23 March 2008 Easter Day

HOME

EASTER DAY

23^rd March 2008

Graphics and cartoons appear only in the printed version

CLERICAL BLUNDERS

If you sometimes think the blunders in this pew sheet are spectacular, how about these from the Christian web site “Ship of Fools”:

1) Some years ago, when I was Director of Music at St John's, Hartford (in Cheshire) we were forced to destroy 400 or so pew sheets for the Easter Sunday 10.00am communion. At the choir practice on the Wednesday of Holy Week it was noticed that the last hymn began with the words...”I know that my Redeemer lies.” On sharing this with a friend of mine (the vicar of Christ Church, Wharton, Cheshire), he informed me that he had recently printed a demonically spellchecked sheet containing a hymn beginning with the couplet...

Here, O my Lord, I see thee face to face,

Her would I touch and handle things unseen.

2) A priest called Stephanie relates the following story from an unnamed church in the UK: “A former colleague (who shall remain anonymous to protect the implicated) was preaching on two different Bible texts. As the congregation juggled their pew Bibles he helpfully suggested... ‘It might be easier if you keep a finger in both passages.’”

3) Chris writes of a church in Bristol: An order of service for a healing eucharist I went to recently contained the following prayer...“Bless physicians and nurses, give them wisdom and skill, sympathy and patients.”

4) Fortescue writes to inform us of an irregularity at the enthronement of Roy Williamson as Bishop of Southwark, which he witnessed back in 1991. He says... “Throughout the long and complex service, Bishop Roy had been ably chaplained by the young Succentor, Fr Nigel Worn, juggling books, crozier, mitre, etc., and generally steering his new Bishop around the cathedral. At the end of the service, Bishop Roy stepped forward for a few informal words of thanks to all the people who had contributed to the day... ‘... And a special word of thanks to Father Nigel, who had his hand up my back, twiddling my knobs...’ Ten per cent of the congregation and 100 per cent of the choir exploded in laughter, while the remainder, including the new Bishop, merely looked bemused.”

ANONYMOUS

Easter is not a time for groping through dusty, musty tomes or tombs to disprove spontaneous generation or even to prove life eternal. It is a day to fan the ashes of dead hope, a day to banish doubts and seek the slopes where the sun is rising, to revel in the faith which transports us out of ourselves and the dead past into the vast and inviting unknown.

A SHORT SERMON

“Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself”, on which text (Luke 24:39) one of the oldest members of the community in Beresit gave the shortest Easter sermon I have ever heard:

“If we had been God, you and I”, the old man said, “what would we have done when these human beings murdered our Son? Our Son who had become one of them, healed their sick, shown them the truth, rejoiced with them in their feasts, wept with them beside their graves? I will tell you. When he returned to heaven, we would have fallen on his neck and kissed him, we would have robed him in his eternal beauty, and we would have said, ‘As for them, we will not care about them or think of them again. If they would not love you in your humility, they shall never rejoice in your glory.' And where should we have been then? But God is not like us. He said: ‘Now I shall give you back to them, so that they may know that even their sins cannot keep us from loving them. And to show them that, you shall go back to them robed in eternity (not in your full glory for they could not bear that) but also with the marks of their nails. Then they will know that they are forgiven, and that we shall stay with them for ever.’” From “Travels in Oudamovia” by John Austin Baker.

BARKING MAD

As the poet said, “only God can make a tree" - probably because it's so hard to figure out how to get the bark on. Woody Allen

PIFFLE!

Easter demonstrates and reaffirms one of my most obdurate and insistent convictions: that love, in its profoundest sense, that is, sacrificial love, self-giving love, is indomitable, can't be destroyed, is eternal.

There are those among us who would relativise love, reduce and diminish it, who attempt to explain it away, dilute it. Thinkers, and too often non-thinkers, who are what we call reductionists, and who see love's origin's, therefore as not in heaven but in biology, suggesting love to be, perhaps, a mere vestige of the herd instinct which sacrifices the individual animal to the good of the herd. Love they maintain is a mere remnant or vestige in us of that. Well I say "Piffle"! And so does Easter.

And then there are those who say that sacrificial love, the love that if necessary dies gladly for others is just a subjective expression of what we want and desire, is little more then than a grunt of appreciation and pleasure all tarted up in philosophical or romantic fancy dress. Well I say, "Piffle"! And so does Easter.

There are those who diminish love by claiming that it, and all altruism and selflessness are coded into our genes. Well I say "Piffle!" And so does Easter.

I won't and can't believe that our Lord's sacrifice was anything but profoundly and mysteriously. That it was anything but beautifully, profoundly and mysteriously significant, or that Mother Theresa's way of life was anything but an inspiration.

I won't and can't believe that self-interest is the sum total of all morality.

Easter maintains that sacrificial love is indomitable, moves the sun and stars, lies at the heart of existence, is the reason I and you exist. That we were created because God loves, that we exist in order to learn to love in the profoundest sense, that our end is love.

What wonderful, glorious good news. Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Welcome back Alleluia! Andrew Neaum

L'Envoi

When Earth's last picture is painted,

and the tubes are twisted and dried,

When the oldest colours have faded,

and the youngest critic has died,

We shall rest, and, faith, we shall need it –

lie down for an aeon or two,

Till the Master of All Good Workmen

shall set us to work anew!

And those that were good shall be happy:

they shall sit in a golden chair;

They shall splash at a ten-league canvas

with brushes of comets' hair;

They shall find real saints to draw from –

Magdalene, Peter, and Paul,

They shall work for an age at a sitting

and never be tired at all!

And only the Master shall praise us,

and only the Master shall blame;

And no one shall work for money,

and no one shall work for fame;

But each for the joy of the working,

and each, in his separate star;

Shall draw the Thing as he sees it,

for the God of Things as They Are!

Rudyard Kipling

THANK YOU

Thank you to flower arrangers and providers, to the loaners and carriers of pot plants, to servers, Eucharistic assistants, choir members, organists, sacristan, and to all worshippers over the past week. Thank you too to the too small band of church cleaners who terrorised spiders, de-webbed the church and breathed in much venerable dust last Tuesday when too many of us were absent and about other business. You all have contributed to a memorable and holy Holy Week and Easter.

DYING AND LIVING AGAIN

The Afternoon Guild formally dissolved itself last week and so no longer exists as a Guild. However, by a unanimous vote it immediately formed itself into a “Friendship Group” which will meet every month for fellowship and fun without any of the pressure of raising funds. It is hoped that an interesting program will evolve to foster friendship and fellowship and that new members will join. We are grateful for all the good work that the Afternoon Guild has accomplished for St Augustine’s down through the years. There is far more to the Christian Faith than good works though, ask St Paul. So may grace abound in the new Afternoon Friendship Group to the greater glory of God, to St Augustine’s and to each and every member.

LADY DAY IN WANGARATTA

All are welcome to attend Lady Day on Saturday 29^th March at Holy Trinity Cathedral. There is morning tea at 10.15am followed by the Eucharist at 11.00am at which the preacher & celebrant will be Bishop David Farrer. There will be a parade of M.U., Caritas and Parish Banners. Lunch , which must be ordered will cost $8. Those wishing to order a lunch should give their names to the Parish Office by the 25th March.

A BIG PARISH DAY

The ABM Lady Day Coffee Morning, Devonshire Tea and Stalls will be held in the Hall on Monday 31^st March at 10.00am. This is a Parish occasion and we hope that Dookie & Katandra will join us all in the fun. Any saleable donations for the stalls will be most welcome Please support this very special day in our calendar and bring your friends along as well. We are supporting folk in need rather than ourselves! Nola Brewer

CATHEDRAL CENTENARY

The Cathedral in Wangaratta celebrates its centenary with all sorts of interesting activities from May through to September. See the leaflets in the Narthex for details and if you wish to attend functions that are catered for please apply accordingly.

PARISH COUNCIL

There is a meeting of the Parish Council on Wednesday at 7.30pm.

SIMPLY SOUL SOOTHING

Simply Soul Soothing will not be held this Tuesday. The next session will be the following week on April 1^st.

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Mar 29^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lady Day/Wangaratta

Mar 31^st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A.B.M. Devonshire Tea & Trading Table/Hall

April 10, 11, 12^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Catechesis Training in Shepp

Apr 14^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arise 255-Youth Group 5-7pm

April 17,18, 19^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Catechesis Training in Shepp

April 19^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weddings 11.00am, 3.30pm

April 28^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arise 255- Youth Group 5-7pm

May 2^nd/4^th & 4^th/ 6^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Diocesan Lay Retrea

May 3^rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mens Breakfast

May 3^rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 1.30pm

May3rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding 3pm

May 12^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arise 255-Youth Group 5-7pm

May 12-15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clergy Retreat

May 16^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Turaton Concert /Hall 8.00pm

May 23^rd & 24^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Synod

May 26^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arise 255-Youth Group 5-7pm

May 29^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Fair planning meeting 4pm/Den

June 1^st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patronal Festival

June 23^rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arise 255-Youth Group 5-7pm

Aug 16^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mens Breakfast

Aug 30^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 1.30pm

Oct 4^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding 1.30pm

Oct 7^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Visit of Gippsland AWA Eucharist & Meal

Oct 27-30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clergy Conference

Nov 8^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parish Fair

Nov 15^th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mens Breakfast

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, Geoff Bowen, Kylie Butterfield, Kathleen Camm, Nicky Cavill, Daphne Clarke, Jack Cook, Donna Dyson, John Green, Kath Grills, Frank Harder, Jenny Laws, Rita Lee, Joy Martin, Sam Martin, John Moore, Margaret Neaum, Margaret Noble, Lorraine Downley, Margaret Osborough, Albert Oxenbury, Reg Oxenford, Ellen Pearson, Kevin Richards, Jan Riches, Carole Shields, Peter & Eva Swindells, Wes & Sue Tyson, Lorraine Vogul, Fran Wilson, David, Glenda, Layla, Malcolm, Nicky & Joshua, Patricia, Tracy, Amanda, Graham.

Rest in Peace: Rita Lee

Anniversary of death: Alan Wilkie, Dorothea Vibert 23^rd, Jean Varvaressos, William Northey 24^th, Ronald Chambers 25^th, Carl Classen, Donald Oliver, Horace Smith 26^th, Isabel Shepherd 27^th, Ann Tacey 29^th.

Duties for 23^rd March 2008

Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heather Pearson, Bev Condon

Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Pearson, Christine Jones

Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carole, John Griffin, Michelle, Beth

Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Helen, Tom, Bethany

Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bev Condon, Clergy

Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Horder, Carole Henderson

Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny Pleming, Bev Condon

Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bev Ralph, Shirley Dean

Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Brewer, Sandra Simonis

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

Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Pleming, Charlotte Brewer

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

Welcome Tbl 8.30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pamela Lee

Mowing 22^nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gary Grant, John Horder

Duties for 30^th March 2008

Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Carlyon, Victoria Heenan

Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Charlotte Brewer, Joan McCann

Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michelle, Beth, Phillipa

Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny, Joe, Zebedee

Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Celebrant, Bev Condon

Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Neaum, John Griffin

Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ian Bryce, Carole Henderson

Welcoming 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Nichols, Beryl Goodfellow

Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Steen, Jenny Moran

Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trevor Batey, Bob Galt

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

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

Welcoming Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret Hoare

Mowing 29^th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Pleming, Rick Coates

READINGS for 30^th March

Acts of the Apostles, 2:14a, 22-32

1 Peter 1:1-12

THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH

Monday 24^th March Rector’s Day off

7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel