FIFTH SUNDAY IN LENT
6th April 2003
"Passion Sunday”
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Language bullying is on the rise. I blame George Bush. His status as both a genuinely poor speaker ("My education message will resignate among all parents") and the initiator of a widely unpopular war has made an interest in grammar fashionable again.... Grammatical correctness has become political correctness. This is ironic. Language bullying (or prescriptivism, as it's more politely called) is conservative in the worst sense. It advances a stuffy and old-fashioned view of language, the rules of which it considers set by sup-posed experts, such as the authors of grammar books, rather than common usage. It is deeply anti-populist and snobby, not to mention just plain wrong and cranky. There are good reasons to criticize Bush. But holding his, or anyone else's, grammar to dubious standards isn't one of them.Andy Lamey
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
Lord, we know that we live in a world of plenty, with food sufficient for all. Help us to realize that there is enough for everyone's need, but not enough for every one's greed. Give us hearts of com-passion, unselfish concern and loving care, that all may have the abundant life which is your will. When we offer all that we have, we know that in your hands there is enough and to spare, Lord of the hungry crowd and of the twelve basketsful left over.George Appleton
DISCERNMENT
A young man told his mother that he had fallen in love and was going to get married. She responded with mixed feelings and asked for the name of his betrothed. "Look, just for a bit of fun," he said, "I'll bring home three girls and you try to guess which one I have proposed to." So the next day he brought three very attractive women into the house and sat them, side by side, on the couch. The five of them had a friendly conversation. He then said, "Alright Mum. Which one am I going to marry?" His mother said, "The redhead in the middle." "Mum, that is amazing. You are absolutely right. How did you work it out?" "Easy, I don't like her."
THE WEEK THAT WAS
I found five dollars and some coin shrapnel in our letter box some days ago. This is not the first time this has happened and sometimes there is considerably more! It is an unusual way of donating to the Church, but refreshing for its deliberate anonymity and insouciant carelessness as to what happens to the money. Such generosity arises almost certainly out of relative poverty, for the folk who give in this way, I have good reason to believe, are those on the margins of our society, sometimes mentally disturbed and almost always living on the pension. Overcome with gratitude for some good fortune, or remorse at some misdeed, they decide to give something to God, a sort of donation surely as appreciated by our Lord as was the Widow's mite.
We are in the middle of a Planned Giving program at the moment, you might have noticed, not too intrusive a one though and I hope that everyone will take it seriously and determine to give something extra on a regular basis, if it is at all possible. Those who don't return their little response form will in all likelihood be contacted by phone to ensure that they have received the material. At such times in a parish's life a parson hears faint rumbles of dissatisfaction, normally only at second or third hand. This is only to be expected. Most of us run on a fairly tight budget. It can be very painful to be challenged to tighten it further. The only responses that really deaden my spirits are those that are indicative of self-satisfaction in generosity. Given all the pressing needs and worthy causes around we can all, surely, only be ashamed of how little we give away while living so well. To be apologetic seems healthy and good, self-justification, on the other hand, is almost sickening.
On Friday evening Margaret and I went to Fr Liam Matthew's induction as Rector of North Albury. He is an Englishman who, over a year ago, rang me up from the U.K. to enquire about our diocese. He is married to an Australian who for some years had been nursing a desire to return to this fair land. His wife is a friend of friends of the Elfords, hence his phone call to me. The atmosphere at the induction was lovely, though the liturgy and choir caused me to mutter a little prayer of gratitude for St John's. Liam and his wife spent a good number of years as a monk and a nun respectively, working in the Solomon Islands. They eventually left their respective orders independently and then, having kept in contact, decided to get married some years later. I am sure they will be a great asset to our diocese, a breath of fresh and liberal air.
Elizabeth continues to enjoy life at ANU in Canberra and has asked me to pass on her best wishes to everyone. She will be back among us for a week or two over Easter. So too will our son David who flies over from England for a mere three weeks after Easter.
Every fifth Sunday of the month from now on there will be a combined service at Emmanuel and so either Fr Ellis or myself will officiate or preach with Diane Watson, the Uniting Church minister. That is where I was last Sunday, preaching a sermon on the fiery serpents which I enjoyed researching. It was interesting to be a part of a service quite markedly different from ours and yet with an integrity all its own. Diane gave what she called an "Early Word", before the Gospel, aimed especially at children though interesting to everyone. She spoke about such Anglican customs as Mothering Sunday or Laetare Sunday, simnel cake and posies. It was good that I took some of the simnel cake and posy bounty with me from St John's. These were supplemented by jelly snakes in honour of the fiery serpents!
Because of the end to daylight saving I have an extra hour each morning as my body gets used to the arbitrary change. I find myself awake and getting up at about half past four if not earlier. This enabled me on Sunday morning to sort out all the choir's psalms until the end of June. This was no small chore as it involved writing out a new tune for the Sundays after Easter and composing a simple descant, great fun. Choral Evensong on Sunday night started a little late because Diana, who was picking up Marjorie, got lost in Barnawartha in the dark, not knowing the exact street address. We managed alright though, Shane picked out the melody of the first hymn on the organ for the choir to sing unaccompanied thereafter, and then Marjorie turned up in time for everything else.
I managed an idle day off on Monday doing only a little gardening and replacing the four way speaker switch on my sound system at some cost. It means that we have once more a pair of working speakers in the lounge, the bedroom and the study. I was supposed to go to a Baranduda School meeting in the narthex at 7.30pm, but forgot all about it because on Monday I don't bother to look in my diary. Towards the end of the meeting the door bell went and it was Fr Ellis reporting an irate neighbour complaining about a car parked over her drive. I went out to find a member of the Baranduda meeting apologising to an irate woman who was going on and on and on, almost hysterically, about how inconsiderate all we Christians are in our parking habits! There is not a little irrational animosity directed towards Christians in our society by otherwise reasonable people these days. However, it was a pleasant change to be castigated not for paedophilic priests, or for the Crusades, or for attitudes to birth control and women, but simply because someone who was in fact not a churchgoing Christian at all, had parked a footling car in front of a footling suburban driveway!
On Tuesday, after another very early rising and the usual early morning chapel and breakfast, I headed off to the courthouse to support someone undergoing trial and sentencing. The magistrate, a youngish woman, was most impressive and the result of her deliberations was just and appropriate. How fortunate we are in our legal system in Australia, I sat in for a drunk driving case that followed and was most impressed by the attitude, admonishments and sentence delivered by the magistrate. All was very efficient and expeditious, but not at all perfunctory. I got back just in time for a meeting with Diane Watson and Fr Ellis, fruitful and punctuated with much laughter. We then we headed off for a Ministers' Fellowship Meeting and luncheon at the Officers Mess at Bandiana. There we had a most enjoyable and sociable time, discussing the war, the army, Holy Week and a variety of other topics. I am the President of the Ministers Fellowship, for the second year. I sometimes wonder if it is worth the effort. Its main purpose and benefit would seem to be the establishment of friendly relationships between the clergy of the various denomin-ations, surely a good thing. This was followed by a Stewardship Committee Meeting at 2.30 and then a visit to the hospital.....as for the rest of the busy week, there's no room left to talk of it! Fr Andrew Neaum
Reading the Bible
at Eucharist
Take the time for a PREVIEW of Next Sunday's Readings
Next Sunday 13 April 2003: Palm Sunday
Guide for Readers at Sunday Eucharist
The Gospel is or should be the Passion according to Mark, Chapter 15 verse 1 to Chapter 15 verse 39. At the main Mass this will normally be split into sections for dramatic reading by congregation members.
(1) A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, Chapter 50 verses 4 – 9a
This is the fourth Servant Song in this second section of Isaiah, written in the 500s BC. In its own right as a piece of Jewish literature, it is about the suffering nature of the Jews as they prepare to return to their homeland from exile in Babylon. Quite naturally, Christians see it as pointing to the one lone Jew who will take upon himself the sufferings, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Psalm 31: verses 9 - 18
A follow-up to the Isaiah reading, about the sufferings of the people of God. Again, it may be interpreted as referring to the coming Christ as suffering servant of God. Sheol is the place where you went at death. Pronounce shay – OL.
(2) A Reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians Chapter 2 verses 5 - 11
In this great hymn, Paul asserts the pre-existence of Christ. That is, Christ existed before he became human, and is divine. But he willingly relinquishes his claims to divinity; he "empties himself". This is the opposite of what humans do, by trying to claim divinity. Take a breather after verse 8, before the stuff about Christ's being exalted.
Palm Sunday celebrates the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, as the humble King. But it also begins the story of his passion. Well has it been said, that many people are prepared to share in the kingship of Christ, but have doubts about sharing in his suffering servanthood. On Palm Sunday we are presented with two sides of our commitment as the community of disciples.
This is hard stuff. Give it all you've got! ESJ.
Note: because readers for the Maundy, Good Friday, and Easter ceremonies will be given copies of their readings well before the main services so that they may prepare them properly, we will not put this preview and guide into next Sunday's pewsheet.
EASTER SERVICES AT ST JOHN'S
Maundy Thursday 17th April
7.00pm Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper with Foot Washing.
Good Friday 18th April
9.30am Celebration of the Lord's Passion
Easter Saturday 19th April
7.00pm Lighting of New Fire, Paschal Candle and Easter Ceremonies
Easter Day 20th April
7.30am Said Eucharist
9.30am Sung Eucharist & Children's Church
SERVICES - OTHER CENTRES
Maundy Thursday 17th April
7.00pm Evening Mass of the Lord's Supper with Foot Washing. - Emmanuel
Good Friday 18th April
9.00am Uniting Church Service - Emmanuel
11.00am Ecumenical Stations of the Cross starting at Sacred Heart
11.00am Stations of the Cross - Bethanga
Easter Saturday 19th April
8.00pm Lighting of Fire, Paschal Candle and Easter Ceremonies - Emmanuel
Easter Day 20th April
9.00am Uniting Church Service - Emmanuel
9.30am Eucharist - Talgarno
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Anne and Peter Young for their wedding anniversary on Friday 11th, and to Janet Nagle and Gwen Goldsworthy for their birthdays on Monday the 7th and Saturday the 12th respectively.
PLEASE DO GET INVOLVED
We shall be making Palm Crosses on Saturday from 10.00am, and also decorating the Church. Helpers are most welcome, and indeed necessary. Sign up in the Narthex please !
MESSIAH
The performance of Handel's "Messiah" this Saturday, April the 12th promises to be a particularly memorable one with a fine gathered choir and excellent soloists. Not to be missed. The Rector, Marjorie Glanville and Clare Russell have tickets if you would like to purchase any: $15, $10 concession.
SOW AND YOU SHALL REAP
"The Bible Society in Australia Inc.", commencing in late May, will provide to St John's a limited supply of copies of "The Sower" magazine (three times a year) to enlighten interested parishioners. Please take advantage of this when available.
HALL OPENING
On Sunday 24th August there will be a service of dedication and thanksgiving to open the Dawn Richardson Memorial Hall. The Bishop will preside at the Eucharist and there will be a luncheon for probably $10. This will take the place of our Thanksgiving Dinner and should be a most joyous and happy occasion.
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
The Patronal Festival takes place on May 4th. I would like all members of the choir, and everyone else to note the day and ensure that they are present! The preacher is Dr John Pryor. The service will be followed by a bring and share lunch. This is advance notice so that you will have no excuse not to be present!
CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Confirmation classes take place in the narthex on Wednesdays at 4.30pm.
MOTHERS' UNION
Members of the Mothers' Union are reminded that the April meeting will be on Wednesday 9th beginning with the Eucharist at 10.00am. Afterwards there be a reading of "Everyman's Way of the Cross" The Reader at the Eucharist: Georgina. Intercessor: Gwen, Baptism Representative: Georgina. Hospital Visitors: Wendy and Marie. Bring lunch to share. Everyone is most welcome to attend.
IMPORTANT DATES
Apr 9th "The Way of the Cross" with the MU
Apr 12th Performance of "Messiah" at Emmanuel
Apr 23rd 2.00pm Pastoral Care Committee
Apr 26th Garage Sale
Apr 30th 2.00pm Pastoral Care Group
May 2-4 Lay Retreat
May 4-6 Lay Retreat
May 4th Patronal Festival
May 11th Murray Conservatorium Choir
May 14th MU Coffee Morning
May 31st Synod
Jun 18th Friends of our Lady Eucharist & Coffee Morn
Jun 18th 2.00pm Pastoral Care Committee
Jun 25th 2.00pm Pastoral Care Group
July 23rd Fish and Chip night
July 27th Confirmation Day
Aug 14th Choral Festival
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 12th St Francistide Pet Service
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
DUTIES up to & including 13th April
Cleaning & Tea Team 8
Readers Gaye Petzke, Peter Young, Kaye Jones
Eucharistic Assistant Margaret Andrews
Intercessor Celebrant
Door Marie Draper, Anne Andrews, Margaret Neaum
Vestry Bill Elkington
Mowing Ross Sceriha
Narthex Rosemary Cadman
Linen Linda McWaters
Welcome Table Anne Young & Rosemary Cadman
Servers Anthony, Matt, Tabitha, Aaron, Phillip, Daniel
FOR PRAYER
Ed Baumgarten, Eunice Charlton, Sally Craven, Nancy Craig, Joyce Hall, Robert Jones, Lillian Loads, Anja Mosse, Janet Murray, Bobby Nicholson, Thora Pyke, Simone Rattray Reid, Val Saunders, Grant Savage, Andrea Seers, Ray Schmidt, Pam Willoughby, Diane Wood.
Anniversary of Death
Celia Noy, Caroline Booth, Noel Mitchell 6th, Edna Schubert, Elva Saunders 7th, Peter Jennings, James Cooper, Ina Boorman 8th, Jane Simon, Monica Andrew, Wilfred Turner 9th, Meg Lawrence, Hazel Edmonstone 10th, Kevin Hibberson 11th, Percival McIntyre 12th.
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 7thApril
(Fr Andrew's Day off)
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Fr Ellis' Bible Study - Narthex
Tuesday 8th April
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
Clergy Hospital Visits
9.00am Pastoral Care Meeting
10.30am Rural Deanery Meeting - Narthex
4.00pm Planned Giving Meeting - Parish Office
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
Wed 9th April Dietrich Bonhoeffer
7.15am Morning Prayer - Emmanuel
9.00am Meditation - Narthex
10.00am Eucharist - St John's (M.U.)
10.00am Home Communions
11.45am School Service - St John's
4.30pm Confirmation Group - Narthex
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
Thursday 10th April
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
3.30pm Children for Christ - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Choir Practice - St John's
Friday 11th April
(Fr Ellis' Day off)
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist (Trad) - St John's
7.30pm Scottish Country Dancing
Saturday 12th April
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
10.00am Palm Cross Making - Narthex
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - St John's
13th April Palm Sunday
7.30am Said Eucharist - St John's
9.00am Eucharist - Emmanuel
9.30am Eucharist - St John's
11.30am Eucharist - Talgarno
7.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's