CHRIST THE KING
21ber 2010
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
KNOCK KNOCK
What do you get if you cross a Jehovah’s Witness with an atheist? Someone who knocks on your door for nothing.
SHORT HABITS
Two young nuns went to the supermarket in the convent’s mini minor. They couldn’t find a parking space so one said she would keep circling the block while the other ducked into the store. Returning with a full trolley, the nun could see no sign of her colleague. “Have you seen a nun in a red mini?” she asked a policeman. “Not since I stopped drinking,” he replied.
EVEN AS THE FLOWERS
IN SPRING
Canon Andrew Neaum
To be greeted at Melbourne airport by an animated daughter, Elizabeth, and on a cool, sunny evening was balm to the soul, even if our luggage turned out not to be on the same plane as Diana and myself. Then the journey back to Shepparton, by way of the lovely Mickleham route, along roads with verges thickly grassed and past paddocks heavy with hay augured well for a happy return indeed. For Diana to view Victoria for the first time in such early summer fruitfulness, and bathed in a still gentle and falling sun’s lovely light was auspicious indeed.
It all brought to mind one of my very favourite poems (not all together appropriately, for the poem refers to the return of God, not a mere Rector and wife, but then much that pops into a magpie mind like mine is less than perfectly appropriate):
How Fresh, O Lord, how sweet and clean
Are thy returns! ev’n as the flowers in spring;
......
Grief melts away
Like snow in May,
As if there were no such cold thing.
Who would have thought my shrivel’d heart
Could have recover’d greennesse? It was gone
Quite under ground; as flowers depart
To see their mother-root, when they have blown;
Where they together
All the hard weather,
Dead to the world, keep house unknown.
......
And now in age I bud again,
After so many deaths I live and write;
I once more smell the dew and rain,
And relish versing: O my only light,
It cannot be
That I am he
On whom thy tempests fell all night.
It is good to be back, it really is. The past six months have been hugely enriching, unutterably good, altogether worthwhile, but it is still great to be back, and for Diana to return to live again (after so many years) in that most stimulating of all domestic hubs, an Anglican rectory, is also a happy return, especially to a rectory set in such sylvan and well flowered grounds. On our second evening back we heard odd chortlings, squeaks, grunts and rustlings in the mulberry tree outside the back door. Torchlight revealed a flock of guzzling, spitting, urinating bats. This is new. Up until now it has been only the beautiful lorikeets and other light-winged denizens of the day that have graced this lovely tree to lift the spirits at this time of the year. To have their diurnal beauty offset and balanced by less than beautiful but altogether fascinating and well fabled denizens of the night gladdened our hearts enormously.
Having just written the last paragraph I had a short conversation, by courtesy of Skype, with Rachel in England. On hearing me tell of our greedy and voluble bats she responded by telling me that the book she is presently reading (“Pale Fire” by Nabokov, a fascinating and brilliant read if ever there was one) had just referred to a crawling bat as being “like a cripple with a broken umbrella....” a brilliant image.
There is much for which to be grateful then. Not least Gough Whitlam for conceiving of and putting into place “long-service leave”, but also a parish that seems to have been delighted for me to have so long an absence rather than resenting it, and Gail, Helen and so many more, not least our “locums”, because they and all of you in your willingness to shoulder any necessary and extra responsibilities helped quieten into complete quiescence my conscience at taking so long a slab of leave.
Love, sacrificing-love, enlarges, transforms and makes sense of human existence. One of the main reasons that I remain a Christian is that this sweet Faith puts love (in the shape of a cross) at the heart of everything, even of the Godhead, making love our raison d’etre. In being granted as widower and widow the great and rare privilege of learning in marriage to love a second time, Diana and myself are mindful that it is neither necessary nor desirable to turn our backs on our previous loves and loyalties. We endeavour rather to remain loyal and true to our old loves in our new love. Because Diana’s Michael and my Margaret shared with us both in a familial friendship many years ago, this has been easier than might otherwise have been the case. We feel, without being at all presumptious, their blessing upon us both and are glad too of yours as well.
GRATITUDE and RIGHTS
......the state is taking over many of the functions that were previously performed by charities — not least education, health care, and the relief of poverty. And the state deals on impersonal and equal terms with its citizens. It has no favourites, and it is governed by the rules — anything else is received by the citizens as an injustice. Hence charity is replaced by justice as the ruling principle upon which social benefits are distributed. But while charity deals in gifts, justice deals in rights. And when you receive what is yours by right you don't feel grateful. Hence people who receive their education and health care from the state are less inclined to give to schools and hospitals in their turn — something that is borne out vividly by the figures concerning charitable giving. The spirit of gratitude retreats from the social experience, and in countries like France and Germany, where civil society is penetrated at every level by the state, people give little or nothing to charity, and regard gifts with suspicion, as attempts to privatize what should be a matter of public and impartial concern. Roger Scruton.
GRATITUDE
He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. Epictetus
What a miserable thing life is: you're living in clover, only the clover isn't good enough. Bertolt Brecht
CONGRATULATIONS
Nola Brewer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22nd Nov
Gwenda Betson. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23rd Nov
Reg Wells. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24th Nov
Nancy Fennell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25th Nov
Bev Ralph. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25th Nov
Ruby (Bub). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26th Nov
CARDS AND GIFTS
The Combined Charities Christmas Card and Gift Shop is now open at Scots Church Hall (enter via Fryers Street door) Its hours are: 930-4.30 weekdays, 9.30-noon Saturdays and the Shop closes on the 17th December.
ADDRESS
Father John Marsh has asked that his contact details be put in the pew sheet for those who were asking, they are as follows:
The Rev’d John Marsh & Mrs. Faith Marsh
58 Napier Street,
Tamworth N.S.W.
Phone - 02-67669106
Email:john_marsh@virginbroadband.com.au
PARISH FAIR & GARDEN PARTY
Most people seemed very happy with our Parish Fair.
The weather was inclement but was nothing like the horrific weather predicted by the Bureau. Our Plan “B” worked well. Attend-ance was down, probably because of the weather forecast. Congratulations and thanks to the walkers who delivered about 6,800 flyers; we could see the results of their effort.
AND, yes, the aprons DID look terrific: very classy indeed.
The appearance of Greg and Verna Pestell on the ABC TV Show THE COLLECTABLES, and their subsequent interview on Goulburn-Murray ABC Radio, brought many people to the Church to view the collection of Art Deco glass. There was interest in the Gem Club’s exhibit - and all of this meant that members of our EfM group were able to distribute material, relating to activities at our Church, to each person who entered the building.
The concert venue: the Church, was successful - with about 90 people in attendance. The artists were terrific and the audio boys ensured the perfect sound. When some artists were setting up their instruments, the Compere entertained the audience with some hillarious jokes. Elizabeth Woodyard (our organist) and Pat have a conspiracy: they are determined to have three items from our Church choir next year - and we don’t mean hymns! “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” (and we don’t mean Rhinestones) could be one item - BUT don’t mention this to the Choir members yet! Pat is leaving it all in Elizabeth’s capable hands.
The Cashiers in the office finished their work earlier than in the past. This would be due to them not having to count proceeds of the White Elephant Stall which, of course, was conducted in September; the $2,004 from that event had been counted and banked by Jeanette Smith.
The gentleman toiled as well as ladies, in hot/humid conditions on Friday evening, caring and moving tables, desks, chairs, etc. in accordance with Plan “B” and returned the next morning to do more. The skies were heavy and grey - so there was no thought of changing back to PLAN “A”. By 7.30a.m., the stallI-holders began to arrive and very soon transformed the empty tables into interesting, colourful and inviting stalls.
The train made only three trips - in between showers. The Jumping Castle was not erected because it was considered dangerous due to slippery conditions.
Once again, the PEOPLE SUPPORTING PEOPLE organisation conducted the EXOTIC ALBANIAN FOOD STALL beneath a large gazebo. Their support and generosity is very much appreciated.
This article is writing only three days after the Fair. Early figures from the Treasurer perhaps forecast a net profit of approximately $13,000 (not including the major raffle). By the time this Pew Sheet is read, the Treasurer will no doubt have given the Clergy more current figures.
Major Raffle Prize Winners
1st Prize: - Bill Betson; 2nd Jayne Moule;
3rd M. Stothart; 4th J. Auldridge;
5th Jayne Moule; 6th Pamela Lee.
Minor Raffle Prize Winners
Bev’s Dolls
1st Prize - Wilma Spence;
2nd -Ethel Rumble.
Craft Stall
1st Joan Kitto;
2nd Erin Woodman.
Cakes Stall (Evening Guild)
Leonie Wisely.
Cheese Stall
1st Prize Lola Batey;
2nd P. Wynns.
Jams & Preserves Stall
Betty Downing.
Treasurers Stall (Evening Guild)
B. Jones.
Final Meeting of the Planning Committee for 2010 will be held in Roz’s Room at 4.00pm on Thursday, 25th November. All aspects of the Parish Fair and Garden Party can be discussed and recommendations formulated for 2011. What was good; what was just so-so, and what should be deleted in the future? Please come and express your opinions. It would be very helpful if a representative of each stall could be present. (P.G)
ARISE 255/YOUTH GROUP
Monday 22nd November 5.30pm - 7.30pm Leaders are taking a break the kids are running the night. Everyone can be a disciple of Christ. Everyone Welcome
MESSAGE FROM
THE CRAFT STALL GIRLS.
“A huge THANK YOU to all the ladies who donated items for the Craft Stall. We received beautiful knitting, sewing, etc., all of which contributed to a very successful stall.”Dorothy Grant
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EfM) INFORMATION SESSION - TODAY
0945 - 1015 in the church. This session is for anyone who might be interested in joining the EfM group next year, to come along and find out what it entails - the fun we have, the way it inspires and supports our ministry, what we actually do and the fact that you don't have to know, learn or remember anything - we provide everything you need and there are no exams! If you are interested but miss the information session, please speak to Helen or one of the EfM group to find out more.
OUTREACH DEADLINE
5th December
What? Already! Yes I know we've just had an Outreach, but there will be another issue to publicise our Christmas services. Please have contributions to Helen in good time, through the church office, by email hmalcolm@bigpond.com, or to PO Box 123 Shepparton 3632.
Anglicare Christmas Appeal
We will be collecting gifts for Anglicare from this Sunday the 21st November for three weeks. Gifts are needed for families in need. For all ages from Babies to Grandparents. A list of ideas/suggestions can be obtained from Pat and John Griffin if you need one.
GARDENERS
Saturday 27th November
Annual Garden Working Group
Christmas Dinner
Eucharist 8am, working in the garden, then lunch to be held at 12noon. Please bring a salad.
CHRISTMAS NATIVITY PLAY
Well, here we are again! Christmas time is creeping up on us fast and it is time to organise our Christmas Nativity Play.
If you would like to be in it and have a major role, try to come along on Sunday 5th December to the 10.30 service for a practice. We will be presenting the play at the last Children’s Church for 2010 on the 12th December. Hope to see you there!
INTERESTING NEWS
We are very likely (read that as certain) to have a young and female ordination candidate working with us in a week or two’s time for a couple of months. This should be of great benefit both to us and to her. In her twenties she will be needing accommodation. If anyone is prepared to offer this it will be greatly appreciated. Have a word with the Rector, please.
CAROL SERVICE
The Carol Service this year will be held on Thursday the 16th of November at 7.30pm. Afterwards, as is usual, there will be a bit of a bash in the Narthex if folk bring along a bottle or two or a plate or two. The choir have been at hard and effective work without their Rector, and so the service should be better even than usual! Please attend and bring a friend.
WELCOME BACK
Not next Sunday, but the following one, that is on Dec. 5th, there will be some sort of a luncheon party after our two Sunday Eucharists to welcome back the Rector and bride and make merry. Note the date please.
ENVELOPES
Packets of envelopes for those who contribute to the parish in this way are now available in the Narthex. Please help yourself to the packet with your name on it. If you would like to contribute by way of Direct Debit (at no cost) please have a word with the clergy or Bev Reither, and this can be arranged. It is a way of giving that was of great benefit to the parish while the Rector was away, ensuring that his contributions did not go to All Saints’ Margaret Street in London, or to Salisbury Cathedral, or to Sturminster Newton Parish Church, but instead kept on coming in to St Augustine’s for more than six months!
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Nov 25th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parish Fair Committee 4pm
Nov 27th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Garden Working Bee & lunch
Dec 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Men’s Breakfast
Dec 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wedding
Dec 5th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth & Family Service 4pm
Dec 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Last Arise 255 for the year
Dec 12th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kid’s Church, Christmas Nativity
Dec 6th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arise 255/ Youth Group
Dec 14th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friendship Group
Dec 15th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Council
Dec 16th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Carol Service
Duties for Sunday 21st November
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carole Henderson, Heather Pearson
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christine Evans, Peter Martin
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny, Bethany, Sophie
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carole Henderson, Verna
Euc.Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H.Fitzgerald, C. Henderson
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christine Evans, Greg Pestell
Welcomers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy Lloyd, Pat Griffin
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gloria Wayman, Lesley Kenna
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gwyn Cowland, Merv Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Pleming, Alan Akers
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley Dean
Welcoming Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Judy
Lawn Mowing 20thNov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margaret & Beryl
Duties for Sunday 28th November
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pat Griffin, Victoria Heenan
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Pearson, Nancy Noonan
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michelle, Beth
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Greg, Vanita, Valerie
Intercessors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Heather Fitzgerald
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carole Henderson, John Griffin
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christine Evans, Jenny Pleming
Welcomers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Eileen Quaife, Gwen Betson
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frank Steen, Nola Brewer
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Trevor Batey, Joy Campbell
Sidespeople10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlotte Brewer, Nola Brewer
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Griffin
Welcoming Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy
Lawn Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . none this week
REQUEST FOR PRAYERS
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.
Prayer Requests: Joyce Auldrige, Norma Anderson, Vicki Anderson, Jeffrey Andrewartha, Deb Bagley, Kerrie Baldwin, Laura Bates, Jan & Neville Black, Liam Bognar, Ian Carmen, Tom & Val Downie, Mervyn Durran, Michael Egan, Mariam Fifoot, John Green, Kath Grills, Frank Harder, Margaret Kidman, Tess & David Kane, Hilder Lidgard, Brian Loxley, Albert Oxenbury, Joan O’Reilly, Isabelle Richards, Dawn Scott, Suzanne Singh, Peter Swindells, Patricia Sparkes, Heather Steen, Kaye Teague, Athol & Walter, Bill & Glenda, David, Lynn, David & Judith,Penny & Tom Patricia, Tess & David, Stewart, Shirley.
Years Mind: Doreen Syer 21st, Alex Tarr 22nd, Stefan Fister, David Byrne, John Maskell 24th, David Spence, Daryl Meyers, Glenn Haynes 25th, Mervyn Rogers 26th,
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 22nd November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Arise 255/ Youth Group
Tuesday 23rd November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Wednesday 24th November
7 .45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine’s
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Thursday 25th November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
4.00pm Parish Fair Meeting
5.30pm Choir Practice - St Martin’s Chapel
Friday 26th November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
11.00am Eucharist - Ave Maria
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Saturday 27th November
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist- Lady Chapel
8.00am Eucharist/Garden W/Bee/ Lunch
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Sunday 28th November
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine’s
10.30am Eucharist - St. Augustine’s/Baptism
12noon Orthodox Baptism
8.45am Eucharist - St Luke’s Dookie
10.45am Eucharist - St. Mary’s Katandra