TENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
21st August 2011
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
REINCARNATION
The Council of Adult Education decided to run a series of courses on comparative religion. The most attended course turned out to be on reincarnation, with various would-be Buddhists and local New Agers sitting in rapt attention listening to an account of the Dalai Lamas in Tibet. There was one fellow in the class, however, who just didn't seem to fit in. During the intense discussion of matters metaphysical he burped, yawned, stretched, scratched himself and groaned. He appeared to pay not the slightest attention and, in fact, disturbed the others. Finally, the lecturer said, "Sir, we seem to be boring you. What brought you to a class on reincarnation?" "Well," he replied, "you only live once."
THIS, THAT
AND THE OTHER (10)
Andrew Neaum
I rather like the idea of composing my own funeral oration. I wonder how truthful I would dare to be.
Autobiography is usually less truthful and revealing than biography. This is because self-regard and pride tend towards a selectivity with the facts and truths about one's personality and life that preclude any pretence to dispassionate truth. A funeral oration written by oneself is likely to suffer from the same faults.
In the case of funeral orations and eulogies, left to the bereaved however love, grief and sometimes guilt tend to result in far too close an adherence to the principle de mortuis nihil nisi bonum (speak no ill of the dead) and so the person eulogised is often all but unrecognisable for who they really were.
I like to think that even in my self-love I would be far harder and more truthful about myself than anyone who loved me half as much.
One of my many favourite, excellent, but relatively minor poets is a fellow called John Heath-Stubbs. He died in 2006 and for much of his life was totally blind. In his comparative youth he wrote an Epitaph on himself which I love. It begins as follows:
Mr Heath-Stubbs as you must understand
Came of a gentleman's family out of Staffordshire
Of as good blood as any in England
But he was wall-eyed and his legs too spare.
His elbows and finger-joints could bend more ways than one
And in frosty weather would creak audibly
As to delight his friends he would give demonstration
Which he might have done in public for a small fee.
My favourite stanza, often quoted because it is as applicable to me as a university student as to him, goes:
Orthodox in beliefs as following the English Church
Barring some heresies he would have for recreation
Yet too often left these sound principles (as I am told) in the lurch
Being troubled with idleness, lechery, pride and dissipation.
The final stanza:
Now having outlived his friends and most of his reputation
He is content to take his rest under these stones and grass
Not expecting but hoping that the Resurrection
Will not catch him unawares whenever it takes place.
Planning a funeral
These observations and reflections result from leading a discussion on "planning a funeral" for our "Grief Support Group"a couple of weeks ago. There was a good crowd present to share a meal as well as ideas, and it was altogether a good and enjoyable evening, a pleasing mixture of humour, honesty and genuine feeling.
Right at the beginning someone suggested that it is far preferable at a funeral to celebrate the life of a deceased loved one than to mourn his demise. I do not entirely agree.
Grief needs to be acknowledged not ignored. Merely to celebrate a life now past, done for and finished with, can be evasive, a cop out, a cowardly refusal to face the devastating reality and totality of loss. I cannot bear histrionics, choked blubbering and emotional incontinence, but satisfying funerals tell the whole story not just part of it.
To make my point I read a splendid, tongue-in-cheek, but nonetheless honest verse by Roger McGough. It comes from his latest collection: That Awkward Age.
I Am Not Sleeping
I don’t want any of that
“We’re gathered here today
to celebrate his life, not mourn his passing.”
Oh yes you are. Get one thing straight,
you’re not here to celebrate
but to mourn until it hurts.
I want wailing and gnashing of teeth.
I want sobs, and I want them
uncontrollable. I want women
flinging themselves on the coffin
and I want them inconsolable.
Don’t dwell on my past but on your future.
For what you see is what you’ll be
and sooner than you think.
So get weeping. Fill yourselves with dread.
For I am not sleeping. I am dead.
The Wager
A recent funeral was of a splendid and lovely old fellow who for many years had been an S P bookie. This form of book-making was of course illegal and associated with corruption and crime. Judging from the character of the man I buried, however, there was a side to the activity that had less to do with crime and corruption than with that attractive, laid-back, anti-the-authorities side of the Australian character we know as larrikinism.
To bury such a fellow enabled me, with some delight, to link gambling to theology in my little homily which ended as follows:
"In the eighteenth century there lived a remarkable French mathematician, physicist and philosopher called Blaise Paschal. Among many, many achievements he anticipated in his mathematical speculations the computer, but he is also famous for a simple argument for believing in God which has fascinated philosophers down through the ages.
"I mention this because Dave (the deceased) was a bookie, a man well versed in betting, wagering and gambling, and Paschal's famous argument is called "The Wager"
"It has been simply put as follows: God is, or God is not. So a Game is being played where either heads or tails will turn up.
"According to reason, you can defend neither of the propositions. You have to wager. It is not optional.
"So, says Paschal, let us weigh the gain and the loss in wagering that God is. Let us estimate these two chances. If you gain, you gain all; if you lose, you lose nothing. So wager, without hesitation, that He is.
"It is a bit more complicated than that, actually, but my point is to honour a good bookie at his funeral with a religious, philosophical, theological bet.... not to expound an argument. So that will do.
"And I will end with another wager. I bet all of you, a hundred to one, that Dave will pass through the mythical Pearly Gates with ease....
"Rest in Peace, old fellow, and rise in Glory. Amen."
Coincidences
I was telling Diana on the phone about Paschal's Wager, and the very next day, she later informed me, while listening to the radio, she heard it expounded, much as I had expounded it, in a conversation between two radio jocks. How gratifying to realise that the BBC is behind me, not ahead of me. How coincidental too.
Last Sunday was Diana's birthday. After Dookie and Katandra services I made my way to Benalla where not only did we raise a glass in her honour, over an excellent evening meal, but we also celebrated the birthday of the family cat (and its twin who resides next door) with afternoon tea. Neighbours and friends joined us, and a single-candled cake (eggless and satisfyingly tacky because little Susan has a minor allergy to eggs) was brought ceremoniously in for the candle to be lit, blown out, relit and blown out until every little child present had had a go.
Here, however, lies another strange coincidence. Not only does the family cat share a birthday with Diana, it is also, quite by chance called Artemis. Artemis, you will of course be aware, was not only one of the most venerated of all ancient Greece's deities, but her Roman equivalent is Diana!
There is a passage in the Acts of the Apostles that fascinated me as a child. Chapter nineteen tells of St Paul's time in Ephesus and how a riot was initiated by the local silversmiths, alarmed at St Paul's success in turning people away from idols and so damaging their trade in silver shrines to Diana. The mob, we are told, shouted frenziedly over and over again, for three hours: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. Modern translations, to my nostalgia fuelled chagrin, change this to Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. I appear to be soft on Diana.
Rest in Peace Pippin
Pippin the Rectory dog is no more. On Sunday morning she very suddenly became groggy on her feet, refused to eat and started moping. On Monday afternoon the vet discovered a cancer in her bladder and so she was sent off gently and permanently to sleep. What a gap she leaves after being so much a part of the family for fourteen years. Rachel was still at primary school when she arrived as an irresistible puppy. Her greatest achievement, certainly in her own eyes, was catching a wild rabbit after a frenzied chase in a paddock alongside the Murray river. In our eyes it was simply being who she was.
THANK YOU
Acting on Helen Malcom's advice I am coming to you directly to say thank you for the splendid day organised to welcome the country cousins into the fold. The success of the day speaks volumes of all the work that preceded the actual event From the welcome in church, the smooth progression of all parts of the service, including the long line of communicants (which was a treat to see) and, finally the festive appearance and atmosphere of the hall for lunch. This all didn't just "happen" but really reflects much glory on the members of St. Augustine's. Thank you for giving us such an introduction into our collaborative future. Also, on quite another tack, John Ball and I are fans of "This, that and the other". Another also - at least two carloads from St. Augustine's came to the Rushworth casserole luncheon today and that created another warm glow. Thank you. Joan Baumber
Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars, and they pass by themselves without wondering. St. Augustine
God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?"
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays:
Bill McIntosh 22nd Aug
Kirsty Prothero 24th Aug
Carole Henderson 25th Aug
THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
Today is the day we show our thankfulness for all that we have as we put our Stewardship replies on the collection plate to be blessed. Thank you to everyone who has already made a commitment and returned it to the Parish Office - a great response so far! If you have forgotten your reply, there are spare forms and envelopes on the table at the back of the church. Please take one and fill it in.
VOLUNTEER ‘PHONE CALLERS'
Thank you to all who have offered to phone parishioners who do not reply to the Stewardship letters. We now have a good team. There will be a meeting on Thursday 25th August at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall to provide some training and to develop a strategy for support. If you would like to join this group of volunteers please add your name to the list at the back of the church.
ORDER OF AUSTRALIA SERVICE
At 11.30am today there is a service for the Order of Australia Association. This means that the cup of tea after the 10.30am Eucharist will be held in the Hall. I am aware that the bother of heading over there is likely to weed a fair number of tea-drinkers out, but do stay on if you are able.
CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
The study on Christianity and Islam is well supported and so I will be ordering books and we will start in a few weeks time. The list remains on the table for last minute sign-ups.
RAFFLE ROSTERS
Team up with a friend and pop your names on the list in the narthex to do a turn of raffle ticket selling. You will be blessed.
SENIORS WEEK: FACTS, FOOD AND FUN
The Social Responsibilities Committee is in the process of organising a function for the elderly to do with education in several important areas, with a lunch and entertainment. The date is the 5th of October from 11.30am to 2.30pm. Note the date.
WOMEN'S BREAKFAST
Saturday 3rd September, place your names on the list on the Narthex table if you would like to come. Eucharist 8am followed by breakfast at 8.30. All welcome.
ARISE 255 - MONDAY 22nd AUGUST
Mary Pearson will be challenging the group to look at "Our broken world" come along and see what we come up with 5.30-7.30 everyone is very welcome.
GARDENERS' WORKING BEE
Next Saturday 27th is the monthly gardening working bee. Do come along and give a hand to keep things looking good in our lovely garden. All welcome.
FOR THE DIARY
Aug 22nd Arise 255/Youth Group
Aug 27th Garden Working Bee
Sept 3rd Women's Breakfast
Sept 5th Arise 255/Youth Group
Sept 8th Parish Fair & Garden Party Mtg/4pm Roz's Rm
Sept 10th Harvey Norman Sausage Sizzle (Fete)
Sept 13th Funeral Expo/St Augustine's Hall
Sept 13th Social Responsibilities Meeting
Sept 19th Arise 255/Youth Group
Sept 24th Garden Working Bee
Oct 1st Car Boot Sale/Christ Church Murchsion
Oct 1st Wedding 2pm
Oct 5th Lunch function
Oct 8th Weddings 10.00am, 2.00pm and 3.30pm
Oct 9th Pet Service 10.30am
Oct 11th Social Responsibilities Meeting
Oct 22nd Parish Fair & Garden Party
Oct 23rd Confirmation
Oct 29th Wedding
Oct 29th Garden Working Bee
Nov 12th Wedding 2pm
Nov 19th Wedding 1pm
Nov 19th Wedding 3pm
Nov 26th Wedding 2pm
Dec 3rd Women's Breakfast
Dec 10th Men's Breakfast
Dec 10th Wedding
Duties for 21st August 2011
Readers 8.30 Carole Henderson, Heather Pearson
Readers 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Christine Jones
Servers 8.30 volunteers please
Servers 10.30 Frank/Joan, Joe Zeb
Intercessors Heather Pearson, Andrea Fisher
Euc. Assts 8.30 Carole Henderson, Heather Fitzgerald
Euc. Assts 10.30 Jenny Pleming, Joe Fernandez
Welcomers 8.30 Pat Griffin, Dulcie Ackland
Welcomers 10.30 Frank Steen, Sandra Simonis
Sidespeople 8.30 Trevor Batey, Joy Campbell
Sidespeople 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Nola Brewer
Tea 8.30 Gwyn Cowland
Welcoming Table Judy Lloyd
Mowing None this week
Altar Linen/August Rosemary Mitchelmore, Pat Griffin
Duties for 28th August 2011
Readers 8.30 Pat Griffin, Carole Henderson
Readers 10.30 Christine Evans, Jenny Moran
Servers 8.30 Volunteers please
Servers 10.30 Jenny, Vanita, Valerie
Intercessors Celebrant
Euc. Assts 8.30 John Griffin, Bev Condon
Euc. Assts 10.30 Joe Fernandez, Greg Pestell
Welcomers 8.30 Gwen Betson, Shirley Dean
Welcomers 10.30 Sandra Simonis, Nola Brewer
Sidespeople 8.30 Gwyn & Mervyn Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30 Jenny Moran, Charlotte Brewer
Tea 8.30 Pat/Barbara
Welcoming Table Dorothy Cook
Mowing Mervyn Cowland, Beryl Bonfitto
Altar Linen/August Rosemary Mitchelmore, Pat Griffin
READINGS NEXT WEEK
Exodus 3:1 - 15, Romans 12:9-21
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 Akers, Deb Bagley, Liam Bognar, Marlene Bovaird, Joy & Ian Carmen, Ross & Helen Dainton, Val Downie, Frank Harder, Katherine Holt, John & Kate Horder, Elsie Lieschke, Bronwyn Mitchell, Marj Millerick, Margaret Kidman, Albert Oxenbury, Isabelle Richards, Patricia Sparkes, Peter Swindells, David, Peter, David & Judith, Kaye, Lewis.
Rest in Peace:
Mavis Phillips, Edith Spowart, Betty Pinner
Anniversaries:
Bert Galt, David Burrow, Russell Merkel 21st, Sandra Hickford 22nd, Walter Williams 23rd, Elsie Erwen, Clarice Boord, Olive Wisely, David Pearson, Gwen Taig, Chariklia Stojanovski 26th, William Buzza, John Fordyce 27th.
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 22ndAugust (Rector's day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Arise 255/Youth Group
Tuesday 23rd August
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Playgroup - Roz's Room
11.00am Shepparton Aged Care
4.15pm Confirmation Class - Library
Wednesday 24th August
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine's
12.30pm Deanery Meeting - Wangaratta West
6.00pm EfM - Roz's Room
Thursday 25th August
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.15am Eucharist - Grutzner
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony
11.00am Eucharist - Ave Maria
5.30pm Choir Practice - Rectory
7.30pm Phone-Callers re Stewardship
Friday 26th August
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Saturday 27th August
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist (trad) - Lady Chapel
9.00am Gardening Working Bee
10.00am St. Columb's Ministry Fair/St. Augustine's
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Sunday 28th August
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine's
10.30am Eucharist - St. Augustine's/Baptism
8.45am Eucharist - St. Luke's
10.45am Eucharist - St. Mary's