EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
16th October 2011
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
THE CAPTAIN AND THE MATE
The first mate on a ship decided to celebrate an occasion with a little stowed away rum. Unfortunately he got drunk and was still drunk the next morning. The captain saw him drunk and when the first mate was sober, showed him the following entry in the ship's log: "The first mate was drunk today." "Captain please don't let that stay in the log", the mate said. "This could add months or years to my becoming a captain myself." "Is it true?" asked the captain, already knowing the answer. "Yes, its true" the mate said. "Then if it is true it has to go in the log. That's the rule. If its true it goes into the log, end of discussion". Weeks later, it was the first mate's turn to make the log entries. The first mate wrote: "The ship seems in good shape. The captain was sober today.
THIS, THAT
AND THE OTHER (18)
Andrew Neaum
I was still a bachelor when I went to Theological College, though in my late twenties. Understandably then, I was pleased to learn while there, that a cassock or dog-collar on a fellow caused the hearts of women to palpitate. That women, or at least, certain sorts of women, simply adore priests. So opportunities for marriage and love would proliferate embarrassingly when once I was ordained and had begun to mince around in a cassock, no matter how ugly the face above my dog collar.
I can't say that I really found this to be so. Perhaps the face above my dog collar really is beyond the pale, but I don't think it was that. It is more likely that the information given to me was wrong. Certainly I would surmise a stethoscope around the neck to be far more potent a palpitator of hearts than a dog collar could ever be.
Doctors as heart throbs
Doctors are more 21st century heart throbs than priests. Firstly because they earn more money, and money is no mean aphrodisiac, but also because doctors are the natural heroes, heart-throbs and gods of a materialistic world. In a world where this life is the only life, then preservers and prolongers of this life are bound to be highly valued, well paid and idolised.
Of course we complain and grumble about doctors, but many of our brightest children aspire to get into medical school and we are very proud when they do. Furthermore our grumbles at doctors are grumbles that arise when they fall short of expectations, they are not fundamental grumbles. You come across not a few folk who are anti-clergy, and to whom the sight of a dog collar is worse than the sight of dog dirt, but you don't come across many anti-medicos. Even those who reject conventional medicine and orthodox doctors in favour of natural medicine, homeopathy, or quackery, are simply swapping denominations, going sectarian. They are venturing out to the fringes of medical orthodoxy where there remain doctors of a sort, health-mediums, quacks and gurus to worship by the score.
The Beloved Physician
This evening, at 5.30pm, we celebrate St Luke who is the patron saint of doctors. He is St Paul's "beloved physician". It invites us to consider medicine and doctoring in relation to our faith.
Not only was St Luke termed by St Paul the "Beloved physician", he was also the self-effacing author of St Luke's Gospel, and of the Acts of the Apostles. A man whose writings suggest that he was broad of sympathy, compassionate to the poor and to the outcast, pious, joyful, urbane and deeply loyal, remaining with St Paul right to the end, ministering to him and doubtless doctoring him in gaol. The beloved physician indeed.
Beloved, though, not as a prolonger and preserver of life, as an extender of materialistic horizons, but beloved as a person and personality.
A close relationship
The relationship between the medical profession and Church, between doctor and priest isn't what it once was. Our paths have diverged. In primitive times the priest and doctor were one. If you were ill you'd come to see witch-doctor Andrew Neaum at his shrine, temple, church or cave. There incantations, spells, trances, prayers and magic would play by far the larger part in his doctoring, though there would also be primitive unguents, pastes, noxious brews, herbs and purges on offer as well.
This is what it is still like in parts of the world. I remember one Sunday afternoon in urban Africa being called away from listening to Telemann or Mozart to go and see the parish church's African caretaker in his little house on the premises. He was apparently very sick.
When I got there he was lying still on his bed. I gave him a shake. He was stone cold. Dead as dead could be. He had drunk some "muti" Some medicine, an evil concoction of witch-doctor's leaves and berries and it had killed him.
Perhaps it is as well that the path of priest and doctor has diverged. Though it is wrong to blame religion for such mishaps. The man was killed by primitive medicine, not primitive religion. It is as well to remember that both medicine and religion were once primitive, and the witch's brew of
eye of newt, and toe of frog,
wool of bat, and tongue of dog,
Adder's fork, and blind worm's sting,
Lizard's leg, and howlets's wing
is the forbear of penicillin and cortisone. Just as the slaughtering of animals and even humans, the burning of them on altars and the sprinkling and splashing of blood is the forbear of the Eucharist.
Not so primitive
A primitive forbear doesn't give the lie to or invalidate its more sophisticated descendent. If it did, then our own ape-like forbears would give cause to write us and the whole of humankind off.
Indeed the one area in which primitive medicine and primitive religion were not as primitive as they seem, was in their marriage, their oneness, their togetherness. They belong together not apart. Though there divergence might well have been a necessary part of their growing to maturity.
We realise more and more nowadays how important the whole person is in the matter of healing. That there is a very real and important relationship between the spiritual and the physical person, and between mind and matter. Healing is hastened by peace of mind and acceptance.
We realise too, with the witchdoctors of old, that a great proportion of sickness is psychosomatic, that to be spiritually at peace and at one with God, and able to see purpose and meaning in existence, helps enormously in any journey towards full physical health.
This is how we interpret many of Jesus' remarkable healings. His presence and personality, his love and forgiveness helped those who were sick to see themselves as they really were, and yet still as loved and accepted by God, as forgiven. Their sickness as possibly self-inflicted, but certainly not God-inflicted. A realisation that sometimes brought remarkable physical results.
And so the priest's job in hospital today is seen by discerning doctors as complementary to their own role. The priest is there to assure of God's reality, love, forgiveness, and healing power. It is to comfort, set minds at rest, feed the spirit.
Religion in hospitals
There is, of course, no room for religious cranks and crankery. Too many fanatics and crackpots foul the pitch for true religion and virtue in the eyes of the medical profession.
So much so that although I am quite often called out to the hospital in Shepparton to minister to those in extremis, sometimes at the instigation and on the initiative of the medical staff, any general visiting is all but impossible because of over-protective privacy rules and rulings.
Yet the need for the priest in hospital and sickness is very real, and the atmosphere in Catholic hospitals is very different from that in non-religious hospitals.
The overt presence of Jesus the healer in statues, nuns and crucifixes reassures patients of an essential balance and sanity that is immensely comforting and healthy to most of us. Certainly, if you are elderly and very ill, but abominate any suggestion of euthanasia, you feel safer in such a hospital.
My old father would ask, whenever he visited a doctor for the first time: "Do you believe in euthanasia?" If the doctor said "Yes" or even equivocated or "ummed" and "ahhed" at all, my Father would never go back to him.
Acceptance and healing
And so we celebrate St Luke this week and in doing so thank God for all the wonderful workers of healing miracles in our local hospitals and clinics. If Christian we also resolve to take our faith beyond outward observance and into the heart. That is, in prayer, to take our anxieties and fears, our insecurities and sins, our worries about the future and all our doubts and failings, as well as any illnesses to God and in the quietude of devotion accept them all, and his love and forgiveness. Our acceptance, our saying "Yes" even to difficulties, illnesses and misfortunes as well as to gifts and to God, allows grace to operate in our lives, opens the door to love and sometimes even to physical healing.
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays:
Anne Russell 20th Oct
Deb Bagley 21st Oct
ST LUKE AND GOOD HEALTH
I hope that as many of us as possible will support this evening's annual health workers, carers and volunteers service at 5.30. This is an event dear to the heart of Helen Malcolm who so graciously and effectively unites doctoring and Anglican priesting in our parish and community. The service is her initiative and all who can should be present to thank God for the good health care available to us in this district, and for those who provide it, not least Helen herself. So please be there! The service is a form of Evensong and the speaker is the Rev. Patti Matthews, also now a part of our team in this parish. Dr Bruce Sterling will be playing the organ. Bring along your local doctor, physio, naturopath, police officer, community nurse, paramedic etc. to offer them an opportunity to refresh and recharge.
RECTOR AWAY
From Monday to Friday this week your Rector is away at a Clergy Conference in Melbourne. Mercifully Gail is not. To be away in a week that culminates in the Parish Fair and the Confirmation Service is regrettable in the extreme, and it entails two weeks worth of work being packed into one beforehand. I am more of less there, though, and so will hopefully enjoy the Conference knowing that the parish is in good hands as Gail has offered to remain behind.
CONFIRMATION
The Confirmation takes place next Sunday the 23rd October at the 10.30am Service. We are not hybridising the two morning Eucharists, the 8.30am will be as usual, though without a bishop. The 10.30 will be as usual too, though with a bishops. Do stay on afterwards for cake and a cup of tea or coffee Please pray for our candidates:- Brayden Coates, Jack Lear, Oscar Lear, Olivia Lear, Tessa Cummins, Mitch Macheda.
TEA TAGS
Thank you to everyone who has been collecting tea tags. Not quite as interesting as stamp collecting it has to be said. The worthy cause has now been achieved so no more tea tagging is required for now. Thank you. B.C.
EVENING GUILD
This month's Meeting will be held in the Narthex on Thursday 20th October at 1.30pm. If any member has a card table, could you please bring it along to the meeting for use on the Stall on Saturday. We don't have the use of desks this year. Thanks Betty: 58211558
PARISH FAIR & GARDEN PARTY
The Parish Fair and Garden Party is all but upon us. Next Saturday is the day. Six more sleeps unless you are so excited it is six more no sleeps! It is going to be a great day enjoying our lovely Church, its splendid grounds and delightful people. Let's all look forward to it rather than worry about it. We do it well, we really do. It is great to participate in success!
Children's Activities
An addition to the list printed in Outreach, the Children's Church leader - Suzanne Lear - will help children make lanterns, fairy wands and candle holders. You will find her on the lawns at the back of the Parish Hall. We regret there will be no Train Rides this year.
Flyers
You can make a great difference to the attendance at the Annual Fair if you take a bundle, or two or three of flyers. We have all of Shepparton to cover and need to have a flyer placed in everyone's letter box. Flyers are available in the Narthex for collection TODAY. The individual maps for collectors have been carefully pared down to small areas so as not to overburden walkers. On the boundary streets of each little map, you need deliver only on the inside of the street.
Working Bees
We need muscle power on:
Friday, 21st October - beginning at 4.30 p.m
Saturday, 22nd October: 6.00a.m.-8.30a.m.
12.30p.m. - 1.15p.m.3.20p.m. - to return the site to normal.
Relax, enjoy
Relax on the lawn and enjoy the entertainment. The free concert commences at 1.30p.m. If the weather is inclement, the concert will take place in the Church.
Raffle books
It would be greatly appreciated if you would please return your raffle books (sold or unsold) by TO DAY.
Delivery of non perishable goods
The Parish Hall will be open this week between 10.00am and 4.00pm from Monday to Friday for parishioners to deliver items for sale - large and small (including jams and preserves). Please telephone Pat - 58313080 if these times are not suitable; a more convenient time will be arranged. Trestles will be placed where goods may be put ready for sorting and pricing by stallholders.
Children's activities
There will be lots of entertainment for children. The Youth Group will conduct "Wack the Rat", "Face Painting", "Slime and Bubbles" and "Sponge Toss". The Jumping Castle will operate from 9.00a.m. - 1.00p.m. located on the lawn south of the Church.
PARISH QUIET DAY
Don't forget that on Saturday the 10th December, all parishioners are invited to a Quiet Day. Mark the date in your diaries! Quiet Days are special days, all too rare. Do not miss this one.
5th SUNDAY LUNCH: 30th OCTOBER
The Combined Fifth Sunday of the Month Service at Murchison & Rushworth will be followed by lunch at Robert & Heather Smith's Home, Browns Road, Moorilim. Bookings are essential! Ring Anne 58262422 or 58262264. The cost is $20. All are welcome to a beautiful lunch & gathering
CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM STUDY
The fourth session takes place in the Rectory this Tuesday at 7.30pm.
EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY
Recruitment: Our EfM group this year has been at capacity and are excited at the prospect of being able to run two groups next year, possibly one based in Murchison. You need no formal theological training, just an interest in reflecting on what is happening in your life and where this connects with the Gospel. It is facilitating, in a supportive, fun environment, your ability to know God better as He acts in your life & through the ministry you are already doing. For more information, ask Helen or any of the current group.
READINGS NEXT WEEK
Exodus 34:1-12, Thessalonians 2:1-13
FOR THE DIARY
Oct 18th Friendship Group Meeting 2pm
Oct 20th Evening Guild Meeting 1.30pm
Oct 22nd Parish Fair & Garden Party
Oct 23rd Confirmation
Oct 29th Wedding
Oct 29th Garden Working Bee
Oct 30th Combined Eucharist & Luncheon - Murchison
Nov 8th "Moving On" Grief Support Dinner Meeting
Nov 12th Wedding 2pm
Nov 19th Wedding 1pm
Nov 19th Wedding 3pm
Nov 26th Wedding 2pm
Dec 3rd Women's Breakfast
Dec 10th Parish Quiet Day
Dec 10th Men's Breakfast
Dec 10th Wedding
Dec 16th Concert: Sempre Cantare
Duties for 16th October 2011
Readers 8.30 Carole Henderson, Gwyn Cowland
Readers 10.30 Christine Jones, Christine Evans
Servers 8.30 Beth Brewer, Michelle Woodyard
Servers 10.30 Jenny, Joe, Zeb
Intercessors Heather Pearson, Nancy Noonan
Euc. Assts 8.30 Heather Fitzgerald, Ian Bryce
Euc. Assts 10.30 Greg Pestell, Lynda Prosser
Welcomers 8.30 Bev Ralph, Volunteer
Welcomers 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Jenny Moran
Sidespeople 8.30 Joe Pearson, Norm Mitchelmore
Sidespeople 10.30 John Pleming, Jenny Moran
Tea 8.30 Bev Reither
Welcoming Table Beverley Walsh
Mowing None this week
Altar Linen/Oct Gwenda Betson
Duties for 23rd October 2011
Readers 8.30 Heather Fitzgerald, Liz Gyles
Readers 10.30 Jenny Moran, Linda Prosser
Servers 8.30 Beth Brewer, Michelle Woodyard
Servers 10.30 Jenny, Vanita, Valerie
Intercessors Celebrant
Euc. Assts 8.30 Bev Condon, John Griffin
Euc. Assts 10.30 Jenny Pleming, GregPestell
Welcomers 8.30 Heather Nichols, Judy Lloyd
Welcomers 10.30 Frank Steen, Sandra Simonis
Sidespeople 8.30 Gwyn & Merv Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Nola Brewer
Tea 8.30 Shirley Dean
Welcoming Table Dorothy Cook
Mowing Merv Cowland, Beryl Bonfitto
Altar Linen/Oct Gwenda Betson
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, Margaret Aldous, Alan Akers, Deb Bagley, Liam Bognar, Joy & Ian Carmen, Stanley Carpenter, Ross & Helen Dainton, Anna and Heather Fitzgerald, Beryl Goodfellow, Frank Harder, Katherine Holt, John & Kate Horder, Thelma Irwin, Ross Judd, Elsie Lieschke, Judy Lloyd, Bronwyn Mitchell, Olive Paez, Margaret Kidman, Albert Oxenbury, Ethel & George Rumble, Patricia Sparkes, Peter Swindells, Lionel Waterson, David, Peter, David & Judith, Kaye, Keith & Bonny, Suzanne, Ray & Joyce, Pat, Malcolm, Robyn.
Anniversaries: Barney McKellar, Beryl Wallace 16th, Florence Williams 17th, Rene Classen 18th, John Damianopoulos, Gaye Nissen, Jean Brown, Edna Hopkins 19th, Lionel Batey, Alice Grantham, Ernest Esam 20th, Doug Coleman, Philip McLean, Marjorie Canobie 22nd.
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 17th October (Rector's day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Tuesday 18th October
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
2.00pm Friendship Group/Narthex
11.00am Shepparton Aged Care
4.15pm Confirmation Class/Library
7.30pm Islam Study - Rectory
Wednesday 19th October
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine's
7.30pm Parish Council/ Roz's Room
Thursday 20th October
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Eucharist - Acacia/Hakea
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony
2.00pm Evening Guild/Roz's Room
4.00pm Eucharist - Banksia
5.30pm Choir Practice - Rectory
Friday 21st October
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
4.30pm Working Bee
Saturday 22nd October
(Associate Priest's Day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
6.30am Working Bee
8.30am PARISH FAIR & GARDEN PARTY
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Sunday 23rd October
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine's
10.30am Eucharist - St. Augustine's/Confirmation
8.45am Eucharist - St Luke's
10.45am Eucharist - St. Mary's
9.00am Morning Prayer- Rushworth
11.00am Morning Prayer -Murchison
5.30pm Evening Prayer