THIRD SUNDAY after EPIPHANY
24th January 2010
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
QUID PRO QUO
A young man was collecting money around Wagga for the Murrumbidgee and Murray River Valley Drum and Fife Marching Band. He walked up a long path to a cottage and knocked. An old lady answered the door. “Madam,” he said, “I am taking up a collection for the Murrumbidgee and Murray River Valley Drum and Fife Marching Band and I thought you would like to contribute.” “What’s that you say?” said the old dear, cupping her hand to her ear. The young man raised his voice. “Madam,” he shouted, “I am collecting money for the Murrumbidgee and Murray River Valley Drum and Fife Marching Band and I thought you’d like to contribute.” “You’ll have to speak up,” yelled the old lady. The young man took a deep breath and roared out: “Madam, I am taking up a collection for the Murrumbidgee and Murray River Valley Drum and Fife Marching Band and I thought you might like to contribute.” “I still can’t get it,” yelled the old girl, her hands cupped to both ears . The young man gave up and started to walk down the path. As he did so the old lady called out, “Don’t forget to shut the gate.” “Damn and blast your stinking gate,” muttered the young man, under his breath. “And damn and blast the stinking Murrumbidgee and Murray River Valley Drum and Fife Marching Band,” yelled the old girl.
ANGLICANISM
.....the joy of being Anglican is that definitions are left, in the English way, capable of various interpretations. Love only lives in liberty.
John Betjeman
GOD’S BUTCHER, BAKER& CANDLESTICK MAKER
Andrew Neaum
One of my favourite scriptural passages comes from Ecclesiasticus, (now usually called Sirach) in the Apocrypha. I used it recently in a homily at the funeral of a hard working and successful farmer who was no churchman.
The shaft of a goad
The passage begins by suggesting that it is only scribes like myself who have the time to be piously wise, that is to philosophise, theologise, theorise, meditate and intercede, others do not:
The wisdom of the scribe depends on the opportunity of leisure; and he who has little business may become wise. How can he become wise who handles the plough, and who glories in the shaft of a goad, who drives oxen and is occupied with their work, and whose talk is about bulls?......
The passage goes on to describe, very, very beautifully and in interesting detail, the devoted, hard and often intricate work of farmers, jewellers, blacksmiths and potters. Such folk:
....rely upon their hands, and each is skilful in his own work. Without them a city cannot be established, and men can neither sojourn nor live there........ they keep stable the fabric of the world, and their prayer is in the practice of their trade.
That last lovely phrase: their prayer is in the practice of their trade should remind all of us God-botherers, that if everyone spent all of their time in prayer, in worship, and in church, if everyone could never, ever take their eyes off God, and were constantly deferring to him, referring to him and talking to him, then the world would starve and teeter into ruin.
The priesthood of all believers
We are not so much called to be pious as to do our duty. To get on and make the world possible to live in by using our God given talents to help make the world worthwhile. It is not only the pious and godly who pray, so too do those who keep the world going, their prayer, being the practise of their trade.
So good religion is not about turning the back on, or running away from reality, it is about equipping us to face reality honestly, purposefully, courageously, assiduously, lovingly and above all to get on out there and do our duty. It is not only the “pious” who are about God’s business.
The most admirable and even godly quality to be looked for in a dairy farmer, for example, should be that he runs a top notch show, a dairy of dairies. For that, above all else, is what dairy men should do.
Martin Luther was wise on this matter. Insisting that if a Christian uses his time and talents to serve others in any kind of way then, in effect, he is serving God. This is the doctrine: “the priesthood of all believers”. Luther famously maintained that to be a good and honest butcher or shoemaker is as holy a vocation as being a priest of the church. Too right!
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Canon D Neaum 1912-2001
Despite spending an ever increasing time with Fr and Mrs Mellor, I still found time to walk with Fran the three miles or so to the furniture factory. He was interested in the machines themselves, while I was interested in learning how to use them, both for fun and profit, for it was the age of whips and tops. The tops one could buy were dead things costing threepence, we lads called them ‘girls tops’ for it was impossible to move them more than a yard or so with the whip. We lads sought out ‘window breakers’ which, as their name suggests, were capable of just that, for they could be whipped for up to thirty yards.
Learning how to use the large lathe at the works I found I could make a dozen window breakers from a yard of 2 x 2 wood. Selling them at 2d apiece they added to our pocket money considerably.
Another task we undertook at about this time was carving. Those were the days when dining chairs had slats in the back with a carved top piece, curved and some five inches deep. We had three patterns for our work of which I can only remember one, which was two bunches of grapes surrounded by leaves. If we had the time, we could do a dozen of these in a week and earn the huge sum of 9d for the dozen. Not sweated labour, but an enjoyable hobby which brought in a cash reward.
In the early days of “The Mill” as we kids called it, we would walk home from school, have some tea and set off on the three mile walk. If it was an evening that promised rain, mother would give us 2d each so that we could come back by the last train at 9.30pm. One such wet evening we were tempted to spend one fare on sweets. Knowing well that Pa would never help if you could do the job on your own, we nevertheless told him that we had ‘lost’ one twopence, and would he replace it for our fare back on the train. His reply was typical, for he knew we had ‘lost’ the 2d by spending it. He said, “then you will have to walk home.” Saying this, he went off to catch the train and left us two rogues to walk, which we did, after spending the remaining 2d. We reached home about an hour later and no one was worried.
Later on when I was at the Grammar School I derived a sort of painful pleasure when receiving six of the best from the headmaster, for he administered the punishment in his study with the recipient bending over one of the chairs. Despite the sting of six cuts, I always looked at the chair as I rose to my feet for the back had been carved by me!
One of the workmen at the factory lived in Belper and was a frequenter of the “Nag’s Head” pub which was the only pub Pa visited regularly as it had home brewed ale. One evening this workman brought the talk round to the distance a man could carry a nine inch brick, holding it between the thumb and fingers of one hand. It was not long before all the talkers were outside, a brick was found and all were trying their skill and endurance. This became a regular feature during the following nights until the workman suggested that they should make a bet on it with the winner taking the proceeds. This was agreed, but the workman claimed the right, having introduced the plan, to be last.
All the men had been practising since the idea was first mooted and the tests began. Some could only manage about fifty yards, some up to half a mile, this being the best before the last man took the brick. They asked him how far he reckoned he could carry it and were staggered when he said, “three miles.” No one believed him, but it proved to be true, for he carried the brick one and a half miles and back again. He pocketed the cash.
Later on Pa asked him how he did it for such a time. His answer was astonishing, because for the past three years he had started carrying a brick from his home, leaving it when his hand was tired and collecting it on his return home. Day by day the distance carried increased until the day came when he dropped the brick at the factory. It was after this that he turned the talk in the pub on to brick carrying and duly reaped his reward. In those days of low wages it was always worth making a few extra shillings to help out.
I have tried brick carrying. Have a go and see how far you can carry one. (to be continued....)
VIRTUE AND VICE
Blushing is the colour of virtue. Diogenes
Loud indignation against vice often stands for virtue in the eyes of bigots. J. Petit-Senn
The vices of the rich and great are mistaken for error; and those of the poor and lowly, for crimes. Marguerite Blessington
WELCOME
We have a merry band of youngsters to be baptized today: Dabora and Abraham Makuac, Hayden Hunt, Charlotte & Harrison Johnstone, Sierra Smith, Amelie Barnes. We welcome them all as well as their relatives and friends.
If any of you are unfamiliar with the strange goings on in Anglican churches, relax! Participate as and when you feel able to, and appreciate that essentially what we are doing is simply honouring and reverencing the “Other”, and telling God, in time honoured ways, gestures and words that we love him, and love his love of us. Not that strange really!
If you have young ones with you don’t fret, because happy sounds and noises from them are more than tolerated they are enjoyed. If they become distressed enough to scream and yell then take them out for a stroll to quieten them down. The same action is sometimes necessary with restless husbands.
The photographing of actual baptisms or baptism groups is welcome. It is very good to have you with us. All parents please note that we have an excellent Catechesis program for youngster at St Augustine’s during the week, that we have a Youth Group and that on the 2nd Sunday of each month the 10.30am service is an especially child-friendly one, with a special talk and activity for youngsters.
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays
Joyce Cavill. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25th Jan
Malcom Button. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28th Jan
Elaine McMullen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29th Jan
WANTED, NEEDED, URGENTLY
We really do need committed volunteers to take on the demanding but utterly delightful task of becoming a a Catechist or Observer in the imaginative children’s programme, “The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd”. First rate Training sessions take place during the last week of January and first week of February all at St. Augustine’s, Shepparton. There is to be an information session at Purbrick Hall in Wangaratta on the afternoon of 31st January as well. This is an opportunity to take on something really worthwhile for God and our own enrichment. Enrolment forms are on the Narthex Table. The trainer, the Reverend Carol Roth, will be requiring accommodation for the two weeks of training, please contact the parish office if you can assist.
REPORTS FOR THE A.G.M.
All reports for inclusion in A.G.M. booklet need to be handed in to the Parish Office by the 8th of February.
BEING SHRIVEN
We are toying with the idea of offering a little service of “shriving” before Shrove Tuesday’s Pancake Party on the 16th of February. This would be the short service that is Tuesday’s “Evening Prayer” but with a penitential flavour. A good way to make Shrove Tuesday more what it should be, fun but with a little spiritual purpose too. And comments to help us make up our minds will surprise us.
MOTHERING SUNDAY
On Mothering Sunday this year, instead of our customary luncheon we propose to join the folk at Katandra for lunch who will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of their church on that day with the bishop. There will be a list for those intending to go and if numbers warrant it we will hire a bus.
ST AUGUSTINE’S DAY
This is a difficult one because St Augustine’s Day this year falls between Pentecost Sunday and Trinity Sunday. Can we steal either for St Augustine of Canterbury shenanigans? Probably not, and so it looks as though we will have to celebrate our Patron only on the 13th of June. Mark the date in your diary, it is a big day for the parish.
DUTY ROSTERS
Duty rosters for the next six months are available in the Narthex. Please take the one with your name written on it. Please note too that putting these rosters together is a hugely complicated and finicky job and so if you discover a mistake, omission or faux pas, for heaven’s sake point it out to us graciously!!!
GARDEN WORKING BEE
The month’s Garden Working Bee takes place on Saturday the 30th Jan, starting at 8.30am. Hopefully we will miss the heat. Please do come armed with your garden toys, really to enjoy good company and a very worth while occupation.
Barbara Whyte.
ARISE 255
Our Youth Group gets underway on Friday 29th January from 5.30pm till 7.30pm. It will be a Youth Service - “Respect God”. Let’s start the year with a bang as we praise God and enjoy a relaxed and contemporary service. Dinner will be provided.
Arise 255 is held at St. Augustine’s Church hall every second Friday during school terms from 7.00pm till 9.00pm unless stated otherwise. Supper is provided. We ask for a small donation of $2 each week towards costs and supper. The programme for 2010 is on the notice board in the Narthex. It’s well worth looking at.
Mary Pearson
NOTICE OF A.G.M.
The Parish Annual General Meeting takes place on Ash Wednesday the 17th of February at 7.30pm in the Supper Room. There are nomination forms for Councillors, Wardens and Parochial Nominators on the table in the Narthex.
KATANDRA WEST GUILD
On Monday, 8th February, 2010 at 11am the St. Mary’s Katandra West Guild Eucharist and AGM is at the home of Wilma White
GRIEF SUPPORT
At 7.30pm Tues, 9th February “Moving On” - St. Augustine’s Grief Support Group meet.
THANK YOU
Thank you for the response of generous donations to support the kinder in the slums of Cambodia. Your kindness is greatly appreciated. Sincere thanks. The Rev Gail.
LENT COURSES
We propose to have three Lent Courses this year, two in the evening, one during the day. If there are not enough punters we will elide the two evening courses into one. Wednesdays at 1.30pm taken by the Revd Gail Bryce. Mondays at 7.00pm taken by the Revd Helen Malcolm. Thursdays at 7.00pm taken by the Revd. Andrew Neaum. There is a list in the narthex for the names of those interested in one, two or all three.
LENTEN SERMONS
For the six Sundays of Lent the Revd. Dr. John Pryor will preach a series of sermons at the 8.30am Eucharist. Dr Pryor is a notable biblical scholar and teacher and these sermons based on significant characters in St John’s Gospel will be informative, interesting and well worth listening to. They are only at the 8.30am Eucharist because the 10.30 one is regularly invaded by baptisms and kids and so less appropriate for reflection and serious thought.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Jan 29th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Arise 255 Youth Group
Feb 9th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . “Moving On” Grief Support Group 7.30pm
Feb 12th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arise 255 Youth Group
Feb 17th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ash Wednesday and A.G.M
Feb 18th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Evening Guild
Feb 20th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Men’s Breakfast
Feb 21st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dookie A.G.M.
Feb 26th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arise 255 Youth Group
Feb 28th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Katandra A.G.M.
Mar 5th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . World Day of Prayer 10am 7th Day Adventist
Mar 6th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding
Mar 7th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cologne New Phil.Chamber Orchestra 2.30pm
Mar 14th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mothering Sunday
Mar 14th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75th Anniversary of St Mary’s Katandra
Mar 20th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Men’s Breakfast
Mar 20th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wedding
Apr 4th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Easter Day
April 17th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Men’s Breakfast
May 15th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Men’s Breakfast
13th June . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patronal Festival
Aug 5th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Meeting Parish Fair 4.00pm Roz’s Room
November 13th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Parish Fair and Garden Party
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.
Prayer Requests: Nicole Ackland, John Alexander, Jeffrey Andrewartha, Laura Bates, Jan & Neville Black, Liam Bognar, Ian Carman, Diane Feldtman, Frank Harder, Charles Keen, Hilder Lidgard, Matthew Liversidge, Bronwyn Mitchell, Sophie Mould, Bob McKellar, Albert Oxenbury, Kevin & Isabelle Richards, Kevin Sackley, Barbara Swan, Peter Swindells, Patricia Sparkes, Jennifer Thomas, Heather, Valerie, Bonny, David, David & Judith, Coral & David.
Rest in Peace: Rita Meyer, Leslie Hillas
Year’s Mind: Beula Teasdale 26th, Edie Alexander 27th, Margaret Bone 29th, Clarrie Hooper 30th.
Duties for 24th January 2010
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Fitzgerald, Liz Gyles
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny Moran, Greg Pestell
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joan, Bethany & Sophie
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Clergy
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heather Fitzgerald, John Griffin
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Christine Evans, Greg
Welcomers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Shirley Dean, Bev Reither
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny Moran, Sandra Simonis
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Joe Pearson, Norm Mitchelmore
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Charlotte Brewer, John Pleming
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pat Griffin
Welcoming Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Cook
Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . none this week
Duties for 31st January 2010
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bev Condon, Norm Mitchelmore
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Verna Pestell, Courtney Craven
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Helen, Tom,. Zeb
Intercessors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Norman Weaver, Mary Pearson
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carole Henderson, Bev Condon
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny Pleming, Joe Fernandez
Welcomers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beryl Goodfellow, Bev Ralph
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lesley Kenna, Frank Steen
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwyn & Merv Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Alan Akers, Nola Brewer
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Val Bambrook
Welcoming Table. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Margaret Hoare
Mowing 30th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Merv Cowland, Trevor Batey
READINGS 31st January
Jeremiah 4:4-10, 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 25th January Conversion of St Paul
Rector’s Day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Catechesis Training - Roz’s Room till 4.00pm
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Tuesday 26th January Australia Day
7.45am Mattins - Lady Chapel
9.30am Catechesis Training - Roz’s Room till 4.00pm
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Wednesday 27th January John Chrysostom
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
9.30am Catechesis Training - Roz’s Room till 4.00pm
10.00am Eucharist St Augustine’s
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Thursday 28th January Thomas Aquinas
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Catechesis Training - Roz’s Room till 4.00pm
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Choir Practice - St Martin’s Chapel
Friday 29th January
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Catechesis Training - Roz’s Room till 4.00pm
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Arise 255/Youth Service (until 7.30pm)
Saturday 30th January Charles 1st of England
Associate Priest’s day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
8.30am Garden Working Bee
9.30am Catechesis Training - Roz’s Room till 4.00pm
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Sunday 31st January 4th Sunday after Epiphany
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine’s
10.30am Family Eucharist - St Augustine’s
8.45am Eucharist - St Luke’s