TWENTY SEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
16th November 2008
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
FIRST OLD SCOTS TALE
An elderly Scots minister, stressing to his congregation the wisdom of repentance, remarked: “Yes, my friends, unless ye repent, ye shall all perish, just as surely as I’m gaun tae ding the guts oot o’ that muckle blue flea that’s lichtit on my Bible.” As he was about to strike, the fly got away, whereupon the Scot struck the book with all his strength and exclaimed: “My frien’s, there’s a chance fur ye yet!”
SECOND OLD SCOTS TALE
Many years ago a young reporter from Glasgow was flown out by his newspaper to cover the after-effects of a particularly violent earthquake in south-east Europe. He filed a graphic story which opened: “God sat on a mountain-top here today, and looked down on a scene of.....” The reporter got a cable back by return from his editor in Glasgow. It said: “Forget earthquake, man! Interview God.”
FROM THE RECTORY
For a priest the care for his (or her) family is a vital component of the care for his parish. If he is not standing on the bedrock of a loving home base, then everything else he does is likely to be suspect, shaky, even shonky. As well as being the Rector of our parish I am also Margaret’s prime “carer”. At this stage, thanks to the generous help of so many of you, as well as to her good-humoured fortitude and insistence on self-help wherever possible, I can cope very well. It does mean however that my focus has slipped a little from the parish to her, though of course she is parish. So I am learning the pleasures of regular meal preparation rather than occasional, the meditative potential of hanging out clothes and bringing them in on lovely days, the unutterable tedium and temptation to procrastinate over dusting, hoovering, sweeping, shopping and so on. Bear with me and us, please. Tolerate minor oversights and negligences, but never gross ones, excuse the excusable, never the inexcusable and remember too that normality is great therapy in itself. So don’t protect or shield me from all those minor barbs, irritations, criticisms, demands and whinges that are such necessary and salutary salt to the glorious banquet of appreciation and praise that is the parish priest’s everyday lot.
In case I sound too domestically heroic, we do have a delightful and thorough woman who comes in weekly to pick up the worst of my procrastinated chores. Our local hospice nurses are a quiet and constant back up and blessing, and my culinary skills are regularly given a thorough comeuppance by generosity of always excellent and sometimes even gourmet standard from all sides and quarters. Offer of help are best directed toHeather Camm who ably coordinates them for us. Thank you from both Margaret and myself for all such offers and please do remember to resist any temptation to kiss Margaret - for her good and bug-free health.
Thank you too for the gifts, prayers and so many and varied expressions of love and concern. All are appreciated mightily. Margaret is often in discomfort and sometimes in pain, but nothing as yet is in any way dire. She continues to enjoy and appreciate life, her natural family, faith-family, even her husband. Deo gratias.
GOLDEN BELLS AND POMEGRANATES (4)
Canon David Neaum 1912-2001
With the coming of 1947, three events in the parish overshadow all other memories. It was the year of the great snow. I do not exaggerate when I say that we had twenty feet of snow and the end of it was not seen until well into May. As roads were slowly opened we drove between snow walls twelve feet high. A wonderful experience until March 7th of that year. Why March 7th? Because it was on that day that the third Neaum child decided to come into daylight. We had no roads open to get to the Doctor at our town of Uttoxeter, but the milk farmers had been able to make a tractor passage covering the four miles to the main road. I made arrangements with my Churchwarden to borrow his tractor, so that I could pick up the doctor from the main road, if necessary. We were fortunate in having the district nurse living in the village and as events turned out there was no need for the Doctor. So in the middle of early morning on March 7th a lusty eight and a half pound boy was born and eventually baptized with the names of Peter Christian. All three of our children’s births and first few weeks of life spell bacon and eggs for me. I seem to have had an unending job preparing such for all who came round. In those ration times such a meal was a treat, and as I kept pigs, cured and smoked our own bacon, and because eggs were no problem in the country, it was no great hassle.
A Country Mission
During our first year and a half at Leigh despite snow, babies and no car I was busy getting to know my folk, about two thousand altogether, and was not satisfied until I knew them all, man, woman and child by name. I then thought it time to call in the diocesan Missioner for a new experience for us both, a Country Mission. Previously his work had been confined to the town parishes and I had never taken part in one at all.
We worked out the program carefully so that we could start with Matins and Mass at the Church and go to have breakfast with a parishioner. From there we continued our visits, having morning tea where we landed and arriving as arranged for lunch at a different home. Our day then continued with visits until 5.00pm when we had a ‘local’ service in either one of the Chapels or at a larger farm where we had dinner. At 8.00pm we had the end-of-day Service in the parish Church. This was our programme for the ten days - Dorothy had a fairly restful time with only the three children to look after, the large house to clean and our beds to make! Our farmer parishioners were very generous in sending in butter, cream, eggs and meat “for the visitor”, though he, with me, was never home for a meal, but none of it went to waste.
Our congregations increased daily from 12 to 43 at Mass, and from 100 to 300 at the evening Service, the last one of which was the weekday harvest thanksgiving with the Bishop as preacher. It was a time to remember and from then the parish never looked back. One great result was the continuing co-operation between the different parts of the church within the parish. The next year I had forty six to prepare for confirmation!
I can only remember two things about the Missioner. He was talking to our local doctor, a good Christian, about attending Mass every Sunday. The Doctor said he couldn’t manage more than every fortnight as he was on his own and called out at least four nights a week. Didn’t the Missioner think that was enough? I listened for the reply. “It is not what I think,” he said, “But what you think. Is it enough?” From then on the dear old doc was there every Sunday. The other memory is of a silly little tale which he told in one of his addresses and which stuck in my mind but without its context. Two old ladies were getting out of the country bus backwards and the conductor asked them why. They replied, “It’s because of those two young men who got in a short time ago; we heard them say “when those old dears get out we’ll pinch their seats.” Perhaps he was having a go at those churchgoers who look with (almost) hate when they find someone has taken their regular place.
Family names and their origins have always interested me and I was delighted in my visiting to find one of my best farmers, named Knobs had two workers whose names were Barks and Tickle. Perhaps the forbears of the first two were experts in door furniture and guard dogs - as for the third, I’ll leave you to work out where you think the name came from.
Bee-keeping
During our time at Leigh I had kept my interest in bees and increased my stocks to twelve. To my delight I had one of Staffordshire’s best beekeepers in the parish who, being allergic to stings, had to cover herself entirely with slacks tucked into Wellingtons, hat, veil and gloves, before dealing with her stocks. We worked together a lot and would take some hives to any fields where charlock (wild mustard) grew. One lovely summer day we were returning from such a visit and were held up in the narrow country lane while my “Gentleman-Farmer” Churchwarden manoeuvered his combine harvester out of a field. Facing the bright sun he walked up to the car where my passenger sat, still veiled and almost unrecognisable, and said, “Hello Phyllis. I thought you were a bloody mummy!” Then he saw me in the driving seat - consternation indeed! This was of course England fifty years ago, not modern Australia. From that day on we became great friends, each realising that the other was human.
One Sunday, towards the end of my sermon, the old verger crept up to the side of the pulpit and tugged my surplice sleeve. I leant down to hear his whisper: “Your Number Two and Number Seven hives have swarmed and I’ve got my grandson watching where they settle, so no worry.” Immediately the Service was over I hastened to the garden only to be pursued by a most irritating parishioner who wanted to talk with me. I said I must first see to the swarms but he could come with me if he liked. He didn’t like, but still came. He watched impatiently while I gathered in the two swarms and then said, “I can’t see why you are so interested in bees.” My reply still gives me a small twinge of conscience. “I like them,” I said, “because they differ so much from people - when they sting you they die. People don’t!” He had no answer ready for that remark!
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays
Frank Harder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12th Nov
Andrew Neaum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16th Nov
Nancee Beck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16th Nov
BISHOP’S INSTALLATION
The Bishop Elect, John Parkes, is to be installed as the Bishop of Wangaratta on Saturday the 13th of December in the Cathedral at 11.00am. I have twenty two tickets available for this great occasion. If anyone would like to attend please ask the Rector and he will give you a ticket. First come first served, though if we run out we can, at least at this stage ask for more.
NARTHEX TOILET
The Narthex toilet has regrettably slipped into becoming a public toilet. It is not designed or equipped to be so. It is there for office workers and employees, the elderly and infirm and for emergencies. So do please use the toilets in the hall and if the hall is not open ask that it be so. The mess in which the Narthex toilet is sometimes left is unacceptable.
RECEPTION OF COMMUNION
Those members of other mainline denominations who are communicants of their own denomination are most welcome to receive communion with us. If, however, they wish to do so on an ongoing and permanent basis, then they should ask to be “received” into the Anglican Church (if they are Roman Catholic or Orthodox), and to be “confirmed” (if they are members of other denominations).
THE GREAT RAFFLE
The Major Raffle this year was particularly successful. This is largely because of the hard work of a few, among whom Heather Carlyon stands out. Day after day I would come across her returning the paraphernalia of ticket selling to the Narthex, always buoyant but also whacked. Well done Heather, it is greatly appreciated.
THE PLANT STALL
Thanks to the many people who potted plants and looked after them for months before the fete to make such a great stall on the day. Rosemary Mitchelmore
TREASURES OF YESTERYEAR
A huge thank you to all ladies who so generously trusted me with their beautiful pieces for the display on the day of the fete. They were indeed treasures, and not only brought many visitors into our lovely church, but also brought back many memories of a more gentle, unhurried era. The quality of the workmanship, as well as the sheer beauty of the stitchery caused considerable comment, as did the care and patience taken to launder them so beautifully! May they be loved and preserved for many years to come. Ella Egan
CHRISTMAS CAROL CONCERT
Anyone wishing to sing in the Carol Concert this year should come to choir practices on Thursday evenings at 6.00pm. The choir will be a Soprano and Alto choir only.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
The next meeting, which is the final for the year, is on Tuesday 18th November. We meet in the car park and leave for Gem House Longwood at 12.45. Anyone needing transport contact Pat on 58001168. Numbers needed by Monday 17th for booking afternoon tea.
THANKSGIVING FOR THE BIRTH OF A CHILD
At the 10.30am Eucharist today Ikenna and Maureen Ilechukwu bring their little first born child, the lovely Victoria baptized some weeks ago to be blessed along with her mother, as is usual in Nigeria forty days or thereabouts after her birth. We congratulate and welcome them with joy.
ADVENT STUDY
Those interested in an Advent Study commencing the last week of November, please place your name on the list in the Narthex and indicate the day of the week and time that would best suit you. Obviously we can’t please everyone but we’ll try to please most.
OUTREACH
An opportunity to have your say in the last edition of Outreach for the year! Articles and items of news will be accepted up until 30th November.
ARISE 255/YOUTH GROUP
This Monday, the 17th November at 5.30pm as usual, the Youth Group meets under the wise guidance of Mary Pearson.
PARISH COUNCIL
There is a Parish Council meeting this Wednesday at 7.30pm as usual.
EFM S ‘SIGN-UP’ SESSION
TODAY Sunday 16th November
12.30-2pm in the church hall
An orientation session will be held for those who want to sign up (and pay!) For the EfM group we’re planning to start next year. This will be a revision of what the programme entails, information about fees, books and commitment and a discussion about arrange-ments for starting. If you want to sign up but can’t come to that session, please let me know and I’ll give you the form to complete. We need a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 11(plus me) to have a viable group. Please ask me if you have any questions. Helen Malcolm.
EVENING GUILD NEWS
Please note the change of time for the next meeting. Thursday Nov. 20th: Eucharist at 1.00pm followed by meeting and Afternoon Tea in the Narthex. To all those wonderful ladies who supported the Cake Stall at the Fair: the baking and supplying of cakes, loaves, bikkies etc was truly magnificent. A heartfelt thanks for all the help we received. There was not a crumb left. Thank you sincerely. Betty Bush (President)
LUNCHEON WITH
DAVID, RUTH AND ABIGAIL
On Sunday Nov 23rd David and Ruth Bryce will preach at St Augustine’s Eucharists and then there will be a “Bring and Share” lunch. Please put your name and details of food you intend bringing to share on the list in the Narthex.
RAFFLE WINNERS
Major Raffle Winners:
1st Sally Wilkinson; 2nd Betty Oxenford; 3rd H. Davkovski; 4th Nora Tokarew; 5th Lola Batey.
Minor Raffle Winners:
Christmas Hamper - A.Chawynski; Pot Plant - P. Griffin; Hand Bag - “Bill” of Mooroopna; Garden Accessories - W.Doyle; Salad Dish - L. Morcom; Gardening Tools - M Woodyard; Cheese Bar Raffle - E Rumble, V Bambrook, Ron Rose, J Campbell, M Clurey; Knitted Clown - “Alexandra”.
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays
Frank Harder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12th Nov
Andrew Neaum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16th Nov
Nancee Beck. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16th Nov
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Nov 17th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arise 255/Youth Group
Nov 18th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friendship Group/Trip meet 12.45 in carpark
Nov 18th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kid’s church meeting 2.00
Nov 19th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Council
Nov 20th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Evening Guild Eucharist etc / Narthex
Nov 22nd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 2pm
Nov 23rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .David & Ruth Bryce/Preaching at St. Aug
Nov 29th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Garden Working Bee
Dec 1st. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arise 255/Youth Group
Dec 6th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding
Dec 7th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nativity Play Rehearsal 10.30am
Dec 14th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nativity Play 10.30am
Dec 15th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arise 255/Youth Group
Dec 17th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parish Council
Dec 19th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Service
Dec 24th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Children’s Crib Service & Eucharist
Dec 24th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Midnight Mass Eucharist
READINGS for 23rd November
Ezekiel 34:11-16 &20-24, Ephesians 1:15-23
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
At the beginning of each month this list is cleared and ALL names need putting down again on the list in the narthex and signed in. No names should be listed without a person’s permission. The list for names of those to be prayed for is kept in the top drawer of the little plastic box of drawers on the narthex table.
Alison Baldwin, Liam Bognar, Betty Brereton, Kylie Butterfield, Barbara Carlyon, Nicky Cavill, Christine Furze, Beryl & Richard Goodfellow, John Green, Frank Harder, Sophie Mould, Laura McKinnis, Margaret Neaum, Margaret Noble, Jan Riches, Kevin Richards, Peter & Eva Swindells, Heather Vines, Lorraine Vogul, David & Judith, Michael & Amanda, Tracey, William, Owen, David & Tom, Brigid, Carolyn & Stuart, Rae & Kevin, David, Tom, Glenda.
Rest in Peace: Alice May Warren
Anniversary of death: Arthur Basset, Frances Brown 16th, Doris Stansfield, Thomas Trevaskis, Cecil McKellar 17th, Stanley Houghton, John Jeffery 18th, Edward Lacey, Victor Reither 19th, Catherine Baskerville 20th, Alex Tarr 22nd,
Duties for 16th November 2008
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liz Gyles, Heather Fitzgerald
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Andrea Fisher, Nancy Noonan
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe, Zebedee, Daniel
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norm Weaver, Celebrant
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carole Henderson, Bev Condon
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Pestell. Ian Bryce
Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy Lloyd, Anita Saville
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nola Brewer, Frank Steen
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Pearson, Norm Mitchelmore
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Brewer, John Pleming
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Val Bambrook
Welcoming Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bev Walsh
Mowing 15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Margaret Carroll, Brendan Carroll
Duties for 23rd November 2008
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Norm Mitchelmore, Bev Condon
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carole Henderson, Andrea Fisher
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michelle, Phillipa
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen, Tom, Ben
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heather Carlyon, Jenny Pleming
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Griffin, Ian Bryce
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny Pleming
Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jeanette Berry, Pat Griffin
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Brewer, Sandra Simonis
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwyn Cowland, Merv Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nola Brewer, Alan Akers
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heather Pearson
Welcoming Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Judy Lloyd
Mowing 22nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Adrian Evans, Volunteer
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 17th November (Rector’s Day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
4.00pm Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
5.00pm Arise 255/Youth Group
Tuesday 18th November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
12.15pm Simply Soul Soothing
12.45pm Friendship Group/ meet in car park 12.45pm
2.00pm Kid’s church meeting
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
6.00pm Baptism Preparation
Wednesday 19th November
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine’s
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
7.30pm Parish Council
Thursday 20th November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Tarcoola Eucharists
10.15am Eucharist - Grutzner House
11.00am Eucharist Harmony
1.30pm Evening Guild
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Choir Practice
Friday 21st November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.00am Catechesis of Good Shepherd (Lady Chapel)
Saturday 22nd November (Associate Priest’s Day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel Trad Rite
2.00pm Orthodox Wedding
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist
Sunday 23rd November “Christ The King”
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine’s
10.30am Family Eucharist/Baptisms/David & Ruth
8.45am Eucharist - Dookie
10.45am Eucharist - Katandra