SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY
13th February 2011
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
THAT ANCIENT PROFESSION
The four old gentlemen of the city made it a practice to walk across the city park in the long summer evenings, chatting of art, literature and music. They were the Leader of the City Silver Band, the City Librarian, the City Baker and a very old and revered Professor of English. They all enjoyed these excursions, and were so engaged one long summer evening when they came across four young ladies of obvious easy virtue sitting on a park bench; the four ladies wished the old gentlemen, "Good Evening", and wondered if they might be of service. Graciously the old gentlemen refused the offer and continued their walk in deep thought. After a while a voice said: "Do you know, I've never seen four of those together before, I've seen them singly, of course, but one wonders, what would be the collective noun for a body such as that!" The City Baker thought that the collective noun was a JAM - of tarts. The Leader of the City Silver Band inclined towards a FLOURISH of strumpets. After much thought the City Librarian said that they were a VOLUME of trollopes. The old Professor of English, however, walked on ahead shaking his white mane. "You are all quite wrong, quite wrong. They are neither a Jam, nor a Flourish nor a Volume". "What then, Professor"? "Undoubtedly the collective noun in a body such as that would be an ANTHOLOGY". "An anthology, Professor"? "Yes. An Anthology of English Prose".
RETURNING TO ZIMBABWE (11)
Andrew Neaum
This is the eleventh episode of an account of the recent trip to Zimbabwe and Lesotho made by Diana and myself last October. The previous episodes, if anyone is interested, can be found: http://www.andrewneaum.com/articles.htm
While staying in Sakubva with the Chipudhlas, as if we were Jews, we made Saturday our Sunday because we were to be on the road heading for Great Zimbabwe on Sunday proper. The simple early Saturday morning service proved to be a highlight of our trip.
Fr Joe holds a Eucharist every Saturday morning to which come members of the Mothers Union, in their distinctive blue and white uniforms, to pray for their parish, church and country. Fr Joe apologised to us for there being fewer present than normal. Such apologies are a common failing of the clergy, because we cannot help ourselves from seeing poor numbers as a reflection of our own ineffectiveness. We need constantly to be reminded that we are called to feed the sheep not count them.
There were seventeen of us present on this particular Saturday, which is about eight times the number present at Saturday morning Eucharists in St Augustine's, Shepparton, a comment that I should have refrained from making, if indeed I am called to feed the sheep not count them.
The plain, concrete-floored, corrugated-iron roofed church, so well swept and loved, and the quiet reverence of the worshippers brought back many such churches and services from my mission-station youth. When Fr Joe walked in and said: "gatinamate" (let us pray), I could hear again my father's Derbyshire-flavoured Shona opening the worship in similar churches on hundreds of occasions. There are little phrases like "gatinamate" that are a part of who I am, evocative of so much that I hold dear. "O Lord, open thou our lips...." is another one, it began the old rite version of mattins and evensong that we said together as a family for years when I was a child. I have never been able fully to forgive the prosaic compilers of our new liturgies for discarding it. My regrets are more than just nostalgia, the phrase is euphonious, biblical and profoundly sound theologically. Fr Joe's "gatinamate" in the Church of the Holy Name Sakubva thrilled me, and called me to pray indeed.
The singing, as is always the case, was lovely, a tuneful, reverently sung little hymn, acapella except for percussion provided by a gentle beating of hands on books. It was a lovely little service that whisked me imagin-atively straight back to St Bernard's and St John's missions. The reverence of the women was in no way feigned either, the devotion of these African Anglicans is remarkable. They fast all day every Friday, all of Lent is a Ramadan-style fast and from Maundy Thursday through Good Friday nothing at all is eaten. The money slowly being raised to build the new church comes from almost empty purses and is sacrificially given. In our affluence we tend to give reluctantly, in their poverty they give joyfully. When we left Joe and Zillah's we were asked, with the utmost naturalness, to hold hands together and pray for each other. We felt very close there to what the Faith is all really all about.
On the way to Great Zimbabwe
Our next stop was to be Great Zimbabwe near Masvingo. This is the tourist spot in Zimbabwe to which I most wanted to introduce Diana. The country's game parks and natural wonders, such as the the Victoria Falls, she had seen on previous visits many years before, but not Great Zimbabwe, which used to be known as the Zimbabwe Ruins. This became a great symbol of African achievement and culture during the struggle for independence, hence the changing of the country's name to Zimbabwe from Rhodesia, the latter a name redolent of arrogant colonialism at its worst. During the colonial period an all pervasive racism gave rise to political interference in archaeological and historical interpretations of the site. So great an African architectural achievement was dis-comfiting to racists who maintained that the ruins could not possibly be African in origin and so Phoenicians and Arabs were put forward as likely builders and even King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba were linked to the site's origins! It was all racist nonsense. Archaeologists are now convinced and can demonstrate that the buildings are Bantu in origin and are the remains of a city that was once the capital of a Kingdom of Zimbabwe that existed from around 1100 to 1450 AD during the country's Late Iron Age. The monument apparently spanned an area of 1,784 acres and is likely to have housed as many as 18,000 people. It is thought to have been the site of a royal palace for the Zimbabwean monarch and the seat of his political power.
We made our way to Great Zimbabwe along a 300 kilometre road south and west through the low veld, across Birchenough Bridge which spans the great Save (Sabi) river. Completed in 1935 and1,080 feet in length, it was the third longest single-arch suspension bridge in the world at the time of its building. More interestingly its designer, Ralph Freeman, was also the structural designer of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so it is hardly surprising that the two bridges bear a close resemblance, although Birchenough is only two-thirds as long as the Australian bridge.
Baobabs and roadblocks
Our trip on a sunny day was most enjoyable, not least because the countryside on leaving Mutare is mountainous and impressive. Once we had dropped in altitude to the low veld, great Baobab trees, many of them in soft, green new leaf, began to raise their grotesquely crooked limbs above the level of the thorn and Mopane trees. The mighty trunks of nearly all of them were scarred from having their bark stripped to make fibre mats, many of which were displayed by vendors along the road. Apparently the bark-stripping does not harm the trees even if a tree is completely ring-barked. We stopped along side one particularly fine tree in new leaf to pluck a spray for Diana to study and draw. We also collected some of the large, velvety seed pods, poor specimens, already eaten out by insects. I look forward one day to seeing the Australian version of this tree to compare the two species.
We were stopped at police road blocks eight times, but always allowed through with courtesy and no fuss, though in the background there was often at least one man with an AK rifle. These frequent stops indicate just how tight and vigilant a control the government maintains of local movement.
Much of the country we passed through was tribal trust land, and cattle and goats often strayed on to the road to slow us down. The land was parched, dying for the rains to start, and the only wild life we saw was one small troop of baboons. As we approached Masvingo and our altitude gradually increased the baobabs disappeared and msasa trees returned, as too did the lovely granite kopjes. When we arrived in Masvingo, our second visit for the bus on our way to Harare had stopped there to give us a break, we bought some basic provisions in the OK Bazaar, yoghurt, bread, juice, peanut butter, jam and biscuits and we then headed off for Great Zimbabwe itself, about half an hour or so away.
In on the Lake
Our plan was to find somewhere pleasant to stay, either for one or two nights, before pressing on to my old school, Guinea Fowl, near Gweru and then travelling back east to Troutbeck in the highlands. We decided to look first at the hotel right on site, the Great Zimbabwe Hotel, a beautifully kept and lovely looking place, but at $136 American dollars a night with breakfast (this a higher price for non-Zimbabweans) we decided that it was not only too much for our tight budget but also objectionable for victimising us as tourists, so we pressed on to look at the self-catering Lodges close to the ruins, but a part of the hotel, a mere $60. We almost accepted one of these, but they did appear a little seedy and so we thought we would look elsewhere before making a final decision. We were glad we did because we found a lovely place, the oddly named, "In on the Lake Hotel", overlooking the great dam that used to be known as Lake Kyle but is now Lake Muturikwe. This cost us only $80 with a full breakfast and was well sited on a heavily Msasa-treed hill in beautiful gardens. Our room, separate from the hotel, had a splendid view of the lake and the hills beyond past a lovely euphorbia tree. The calls of birds, the livid green of well-watered lawns and the blossom-filled flower beds were balm to our souls.
(To be continued)
BEAUTY
Nothing is more beautiful than cheerfulness in an old face.
J P Richter
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays:
Liam Bognar 14th Feb
Margaret Kidman 15th Feb
Joy Campbell 15th Feb
Trish Britten 16th Feb
CHANGES TO 10.30 EUCHARIST
We are at last beginning to do more than merely talk about taking the 10.30am Eucharist in hand and initiating changes to that service. We talked things over well and truly at last week's Strategy Meeting, putting up ideas and pulling them apart and with the help of Kasey's enthusiasm, hard work and familiarity with power point we will be experimenting this Sunday with putting much of the service up on the Screen. We will also be more adventurous musically. To start with it will be only the 2nd Sunday of the month Children's Church Eucharist that will use the screen, but as we get more expert and if there is wide support we will expand to other Sunday's too.
BICYCLE PLEASE
If anyone can lend Diana a female's bike for a few weeks from the 27th of February she will appreciate it for the use of a friend from England who will be staying with us at the Rectory.
FAREWELL AND THANK YOU
Our preacher today is Kasey Holyman who has so brightened up the parish since before Christmas. This is her last Sunday with us, as she now returns to theological college and further study. Your clergy have enjoyed her presence enormously and learned from her as much as she has learned from us. There is a BBQ after the 10.30am service today, please join us, even if you didn't book in. Plenty of sausage and bread available as well as drink.
COMMUNION AT HOME
Please give the names of anyone who might like Holy Communion brought to them at home to the clergy or the parish office. Those temporarily immobile, or permanently so should not be allowed to disappear from our Eucharistic fellowship. Help us keep in touch.
FACE IT
We are now on facebook. Find us on: staugustinesshep@bigpond.com or St Augustine's Shepparton.
LAY RETREAT
The Diocesan Lay Retreat this year takes place from Friday 6th May to Sunday the 8th of May at the Kallara Conference Centre, Boundary Hill Road Boho South. There are details and application forms on the Narthex table. The Conductor is the Ven. Dr. John Davis and the cost $120.
ARISE 255 - YOUTH GROUP
Valentine. Everybody has a right to love and be loved Is God's love different from human love? 5.30pm - 7.30pm on Monday in the Hall! This is the first meeting for the year and Mary has organized another great programme which is also interesting and challenging. If you know of any young person who might enjoy this fun evening, please make the effort to tell them about it.
FOR THE DIARY
An "Old fashioned Easter Picnic" on Sunday 17th April.
OUTREACH
The deadline for the next edition of Outreach is Sunday 20th February. Please have articles to Helen by then through the church office, to PO Box 123 Shepparton 3632 or (preferably) to hmalcolm@bigpond.com
A NEW BISHOP
Semion Kovila who is a regular worshipper with us at 8.30am on Sundays has an uncle, Fr Ben Seka who is to be consecrated Bishop of Central Diocese, the Solomon Islands next Sunday. We congratulate Semion on his family's honourable Anglican involvement and will be praying for Fr Ben.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
The World Day of Prayer service takes place in St Augustine's on Friday 4th March at 6.30pm. Guest speaker: the indomitable and indefatigable Susie Don Leonard.
EVENING GUILD
The first meeting for 2011 will be on Feb. 17th at 1.30pm, beginning with the Eucharist. The Fashion Parade date is Thursday March 10th, at 1.30pm. (See the Notice Board)
MEN'S BREAKFAST
Sign up for the Men's Breakfast on the 19th of February. The Eucharist begins at 8.00am, the breakfast at 8.30am. The speaker is Diana Neaum. A list is available in the Narthex.
PARISH COUNCIL AT DOOKIE
Dinner and Parish Council this Wednesday at Dookie. The menu is on the narthex table, please nominate the meal you would like!
LENT STUDY GROUPS
There is a list for the names of those who would like to sign up for a Lenten Study on such on the table in the Narthex. We are offering a single course this year, the Revd Gail Bryce will be leading one on Mondays at 1.30pm. (Starting 14th March) Canon Andrew will be leading one on Tuesdays at 7.30pm, preceded by a Eucharist at 7.00pm. (Starting 15th March)
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
The first meeting for 2011 will be on Tuesday 15th with a Eucharist at 1.30. The meeting starts at 2pm. All are welcome
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
As usual the parish AGM takes place on Ash Wednesday which this year is on the 9th of March. Later than usual it gives us some time to relax, but please note that we need all reports by the February 20th if they are to be included in the booklet of reports.
GARDEN WORKING BEE
February 26th. After the recent rains the gardens will be a joy to tend, so come along and enjoy pulling out a few weeds and help maintain our beautiful gardens. All very welcome.
REST IN PEACE
Father John and Faith Marsh have informed us of the death of their son Charles. Many of you will remember him with joy. May he rest in peace.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Feb 19th Wedding
Feb 20th Deadline for next "Outreach"
Feb 22nd Bishop in Council
Feb 26th Garden Working Bee
Feb 28th Arise 255 /Youth Group
Mar 4th World Day of Prayer at St. Augustine's
Mar 6th Young and Young at Heart 4.30/Hall
Mar 8th "Moving On" Grief Support Group/7.30pm
Mar 9th Annual General Meeting (Ash Wednesday)
Mar 10th Evening Guild Fashion Parade 1.30pm
Mar 13th Lauren Artress preach (Labyrinth doyenne)
Mar 16th Parish Council
Apr 9th Wedding
Apr 17th Old Fashioned Easter Picnic
May 15th Hospice Service 2.00pm
May 22nd Patronal Festival
June 3rd Synod
June 4th Synod
July 17th Bishop's Visit
Oct 23rd Confirmation
READINGS for 20th February
Leviticus 19:1-2,9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-17
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, Jeffrey Andrewartha, Deb Bagley, Jan & Neville Black, Liam Bognar, Travis & Chantelle Brown, Ian Carmen, Frank Harder, Margaret Hoare, Margaret Kidman, Lynn Morcam, Gloria Moore, Albert Oxenbury, Heather Pearson, Isabelle Richards, Suzanne Singh, Peter Swindells, Patricia Sparkes, Xavier Vale, Vickie & family, Shirley Young, David, David & Judith, Stewart, John, Pat & Liza, Lewis.
Rest in Peace:
Norma Anderson, Bernice Stagg, Charles Turnbull, Charles Marsh.
Anniversary of death:
Niko Rendevski, Nanette Woodcock 13th, Josie Stevens 14th, Angel Taylor 16th, Helen Chalmers, Roland Row, Pamela Reich 17th, Clarence Connor 18th, Peter McNamara, Graham Herbert 19th.
Duties for 13th February 2011
Readers 8.30 Jeanette Smith, Norman Weaver
Readers 10.30 Mary Pearson, Courtney Craven
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30 Greg, Joe, Zebedee
Intercessors Heather Pearson, Children
Euc. Assts 8.30 Carole Henderson, Heather Fitzgerald
Euc. Assts 10.30 Christine Evans, Joe Fernandez
Welcoming 8.30 Pat Griffin, Judy Lloyd
Welcomers 10.30 Volunteers please
Sidespeople 8.30 Trevor Batey, Joy Campbell
Sidespeople 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Nola Brewer
Welcome Table Dorothy
Tea 8.30 Shirley Dean
Altar Linen for Feb Gwenda Betson
Mowing 12th Feb Norm Mitchelmore, Joe Cummins
Duties for 20th February 2011
Readers 8.30 Carole Henderson, Heather Pearson
Readers 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Christine Jones
Servers 8.30 Michelle, Beth
Servers 10.30 Frank, Bethany, Sophie
Intercessors Victoria Heenan, Andrea Fisher
Euc. Assts 8.30 John Horder, John Griffin
Euc. Assts 10.30 Joe Fernandez, Greg Pestell
Welcoming 8.30 Eileen Quaife, volunteer please
Welcomers 10.30 Nola Brewer, Jenny Moran
Sidespeople 8.30 Joe Pearson, Norm Mitchelmore
Sidespeople 10.30 John Pleming, volunteer please
Welcome Table Dorothy Cook
Altar Linen for Feb Gwenda Betson
Tea 8.30 Pat Griffin
Mowing None this week
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 14th February
Rector's day off,
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Arise 255- Youth Group
Tuesday 15th February
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Playgroup - Roz's Room
10.30am Funeral of Bernice Stagg
11.00am Shepparton Aged Care- Anne Russell
1.30am Friendship Group -Eucharist & Meeting
2.30pm Funeral - Charles Turnbull
7.30pm Baptism Preparation
Wednesday 16th February
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine's
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
4.00pm Eucharist- Banksia
6.00pm Parish Council - Dookie Hotel
Thursday 17th February
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Eucharist - Acacia & Hakea
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony
1.30pm Evening Guild Eucharist & Meeting
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Choir Practice
Friday 18th February
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
8.00am Eucharist
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
6.00pm Wedding Rehearsal
Saturday 19th February
Associate Priest's Day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
8.30am Mens' Breakfast
2.00pm Wedding rehearsal
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist
Epiphany Seven Sunday 20th February
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine's
10.30am Eucharist - St Augustine's
8.45am Eucharist - Dookie
10.45am Eucharist- Katandra
5.30pm Evening Prayer