SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT
4th December 2011
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
THE DREADED WISHBAND SNAKE
Cholmondeley, the young subaltern posted to a dangerous area of India, asked the experienced colonel for his chosen safety priorities. Said the colonel, "Watch out for the dreaded wishband snake.... protect your men at all costs. When you see its long, banded body slithering through the undergrowth, go fearlessly forward, run your hand quickly up from the tail area, and snap! Break its neck." A month later the colonel visited the outpost and called on Cholmondeley. The subaltern was in a sickbed, swathed from head to toe in bandages. "Golly gosh, old chap! What happened?" asked the colonel. "Sir," choked out Cholmondeley, "Do you recall telling me to beware of the dreaded wishband snake?" "Yes," replied the colonel. "And advising me to tackle it by running my hand quickly up its long, banded body?" "Of course, my boy." "Sir, have you ever tried to shove your finger up the backside of a tiger?"
THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER (23)
Andrew Neaum
Back home from New Zealand, with a Sheila on my arm.
No fanfare
The prime purpose of the trip was achieved with so total an understatement and lack of fuss it seemed more characteristic of Britain than Australia. The culmination of hours and hours of painstaking work, phone con-versations, photo-copying, document endorsing, form filling and exasperation, was simply to hand over Diana's passport to an Immigration Official at Melbourne Airport on our return, have it stamped as perfunctorily as was mine, and then handed back.
That was that! An English lass had become and Australian Sheila, albeit provisionally.
Had we not asked if there had been any change of status, there would have been no evidence or acknowledgement of the fact! The Sheila behind the counter did smile when I suggested that there might be a little more fanfare for so notable an achievement, and she reassured us that Diana's change of status was all electronically noted, if not passported.
Having one's cake and eating it
There is almost as great a joy in homecoming as there is in getting away. Our fifteen days in New Zealand, in being spent entirely in the homes of friends, were in a sense days at home as well as days away from home. A case of being able to have one's cake and eat it.
Our home is, or should be, a foretaste of and insight into the very fellowship and happiness of heaven. It is where we retreat to be ourselves, or as my great hero Dr Johnson puts it, is where we "sink to our natural dimensions". "...... The great end of prudence," he says at the end of a passage of profound wisdom, "is to give cheerfulness to those hours, which splendour cannot gild, and acclamation cannot exhilarate; those soft intervals of unbended amusement, in which a man shrinks to his natural dimensions, and throws aside the ornaments or disguises, which he feels in privacy to be useless encumbrances, and to lose all effect when they become familiar. To be happy at home is the ultimate result of all ambition, the end to which every enterprise and labour tends, and of which every desire prompts the prosecution."
To be allowed by others to be a part of their homes and lives was a privilege of privileges to Diana and myself and it added another great dimension to our holiday. We were observers and discoverers of not only a very beautiful land, but also of often beautiful and always fascinating and generous lives.
Tuesday 15th November in New Zealand
I sit on the bed of a lovely, wooden, high- ceilinged house in a sylvan setting of North Island, not far from Keri Keri. We left the Rectory at about ten past five yesterday morning. The flight itself was easy and pleasant. We had booked with Virgin Airlines, but the flight itself was with Air New Zealand and they offered us a decent enough lunch, which was welcome as we had had but one piece of toast before we left at 5.00am.
Diana had organised a "travel card" for access to cash, but we have messed it up a bit by my pulling off the pin number backing too impatiently. This means that we haven't the number for one card. Even worse, the money I put on to it electronically doesn't seem to be there yet, and we were charged seven dollars for extracting $200 at an ATM.
There was a long trek to the domestic terminal at Auckland on a cool pleasant day, and then again a trouble free trip on a little plane with only one row of seats of each side of a narrow aisle. The cockpit door was open all the time and so, seated second from the front, we were able to see what the two pilots were up to. How green the countryside, and how varied: great bays and islands with large areas of mudflats, the tide being out. Little sign of beaches around the bays over which we flew near Auckland. As we came down towards the Bay of Islands we noticed with interest lots of tiny fields with strangely tall hedges, apparently protection for Kiwi Fruit. Peter and Primrose our hosts were there waiting for us at the little airport.
Peter and Primrose
Peter was the surgeon on the Island of St Helena when both Diana and I were there. He did several stints on the island, his time there coinciding much longer with Diana and her family's time, than with me and mine. He was easy to place in the small crowd waiting for our flight, not at all ravaged by time, a gently older version of the man I remembered. Primrose, his delightful and sparkling wife he married after my time. She, as is he, is English and they met on Alderney in the Channel Islands. Hugely hospitable and kindly to us, they live in a lovely wooden house that overlooks a forested hill face. There is a little river at the bottom of a very lovely garden that melds into pleasing wildness as it drops steeply down to the riverbank.
The guest room, an upstairs eyrie with its own little balcony, was lovely to settle into for a couple of days. The illustrious doctor himself has not been well, which necessitated a slight curtailment of our stay with them. They have a little cabin cruiser and had planned taking us round some of the islands in the lovely Bay of Islands, but this was not to be. Instead they took us sight seeing with Primrose at the wheel of their car.
Our first trip was along winding and hilly roads with a short ferry trip to a peninsular upon which is the town of Russel, the original and short lived capital of NZ. This part of New Zealand was the centre of all the turmoil and antagonism between the British and the Maoris that culminated in the Treaty of Waitangi, the site of which is nearby.
Russel is nowadays a pleasing little town. All its houses and buildings appear to be made of wood and are painted much the same colour. We looked over the oldest still-in-use church in the country. Outside its front door is a tomb of the wife of a local surgeon who, it informed us, was once the surgeon on St Helena! On enquiring about this strange coincidence in the interesting little local museum, we discovered the tomb to be fairly new and not dating from the nineteenth century as we had presumed. The surgeon had remarried and was still around in the nineteen forties, actually remembered by the informative lady in the museum.
The town has a lovely bay front, lined with large, sprawling Pohutukawa trees. There, on the verandah of its old wooden hotel, we had a very good fish and chip meal, sharing a table with four gross Australians, who were on shore from a great floating cruise ship. In conversation with them we, snooty seasoned sea-travels for the real and utilitarian purpose of getting from A to B, had some of our prejudices about mere tourists turned into unjustifiably incontrovertible truths.
Peter is a neat and tidy fellow, serious though with a good chuckle whenever the humour becomes irresistible. Like me he takes the Spectator, but largely for the articles I tend to skip, namely the political ones. He intimated no appreciation of the magazine's "lowlife" correspondent, Jeremy Clarke, whose column reduces Diana and myself to immoderate laughter almost every week.
He is one of those doctors who during the height of the British Empire appear to have been more common than they are nowadays. Widely travelled, interested in far more than just making money or in a stable and static career, fascinated by outlandish places. Such doctors are in a sense relics, pieces of imperial jetsam. He was once a ship's doctor, and was a surgeon on the Falklands as well as St Helena, doing shorter stints in Borneo, Anguilla, the Orkneys, Channel Islands and goodness knows where else. He has lead a most interesting life, one that he doesn't make enough of in exaggerated anecdote and tall story.
His wife with the delightful name of Primrose is a bright, artistic, spark of a woman, who paints fine pictures, walks, gardens, thinks, reads and laughs a lot, even at my jokes. She took us to the oldest surviving building in New Zealand, which is part of an Anglican CMS mission that played a large part in the early history of the place. There we caught the tail end of a tour of the old Mission House, a tour which was taken by a tall woman guide dressed in period clothes. She told us that she was half Fijian, and seemed very relaxed and unapologetic about the cannibalism that used to be a part of Polynesian culture, saying that in crowded circumstances it seemed a not unsensible expedient! However, as far as I know, the motivation for cannibalism had more to do with absorbing the power and spirit of enemies than anything else. When asked if she was a volunteer she said "Oh no! I am well paid." A rare and welcome viewpoint. Very tall, she explained her height as being the result of her half Polynesian makeup, "we are big people thanks to our diet of yams and taro...."
The well maintained and kept old wooden Mission house is set in a lovely spot and has a traditional garden round it, overlooking the Keri Keri river. The almost as old and imposing Stonehouse next door is a museum, around which we had a good ramble. Most of its exhibits are to do with the missionaries, many of whom were heroic, and with the Maori wars and the Treaty of Waitangi.
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays: Elaine Brown 5th Dec
THE BEST CAROL SERVICE
The Parish Carol Service, at 5.30pm on the 11th, will be the best in town. This is because, of course, it is a service, not a concert. It is participatory and devotional, so in saying that it is the best in town, I am in no way denigrating the splendid "concert" by Sempre Cantare on the 16th, which I know will be of truly exceptional quality. Do come along to both and bring your friends. After the Carol Service on the 11th there is a Panegyrical Repast, in the form of a "Bring and Share meal in the hall". See below.
CAROL SERVICE & FAREWELLS SUNDAY 11th DEC
The Carol Service at 5.30pm on Sunday 11th will be followed by a splendid Bring and Share Meal, a "Panegyrical Repast" to thank Norm Mitchelmore for his years and years as treasurer, and both to thank and farewell Heather Fitzgerald for her huge part over so many years in the life of this parish. If you are able to come, please sign the sheet on the Narthex table for catering purposes.
Because the Revd. Gail Bryce prefers to say her farewells individually and with a celebration of the Eucharist, at the "Repast" I will take the opportunity to thank her, on behalf of us all, for her huge contribution to the life of the parish. Her "Farewell" however, will be her celebrations of the Eucharist in St Mary's Katandra at 8.30pm on Christmas Eve, 11.30pm at St Augustine's also on Christmas Eve and at St Luke's Dookie at 8.45 on Christmas Day.
THE LOVELY HEATHER CAMM
Heather Camm has put her heart and soul into our church community as Parish Secretary over the past eight years, and there can be very few if anyone who does not love her and mourn her going. We will say farewell to her at the Wednesday Eucharist on the 14th of December. This will be followed by a slap up morning tea. Do try to be here for this.
INDUCTION
The Rev'd Gail Bryce will be Inducted as Rector of the Parish of Tatura (with Toolamba) on Thursday 9th February, 2012 at 7.30pm at All Saints Anglican Church, Francis Street, Tatura.
QUIET DAY
Saturday 10th December 10am – 3.30pm
St Paul's church/hall Rushworth.
All parishioners are invited to take a break from the Christmas frenzy in a beautiful setting to refresh and re-create through periods of silent reflection.
The day will start with morning tea (supplied) and a demonstration of Theological Reflection (see EfM notice) and conclude with the Eucharist. Please BYO lunch (just for yourself although we will eat as a group), a chair if you want to sit outside, something to read or just yourself.
There will be a sign-up sheet in the narthex (to allow for morning tea catering) but even if you don't put your name down and would like to come for some/all of the day, please just turn up. Car pooling will be available by meeting in the church carpark at 9.15am or if you need a lift from home, talk to one of the EfM group. More information from Helen or the EfM group.
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
Find out more about the links between your daily life, God, the bible and your faith.
EfM is a supportive learning community where there are no wrong answers but lots of fun. You need no formal theological training, just an interest in reflecting on what is happening in your life and where this is touched by the story of God's people.
It is NOT training for ordination, it is NOT asking you to DO more and it is SO MUCH MORE than Bible study (just ask any of the current EfM group)!
At the Quiet Day the EfM group will demonstrate a Theological Reflection, one of the mainstays of EfM sessions, to give you a taste of what joining EfM would be like. We are looking for enough participants to start a second group in Murchison – remember participants can be from any denomination and at any stage on their Christian journey. Ask some friends if they'd like to join with you.
For more information, ask Helen hmalcolm@bigpond.com, Victoria heeno@bigpond.com, Heather in the office, or any of the current group.
Deadline for letting Helen know if you'd like to join us next year is 18th December.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
Tuesday December 6th at 1.30pm (please note change of time)
We will be having our Christmas afternoon tea in the Supper Room and all are most welcome to come. Please bring a small plate of food and a gift to exchange.
ANGLICARE CHRISTMAS BASKET
For the next 3 weeks we will be collecting donations of goods for the Anglicare Christmas Appeal. Gifts are needed for all age groups from babies to grandparents. No perishable goods please.
MEN'S BREAKFAST GUEST SPEAKER - IAN BRYCE
10th December place your name on the list on the Narthex table and bring a friend along.
CAROLS IN ST. AUGUSTINE'S
Friday December 16th at 7.30pm
Sempre Cantare is a professional, a capella vocal ensemble based in Melbourne. The members of the ensemble have recently completed their Bachelor of Music (Classical Voice) at Monash Conservatorium. It is with pleasure that they present this concert to the local Shepparton community and beyond. Be entertained by the beautiful, unique sounds and arrangements of well-known popular and sacred carols. The concert also features guest artist Felicity Oakes who is granddaughter of Lois Oakes and a member of the group. Renee Rankin is the granddaughter of Barbara Schier. Entry is by a gold coin donation with all proceeds going to Anglicare.
SUNDAY@ 5
This evening 4th December - Narthex
Our final Christmas service for 2011. Come and join us as we try an alternative approach to our worship.
"MOVING ON" - GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Tues.13th December 7.30pm in the Narthex....Sharing positive memories of our loved ones who are now with God. All welcome - Christmas Supper
GIVING ENVELOPES
Please collect your giving envelopes from the Narthex table. If for some reason your envelopes are not there, please see Heather in the office.
THANK YOU
John and Kate Horder would like to thank the Clergy and parishioners for their prayers and concern over the last nine months. After the second operation last week we have received the all clear so far from cancers return much to our great delight and relief. We have been greatly humbled by so much support. Regards John and Kate Horder
READINGS NEXT WEEK
Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-11 Thessalonians 5:12-28
FOR THE DIARY
Dec 4th Deadline for Outreach articles
Dec 6th Friendship Group Christmas Afternoon tea
Dec 10th Parish Quiet Day
Dec 10th Men's Breakfast
Dec 10th Wedding 1pm
Dec 11th Annual Parish Breakfast-St. Paul's Rushworth
Dec 11th Kid's Church/Nativity Play
Dec 11th Panegyrical Repast and Carol Service 5.30pm
Dec 12th Arise 255/Youth Group
Dec 13th "Moving On" Grief Support Group
Dec 14th Farewell Eucharist and Morning Tea - Heather
Dec 16th Concert: Sempre Cantare
Dec 21st Parish Council
Feb 29th Ash Wednesday and AGM
Apr 8th Easter Sunday
Oct 20th 2012 Parish Fair and Garden Party
Duties for 4th December 2011
Readers 8.30 Gwyn Cowland, Heather Fitzgerald
Readers 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Jenny Moran
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30 Frank/Joan, Joe, Zeb
Intercessors Bev Condon, Christine Jones
Euc. Assts 8.30 Bev Condon, Heather Fitzgerald
Euc. Assts 10.30 Jenny Pleming, Joe Fernandez
Welcomers 8.30 Judy Lloyd, Pat Griffin
Welcomers 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, volunteer
Sidespeople 8.30 Joe Pearson, N. Mitchelmore
Sidespeople 10.30 Mitch Macheda, John Pleming
Tea 8.30 Pat/Barb
Welcoming Table Beverley Walsh
Mowing Norm Mitchelmore, Alan Jeffery
Altar Linen/Dec Rosemary Mitchelmore, Pat Griffin
Duties for 11th December 2011
Readers 8.30 Liz Gyles, Bev Condon
Readers 10.30 Christine Evans, Courtney Craven
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30 Rick, Braden, Sam
Intercessors Heather Pearson, Children
Euc. Assts 8.30 Heather Fitzgerald, John Griffin
Euc. Assts 10.30 Christine Evans, Jenny Pleming
Welcomers 8.30 Dulcie Ackland, Eileen Quaife
Welcomers 10.30 Frank Steen
Sidespeople 8.30 Gwyn & Mervyn Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Volunteer
Tea 8.30 Val Bambrook
Welcoming Table Dorothy Cook
Mowing none this week
Altar Linen/Dec Rosemary Mitchelmore, Pat Griffin
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.
Alan & Hilary Akers, Joshua Bryce, Liam Bognar, Nola Brewer, Joy & Ian Carmen, Ross & Helen Dainton, Michael Egan, Beryl Goodfellow, Liza Griffin, Vida Hardy Frank Harder, Katherine Holt, John & Kate Horder, Ross Judd, Ruth Lewis, Patricia Loughhead, Olive Paez, Margaret Kidman, Albert Oxenbury, Val Rose, Ethel & George Rumble, Sandra Simonis, Patricia Sparkes, Peter Swindells, Lesley Walker, Malcolm, David, Peter, Val, David & Judith, Kaye, Pat, Lewis,
Rest in Peace:
Jim Christoe, Jim Burgmann
Anniversaries:
Yvonne Guthrie, Mavis Hildyard 4th, Joseph Lidgard 5th, Bertha Nelson 6th, Marj Gash, Keith Howlett 7th, Francis Burgman, Marjorie Green 8th, Ewen Boord 9th, Emily Griffin, Christopher Walsh, Joyce Elliott 10th.
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 5th December
Rector's Day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Tuesday 6th December
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Playgroup - Roz's Room
11.00am Shepparton Aged Care
1.30pm Friendship Group/Supper Room
Wednesday 7th December
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine's
6.00pm EfM Breakup -
Thursday 8th December
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - Mercy
11.00am Eucharist - Ave Maria
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony
4.00pm Eucharist Banksia
5.30pm Choir Practice - St Martin's Chapel
Friday 9th December
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5.00pm Wedding Rehearsal
6.30pm SICC Dinner - St Brendan's
Saturday 10th December
(Associate Priest's Day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist
8.30pm Men's Breakfast
10.00am Quiet Day /St. Paul's Rushworth
1.00pm Wedding
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
2nd Sunday in Advent 11th December
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine's
10.30am Eucharist - St. Augustine's/Kid's Nativity
8.45am Eucharist - St Luke's
10.45am Eucharist - St. Mary's
9.00am Local - Rushworth
11.00am Local - Murchison
5.30pm Carol Service
6.30pm Farewell & Thank you Dinner in the Hall