FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
15th May 2011
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
YOUNG CHESTNUT (1)
A group of chess enthusiasts checked into a hotel and were standing in the lobby discussing their recent tournament victories. After about an hour, the manager came out of the office and asked them to disperse. "But why?" they asked, as they moved off. "because," he said "I can't stand chess nuts boasting in an open foyer."
YOUNG CHESTNUT (2)
I was having dinner with Garry Kasporov, the world chess champion, and there was a check tablecloth. It took him two hours to pass me the salt
RETURNING TO ZIMBABWE (24)
Andrew Neaum
This is the twenty fourth 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 on my website:
http://www.andrewneaum.com/articles.htm
We returned to Harare from Kadoma at about 5.00pm on Saturday evening and headed straight to the suburb of Borrowdale, past Robert Mugabe's plush palace. We were looking for a decent shopping centre that we had been told about because we needed to buy a little gift for Don and Biddy and provisions for the long bus journey back to Johannes-burg, before we lost our easy mobility once we had left our car with the hire company the next day.
An oasis of privilege
The shopping centre when we found it proved to be indeed a little oasis of privilege and money in an impoverished country. There were a variety of cafes and shops that appeared well frequented and lavishly stocked, but we did not linger, visiting only the supermarket where we found suitable little gifts for our hosts and fruit juice, apples and the wherewithal for good sandwiches to sustain us on our trip back to South Africa.
Most despots ensure that oases of luxury exist for the enjoyment of the elite upon whose favour their continued power depends. With our haversacks and travel-worn garb we did not feel perfectly at home and were glad to return to the home of Abi and Mal for a lovely curry and animated talk well into the evening.
Love is the fountain of life
The next day, it being Sunday, we headed for church. I had toyed with the idea of attending a service at one of the of the churches now in the unpleasant hands of the ersatz bishop Norbet Kunonga's minions. On reflection, however, both Diana and I agreed that to attend church merely for reasons of curiosity rather than to worship was out of order, and so instead we rang up Boyman, the real Rector of Borrowdale Parish, to find out where worship was taking place for his congregation. We were informed that this was to be at Chispite School Chapel and so we made our way there. Chisipite school is in Highlands, once my father's parish and I remember him heading off there to take services and confirmation classes. It is a private inter-denominational school for girls that was founded in 1954 and its name is derived from the Shona word for a "spring". The original "chisipite" still apparently wells up in a nearby "vlei" or marsh. The school motto is derived from the name and is a good one: "Fons vitae caritas", which means "Love is the fountain of life".
Pleasing worship
The chapel is impressive, large and modern. Its most attractive feature is three great circle windows behind the altar that are filled with natural glass that allow pew-sitters to contemplate beautiful msasa trees during boring sermons rather than having to count bricks as is the case in St Augustine's. There was a good congregation of over a hundred present, mostly white folk, though not entirely. It apparently consisted of two congregations combined, one from the parish of Highlands and the other of Borrowdale.
Boyman's English was fluent and easy on the ear, not at all heavily accented and the readers, also Shona, were good. The sermon on "All Saints" was by a white woman lay-reader, admirably researched and well worth listening to. There was also a reasonable four part choir accompanied on the piano and the hymns were traditional and sung with gusto. In short it was a good service to be a part of. Boyman announced the presence of two visitors from Australia with Zimbabwean and Anglican connections and we were duly clapped. Afterwards a man who remembered my father fondly came up to chat and we also met two folk I remembered, Peter Compton, now a churchwarden of Highlands Parish and Dorothy Joughin whom we had visited a few days previously only to be told that she was in England. She appeared to be in fine fettle, the doughty widow of Mike Joughin who was one of my father's larger than life churchwardens. It was he who taught me to sing an unrestrained bass line when, on leaving school and going to university, I was press-ganged by my father into his choir. Dorothy looked well and would have loved to have us round, but we were heading off back to Johannesburg the next day and so could not fit in a second visit.
Masculinity and airports
We headed off back to Abi and Mal's place with a little form for Abi to fill in because since being dispossessed of their farm she had not linked up with a church and had expressed an interest in so doing. Mal, like far too many men in Australia, appears to view any suggestion of him becoming a church-goer as an assault upon what can only be a very fragile sense of his masculinity and virility. We were pleased to hear subsequently that Abi has indeed joined the congregation and is very happy to have done so.
We packed our haversacks, had a good look around an impressive vegetable garden before saying farewell to our hosts. We then filled the car with petrol and deposited it at the airport, handing it over to a very casual employee of the car hire firm. We made our way into the terminal, not to catch a plane but to be picked up by Don and Biddy who were bringing their son Michael to catch a plane to London where he had acquired a job after some years working in Johannesburg. As a schoolboy I can remember cycling to the somewhat primitive but homely airport of what was then Salisbury to view Vikings and Dakotas land and take off and then later, as a young man, spending many a relaxed hour or more sipping "Castle" beer on the balcony waiting for people to arrive or negotiate their departure. The airport has now been modernised into the cool, cliched steel and glass ugliness that characterises almost all international airports. We commandeered a little table and I sat there writing the notes that have helped me to write this series of articles and Diana went off in search of postcards before returning to write some of them as little thankyous to be sent to several folk before we left. When Don, Biddy and their two sons James and Michael appeared we had a drink together and then left them to say farewell to Michael before we returned together to Don and Biddy's for our final afternoon and evening in Zimbabwe.
Two church friends of Don and Biddy's came over and we had afternoon tea outside in their beautiful garden under a great jacaranda tree. The carpet of fallen blue flowers under our feet attracted so many bees that Diana found it necessary to forsake her favoured discalced state and put on her crocs. The visitors, an elderly couple contemplating marriage, made pleasing company and we urged them on to take the plunge into mature matrimony as we had done so recently. Because the conver-sation was good they stayed on for drinks and snacks, perforce by candle light as the electricity was off all afternoon and evening. Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, but again this was only intimations of the rainy season, not the real thing, and the only rain was meagre.
Over dinner and afterwards we had much animated conversation with Don, Biddy, Carleigh and her husband, much of it on the subject of faith. They credit me with having brought them back to faith all those years ago, though in fact the grace that is faith had already been granted to them and was merely and only temporarily dormant when I first encountered them. It would have awoken anyway. It was flattering though because I often maintain, only half jokingly, that in thirty or more years as an Anglican priest I have converted or brought to faith no one that I can remember! Evangelism appears not to be my calling. I prefer to allow people to be themselves and if anyone is content and non-aggressive in atheism, agnosticism or any other faith, I am only too happy to let them be themselves where they are. The God revealed to me in Jesus of Nazareth me damns no one, so why should I? Although a passionate and proud Christian who loves the faith and its God, I am unaggressive as such. (To be continued)
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
At a community meeting last week I had to endure someone telling us all, with a slight sneer, a story he'd read in The Age about the idiotic goings on of some stupid naively "Christians". Have you noticed how the "lumpen intelligentsia" despise us these days? In the Church Times of the 12th of March, Madeleine Bunting reflects, on her three-year stint as the Guardian's religious affairs correspondent. (The Guardian is England's equivalent of The Age in politics and outlook) ‘A churchgoer on the Guardian,' she writes, ‘is a rare species. The centre-left media is of a pretty uniform mind when it comes to faith: it's a pile of tosh. Take the issue for 2 February: Simon Hoggart says that ‘all religion is bonkers and irrational.' Steve Bell lampoons Roman Catholic beliefs as ‘mumbo-jumbo'. Joan Smith celebrates the fact that more and more married couples, ‘freed from the constraints of religion', are discovering the delights of sexual infidelity.' As Bunting says, ‘what a secular newspaper wants to publish about religion is largely what is ridiculous, freakish, scandalous or unjust.'
In contrast I read last week a splendid and thoughtful article in Quadrant by an Australian academic, Dr Alistair McGee entitled: "Is Dawkins a Modern Day Nicodemus?" Nicodemus, you will remember was absurdly literalistic in his response to Jesus's comment in St John's Gospel ".....unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God," saying: "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" McGee argues perceptively that Dawkins is indeed like Nicodemus, defining God in a simplistic way that takes no account of the Bible's many and subtle representations of God.
I also read an article by a passionate agnostic (almost a contradiction in terms) which pointed out interestingly that atheists have failed to account for the "first cause" argument for God's existence — namely that someone or something created the universe. He says "We know from our human experience that nothing in existence can give itself existence because if it did, then it would have to have preceded itself, an impossibility," (AN)
MURCHISON & RUSHWORTH
Today we begin to take under our wing the Parochial District of Murchison and Rushworth. The Bishop and Rector are taking a Eucharist there and the Rev Dr. Chris Shields is taking the Eucharists at St Augustine's. This move is a venture in partnership rather than a "take-over", absorption or amalgamation. Murchison and Rushworth will retain their status as an independent parochial unit, be responsible for the maintenance of their buildings, provide their own synod representatives and so on, but our parish will have oversight and provide both liturgical and pastoral care.
This means that during most weeks, from next month, the Associate Priest at St Augustine's will spend a day in Murchison and Rushworth providing pastoral care. On two Sundays a month lay readers provide Morning Prayer instead of a Eucharist and so no priest is required. This is a pattern that we need to establish with Katandra and Dookie if we are to continue to provide weekly Sunday worship there. Chris Shields will become an honorary Associate Priest of St Augustine's and we welcome him and Rosemary his wife to the parish in this new capacity today.
Many of the details of how we will work the new partnership have still to fall into place, but we trust it will enrich our parish and be of great benefit to Murchison and Rushworth.
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays:
May Walden 16th May
Charlotte Brewer 20th May
CONFIRMATION CLASSES
Junior Confirmation Classes take place on Tuesdays at 4.15, in the Library. It is not too late to sign up!
A CAR NEEDED FOR A WHILE
As you are aware my car was "Written Off" by the insurance company following an accident several weeks ago. I have ordered a new one, but it will be some time before it is available. I am wondering if there is a car out there which isn't being used, either through sickness, travel or whatever, which someone would be prepared to loan me, either for a short time or a little longer?" Please phone: The Rev'd Gail Bryce, ph 58254885
HOSPICE SERVICE TODAY
Today, the 15th May, at 2.30pm, there is a Hospice Memorial Service at St. Augustine's. All are welcome.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
There is a meeting on Tuesday, May 17th. We leave the church car park at 1.45pm to arrive at Billabong Nursery complex at 2pm. There we will be taken on a guided tour of the complex before enjoying afternoon tea in their tea rooms. Cost $7 per person. There will also be an opportunity to visit the shop. All welcome, for further information contact Betty Garraway 58254564.
NEXT OUTREACH DEADLINE
Get your pens and keyboards ready – articles for the next edition of "Outreach" are due in to Helen by 29th May please – either email to hmalcolm@bigpond.com or leave at the parish office.
CANCER RESEARCH
On Wed. the 18th May at the Kialla Gardens Activity Centre: Morning Tea and entertain-ment, entry $6. In aid of Cancer Research.
EVENING GUILD
Members are reminded of the May 19th meeting at Golden Orchard, Boundary Road, Shepparton East. Cars meet at St. Augustine's car park at 1.15pm to leave by 1.30pm, phone Merle 58315601. All welcome
BIGGEST MORNING TEA
The Shepparton Unit will be hosting their Annual B.M.T. in St. Augustine's Supper Room on Monday, May 23rd at 10.00am. Please come along and support this very worthy cause. Wilma/Bev
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
Next Sunday, the 22nd, at 10.30am, we celebrate our Patronal Festival. This is always a lovely parish get together with good food, and good fellowship. Our guest speaker and preacher of some renown is Bishop Barbara Darling, who is Bishop of Eastern Region in the Diocese of Melbourne. If you haven't already done so, please give your names to Heather at the office for the delicious lunch. There will be a only a said 8.30am service at St Augustine's and no services at Katandra or Dookie to encourage everyone to come to St Augustine's for the occasion.
A GREAT DAY IN SHEPPARTON
St. Columb's Ministry Fair comes to our Church Hall on Saturday 28th May. This is a great opportunity to look at new ways of adapting to a changing world which present new challenges in worship. Fr. Peter Tinney, who is having some real success in Yea, will explore some new visions for the future at 10am on Saturday 28th May. This session will be useful for all those interested in the revitalization of the 10.30 Service. At 11.30 there is a session on Building a Parish Publicity Toolkit. At 1.15pm a short film "If God breathed the World". At 2.30pm Father Andrew & Di Cherry will lead a discussion on Prayer, Spiritual Directions and Rule of Life. If any of these topics are of interest to you do make the effort to attend. Lunch is provided. Heather Fitzgerald
DATES FOR THE DIARY
May 17th Hospice Bi-annual Fund Raising Function
May 17th Friendship Group 2pm
May 19th Evening Guild meeting at Golden Orchard
May 22nd Patronal Festival
May 23rd Biggest Morning Tea 10am/Supper Room
May 26th Raffle Sub-Committee Planning meeting
May 28th Garden Working Bee
May 28th St. Columb's Ministry Fair/St. Augustines
June 3rd Synod
June 4th Synod
June 5th Alternative Worship Service
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
Duties for 15th May 2011
Readers 8.30 Jeanette Smith, Norman Weaver
Readers 10.30 Verna Pestell, Greg Pestell
Servers 8.30 Michelle, Beth
Servers 10.30 Frank, Beth, Sophie
Intercessors Bev Condon, Jenny Pleming
Euc. Assts 8.30 John Griffin, Bev Condon
Euc. Assts 10.30 Jenny Pleming, Greg Pestell
Welcoming 8.30 Gwen Betson, Shirley Dean
Welcomers 10.30 Sandra Simonis, Charlotte Brewer
Sidespeople 8.30 Joe Pearson, Norm Mitchelmore
Sidespeople 10.30 Nola Brewer, Volunteer
Welcome Table Bev
Altar Linen for May Bev Reither
Tea 8.30 Val Bambrook
Mowing None this week
Duties for 22nd May 2011
Readers 8.30 Bev Condon, Heather Pearson
Readers 10.30 Jenny Pleming, Peter Martin
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30 Jenny, Vanita, Valerie
Intercessors Heather Pearson
Euc. Assts 8.30 John Griffin, Bev Condon
Euc. Assts 10.30 Greg Pestell, Jenny Pleming
Welcomers 8.30 Bev Reither, Beryl Goodfellow
Welcomers 10.30 Nola Brewer, Jenny Moran
Sidespeople 8.30 Gwyn & Merv Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30 John Pleming, Alan Akers
Tea 8.30 Bev Reither
Welcoming Table Dorothy Cook
Mowing 21st Gary Grant
Altar Linen for May Bev Reither
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
Nicole Ackland, Lorraine Ashbury, Jeffrey Andrewartha, Deb Bagley, Liam Bognar, Kaye Boyle, Ian Carman, Collins Family, Tom Downie, Kath Grills, John Griffin, Frank Harder, Leigh Harder, Margaret Hoare, Katherine Holt, John & Kate Horder, Ross Judd, Hilder Lidgard, Lyn Morcom, Margaret Kidman, Albert Oxenbury, Isabelle Richards, Peter Swindells, Suzanne Singh, Patricia Sparkes, Shirley Young, David, Bonny & Keith, Peter.
Rest in Peace:
Glenda Kuehnapfel, Agnes Causon
Anniversary of death:
Pamela Oliver, Florence Graham 15th, Doris Buzza, Eva Ford, Margaret Galt 16th, Robert Simonis, Wilfred Parry, Marjorie Sweet, Clive Baker 17th, Don Classen, Gladys Turner, Enid Hughes, Raymond Williams 18th, Kathleen Govan-Smith, Ian Robinson 19th, Mona Steven 19th, Evelyn Phillips, Robert Coghlan, Valma Ralph 20th, Betty Campesato, Charles Harris 21st.
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 16th May Rector's day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Tuesday 17th May
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Playgroup
11.00am Shepparton Aged Care/A. Russell
1.45pm Friendship Group/Billabong Nursery
4.15pm Confirmation Classes/Library
Wednesday 18th May
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine's
1.30pm Evening Guild
4.00pm Eucharist - Banksia
7.30pm Parish Council
Thursday 19th May
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30pm Eucharist - Hakea, Acacia
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony
1.30pm Evening Guild/Golden Orchards
5.30pm Choir Practice - Rectory
Friday 20th May
8.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Saturday 21st May Associate Priest's Day off
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
11.00am Funeral
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5th Sunday of Easter 22nd May
8.30am Said Eucharist - St Augustine's
10.30am Eucharist - St Augustine's Patronal Fest.
No services at Dookie & Katandra