FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
3rd April 2011
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
COCKROACHES
How do you get rid of cockroaches? Tell them you want a long-term relationship
WHAT A BLOW
There was a little boy who loved tractors. On his 17th birthday, his mother gave him a trip to a tractor fair, but he got badly injured, leading to a lengthy stay in hospital. He said he was never going near tractors again. Years later, he was in a bar when he caught the eye of a beautiful young lady. She was crying, and he asked her what her trouble was. She replied: “It’s the smoke”. He thought: “What can I do to make this better?” He then blew, which stopped her crying. She asked him how he did it and he said: “Well I’m an ex-tractor fan.”
NOT IN LENT
I wonder whether Jesus did odd carpentry jobs around people’s houses? “I’m sorry, Mrs Cohen, I shan’t be in for the next forty days. No. Not really a holiday. Just coming to terms with myself, really!”
Alan Bennet
RETURNING TO ZIMBABWE (18)
Andrew Neaum
This is the eighteenth episode of an account of the recent trip to Zimbabwe and Lesotho made by Diana and myself last October. The previous episodes can be found at:
http://www.andrewneaum.com/articles.htm
I need to be careful in recording some of our encounters in Zimbabwe because it might just bring reprisals to those I talk about, though it does seem a bit melodramatic to say so. As if any of the power-besotted, pleasure-sodden, self-serving, ruling elite in Zimbabwe would ever spare the time to stoop to read the ruminatory observations of an undistinguished visiting parson and wife to their country.
No Julian Assange
However, there can be an astonishing and petty vindictiveness about those in power, as well as a determination to nip in the bud or avenge any form of criticism or censure. Tyrants are nearly always insecure enough to set up a security apparatus small minded enough to search out and scrutinise the minutest and most insignificant of critical murmurs. The couple I talk of next are therefore well disguised. The Rector of Shepparton is no Julian Assange. He considers that a degree of confidentiality and discretion are essential in both personal and political affairs.
Back in Harare
On our return to Harare we were due to stay for a couple of day with the aged parents of a couple I had married in Australia some years ago. They are retired farmers and live in the suburb of Chadcombe. We found their house without difficulty and by pressing a button outside its security gate and barbed wire topped walls we notified its occupants of our arrival and so the gate slid open for us. As we began to negotiate our way through it, two little dogs rushed up to the front of the car to greet us, barking in a friendly fashion. Fearing to run them over, I slowed down and only inched my way through. The gate was programmed to close automatically and promptly, and so before we were quite through there was a loud bang as it hit our back bumper and pulled it right off the car! This did not seem to alarm Mahershalalhashbaz, our host, as much as it did me. A farmer all his life he can fix pretty well anything, and sure enough, later on and with a cigarette firmly clamped between his lips, he reattached the bumper to the car expertly enough to pass the eventual and careful scrutiny of the car rental firm who had hired it to us.
Mahershalalhashbaz and his second wife Abishag have a pleasing and comfortable house set in a good acre of garden with its own borehole. Everything was lush, green and well ordered, in spite of it being the end of the dry season. There proved to be a fruitful vegetable garden at the back of the house, the last vestige of an old farmer’s beloved vocation. From working wonders with thousands of acres he was now reduced to doing so with a minute fraction of one.
Racism
After depositing our meagre baggage in the bedroom allotted to us, we sat down to have a drink together. I detected on Mahershalal-hashbaz’s part a certain initial nervousness or hesitation at having to entertain a parson. It soon evaporated, nor did it deter him from saying almost immediately and then repeating emphatically, “I am a hundred percent racist. The blacks can do what they are told and that is all they are good for. They can’t think for themselves.....” He went on to reflect the old colonial racism to such an extent that he appeared an almost comic caricature of an unreformed, unredeemed and totally anachronistic white Rhodesian. Whether or not he is quite a hundred percent racist is debatable, however, because he went on to tell us of a serious operation that he had undergone four years previously, one which had been performed by an outstandingly capable and indeed brilliant African doctor. So as is the case with most evil, there was an incoherence at the heart of his racism. Very obviously Africans can do things without being told or directed, and even he acknowledged this by being prepared to place his very life into the hands of one!
A successful farmer
Well into his seventies and a fervent smoker, albeit with lung problems, he looked lean, tanned, fit and well. In days gone by and perhaps still today, tobacco was the country’s major cash crop. I always used to joke that to smoke was a patriotic duty and I remember as a smoking school boy, aged thirteen, being able to buy the cheapest cigarettes at tuppence for eight, or thruppence for ten! Even when a university student, some years later, a packet of thirty kingsize Peter Stuyvesant or Benson and Hedges cigarettes cost only two and sixpence.
Mahershalalhashbaz was a South African by birth, but his father died when he was just a boy and so he went to Rhodesia to live with his mother’s brother. He attended a posh, private school, but was always a rebel and frequently caned. On leaving school he worked hard and eventually saved enough money to buy a fruit and tomato farm, which he built up into an excellent business. However, in the end, during the guerrilla war, life became more and more fraught in their area and eventually he and his family were ambushed in their car. He and his three children received only minor injuries, but his wife serious ones which disfigured her for life and eventually contributed to the breakdown of the marriage. He bought another farm of three thousand acres in a less vulnerable area and again, by good practice and hard work, built it up into an extremely successful business: nine hundred cattle, acres of tobacco and maize, a lovely house, huge workforce and so on.
Redistribution
It was all snatched from him with no compensation in Mugabe’s ill planned and conceived land redistribution. He and his second wife were given a few days to gather together their personal possessions and furniture and that was that. His lovely home was torched and they were obliged to leave behind well equipped workshops, a life time of hard work, and so much more. The farm is now in a ruinous state.
Land redistribution is a vexed question in Zimbabwe, as indeed it is in South Africa. The redistribution of land in newly independent African countries was a moral imperative and a political necessity, but it needed to be handled delicately, fairly and with an eye on the economic effects of too radical or peremptory change. Countries like Mocambique and Zambia, I gather, are encouraging dispossessed, but expert ex- Zimbabwean farmers to take up long term farm leases in their countries. It seems to me that the offer of long-term leases, rather than total expropriation, would have been a far wiser path to follow and it might be a good idea for South Africa to look seriously into the pros and cons of this. In such schemes the ownership of land is redistributed, not to the Government’s farm-ignorant favourites and toadies, but rather to the government itself, and from there leased out, at least initially, to those who know how to farm. This helps ensure that the nation continues to be fed and earn valuable foreign exchange. Certainly some of the best of Zimbabwe’s dispossessed farmers have taken up leases on farms in Mocambique and Zambia, and in doing what they know best make a good living, as well as help feed their new homeland. At the same time the land they utilize grows in value for the people themselves, rather than for foreign capitalists.
The possible loss of everything
As we got to know our hosts we began to warm to them. The racism of Mahershalalhashbaz was not as total as he had declared it to be at the outset of our visit and he appeared grateful for the ear of someone prepared to listen to his struggle to accept the loss of pretty well everything he had worked so hard for throughout his life. Most of his savings had been lost in the collapse of a local bank and because his house in Harare was held and registered as a company in his family’s name, there was a possibility of new legislation depriving him of control even of this. New laws were being promulgated to insist that all registered companies be headed by indigenous Africans.
His wife, Abishag, was a delightful woman, nowhere near as embittered as her husband and deeply desirous of leaving, even with nothing, to throw herself upon the generosity of a son in South Africa. (To be continued)
MOTHERING SUNDAY
It is only in England, I think, that Mother Church has triumphed over the secular world and America. In England alone Mothering Sunday is also “Mother’s Day”. All good Anglicans in Australia regret that it is not so here, but know that today is the best day upon which to honour both our own mothers and also Mother Church. I personally will have nothing at all to do with the egregiously materialistic and commercial “Mothers Day”. Today is the day for me! Many thanks to those who contribute to our festivities: the makers of simnel cakes and of posies, the arrangers of the breakfast between our services and Diana for preparing a talk for us. Rejoice! We are half way through Lent.
SIGNIFICANT DAYS
This week contains two significant milestones. Morrie Fennell celebrates his 80th birthday, but hopefully with no trepidation at all, because compared to Albert Oxenbury who celebrates his 100th birthday he is still a youngster. Congratulations to them both.
JOHN HORDER
As I type this, early on Friday morning, I can report that Kate Horder rang last night to let us know that John has survived a marathon eleven and a half hour operation and that those who performed it appear very satisfied with it all. As for John himself, he looks, she says, as if only one truck rather than the expected two has run him over. He even managed an eye crinkle that indicated a smile. Many thanks for love and prayers.
LENT: LIVING NOW AND THEN
The 2011 Lenten Studies continue, see the weekly program on the back page.
ON LEAVE
Carole Henderson is on leave for the month. Please do not disturb her with church business (though of course friendship is another matter entirely).
WORSHIP WITH A DIFFERENCE
The Alternative Sunday afternoon service to be held today will be a meditative Taizé service at 5pm in the Lady Chapel. A chance to pray, meditate, sing and enjoy good company.
FOR HOSPICE
This bi-annual fund raising function will be held at the EAST BANK CENTRE on Tuesday 17th May at 1.30pm. Tickets $25. For tickets and table reservations please contact Pat Gibson 58313080. All profit to the G.V. Hospice Care Service.
TAIZÉ SERVICE TODAY
At 5.00pm in the Lady Chapel. What is Taizé Worship? It takes it’s name from the ecumenical community in Taizé Burgandy France where today there are 100 brothers, from Roman Catholic, Protestant, Anglican & Orthodox Christian Churches. Taizé worship has been welcomed in most countries in the world. The Communities founder was Brother Roger who began the Community 70 yrs ago. Young people from all over the world flock to Taizé all year round for a week of community and worship three-times a day. The entire service of worship is called “PRAYER” — the repetitive, easy-to-learn Chants, are an integral part of the ‘PRAYER” - by them and through them we worship God. There is silence during a Taizé service, usually between five and ten minutes, the Scriptures are read and reflected upon, often there are Icons — windows to God, a Cross, the Sacred Scriptures and lots of candles. Please come and join in the PRAYER of the Taize service tonight, meditate and find yourself at peace with yourself and God. (GB)
OLD FASHIONED EASTER PICNIC
On April 17th at 12 noon we will be holding an Old Fashioned Easter Picnic, please bring a plate of food to share and be ready to enjoy, egg & spoon, 3 legged and sack races as well as table games, beetle, the Townsend game and so on for those who do not wish to be active and mind. It should be great fun, do come along.
OUTREACH DEADLINE
Material for the pre-Easter Outreach is due to Helen by today please.
WELCOMERS, SIDESMEN & WOMEN
Due to a decreasing number of Welcomers and Sidesmen and women we are likely soon to combine the two jobs. So either functionary be prepared to double up, not too difficult a task as the jobs are complementary. Anyone able and willing to volunteer for either task will be granted hero status.
GRIEF SUPPORT
The Grief Support Group “Moving On” meets on April 12th in the Library to view a D.V.D. entitled “The Note Book” a film based on a book by Nicholas Sparks. It is a life long love story in which the elderly Noah talks daily to his dementia ridden wife Allie, in an attempt to help her remember him and their family and to keep her with him.
PASTORAL CARE
There is a Pastoral Care Meeting on Wednesday 6th April at 11.15am in the Library. We encourage and welcome all of those who are interested in this vital ministry to come along.
PALM CROSS MAKING
The strangely satisfying pastime of Palm Cross making will take place on Saturday morning, the 16th April at 10.00am.
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
Our Patronal Festival takes place on the 22nd May, the Guest preacher Bishop Barbara Darling. Please keep this date free.
LITTLE SLABS OF ANNUAL LEAVE
Our Associate priest is away from the 12th of April till the 16th. The Rector from the 27th of April till the 7th of May.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Apr 3rd Alternative Worship, Taizé Service/Lady Chapel
Apr 6th Pastoral Care meeting 11.15/Library
Apr 9th Wedding
Apr 12th “Moving On” Grief Support Group
Apr 17th Old Fashioned Easter Picnic
April 19th Friendship Group meeting 2pm
Apr 20th Parish Council
April 21st Evening Guild meeting 1.30pm
April 30th Garden Working Bee
April30th St. Columb’s Travelling Fair/Seymou
May 10th Junior Confirmation Classes begin r
May 12th G.V Health Ext. Care film afternoon & lunch
May 15th Hospice Service 2.00pm
May 17th Hospice Bi-annual Fund Raising Function
May 22nd Patronal Festival
May 26th Raffle Sub-Committee meeting
May 28th Garden Working Bee
June 3rd Synod
June 4th Synod
June 16th Parish Fair Planning Group meeting 4pm
June 25th Garden Working Bee
July 17th Bishop’s Visit
July 30th Garden Working Bee
Aug 20th Wedding
Aug 27th Garden Working Bee
Sept 24th Wedding
Sept 24th Garden Working Bee
Oct 1st Wedding 2pm
Oct 8th Wedding 2pm
Oct 8th Wedding 3.30pm
Oct 22nd Parish Fair & Garden Party
Oct 23rd Confirmation
Oct 29th Wedding
Oct 29th Garden Working Bee
Dec 10th Wedding
READINGS for 10th April
Ezekiel 37: 1-14; Romans 8:6-11
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.
Nicole Ackland, Alan Akers, Lorraine Ashbury, Jeffrey Andrewartha, Deb Bagley, Shelly Bartlett, Jan Black, Liam Bognar, Kaye Boyle, Ian Carman, Tom Downie, Kath Grills, Frank Harder, Margaret Hoare, Katherine Holt, John & Kate Horder, Jack Halsall, Dot Hunter, Ross Judd, Glenda Kuehnapfel, Hilder Lidgard, Margaret Kidman, Lynn Morcam, Albert Oxenbury, Isabelle Richards, Peter Swindells, Suzanne Singh, Patricia Sparkes, Shirley Young, David, David & Judith, Belinda, Bonny, Stewart, Harry, Amanda, Michael, Peter, Leone & Darryl.
Rest in Peace: Margaret Graham, John Green
Anniversary of death: Clifford Page, Helen Thomson, Eloise Cummins 5th, Thomas Tomlinson Ted Phillips, Mary Harris 6th, Sandra Ford 7th, Kylie Oakes, Rowland Crosby 8th, Valma Hogan 9th.
Duties for 3rd April 2011
Readers 8.30 Norm Weaver, John Griffin
Readers 10.30 Peter Martin, Mary Pearson
Servers 8.30 Michelle, Beth
Servers 10.30 Joe, Zebedee, Joan
Intercessors Heather Pearson, Joan McCann
Euc. Assts 8.30 John Griffin, Ian Bryce
Euc. Assts 10.30 Greg Pestell, Joe Fernandez
Welcoming 8.30 Gwen Betson, Volunteer please
Welcomers 10.30 Volunteers please
Sidespeople 8.30 Bev Ralph, Max Ralph
Sidespeople 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Volunteer please
Welcome Table Bev
Altar Linen for April Rosemary & Pat
Tea 8.30 Gwyn Cowland
Mowing None this week
Duties for 10th April 2011
Readers 8.30 Heather Pearson, Pat Griffin
Readers 10.30 Courtney Craven, Charlotte Brewer
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30 Greg, Joe, Zebedee
Intercessors Victoria Heenan, Children
Euc. Assts 8.30 Heather Fitzgerald
Euc. Assts 10.30 Christine Evans, Joe Fernandez
Welcoming 8.30 Shirley Dean, Bev Reither
Welcomers 10.30 Nola Brewer, Jenny Moran
Sidespeople 8.30 Trevor Batey, Joy Campbell
Sidespeople 10.30 Nola Brewer, volunteer please
Welcome Table Dorothy Cook
Tea 8.30 Val Bambrook
Altar Linen for April Rosemary & Pat
Mowing 11th Merv Cowland, Trevor Batey
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 4th April
Rector’s day off,
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
1.30pm Lent Group - Library
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Tuesday 5th April
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Playgroup - Roz’s Room
11.00am Shepparton Aged Care- Anne Russell
5.00pm Baptism Preparation
7.00pm Lenten Eucharist
7.30pm Lenten Study
Wednesday 6th April
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine’s
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
4.00pm Eucharist - Banksia
6.00pm EfM/Roz’s Room
Thursday 7th April
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Eucharists- Hakea & Acacia
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Choir Practice
Inter Church Council Meeting/St. Mel’s
Friday 8th April
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
11.00am Eucharist - Ave Maria
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
6.00pm Wedding Rehearsal
Saturday 9th April
Associate Priest’s Day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
3.00pm Wedding
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5th Sunday in Lent 10th April
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine’s
10.30am Eucharist - St Augustine’s/Kid’s Church/Bap.
8.45am Eucharist - Dookie
10.45am Eucharist- Katandra
5.30pm Evening Prayer