EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
30th July 2006
Graphics and cartoons appear only in the printed version
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Taboos, where humour is concerned, are an admission of doubt and derive from a sense of weakness and insecurity. The truly religious take no offence when attention is drawn to the absurdity necessarily inherent in the dogmas to which they subscribe and the ceremonies in which the participate. Malcolm Muggeridge
Literal minded Christians, who cannot accept that there is more than one way of telling a truth, continue to wring their hands at what seems a rejection of Genesis. Creationists - who in the southern United States seem as dominant as the dinosaurs once were....... hold stubbornly to a concept of God as the great Architect, who acts once, at the beginning of time, and in a way that contravenes all we now know of the laws of nature, rather than an artist whose design gradually emerges over unimaginable epochs of time. Yet those who believe that the major findings of science and the fundamental concepts of religious faith can be combined with integrity see Darwinian theories of evolution as liberating in that they free us to think of God in a more mature way. A God who, despite being all-powerful, relinquishes control over the creation and allows creation to be self-creative. In short, one who writes freedom deep into its structure. Richard Mayne “Learning to Dance” page 92
LABOURERS IN THE VINEYARD
Two men, formerly employed at a sheltered workshop that had been closed, front up to Social Security to claim unemployment benefits. The counter clerk addresses the first man: “what was the nature of your previous work? “I sewed the soles onto ladies shoes,” he replied. “Right, you’re entitled to $150 a week as a compensation for lost wages,” says the clerk. He turns to the second man: “Previous work?” “Diesel fitter,” he replies. “You’re entitled to $200 a week compensation,” says the clerk. The first man objects, “Why is he getting more? I had the really skilled job, with the sewing. When I finished a pair of shoes, all he did was put his hands into them and say, ‘Dese’ll fit ‘er.’”
MOTHS
Have you noticed what lovely creatures moths are? The soft, dustiness of their scales and the fluffiness of their bodies as compared to their more brittle and sunny cousins the butterflies, emphasises their status among Lepidoptera to be that of the soft-feathered owl among birds. The Irish poet James Stephens 1882-1950 wrote a truly lovely little Prayer For Moths which has been a favourite of mine for many years. It recalls for me my years as a child spent living on mission stations in Rhodesia and the lovely, warm summer evenings spent there reading or playing scrabble to the hissing, golden glow of paraffin lamps and the smell from them of self immolating moths....
A Prayer for Moths
When
— At the mid of moon,
At end of day —
My lamp is lit,
Grant me a boon,
I pray,
And do
So order it
— That the small creatures,
Terrified and blind;
The gold and silvern moths
Of lovely kind,
Do not whirl to my taper,
Nor, therein,
Die, painfully,
And bring my light
To sin.
My light
is innocent!
Grant
— That it may be
Harmless,
And helpful,
And remarked
Of Thee.
HAPPY FAMILIES
Caroline Chartres writes in the Church Times ‘Diary’ some years ago: “We have just acquired a facsimile set of the original Happy Families playing cards, produced for the Great Exhibition of 1851. Then, the clergyman was too significant socially to be included with the tradesmen who appear on the cards, although Mr Dose the Doctor features. Nowadays the cleric is too insignificant for the Rev. Green to be sure of holding his place in the country-house party on the Cluedo board (they have never learned how to address him properly, anyway). A contemporary version of Happy Families would be impossible, not only because of changing patterns of employment but because of the demise of the nuclear-family unit To designate Mrs Bones as simply ‘the butcher's wife’ would be Politically Incorrect, and, with fewer and fewer members of the same family sharing (or choosing to use) the same name, it becomes increasingly difficult to identify them as a social unit. ‘Have you got Tarquin, the son of Myra the priest, and Neville the unemployed Adult Education Officer?’ might be socially accurate (and indeed make for just as happy a family), but it certainly wouldn't make playing the game any easier.”
PITILESS
A disabled parson parked on a yellow line recently in England and left a note in his window: “Have pity, wooden leg.” Traffic warden Marie Davey wrote on his ticket: “No pity, wooden heart.”
CAUSE AND EFFECT
(The perils of logic)
Professor Serge Diaghilev
(His Russian surname rhymes with Geoff),
A widely famed and skilled logician,
Taught with wisdom, skill and vision,
As well as visual-aids galore
That brought his students back for more.
One day, to make his students think
And demonstrate the vital link
Between effect and prior cause
(Which no one but a fool ignores),
He introduced for all to see
A tiny brown and shiny flea.
He put it down and shouted “Jump!”
It gave its tiny limbs a pump
And jump it did, a few feet high,
As if to try to reach the sky.
But then he lopped the creature's legs,
To leave just useless little pegs
Protruding from its shiny rump,
And shouted loudly, once more, “Jump!”
This time, in spite of his command,
It didn’t jump upon demand!
“The point is made for all to see,
You take the legs from off a flea,”
Remarked, with pride, Diaghilev
“To render it completely deaf.”
Andrew Neaum
GOOD FAITH
Enacting the trial scene at Westminster Cathedral some Palm Sundays ago, the crowd couldn’t help themselves from departing from the script! Asked, “Who do you wish to save, Barabbas or Jesus?” Up went the cry from the crowd: “Jesus!”
LOVE OF ANIMALS
Lord, may I love all Thy creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. May I love every leaf, every ray of Thy light. May I love the animals: Thou hast given them the rudiments of thought and joy untroubled. Let me not trouble it, let me not harass them, let me not deprive them of their happiness, let me not work against Thine intent. For I acknowledge unto Thee that all is like an ocean, all is flowing and blending, and that to withhold any measure of love from anything in Thy universe is to withhold that same measure from Thee..... (From “The Conver-sations and Exhortations of Father Zossima” in Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov)
TOO LATE
The following words were written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the crypt of Westminster Abbey: When I was young and free my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I sharpened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country. But it too seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it. And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed myself first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.
ENSEMBLE GOMBERT
This internationally regarded choral group – which has developed a very high reputation for its pure intonation and historically informed approach to choral sounds and musical style - will perform in Wangaratta Cathedral on Saturday, 12 August at 7.30pm prior to a European tour in September. The program includes works by Thomas Tallis, Palestrina, Brahms and Bach. Tickets at the door are $20, $15 concession, children under 16 free. Enquiries : Margaret Brickhill, phone (03) 5721 6523.
CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Junior Confirmation Classes have now begun. After this Tuesday no new candidates will be signed up. We meet on Tuesdays at 4.00pm in the library which is the room on the north side of the church opposite the Rectory.
SIMPLY SOUL SOOTHING
Each Tuesday, from 12.15pm we are offering a new service of worship at St. Augustine's. We hope the church community will support this new venture and spread the word to your families, neighbours, friends, work colleagues. The service will usually be held in the Lady Chapel - but may change to the beautiful St. Augustine's gardens from time to time. We are particularly hoping some people who work in the City of Shepparton and nearby, will become part of this new worship community. The format may be quite different from week to week and music, art, poetry and literature will be used to focus on an aspect of God our Creator. A light lunch will follow for $5.00. Please support this with your presence and, hopefully a friend or neighbour alongside you."
REST IN PEACE
Brian Smith was a snail boffin, a scientist conversant with the digestive habits of a myriad of molluscs, intrigued by the symmetry of snail shell whorls and most fascinating when talking about them. Even more significantly, for the likes of us, he was the husband of Helen Malcolm, our home grown St Augustine’s priest and medico. When among us with her, his robust hymn singing shamed our feeble efforts and gladdened my heart and his amiable countenance drew you to him. His premature death saddens us all and our hearts go out to Helen and Marge.
We welcome Helen at our worship today and pray for the repose of the soul of Brian. In the Narthex there are copies of the most interesting eulogy delivered at his funeral. Do please help yourself.
SOIREE
Many thanks to all who participated in the Soiree. Many thanks too to those who braved the cold to attend, those who brought goodies to eat and to John Griffin who performed, helped, encouraged and MC’d so ably for us.
PASTORAL CARE MEETING
There is a Pastoral Care Meeting on Tuesday 8th of August.
DIOCESAN SNOW TRIP
The Diocesan Snow Trip takes place this year from the 4th to the 6th of August. All participants need to be 12years of age or older, accommodation is at Myrtleford Parish Centre for Friday and Saturday nights. There will be a Bus to Falls Creek for a day in the snow on Saturday. The cost for the weekend approx. $120. For further information speak to Heather in the office.
A. B. M. APPEAL
Spare a Gold Coin to support “2006 A.B.M. Water Appeal”. A box will be available at the Church at all services this week and next. Please help with this urgent need for clean water systems! Thank you all in anticipation of another successful effort. Nola Brewer
PARISH ROLL
It is vital that we keep our Parish Roll up to date and are always amending it as new information is handed in. If you know of any changes please notify the Parish Office.
WANTED - TICKET SELLERS
We are requesting help to sell raffle tickets for the Parish’s major raffle. There is a list of times and places which have been allocated to us on the narthex table. Would you please help by placing your name by at least one of these times.
GARDEN NEWS
There’s a Garden Committee meeting on Fri 4th at 10.00am and a Working Bee on Sat 5th at 9.00am. All welcome. Barbara Whyte
THE LIST OF THE PRAYER NEEDY
Next week we will again be starting anew the list of those for whom prayers are required. So please put on the list on the Narthex table the names of those still needing prayer or phone them in to Heather in the Parish Office from Wednesday to Friday. No one should be prayed for publicly without their permission!
BEAN BAGS PLEASE
Bean bags are needed for use by our Playgroup. Contact Roz Dunlop please.
OSTEOPOROSIS
An “Osteoporosis Prevention & Self Manage-ment Course” begins this month at the R.S.L. (88 Wyndham Street) on Thursdays from 1.30pm to 4.00pm, the 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st. There is no charge and light refreshments will be provided. Phone 58323100
OUTREACH
The August edition of Outreach is available in the Narthex. Please help yourself to your copy and deliver as many as you can. Thank you to the team of folk who folded and prepared them for postage. A tedious task made light by scintillating conversation!
IMPORTANT DIARY DATES
Aug 8th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baptism Follow Up - 7.00pm
Aug 9th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Warden’s meeting
Aug 12th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Men’s Breakfast 8.00 Eucharist, Breakfast 8.30
Aug 15th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Afternoon Guild
Aug 15th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Baptism Preparation 7.30
Aug 16th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parish Council
Aug 17th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evening Guild
Aug 18th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Event
Aug 24th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parish Fair Committee Meeting 4.30pm
Aug 25th -15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rector’s Holiday
Sept. 2nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seasonal Garden Working Bee
Sept 5th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Planned Giving Campaign kicks off
Sept 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .South African Visitor to talk
Oct 1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thanksgiving Sunday
Oct 1st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pet Service 5.30pm
Oct 15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Out Reach” publication day
Oct 21st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding
Oct 23 - 26. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clergy Conference
Oct 28th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Men’s Breakfast 8.00 Eucharist, Breakfast 8.30
Oct 29th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Confirmation
Nov 3rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth Event
Nov 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 2pm
Nov 4th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 4.30pm
Nov 11th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Church Fair
Nov 18th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding
Dec 2nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Seasonal Garden Working Bee
May 27th 07. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patronal Festival
Duties for 30th July 2006
Celebrant 6.30 Saturday 29th July. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Neaum
Celebrant 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Neaum
Celebrant 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gail Bryce
Celebrant Dookie 8.45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Bryce
Celebrant Katandra 10.45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Neaum
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heather Person, Joan Harder
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nancy Fennell, Lionel Waterson
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Neaum, John Griffin
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Bryce, Maureen Cormican
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pat Griffin, Jenny Pleming
Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeanette Berry, Gwen Betson
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Brewer, Nola Brewer
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Max & Bev Ralph
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alan Akers, Adrian Evans
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Erma Wilson
Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Russell Family, Michael Egan
Duties for 6th August 2006
Celebrant 6.30pm Sat 5th Aug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Neaum
Celebrant 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gail Bryce
Celebrant 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Neaum
Celebrant Dookie 8.45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Neaum
Celebrant Katandra 10.45. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Bryce
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Fitzgerald, Norm Mitchelmore
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liz Booth, Bev Condon
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan, Sally, Georgia
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Neaum, Heather Fitzgerald
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Ian Bryce, Jenny Plemming
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Fitzgerald,Mary Pearson
Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joy Campbell, Bev Reither
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Steen, Hilder Lidgard
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe Pearson, Norm Mitchelmore
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John & Jenny Pleming
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heather Pearson
Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . None this week
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
Dulcie Ackland, Liam Bognar, Trent Brook, Leigh Burral, David Burrow, Alby Dean, Hamish Fisher, Melissa Galizia, Aaron Hinchliffe, Judith James, Brian Loxley, Judy McGuire, Leon Meyer, Marven Mould, Pauline Obradovic, Jan Riches, Peter & Eva Swindells, Sue & Wes Tyson, Olive Wisely, Barry Wood, Andrew, Cherryl, Claire, Elvie, Fiona, Glenda, Jason, Mary, Nina, Pam, Richard, Shannon, Stephanie, Stewart, Suzie, Tania, Wayne, Zoe & Zac, Baby McKenzie Clark & parents Annie & Dale.
Rest in peace:
Brian Smith
Anniversary of Death:
Samuel Gaylard, Ronald Lindrea 30th, Lenard Lindrea 31st, Tazzie Zurcas, Charli Fallon 1st. Aug, Dorothy Fowler, James Cooper 2nd Leo Rogers 5th,
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 31st July
The Rector’s Day Off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Tuesday 1st August St James
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Play Group - Parish Hall
12.15pm Lunch Hour Reflection & Light Lunch - Chapel
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
4.00pm Confirmation Class - Library
7.30pm Bible Study at 14 Parker St., Shepparton
Wednesday 2nd August
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
8.45am Nursing Home Round
10.00am Eucharist- St Augustine’s
11.30am Bible Study - Library
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Thursday 3rd August
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony Aged Care
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Choir Practice
7.30pm Inter Church Council - St Brendan’s
Friday 4th August
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Garden Committee - Library
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Saturday 5th August
Associate Priest’s Day Off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.00am Garden Working Bee
6.30pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
TRANSFIGURATION 6th August
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine’s
8.45am Eucharist - St Luke’s Dookie
10.30am Eucharist - St Augustine’s
10.45am Eucharist - St Mary’s Katandra
5.30pm Evening Prayer