THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
27th March 2011
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
HAIR RAISING
A man in a taxi wanted to speak to the driver and so he leaned forward and tapped him on the shoulder. The driver screamed, jumped up in the air and yanked the wheel over. The car mounted the curb, demolished a lamppost and came to a stop inches from a shop window. The startled passenger said, "I didn't mean to frighten you, I simply wanted to ask you something." The taxi driver said, "It's not your fault sir. It's my first day as a cab driver. I've been driving a hearse for the past 25 years."
AGE
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter. Mark Twain
RETURNING TO ZIMBABWE (17)
Andrew Neaum
This is the sixteenth 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:
http://www.andrewneaum.com/articles.htm
I keep an eye on the political situation in Zimbabwe by looking at a website called “Zimbabwe Situation” (http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/). It usually makes me dissatisfied with these brief, weekly articles by reminding me of just how superficial our view of Zimbabwe had to be during our short sojourn. Although by no means typical tourists, we were still unable to penetrate much beyond innuendos, hints and suggest-ions as to the profound evil, cruelty and wickedness that typify the Mugabe regime.
Mugabe’s evil regime
Mugabe’s character and government are in much the same league as Gaddafi’s, but there is no oil to excite the rest of the world into the pretence of profound moral indignation. Although I am deeply uneasy about so trivialising the word “genocide” as to allow it to be inclusive of the relatively minor (albeit outrageous and cruel) actions that some Australian historians are wont to do, Mugabe’s unleashing of violence upon the Matabele to the tune of possibly 20,000 deaths, soon after his accession to power, does come close to being genocidal. Those in power and authority in Zimbabwe are hideously violent and corrupt and are unlikely ever easily to give way to more benign government. Once Mugabe finally dies there will be many of his henchman and ilk vying to continue his evil tradition. It is not easy to be optimistic. However Zimbabwe is also an extremely Christian nation, and so the unpredictable joker card of “forgiveness” might yet be unexpectedly palmed to yield a Mandela miracle.
Digglefold Primary School
We left Marondera in order to pay a visit to Digglefold Primary School, about seven or so miles out of town on the main road to Harare. This was the school I first attended in Rhodesia at the age of eleven. On our arrival in Rhodesia my father had tried to get permission for us to attend the mission school where we lived, but it was illegal in those racist times and so it had to be boarding school for us. My memory tells me that Digglefold was a good school and so although I hated being away from home I look back on the place fondly. In my day it was characterised by rows of great pine trees and so the school badge depicted three of them over the motto: Upright and Strong. We wore khaki shorts and shirts with green blazers, striped ties and felt hats.
As in all Rhodesian schools pupils were expected above all else to excel at sport. However the headmaster at the time was a certain Mr McGee who was my class teacher, and I remember him appreciatively for encouraging in us all a great love of birds, butterflies and all things natural and African. We were encouraged to wander the bush bird-watching, butterfly-collecting and insect and plant identifying, and we were allowed to keep as pets any creatures we discovered abandoned or injured and so both pied crows and mole snakes feature among the earliest pets I enjoyed. Walking around the school with a little mole snake in my pocket, curled around a finger, gave me particular pleasure. He introduced me to the wonders of cicadas and I remember drawing specimens of them in great detail. Their summer and silence-shredding cacophony here in the Rectory garden each year, this year in particular, I still consider one of summer’s most thrilling natural phenomena.
We found the school with a little difficulty, driving well past its unobtrusive turn off and having to ask a couple of lads how to get there. Because they had difficulties in explaining to us exactly where the turnoff was, due to their very limited English, they offered to come in the car with us and take us to the exact spot, an offer we accepted. It was yet another example of the almost universal generosity of the ordinary people we encountered in Zimbabwe, they were walking in the opposite direction, took us at least a couple of miles back on their track and were content to be deposited there as if the two miles were nothing.
Friendly Mr Masiwo
The school in the more than fifty three or four years since last my brother and I were pupils there has lost its pine trees, except for the three on its badge, which remains the same. The layout of the school and a fair number of the buildings were recognisable to me and the atmosphere of the place has not completely dissipated either. It continues to be a pleasingly rural boarding school, though with rather more day scholars from local farms and villages than in my day. When we arrived, at about lunch time, there were children on the playing fields and wandering around as happily as they had in my time, the only noticeable difference being their colour. We parked the car and were immediately greeted by Mr Masiwo, the sports teacher, a delightful and friendly man who answered my questions as best he could and took us round to the school office to report in and introduce us to the school secretary. The principal was not there, it being lunch time. On the walls of the office were photographs of past headmasters and I was delighted to recognise Mr McGee without having to read his name. His was the second photograph and so possibly he was the school’s second headmaster, though the collection of photographs might of course have been incomplete.
If my few scribbled notes are rightly deciphered there are about three hundred boarders and two hundred day scholars these days and boarders pay $470 (American) a term, day scholars about half this. As with Guinea Fowl School, which we had visited earlier on our trip, there appeared to be a deep awareness of the school’s tradition and an attempt, against the odds, to live up to what is best in it. Lack of funding and incompetent government being the odds mitigating against success. Mr Masiwo informed us that a fair number of past pupils visit the school, a good indication, I think, of a school happily remembered. He took us round to Winchester House, where my brother and I had been resident. It was uncannily familiar, the dormitories being possibly a little more crowded, but the lockers at the foot of each bed were exactly as in our day, the beds were almost certainly the very same that we had slept on, and there were even mosquito nets over each bed as there had been during the summers of fifty three years ago. The honours boards on the walls contained the half-forgotten names of mostly friends and a few foes, marking the sporting prowess of pupils other than Neaums, and there were boys in the dormitories taking, as we had been required to do, their daily siesta after lunch. It was all most satisfactory. I did not search out the communal showers which in my day had revealed so graphically, by way of bruises and welts, just who had received corporal punishment in the previous week.
On to Harare
We departed delighted with our visit and once clear of the boom gate, stopped the car before crossing the Mutare to Harare railway line to eat a tomato sandwich lunch with nectarines to follow. We then set out on our way back to Harare. This was along a road which had been much traversed during the first three or four years of my time in Africa as a youngster. In those days it was a dangerous, nine foot strip road, requiring a drift onto the dirt whenever another car approached. In those mission station days my father drove utes and so as often as not my brother and I squatted in covered ute backs, which sucked in road dust, the smell of which I still find nauseating. It was a busy road, noted for horrendous, pre-seatbelt day accidents. It is now a fully tarred and decent enough road, and has been so for very many years, but it has very little else to commend it. Haphazard development over the years, particularly as you get closer to Harare, has taken away its rural character and litter is everywhere. The approach to Harare from both the Mutare and the Bulawayo is very far from attractive. The road that we had taken out of the city towards St John’s Chikwaka is much more pleasing. The loveliest main route into Shepparton would have to be that from Mooroopna. Most of the others are pretty ordinary it must be admitted.(To be continued)
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays:
Shirley Bartlett 1st April
Betty Downing 1st April
Marj Millerick 2nd April
Dale Wells 2nd April
Wedding Anniversary:
Ted & Joan Kitto 28th March
MOTHERING SUNDAY
Mothering Sunday this year is next Sunday April 3rd and this year to ring the changes I have decided to revert to a breakfast in honour of the occasion, with as many men as we can muster to help serve. The breakfast takes place directly after the 8.30 service and finishes well before the 10.30am service so folk from both services can attend. Because of time constraints the speaker give us only twenty minutes and I have persuaded, at short notice, Diana Neaum to speak to us. Please indicate on the list in the narthex if you intend coming. There will doubtless be room for some extras, but the Catering Committee does need some indication as to how many folk will be present. Simnel Cake and Posies for mothers will as usual be provided at both church services.
LENT: LIVING NOW AND THEN
The 2011 Lenten Studies have started. More than usual, they contain some real content to ponder and reflect. There are more books available now, for those without. Please ask the Rector today if you would like one, they cost $5.00. The Revd Gail Bryce leads one session on Mondays at 1.30pm. Canon Andrew another on Tuesdays at 7.30pm, this is preceded by a Eucharist at 7.00pm. It is not too late to join up.
ON LEAVE
Carole Henderson is on leave for the month. Please do not disturb her with church business (though of course friendship is another matter entirely).
CURSILLO
This weekend three members of our Shepparton Parish are participating in a Cursillo weekend, Cursillo is Spanish, apparently, for short course. Hmm. Joan McCann, Heather and Mary Pearson would all be appreciative of prayers as they explore more about God and living out their faith. Anyone interested in joining Cursillo, which is a fascinating and joyful way of growing spiritually in the good company of fellow Christians, have a word with the clergy, Joan McCann, Mary or Heather Pearson.
WORSHIP WITH A DIFFERENCE
The Alternative Sunday afternoon service to be held on the 3rd of April will be a meditative Taizé service at 5pm in the Lady Chapel. A chance to pray, meditate, sing and enjoy good company.ARISE 255 - MONDAY 28th 5.30pm
Jesus the man! What is the good life like? Everyone has a right to their own life.
OLD FASHIONED EASTER PICNIC
On April 17th at 12 noon we will be holding an Old Fashioned Easter Picnic, please bring a plate of food to share and be ready to enjoy, egg & spoon, 3 legged and sack races as well as table games, beetle, the Townsend game and so on for those who do not wish to be active and mind. It should be great fun, do come along.
FOR HOSPICE
This bi-annual fund raising function will be held at the EAST BANK CENTRE on Tuesday 17th May at 1.30pm. Tickets $25. For tickets and table reservations please contact Pat Gibson 58313080. All profit to the G.V. Hospice Care Service.
OUTREACH DEADLINE
Material for the pre-Easter Outreach is due to Helen by 3rd April please.
DOOKIE AGM
The Dookie AGM took place last Sunday in a town very hard to enter because of a massive bicycle event. The Wardens are Dianne Feldtmann and Bill Mackintosh. The Rector’s Warden has still to be confirmed.
THE COURT YARD RETREAT
Barbara Whyte writes: “I would like to draw your attention to the recent work carried out on the South Side of the Church. A wonderful group of people from the Garden Group toiled away, felling and removing the Privet Tree, excavating the soil and collecting & cleaning bricks from the Steptcoplos Orchard, (incidently the bricks were originally from Bev Reither’s family home). We are very lucky to have two wonderful Pavers who wish to remain anonymous, the other labourers would do credit to any chain gang. The Steptcoplos family have kindly donated the bricks for which we thank them. This courtyard will prove to be a further asset to our beautiful gardens. Thank you team for your hard work, it is greatly appreciated.
CELEBRATING
The Rev. Gail & Ian Bryce are attending the 100 year celebration at St. John’s Bear’s Lagoon this weekend. This is a centre from her last Parish, hence their absence.
WELCOME
We warmly welcome into our church family by way of baptism today a little charmer called Peyton Seal. Welcome too to her family and friends.
WELCOMERS & SIDESPERSONS
Due to a decreasing number of Welcomers and Sidespersons we are likely soon to combine the two jobs. So either functionary be prepared to double up, not too difficult a task as the jobs are complementary. Anyone able and willing to volunteer for either task will be granted hero status.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Mar 28th Arise 255/Youth Group
Apr 3rd St. Mary’s A.G.M.
Apr 3rd Alternative Worship Service/Lady Chapel
Apr 9th Wedding
Apr 12th “Moving On” Grief Support Group
Apr 17th Old Fashioned Easter Picnic
May 15th Hospice Service 2.00pm
May 10th Junior Confirmation Classes begin
May 22nd Patronal Festival
May 26th Raffle Sub-Committee meeting
June 3rd Synod
June 4th Synod
June 16th Parish Fair Planning Group meeting 4pm
July 17th Bishop's Visit
Aug 20th Wedding
Sept 24th Wedding
Oct 1st Wedding 2pm
Oct 8th Wedding 2pm
Oct 8th Wedding 3.30pm
Oct 22nd Parish Fair & Garden Party
Oct 29th Wedding
Dec 10th Wedding
Oct 23rd Confirmation
READINGS for 3rd April
1 Samuel 16:1-13; Ephesians 5:8-14
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, Lorraine Ashbury, Jeffrey Andrewartha, Deb Bagley, Jan Black, Liam Bognar, Kaye Boyle, Ian Carman, Tom Downie, John Green, Kath Grills, Frank Harder, Margaret Hoare, Katherine Holt, John & Kate Horder, Jack Halsall, Dot Hunter, Glenda Kuehnapfel, Hilder Lidgard, Margaret Kidman, Lynn Morcam, Albert Oxenbury, Isabelle Richards, Peter Swindells, Patricia Sparkes, Shirley Young, David, David & Judith, Belinda, Stewart, Harry, Amanda, Eamonn, Michael, Peter.
Anniversary of death: Isabel Shepherd, Helen Grundy, Francis Bush 27th, Ann Tacey, Albert White 29th, Denise Thorn, Hugh Oakes, Doug Kissick 30th, Dick Griffin 31st, Clifford Dodson, Caroline Waymouth, Hazel Kalms 1st, Alec Bassett, Mary Schliebs 2nd.
Duties for 27th March 2011
Readers 8.30 John Wellman, Jeanette Smith
Readers 10.30 Lynda Prosser, Jenny Pleming
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30 Jenny, Vanita, Valerie
Intercessors Celebrant
Euc. Assts 8.30 John Horder
Euc. Assts 10.30 JennyPleming
Welcoming 8.30 Judy Lloyd, Eileen Quaife
Welcomers 10.30 Sandra Simonis, Charlotte Brewer
Sidespeople 8.30 Gwyn Cowland, Merv Cowland
Sidespeople 10.30 John Pleming, Volunteer Please
Welcome Table Dorothy CookTea 8.30Pat Griffin
Altar Linen for March Ella Egan
Mowing 26th March Norm Mitchelmore, Alan Jefferies
Duties for 3rd April 2011
Readers 8.30 Norm Weaver, John Griffin
Readers 10.30 Peter Martin, Mary Pearson
Servers 8.30 Michelle, Beth
Servers 10.30 Joe, Zebedee, Joan
Intercessors Heather Pearson, Joan McCann
Euc. Assts 8.30 John Griffin, Ian Bryce
Euc. Assts 10.30 Greg Pestell, Joe Fernandez
Welcoming 8.30 Gwen Betson, Volunteer please
Welcomers 10.30 Volunteers please
Sidespeople 8.30 Bev Ralph, Max Ralph
Sidespeople 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Volunteer please
Welcome Table Bev
Altar Linen for April Rosemary & Pat
Tea 8.30 Gwyn Cowland
Mowing None this week
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 28th March
Rector’s day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
1.30pm Lent Group - Library
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Arise 255/ Youth Group
Tuesday 29th March
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Bishop in Council etc
10.00am Playgroup - Roz’s Room
11.00am Shepparton Aged Care- Anne Russell
7.00pm Lenten Eucharist
7.30pm Lenten Study
Wednesday 30th March
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine’s
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
6.00pm EfM - Roz’s Room
Thursday 31st March
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Choir Practice
Friday 1st April
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
3.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Saturday 2nd April
Associate Priest’s Day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist
4th Sunday in Lent - Mothering Sunday 3rd April
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine’s
9.30am Breakfast & Guest Speaker in the Hall
10.30am Eucharist - St Augustine’s
8.45am Eucharist - Dookie
10.45am Eucharist- Katandra A.G.M.
5.00pm Alternative Worship Service/Lady Chapel
5.30pm Evening Prayer