EPIPHANY ONE - THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD
11th January 2004
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
Replying to the Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, H.M. Butler, who in proposing the health of the College had said that "it was well to remember that, at this moment, both the sovereign and the Prime Minister are Trinity men." The Master should have added that he can go further, for it is obvious that the affairs of the world are built upon the momentous fact that God also is a Trinity man.
Augustine Birrell (1850-1933)
If rationality were the criterion for things being allowed to exist, the world would be one gigantic field of soya beans.
Tom Stoppard
A PRAYER FOR THIS WEEK
From all hidden insincerities which we dare not acknowledge even to ourselves, from the insincerity which damns great causes with faint praise, from the insincerity which dares not search into the truth for fear of consequences, and believes only that which is comfortable, from the insincerity which says "Lord, I will follow you," and refuses the cross, from trickery in our work and betrayal of our friends, from flattery, prudery and all hypocrisy, from all insincerity, good Lord deliver us through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A PET OF PETS
An old fellow who had been living alone and feeling sad and lonely goes to a pet shop and asks the assistant for a pet that will keep him company through his twilight years while not needing too much care and attention itself. The shop assistant said: "I have the very thing, quite special you know," and he produced a cardboard box, inside of which was a millipede. "What's so special about that?" asked the man. The assistant replied: "It's a talking millipede." The man, very impressed, bought the terrestrial crustacean. Back home he opened the box and asked the millipede: "Shall we go to the pub then?" But he got no reply. He asked the question again but still his new pet said nothing. So he sat back and pondered his acquisition for half an hour and considered taking it back to the pet shop. He decided, however, to give it one more try. Looking into the box he again asked: "are we going to the pub then?" The millipede replied: "Alright, alright, alright, don't go on! I'm just putting on my shoes."
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Harvest Festivals are very ancient celebrations that go back far, far beyond the origin of Christianity to the very dawn of agrarian civilizations. Gratitude for the fruits of the earth and for the wherewithal to sustain existence is a universal impulse and we believers who can focus our gratitude and direct it towards God are blessed indeed.
In Australia with its diverse agricultural practices and multitude of different crops and particularly in bountiful irrigation-land, there is no small difficulty in deciding exactly when the harvest is. Furthermore most of us are urbanites, far removed from any direct involvement in agriculture. However this should not deter us from holding a Harvest Festival, the impulse to thank our God for his bounty remains with us and needs to be articulated, what we need to do, however, is widen our vison and focus from the soley agricultural to include gratitude for the fruits of all our labours, agricultural or otherwise.
This being so, our Harvest Festival on February the 15th will celebrate God's bounty in every field of local human endeavour and I would like the Church to be decorated not only with socking great cauliflowers, pumpkins, wheat sheaves, vases of flowers and baskets of fruit, but also symbols of housekeeping, like a broom or two, perhaps a vacuum cleaner and the rolling pin used to keep husbands dutifully submissive. Those working in local industries should bring along an array of their products to display, a case of canned fruit perhaps, attractively labelled, or a fence post or two. Teachers could bring a display of their pupil's work, or even a model pupil sitting working at a desk, nurses, if not a hospital bed some other symbols of their worthwhile work. The Rector, imaginative fellow that he is will have, he hopes, pews full of happy parishioners on display.
Do try to be imaginative and think of something to bring to represent the fruits of your labour, be it from garden, shed or house. It does not necessarily have to be donated. If you have contacts in local business or industry encourage them to take part with a display of their wares. If gratitude to God is not high on their list of priorities perhaps the public relations and advertising potential of participation might persuade cooperation!
FR. JAMES WOODROW CR
by Fr Andrew Neaum
Bishops and archdeacons tend to disapprove of eccentric clergymen, especially in their own diocese. I love them and there can be few professions which have contained a richer spread of eccentrics than that of the clergy.
Eccentricity
AN Wilson tells of an incumbent of the same church for forty years who, among many other eccentricities, became so addicted to watching television in his latter years, that his congregation would start the service without him, "The music of the opening hymn would vie with the strains of oriental music which came wafting down the corridor, at the end of which sat ‘Father', fully vested, but unable to tear himself away from a program designed for oriental immigrants learning English."
The most pleasing eccentric clergyman that ever I worked with was Fr James Woodrow CR. He was a thin, grey and ascetic looking priest who had been a successful teacher of science at the great Anglican Mission Station in the west of Rhodesia called St Augustine's. There, it was said, an unknown assailant had bashed him on the head, one of the more risky and extreme ways of achieving a quirky and eccentric sanctity.
He was very pious. He would lope down to the Cathedral in Salisbury every morning in his white cassock, grey scapular, sandals and odd socks to say a couple of extra offices before anyone else got there. He lived to celebrate the Eucharist. When he did so the congregation was irrelevant to him and so, at significant moments, he would become inaudible as he whispered quietly to God. This annoyed the Dean beyond measure, he thrust microphones under Fr James' nose and remonstrated frequently, but to no effect, and for no reason either, because most members of the congregation mightily appreciated a priest as their celebrant who so obviously lost himself in God, even at the cost of him losing them as well!
He had very odd eating habits, snatching little meals between bouts of prayer and the saying of innumerable offices throughout the day. You would come across a plate bearing a half eaten piece of bread or an apple with a couple of bites taken from it, deposited on a pew or on a stained glass window's ledge and forgotten in his rush to be off to pray. If he was reading a book from the cathedral library he would invariably write in it, In Usum J.W. CR. I half expected to find a part eaten boiled egg on a ledge somewhere in the cathedral with In Usum J.W. CR written on that.
It wasn't only around the cathedral that he left half finished meals. I once encountered him with a mouse trap in hand and murder in his eye. He told me that he had fallen asleep the previous night while nibbling a biscuit, only to wake at two in the morning to find a mouse sitting on his chest polishing off what he had left uneaten.
Underpants and Misogyny
Outside his office there was a table upon which there stood a large and superfluous wooden crucifix. One wet day, needing somewhere undercover to dry the only articles of clothes he seemed to own other than his cassock, a vest and underpants, he was other-worldly enough to see nothing at all incongruous or inappropriate about hanging them to dry on the crucifix. I am sure our Lord would have smiled with amusement, the Dean did not!
Fr James was a thorough-going misogynist, although much loved by the majority of women in the congregation. When challenged by the Dean for insisting on washing his own purificators after the Eucharist, he looked up from the Office he happened quietly to be saying while the staff meeting was in progress, and said "purificators are not to be washed by a mere woman!"
He once was asked by the dean to take a wedding. It was the wedding of an African couple, a modest affair held in the Lady Chapel. Sensing that a wedding by such a misogynistic and eccentric celibate was likely to be unique, I watched from behind a pillar with interest. All went well until Fr James asked the bride to pass her bouquet to her bridesmaid. She did not understand. He asked again, louder. No response. He asked once more, even louder. Again no response. He snatched the bouquet from her and threw it over her head, down the chapel!
Courage in the Confessional
I used to use him as my confessor and although eccentric he was a wise one. I remember once blathering on a bit about my relationship with the Dean who, although in many ways a remarkably gifted priest, was also something of a bully-boy. Before absolving me old Fr James spoke for a few moments about the necessity for courage in the ordinary affairs and relationships of daily life. At the next staff meeting, quite inadvertently I am sure, he provided me with a perfect example of what he meant. The Dean asked the five of us on the staff what we thought of a new scheme of his... canned holy music in the Cathedral during certain hours of the day. Because we seemed less than enthusiastic collectively, he asked us for an opinion one by one. "Fr Neaum, what do you think?" "It seems a reasonable idea," I tactfully replied, as similarly did all my colleagues except for Fr Woodrow who had his nose in his Book of Offices. "And what do you think Fr Woodrow?" asked the Dean with some venom. Fr James took his eyes from the book and his mind off God, looked the Dean in the eye and said, "Ghastly, Father, absolutely ghastly!" And then went back to his devotions. It was indeed courage because the Dean was an insecure man and eventually he got rid of Fr James. He couldn't stand being stood up to by so courageously frail a priest and man.
I loved Fr James. It was wonderful to have such an irascible old man, such a mixture of saint and curmudgeon, so devoted to the sacraments and to God, flitting eccentrically about that large and beautiful cathedral. My favourite and most lasting memory of him is appropriately of him as alter Christus. The Cathedral had a very fine choir, and on Palm Sunday we sang the Passion Narrative. The Narrator stood right at the back of the Cathedral in the gallery. Fr James took the part of Christ, standing in the pulpit. There was a spotlight on him and he appeared grey, slight, ascetic and almost ethereal. What a tremulous, quavering Christ he is going to be I thought. Not at all. He filled his lungs and the voice of Christ boomed forth great, strong, true and tuneful down the cathedral, as it has from a mere cross down through the ages .... Strength perfect in weakness.
WELCOME
Welcome again to Fr Wayne Weaire who kindly undertakes to celebrate at St Augustine's on the third Sunday of each month to enable Fr Andrew to do so at Dookie and Katandra
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Heather Carlyon who celebrates her birthday on Tuesday the 20th and to Elvie McInnes who celebrates hers on Thursday the 22nd.
CHILDREN'S CHURCH
There is a list in the Narthex for the names of children to whom we can send an invitation to Children's Church on the 8th February. Helpers with preparing activities are also needed.
PARKSIDE GARDENS
Our Parish Council wrote to the Municipality some months ago expressing concern at the proposed development of Parkside Gardens. As a result we have received notice from the Department of Sustainability and Environment of a two person panel appointed to consider submissions on the matter. There is a public hearing to give people an opportunity to be heard in support of any submissions on Monday 16th February. Anyone interested in this matter can contact the Parish Office and read the literature that has been sent to us, and then if they wish to make a submission to the Panel they can fill out a form to request a hearing that came with the literature.
CATERING
It is a great thing for your Rector, when people ask him about catering for funerals, to be able to ring Sandra Simonis who makes the decision crisply for me and then, if accepting a job directs a typically efficient St Augustine's effort. However, she is looking for a few more people to help out with catering because at this point the list of helpers is rather small for such a vibrant parish. If you are able to help with cooking or sandwiches, cleaning or setting up for functions put your name on the Catering list on the Narthex table.
STAMPS PLEASE
Continue to save your stamps for A.B.M. Last year $1,000 was made from this very simple venture it's recycling at it's best. They can be left at the office.
HOUSE CLEANING ON OFFER
There is a Church member who would like to supplement her income from cleaning, ironing or child minding. If anyone requires any of these services contact either Heather Camm or Father Andrew and we will put you in contact with this very capable and trustworthy person.
ROLL UP DATE
We are keen to have an up to date Parish Roll which saves time, postage and embarrassment for your Rector and Secretary. There is a copy of our parish roll on the Narthex table (after services only, for privacy reasons!) If you would take the time to check your details and those possibly of any friends or neighbours who have changed addresses or personal circumstances, it will be appreciated. The changes need to be clearly printed on the paper provided and given to either Heather or Father Andrew.
OLD PALM CROSSES FOR ASH
Those old Palm Crosses are nearly ready for the ashes. There is a collection plate in the office for any Palm Crosses you may have that we can burn for Ash Wednesday ash.
SERVERS PRACTICE
There is a Servers' Practice for all who can get on Thursday at 4.30pm.
DUTIES FOR 18th JANUARY 2004
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan Harder, Gwyn Cowland
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nancy Noonan, Maureen Cormican
Servers 8,30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth, Kate, James
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny Waite
Euch. Assists 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Griffin, Carole Henderson
Euch. Assists 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bev Condon, Maureen Cormican
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pat Griffin 8.30, Christine Jones 10.30
Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joy Campbell, Eileen Quaife
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jill Waterson, Nola Brewer
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bob Galt, Victoria Heenan
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlotte Brewer, Nola Brewer
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Anita Saville
Mowing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lionel Waterson, Adrian Evans
DUTIES 25th JANUARY 2004
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Harder, Heather Pearson
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nancy Fennell, Joan O'Reilly
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle, Steven, Debbie
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny Pleming, Zebedee, Joan McCann
Euch. Assists. 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bev Condon, Heather Fitzgerald
Euch. Assists 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christine Evans, Carole Henderson
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Carlyon, Nancy Fennell
Welcomers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joyce Cavill, Gwen Betson
Welcoming 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adrian Evans, Cheryl Richards
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Merv Cowland, Gwen Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alan Akers, Adrian Evans
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heather Pearson
Mowing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frank Steen, Michael Egan
Prayer List
Liam Bognar, Rosalie & Phil Brown, Judy Carlyle, Rita Esam, Peg Galt, Iris Grant, Ron Hall, the Harrison Family, Jean Hastie, Fr Wayne Ireland, Ann Mills, Joan O'Reilly, John Perry, Ray Prosser, Rodger Saville, Gwen & Bob Scott, Peter & Eva Swindells, Des Walker, May Wallace, Malcolm Waterson, Bruce, Natalie & baby Alexandra, Ashley, Brydie & baby, Craig, David, Emily, Faith, Gary, Keith, Midge
Rest in Peace
Frank Brooke, Ethel Peters
Anniversary of Death
Jillian Bradford 11th, Madge Grutzner Niko Rendevski 19th, Maria Balaburov 20th, Gerald Rogers 21st, Clifford Grantham, Francis McKendry 22nd.
IMPORTANT DATES
Jan 19th Orthodox Baptism of Jesus
Jan 31st 9.00am Garden Working Bee
Feb 7th Wedding 2.00pm
Feb 7th Wedding 3.30pm
Feb 8th Children's Church 10.30am
Feb 14th Wedding 3.00pm
Feb 15th Harvest Festival
Feb 25th Ash Wednesday and AGM
Mar 21st Mothering Sunday
April 11th Easter Day
May 18th - 21st Annual Priests' Retreat
May 26th St Augustine's Patronal Festival
May 28th -29th Synod
Jun 5th Ugandan Martyrs - Breakfast
June 12th Mass for Africa
Oct 3rd St Francistide Pet Blessing
Nov 13th Parish Fair
THIS WEEK
Monday January 19th
Not Father Andrew's day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
8.30am Macedonian Blessing of Water etc.
11.00am Funeral Ethel Peters - Mohun's Chapel
1.00am Funeral of Frank Brooke
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday January 20th
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
4.00pm Nomination Meeting for Rutherglen - Wangaratta
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Wednesday January 21st St Agnes
7.45am Mattins - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine's
11.00am Banksia Lodge
1.30pm Hakea Lodge
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Thursday January 22nd St Vincent
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
11.00am Discussion on Common Cup - Wangaratta
4.30pm Servers Practice
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Friday January 23rd
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
12.00 Luncheon with New Dean - Wangaratta
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Saturday January 24th Timothy & Titus
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Sunday January 25th (Conversion of St Paul)
8.00am Mattins - Lady Chapel
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine's
9.00am Eucharist - St Luke's Dookie
10.30am Eucharist - St Augustine's
10.45am Eucharist - St Mary's Katandra West.
5.30pm Evening Prayer