a meeting this month. They are invited to attend the Eucharist at 10.00am this Wednesday 16th July. The Reader, Intercessor and also the month's Baptism Representative will be Georgina. Hospital visiting will be undertaken by Wendy and Georgina. Please add your names to the Wave of Prayer list on the table in the Narthex. The Wave of Prayer will begin at 11.00am on July 16th and continue in half hourly intervals ending at 3.30pm. Parishioners are most welcome to take part.
MALE VOICE CHOIR
The Victoria Welsh Male Voice Choir performs at St John's on Sat. Aug. 16th. Do encourage friends and relatives to come along to a great evening. Tickets are available from the Parish Office.
SACKAN
The more knitters and crocheters who come to our meeting this month the better. 1st & 3rd) Thursdays from 9.30am - 2.00pm. We sew, chat, laugh and bring along lunch to have together while working on squares for rugs, bed socks, knee-warmers and other projects sometimes as well. For those who like to help at home, patterns and wool are available from Margaret Neaum or Dorothy Heiner. These articles are donated to Nursing Homes as part of our Home Mission giving. Our side of the Narthex is warm and cosy!
FISH AND CHIPS
The Fish and Chips night is on Wednesday 23rd July in the Narthex at 6.00pm. The price remains at a mere $5.00 per head. Please put your name on the list in the Narthex as soon as possible. It would be appreciated if ladies or gentlemen would bring a small salad.
HELP NEEDED
Please sign up on the list in the Narthex to sell Raffle tickets for our major Raffle, from 17th July, or ring Jenny Elford on 02 60591212. We need plenty of volunteers to sell at various venues, otherwise Jenny will have to spend hours on the phone ringing around! We want this fund raiser to be a great success.
FETE AND FLOWER SHOW
A preliminary planning meeting will be held after the 9.30am Eucharist on Sunday 20th July to get the Fete for this year up and running. It is important that all previous Stall Co-ordinators and interested people are in attendance. Your suggestions and any new ideas will be much appreciated and of great assistance in putting together this event. Thank you. Fete Committee
GREAT OCEAN ROAD AND GRAMPIANS
A five day and four night trip from October the 12th, with accommodation centrally situated at Ballarat, will visit the Great Ocean Road, only an hour away, the Grampians, just one and a half hours in the opposite direction, as well as surrounding gold fields and other interesting attractions. We will enjoy spectacular scenery and beautiful spring wild flowers on our daily guided tours. Early bookings are required for a tour to Norfolk Island next March, 2004. Please contact Margaret Connell (02) 60241448
DUTIES up to & including 13th July
Cleaning & Tea Team 1
Readers Beryl Anson, Roger & Cheryl Cobcroft
Eucharistic Assistant Margaret Barkley
Intercessor Celebrant
Door Jean Ardern, Hugh & Jenny Elford
Vestry Eric Saunders
Mowing Jim Hislop
Narthex Anne & Peter Young substitutes
Linen Jean Taylor
Welcome Table Hugh & Jenny Elford
Servers Erin, Phillip, Travis, Catherine
DUTIES up to & including 20th July
Cleaning & Tea Team 2
Readers Marion Ellis, Georgia Cadman, Catherine Hayes
Eucharistic Assistant Hugh Elford
Intercessor Children
Door Beryl Anson, Linda McWaters, Wilma Drummond
Vestry Bill Elkington
Mowing Nil
Narthex Dot & Laurie Anstis
Linen Margaret Barkley
Welcome Table Laurel Cooper, Val Hill
Servers Anthony, Tabitha, Aaron, Jess, Jayne, Daniel
IMPORTANT DATES
July 23rd Fish and Chip night
July 27th Confirmation Day
Aug 14th-15th Choral Festival
Aug 16th Welsh Choir
Aug 20th 2.00pm Pastoral Care Committee
Aug 24th Hall Opening and Thanksgiving Lunch
Aug 27th 2.00pm Pastoral Care Group
Sep 17th Friends of our Lady Eucharist & Coffee Morn
Oct 5th St Francistide Pet Service
Oct 12th Farewell Service and lunch for Neaums
Oct 22nd 2.00pm Pastoral Care Committee
Oct 25th Flower Show and Fete
Oct 29th 2.00pm Pastoral Care Group
Nov 23rd Bishop's Pastoral Visit
Dec 3rd Combined Friends of our Lady & Pastoral Care
April 3rd Talgarno Centenary Begins
April 4th d Talgarno Centenary Supper & Dance
April 5thd Talgarno Centenary Eucharist & BBQ
FOR PRAYER
The Sick
Ed Baumgarten, Rose Bone. Jean Byrnes, Betty Caldow, Eunice Charlton, Sally Craven, Gwen Goldsworthy, Joyce Hall, Robert Jones, Andrew Kleinert, Edna Naismith, Bobby Nicholson, Thora Pyke, Bob Phillips, Simone Rattray Reid, Val Saunders, Pam Willoughby, Wayne & Heather Westenhaver, Mark.
Rest in Peace Janet Murray
Anniversary of Death
Stella Sebastian, Peter Cannon, Wilton Whiting, Myrtle Warren, Allan (Strad) Jones 13th, William Chappell, Jessie Pamment, James Fisher 14th, Lawrence Neilson, Harold Peel 15th, Geoffrey Odewan, Sylvia Hyde, Alice Sanders, Robert McIllree 16th, Vera Foster, William Stafford, Valerie Ashworth, Novia Chammings 17th, Raymond Wickham, Eric Sumsion, Alice Chester 18th, Lydia Melbourne 19th.
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 14th July
Fr Andrew's Day off
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
Tuesday 15th July
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
9.00am Pastoral Care - Parish Office
Clergy Hospital Visits
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
5.00pm Finance Committee Meeting - Parish Office
8.00pm Baptism Preparation - Narthex
Wednesday 16th July
7.15am Mattins - Emmanuel
9.00am Meditation - Narthex
10.00am Eucharist - St John's
Home Communions
4.30pm Confirmation Class
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Parish Council Meeting - Narthex
Thursday 17th July
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
9.30am SACKAN - Narthex
11.00am Eucharist - Westlands
1.30pm Eucharist - Osburn Lodge
4.00pm Children's Club - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Choir Practice - St John's
Friday 18th July
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist (trad rite) - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
4.00pm Affirming Catholicism Meeting - Wangaratta
6.30pm Clergy Farewell for the Dean - Wangaratta
7.30pm Scottish Dancing (perhaps) - Narthex
Saturday 19th July
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - St John's
6th Sun after Pentecost July 20th
7.30am Said Eucharist - St John's
9.00am Eucharist - Emmanuel
9.30am Eucharist - St John's
11.00am Morning Prayer - Talgarno
7.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's