SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
2nd October 2011
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
THE ULTIMATE DISILLUSION
Urged on by his insistent wife a father tentatively asked his son, Aloysius, if he knew about the birds and the bees. "I don't want to know!" Aloysius exclaimed and burst into tears. Confused, his father asked him what was wrong. "Oh, Daddy, Aloysius sobbed. "When I was six I found out there was no Santa Claus, at seven no Tooth Fairy and at eight no Easter Bunny. And now, if you tell me that there is no such thing as sex either, I've got nothing left to believe in!
THIS, THAT
AND THE OTHER (16)
Andrew Neaum
Heading to Benalla and then Wangaratta last Tuesday we listened to Margaret Throsby interviewing a fascinating and very articulate monologist, author and actor called Mike Daisey. One of the songs he chose to play during the interview was so unutterably and "in your face" pessimistic, we could hardly believe our ears. We were transfixed.
Pessimism
There is something compelling about pessimism. My mother's favourite Old Testament Book was Ecclesiastes, a splendidly pessimistic, hopeless read if ever there was one, and I too love it for that..... Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun.... and so on. Many of us like such sentiments because, perhaps, we feel it is necessary to acknowledge the all too apparent futility of things. Relentless optimism is wearying because it refuses to acknowledge that it is only half the picture.
The song that transfixed us is called "No Children" and is sung by a band called "The Mountain Goats". The second half goes:
I hope I cut myself shaving tomorrow
I hope it bleeds all day long
Our friends say it's darkest
before the sun rises
We're pretty sure they're all wrong
I hope it stays dark forever
I hope the worst isn't over
I hope you blink before I do
And I hope I never get sober
And I hope when you think of me
years down the line
You can't find one good thing to say
And I hope that if I found the strength
to walk out
You'd stay the hell out of my way
I am drowning
There is no sign of land
You're are coming down with me
Hand in unloveable hand
And I hope you die
I hope we both die
Listening to the song for the first time bowled us over. On reading its lyrics and considering them later, some of the shock was taken away by the realisation that it is the song of an alcoholic, and so rather than being sheer, unutterable, mind-blowing pessimism, it has possibly a didactic purpose, namely to depict alcoholism in such a way as to pass judgement on it. If so it is a pity really. It was one of the week's great experiences!
The Damnation Army
The cartoon on the front page of this pew sheet might offend a few of the po-faced. Let them be assured that it in no way mocks the Salvation Army. It simply presents a comic antithesis to it, the "Damnation Army"! The expressions on the faces of the two saucy, net-stockinged, high-kicking band girls are particularly well done.
Anglican agnostics and atheists
On Sunday we delighted in the first and surprisingly long episode of the television series derived from Alexander McCall Smith's Botswana novels "The Ladies No 1 Detective Agency". These books and now the television version of them are notable for presenting a positive, thoroughly attractive and undoubtedly authentic face of Africa. They help make clear why so many of us who have lived in Africa so love it.
Afterwards, on "Compass", Alexander McCall Smith was interviewed. He appears to me to be one of the most delightful, lovable and engaging of intelligent human beings. Although probably not a Christian he represents in his personality and outlook the very best of what I would regard as essential Christianity of an Anglican sort. Tolerant, humourous, forgiving, wise, perceptive, acute. I loved him. If he is not a Christian he reinforces a deeply held conviction of mine, namely that the fellowship of the faithful is wider than those who profess the faith. There are those who follow "the way, the truth and the life" without it's Christian signature. He is one of us.
Another likeable fellow, it seems to me, is the undoubted and quite pugnacious atheist Phillip Pullman, a hugely successful and accomplished children's author. In a recent article he attempts to answer a request from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, to explain what he means by calling myself a "Church of England atheist". It is an honest and rather lovely article that reveals him to be more agnostic than atheist. He ends it by inveighing against the "demented barbarians" who, he maintains "....are doing their best to destroy what used to be one of the great characteristics of the Church of England, namely a sort of humane liberal tolerance, the quality embodied in the term "broad church". A broad church is exactly the sort of church I like. Inclusive, not exclusive; more concerned with helping people in distress than in maintaining strict forms of worship and a literal reading of the Bible; and, above all, characterised by a dislike of fanatical inquisition into beliefs and motives. What goes on in people's minds and hearts is their own business and, what's more, it's likely to be largely unknown even to them. What matters is not what they believe, but what they do.... The Church of England, at its best, knew that and acted on it and, while any scraps of that tradition remain, I'm happy to be known as a Church of England atheist." He too, I feel in my bones, is more on the right side than the wrong.
Gazanias, gazanias everywhere
On Monday we attached our bicycles to the car and headed to Nathalia where we ate lunch beside Broken Creek and then cycled the town. This we find to be a good way to familiarise ourselves with strange towns, and we have already done the same in Tatura. Nathalia was looking particularly beautiful, the creek full and colourful carpets of gazanias everywhere. We are not ideal tourists for we take our tucker and drink with us and so buy little or nothing. However we did look for, find and buy some rubber rings for our Fowler jars in preparation for a bountiful harvest of fruit to bottle this year. The great loop of Broken Creek upon which the town is sited makes orienting oneself quite difficult, and the tracks along the river are particularly lovely.
Islam at last
For the first and long heralded Islam Study, even with four or five apologies, there were still twenty one of us in the Rectory. Such a large group presents particular challenges, requiring thoughtful management to ensure participation by all and domination by none. We achieved this I think, thanks to some good prior advice from and discussion with Diana, an accomplished and experienced teacher. It will be good, as the study continues, to get away from a stereotypical view of Islam to view it for what it really is.
At this first session, the final, biggest and to me most interesting and crucial question we considered was: "Do you think the God revealed in Jesus in the First Century and the God revealed in the Quran in the Seventh Century are one and the same?"
Interestingly the word for God used by Arabic-speaking Christians and Jews is "Allah". What is more, Christians in Indonesia and Malaysia also use "Allah" to refer to God in both the Malaysian and Indonesian Language. The mainstream Bible translations in both languages use Allah as the translation of Hebrew Elohim (translated in English Bibles as "God")
All this acknowledges, surely, that we do indeed worship the same God. What is different and distinctive is our perspective on God. So the reason for remaining a Christian is not that we are right and they are wrong, but rather is because we consider our pers-pective to be the most focussed, clear and revealing perspective. Our doctrine of the Incarnation, for example, with its concomitant assertion that sacrificing love lies at the heart of the Godhead and provides humanity's raison d'etre, is a life enhancing insight and truth unique to our perspective, and one that we cannot live without. That there are glimpses and hints of this great truth in Islam and indeed in other great faiths goes without saying, but they are but hints and glimpses. However, Islam's perspective on God has its own unique and lovely features that we need to appreciate and even appropriate.
Unless one approaches other faiths (or even denominations) with some such sort of fairly nuanced understanding and respect that allows them their own validity and integrity, dialogue is impossible, competition inevitable and conflict likely.
A white rabbit and a bonfire
Saturday the 24th of October was unusually full. It began with a Men's Breakfast in the Parish Hall at Euroa, a cool enough morning for there to be an open, blazing and most welcome fire. Those present appeared to enjoy my Africa talk as much as I enjoyed their egg, bacon, sausage, tomato and company.
Afterwards Diana and I went on to Benalla for a seminar all about finding Christ in films and the media. The best part of this was the personality of Rob Whalley and a film from the early fifties called "Harvey" with James Stewart in the leading role. It was most enjoyable and extremely well acted, a thought provoking film about a man whose best friend is a "pooka" named Harvey — in the form of a six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall rabbit. Only he can see the rabbit, although others occasionally seem to be able to as well. When his sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, a comedy of errors ensues. As with many of the best comedies it provokes much thought as well as laughter and the sweet nature of the main character has something of the "holy fool" to it. In the evening we went off to the Pearsons, after the Vigil Eucharist, to participate (late) in the BBQ and to enjoy a wild bonfire in good company and a bitter wind.
As it was in the beginning
J.S. Bach's great Magnificat in D ends with the same melody as it began, to match the words: "As it was in the beginning..." So too I end as I began with an example of pessimism, more rueful than shocking though:
My ranks of friends are getting serried;
Another one has just been buried.
I often wonder what I'm doing -
Mourning their loss, or simply queuing?
Alexander Shivarg
PARISH FAIR & GARDEN PARTY
A final meeting of the Planning Group will beheld this Thursday 6th October, at 4pm in Roz's Room. All very welcome to attend.
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Distributing Flyers
The flyers are in the hands of the printers and will be ready for distribution by our volunteer "walkers" on Sunday next. If you are not a "long-distance walker", but live in or adjacent to Retirement Villages, perhaps you could deliver a bundle of pamphlets to the Reception Desk for distribution to residents - and/or - ask your hairdresser if you can place some flyers on her counter. Publicity is of the utmost importance.
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Garage Sale and White Elephant Stall
This year this stall will be located at the eastern entrance (Orr Street) of the Parish Hall. Furniture and heavy items will be located in the foyer and the stall will extend to the porch, down the steps on to the area adjacent to the Orr Street frontage. This change has been made to allow more space on the lawn west of the Hall and also to reduce double-handling of heavy items of furniture.
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Delivery of non-perishable goods
The Parish Hall will be open from Monday 17th to Friday 21st October for parishioners to deliver items for sale - large and small (including jams and preserves). Trestles will be placed where goods may be put ready for sorting and pricing by stall-holders. (Please do not bring T.V. sets as they do not sell.) On these days volunteers will be on duty to assist during hours of opening: 10am to 4pm, Please telephone Pat (58313080) if these times are not suitable to you; a more convenient time will be arranged for the hall to be open.
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Inclement weather
Whatever the weather, the Fair will be held. When chatting to neighbours and friends, please emphasise this. About five years ago we prepared PLAN "B" which had to be adopted last year. It worked well. The atmosphere was friendly and 'cosy' and some stalls were located in quite amazing locations! However "our" long term forecast is for a gorgeous day!
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Raffle Books
We would appreciated it if you would \please return your raffle books (sold or unsold) by the 15th October.
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthdays: Congratulations to Vida Hardy (Rev'd Gail's mother) who turns 103 on Sat. 8th Oct and also to Ted Mead who turns 95 on the same day.
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
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!
CHRISTIANITY AND ISLAM
The Study has started, the books have arrived. The second 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 and through the ministry that you are already doing. For more information, ask Helen or any of the current group.
OUTREACH
Articles for Outreach need to be with Helen by today Sunday 2nd October at the absolute latest. Leave them at the parish office or email to:hmalcolm@bigpond.com
SENIORS WEEK: FACTS, FOOD, FUN
Wednesday 5th October 11.30-2.30pm - St. Augustine's Church Hall
The Social Responsibilities Committee is holding and sponsoring an imaginative educational and entertainment occasion . There will be speakers, displays and a light lunch will be provided so come along and enjoy some fun and food and gain some information about services and assistance that you may require in the future. All welcome
ANNUAL LUNCHEON
The Anglican Women of Australia Luncheon takes place on Tues. 4th Oct. at St. Paul's Church, Euroa. Guest Speaker: the Rev. Patti Matthews. Luncheon $10, bookings essential. RSVP by 27th Sept. to Di Grant 57941720.
ST LUKE'S DAY
The annual service for health workers, volunteers and everybody who cares for others in time of need, will be on Sunday 16th October at 5.30pm. It will be an evensong service with Rev. Patti Matthews as the speaker and Dr Bruce Sterling playing the organ. Please start to invite your local doctor, physio, naturopath, police officer, community nurse, paramedic etc. to offer them an opportunity to refresh and recharge.
CONFIRMATION
The Confirmation takes place on the 23rd October at the 10.30am Service. It will be followed by a BBQ, candidates please note! Please pray for:- Brayden Coates, Jack Lear, Oscar Lear, Olivia Lear, Tessa Cummins, Mitch Macheda. No confirmation class this week the 4th Oct. All confirmation candidates are required to attend church for the 2 weeks prior to their confirmation on the 23rd October please.
"MOVING ON" GRIEF SUPPORT
Tues 11th Oct 7.30pm in the Narthex Mary Pearson will be talking about her work with children and grief. All welcome.
BLESSING OF TADPOLES AND PETS
Next Sunday is Children's Church and at the 10.30am Eucharist we will bless any pets brought along, including sixty Rectory tadpoles and also baptize a baby.
READINGS NEXT WEEK
Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9
FOR THE DIARY
Oct 4th A.W.A Luncheon Euroa 10.30am
Oct 5th Seniors Week: Facts, Fun, Food 11.30-2.30pm
Oct 6th Parish Fair & Garden Party Meeting/4pm
Oct 8th Weddings 10.00am, 2.00pm and 3.30pm
Oct 9th Pet Service 10.30am
Oct 11th Social Responsibilities Meeting
Oct 11th "Moving On" Grief Support Group
Oct 16th St Luke's Service for the Medical Profession
Oct 18th -21st Clergy Conference
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 9th Concert: Sempre Cantare
Dec 10th Parish Quiet Day
Dec 10th Men's Breakfast
Dec 10th Wedding
Duties for 2nd October 2011
Readers 8.30 Norm Weaver, Carole Henderson
Readers 10.30 Peter Martin, Mary Pearson
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle
Servers 10.30 Greg, Joe, Zeb
Intercessors Heather Fitzgerald, Joan McCann
Euc. Assts 8.30 Heather Fitzgerald, John Griffin
Euc. Assts 10.30 Greg Pestell, Jenny Pleming
Welcomers 8.30 Anita Saville, Gwen Betson
Welcomers 10.30 Jenny Moran, Frank Steen
Sidespeople 8.30 Bev Ralph, Max Ralph
Sidespeople 10.30 Jenny Moran, Charlotte Brewer
Tea 8.30 Gwyn Cowland
Welcoming Table Judy Lloyd
Mowing None this week
Altar Linen/Oct Gwenda Betson
Duties for 9th October 2011
Readers 8.30 Heather Pearson, Pat Griffin
Readers 10.30 Courtney Craven, Charlotte Brewer
Servers 8.30 Beth Brewer, Michell Woodyard
Servers 10.30 Rick, Braden, Maddie
Intercessors Bev Condon, Children
Euc. Assts 8.30 Carole Henderson, Bev Condon
Euc. Assts 10.30 Christine Evans, Joe Fernandez
Welcomers 8.30 Shirley Dean, Bev Reither
Welcomers 10.30 Sandra Simonis, Nola Brewer
Sidespeople 8.30 Trevor Batey, Joy Campbell
Sidespeople 10.30 Nola Brewer, Mitch Macheta
Tea 8.30 Val Bambrook
Welcoming Table Dorothy Cook
Mowing Norm Mitchelmore, Alan Jeffery
Altar Linen/Oct Gwenda Betson
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
Margaret Aldous, Alan Akers, Deb Bagley, Liam Bognar, Joy & Ian Carmen, Stanley Carpenter, Ross & Helen Dainton, Frank Harder, Katherine Holt, John & Kate Horder, Thelma Irwin, Ross Judd, Elsie Lieschke, Judy Lloyd, Bronwyn Mitchell, 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:
Anthony Euling, Marjorie Bond, Lillian Kingston 2nd, Verna Martin 3rd, Daisy Priestly, Gordon Ayre, Aleksy Czerkaskyj, Richard Clayton, Peter Mountjoy 5th, Richard Crawford 6th.
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 3rd October
(Rector's day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Tuesday 4th October
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.30am A.W.A. Luncheon /Euroa
11.00am Shepparton Aged Care
7.30pm Islam Study - Rectory
Wednesday 5th October
7.45am Mattins only - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine's
11.30am St. Augustine's Hall /Seniors Luncheon
6.00pm EfM - Roz's Room
Thursday 6th October
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Eucharist/Hakea, Acacia
11.00am Eucharist - Harmony
4.00pm Fair Meeting - Roz’s Room
4.00pm Eucharist - Banksia
5.30pm Choir Practice
Friday 7th October
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
6.00pm Wedding Rehearsal
7.00pm Wedding Rehearsal
Saturday 8th October
(Associate Priest's Day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Wedding
2.00pm Wedding
3.30pm Wedding
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
Sunday 9th October
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine's
10.30am Eucharist - St. Augustine's/Pet Service
8.45am Eucharist - St Luke's
9.00am Morning Prayer - Rushworth
11.00am Morning Prayer - Murchison
12.15pm Orthodox Ceremony
5.30pm Evening Prayer