26 August 2007 Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost

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THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

26^th August 2007

Graphics and cartoons appear only in the printed version

POOR PASTA

Having eaten at one of Shepparton’s less salubrious pubs a woman visited the Ladies. On the way out, as she was leaving the place, she said to the waitress, “You can tell the owner of this dump that I found the graffiti in very bad taste.” “No worries,” said the waitress, “but next time you should try our spaghetti.”

WHY BEAUTIFY CHURCHES?

Canon Andrew Neaum

Why do we bother wasting money on statues, wall hangings, stained glass windows and beautiful churches? All the money we spend on suchlike, it has often been argued, would be far better spent on the lame the halt and the blind.

Breaking the Second Commandment

Works of art are also a distraction. They seduce us into focussing upon them, rather than upon the invisible, ineffable and almighty God that they have the temerity to attempt to portray and signify. This is how the old Puritans used to argue, backed by the Second Commandment: “Thou shall not make to thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of anything that is in heaven above or in the earth beneath......” They practised what they preached by worshipping God in bare, unadorned and often ugly little chapels, which sometimes, however, in their austerity and plainness attained, unasked, a severe beauty of their own.

Beauty will have its way even when we don’t ask for it! The ancient Jews were forbidden to make images, but just as the golden calf simply leapt out of the fire unfashioned and unasked (as Aaron disingenuously argued), so beauty seems to spring, willy nilly, out of attention to God in worship and devotion, in spite of the second commandment. The portable temple of the nomadic Israelites in the wilderness, the Ark of the Covenant, for example, was an object of elaborate and deliberate beauty, with the statues of two golden cherubim framing the throne of the invisible God, just as the two angels on the first Easter morning framed the empty burial slab of a risen and invisible Jesus.

God and the beautiful

All our worship, devotion and faith is in part a recognition of beauty’s transcendence and otherness. Beauty and God, beauty and worship, beauty and faith belong together, are handmaids. That which is beautiful transports us to God. God transports us into fashioning that which is beautiful.

Beauty, the materialist argues, is all of this world, is contingent upon and reducible to mere matter. Yet even he is transported by beauty beyond what is material.

Beauty, the Christian argues, is transcendent, is spiritual, is eternal, is beyond this material world, but infuses all that is and so is glimpsed and partially captured in art, to transport us to where reality is ultimately and truly real. So we believe in an ultimate reality, and truth and goodness.

“Wow!”

Christianity appears to be in all but terminal decline in affluent, first-world societies like ours. We have lost the good fight. Ignorance of and contempt for the Christian story, theology and morality seem all but universal. The only arguably successful forms of Christianity appear pale clones of the celebrity culture that now dominates our world. Shallow, egotistical, celebrity preachers in their mega-churches, titillate and fascinate arm-waving fans, dazzled by electronic wizardry, deafened by a milk-sop version of pop music and duped by a shallow, stupid, biblical-literalist theology.

And yet even pop cultured yobbos and hoons sometimes walk into this church and say “Wow!” They glimpse something of what we are all about. The art and artistry displayed and manifest in this church has its own effective philosophy, its own aesthetic. It is not the decadent, vainglorious and disastrous, “art for arts’s sake” rationale that has helped lead mainstream art into the commerce driven, subjective, narcissistic madness reported on with such glee in our media. Rather it is an aesthetic that sees art as revelatory, as granting glimpses of glory, as opening windows on eternity. It is art not blasphemously “creative”, but rather as “imitative”, that is as “imitating life”, portraying the world for what it really is, but in such a way as to reveal the divine Creator (and suffering Redeemer and Comforter) in, behind and beyond it. Perceiving,

....... in all this fleshly dress

bright shoots of everlastingness.

Hold fast, stand fast

So all the artistry, thought, work, time, money, planning, politicking, arguments, indecisions and decisions, that have gone into the “Baptism of Jesus” statue that we bless today, and all the artistry, thought, contemplation, money, time, starts, false starts and inspiration that have gone into the “Ascension” wall hanging we also bless today, are to a purpose. They are part of a coherent philosophy or aesthetic. The items we bless are revelatory of the divine, not only in the biblical events that they signify, but in other ways as well. For to behold them, to think about them, to grow to love them, to allow them to become a part of who we are, and of what we dearly love, reveals much more than God in the biblical past.

There will be as well the frisson of recognition, of God revealed now, in the present, the “Wow” response to beauty that compels us to genuflect and worship. There will also be an awareness of sacrifice and love in the lives of the good Christian folk who conceived and brought them into being, and of those in whose memory they are given, all of which reveals God’s continuing inspiration in the lives of our fellow Christians. May this Church, St Augustine’s, in a materialist and money dominated world, stand fast, and remain, a beacon of the divine, a doorway into heaven, a window into eternity, an oasis of beauty, an awe inspiring, “wow” eliciting lovely setting for the great sacrament of love divine that is recalled and remembered on its altars day by day andwhich remains its heart and raison d’etre.

RETURNED & REFRESHED

As you might well have noticed, Margaret and I are back from our holiday in Caloundra and mightily refreshed from it. The weather was perfect and the setting lovely. Many thanks to all who looked after things so well while we were away, and especially to all those who played their part in the impromptu birthday celebrations for Margaret before we left. To Heather Pearson who organised it, to all those who were able to attend at such short notice, and to all who showered her with cards and gifts. As you can see she is still travelling well, considering her illness and to leave so well loved and cared for made returning from holiday pretty well as good as departing for it! Thank you indeed.

WELCOME AND THANK YOU

Welcome to all the visitors here today for the dedication of two new and significant works of art. By no means least among these visitors, although he walks last in our procession, for the Gospel tells us that the last is first and the first last, is Bishop David. He has played his part in the long saga that has seen so happy a result in the Statue, and even the lovely Wall Hanging is dependent upon his approval (wholeheartedly given). All significant art- works and furnishings in a parish church require by church law the Bishop’s “faculty”. A good thing too because otherwise goodness knows what kitsch and rubbish, kindness and an inability to say “No!” might lead a parson and people to accept and approve!

Both the two works of art we bless today are the result of extraordinary technical accomplishment as well as inspiration and vision. Bella Angyal’s “Baptism of Jesus” has behind it hours and hours and hours of skill, thought and painstaking effort. So too Ella Egan’s “Ascension” wall hanging, notable for its meticulous and intricate needle-work, the result of years of experience and again hours and hours of hard work. The two works differ not only in medium but in style. Bella’s work is mind-blowingly realistic, Ella’s is subtly but deeply symbolic and more abstract. I love them both, not least for their difference. The symbolism in Ella’s is soon to be explained on a plaque in the Narthex.

Many, many thanks to Bella and Ella and to the donors. A huge thank you too to John Pleming whose hard work, generosity, persistence, and good humour have not only contributed enormously to bringing this happy occasion into being, they have also been an inspiration and joy to me. He is a good egg!

CONGRATULATIONS

Birthdays:-

Ashleigh O’Keefe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26^th August

Heather Pearson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29^th August

The first step to virtue is to love it in another.

ANNUAL PARISH RAFFLE

There is a roster on the Narthex table, please put your name against one of the dates to share this job around, as yet we have not had any willing helpers! Pretty please.

CHRISTMAS SHOE BOXES

Arise 255, St. Augustine’s Youth Group, asks for donations of small items that will fit into a shoe box. For example: toys, toiletries, small gifts, books etc. Please nothing glass or war related. These boxes will then be sent overseas as Christmas presents to children who would not usually receive anything. An inclusion of money for postage would be most appreciated too. Please place items in the green bag in the Narthex

AFTERNOON GUILD

Afternoon Guild meeting Tuesday 28^th August at 1.30. Please note change of date.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Aug 31^st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Synod

Aug 31^st. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arise 255

Sept 8^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 1.30pm

Sept 8^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 3.00pm

Sept. 11^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Grief Support “Moving On”

Sept 14^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arise 255

Sept 15^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 1pm

Sept 15^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 2.30pm

Sept 18^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thanksgiving Service/ G.V.G. School

Sept 19^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parish Council/Dookie leave Shepp at 5.30pm

Sept. 27^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Fair & Garden Party Committee mtg.

Oct 6^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 2.30pm

Oct 6^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Men’s Breakfast

Oct 13^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 3.30pm

Oct 15 -18. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clergy Conference

Oct 25^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Fair & Garden Party Committee mtg.

Oct 27^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 1.00pm

Nov 10^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Fair

Nov 17^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 3.00pm

Nov 17^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 5.00pm

Nov 24^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 2.00pm Nov 24^thWedding 3.30pm

Dec 1^st. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 2.00pm

Dec 8^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 4pm

Duties for 26^th August 2007

Vigil Eucharist at 6pm 25^th Aug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Neaum

Celebrant 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Bryce

Celebrant 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Bishop

Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carole Henderson, Gwyn Cowland

Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Courtney Craven, Ian Bryce

Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth

Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carole, Ben, Zebedee

Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Celebrant, Andrew Neaum

Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Griffiin

Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joy Campbell

Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny Moran, Charlotte Brewer

Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwyn Cowland, Merv Cowland

Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norm Mitchelmore, Charlotte Brewer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norm Weaver, John Horder

Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bev Reither

Mowing 25^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Grant, John Horder

Welcome Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pamela Lee

Duties for 2^nd September 2007

Vigil Eucharist at 6pm 1^st Sept. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Neaum

Celebrant 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Bryce

Celebrant 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gail Bryce

Celebrant 8.45 Dookie. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Andrew Neaum

Celebrant 10.45 Katandra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrew Neaum

Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Pearson, Norm Mitchelmore

Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maureen Cormican, Mary Pearson

Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Volunteer, Michelle, Beth

Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny, Tom , Sophie

Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Neaum, Celebrant

Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carole Henderson, Bev Condon

Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny Pleming, Ian Bryce

Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joyce Cavill, Eileen Quaife

Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roz Dunlop, Frank Steen

Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bev Ralph, Max Ralph

Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nola Brewer, Alan Akers

Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shirley Dean

Welcome Tbl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.30 Margaret Hoare,10.30 Dorothy Cook

Mowing 1^st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Pleming, Rick Coates

REQUESTS FOR PRAYER

Vernon Akers, Tony Armstrong, Liam Bognar, Holly Butterfield, Heather Carlyon, Julie Camp, Goldie Coe, Donna Dyson, Frank Harder, Rosemary Hutchins,Denise McKellar, Brian Loxley, , Margaret Neaum, Doris Nichols, Margaret Noble, Margaret Osborough, Elsie Rae, Jan Riches, Edith Robins, Peter & Eva Swindells, Sandra Simonis, Robyn Stone, Lorraine Vogul, Alan, Fiona, George, Glenda, Betty, Joy, Heather, David, Layla, Louise, Cameron, David & Judith, Alexandra & Charles.

Anniversary of death

David Pearson, Gwen Taig 26^th, William Buzza 27^th, John Furphy, Colin Cameron 28^th, Lillian Aylward 29^th, George Young, Ron Euling 30^th.

Rest In Peace

Jean Robertson, Rene Classen,

Ernest Charles ”Dod” Pleming, Emily Pleming.

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

Mon 27^th August

Rector’s Day off

7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel