ADVENT SUNDAY
2 December 2012
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
PROCRASTINATION
Fr Andrew was waiting in a queue to fill his 2004 Camry with petrol. It happened to be just before a long weekend. It was twenty minutes before he was able to fill up the car and join the next queue waiting to pay for the privilege. An unusually sympathetic cashier commiserated with him saying, “Father, I am sorry about the delay. It appears that everyone waits until the last minute to get ready for a long trip.” “Indeed,” replied Fr Andrew,“It’s much the same in my business too.
THIS AND THAT (61)
Andrew Neaum
If we are fully to understand and appreciate what we read, it is best to do so out loud. This is especially so for verse, but it holds true for pretty well everything.
Reading out loud
Diana and I read a fair bit to each other. Whenever the weekly “Spectator” arrives I hold off reading several of my favourite columnists until I can share them out loud with her. They seem three times as good when read in this fashion. While on holiday I read several whole books to Diana, to our benefit and delight and whenever I read anything else that particularly strikes me, I am likely to inflict it upon her, usually to her pleasure. I am a very fast reader, one of the world’s best skimmers, which is all very well and useful, but my retention of what I read in this way is almost nil. To read aloud enables the savouring of what is read. It is better understood, retained and invites discussion and debate.
When my children were small I used to read to them a fair bit. The great trouble with this was my propensity to fall asleep. There would be frustrated cries from the children: “Daddy, you’re falling asleep”, cries that would become more and more frequent as the session went on. I would annoy them in other ways too. If bored with what I was reading I would start from the bottom not the top of a page now and then, or too vigorously provide sound effects even for their taste. Good days and times, fondly remembered.
I visited someone in a nursing home last week who was distressed and unable to communicate much except distress. So I tried reading out loud to her. It had an immediate and soothing effect. In lonely and often harrowing bedside vigils this might well be a good thing to try. Choose something likely to be interesting to both of you. Even if the patient appears beyond understanding or appreciating anything, it can percolate in some way, or simply the music of your voice can. You never know.
Computing for thirty years
It was thirty years ago on the Island of St Helena that I first began to develop a deep interest in computers and decided that I would have to purchase one. It was word processing that fascinated me. A young doctor on the island actually possessed a computer, the first privately owned one I had come across. He told me of its potentialities. We were paid a pittance on the island so there was no affording one until I had settled down as Rector of Skipton in the Diocese of Ballarat. Since when many hours of my time have been spent painfully learning my way into the successful use of a succession of machines. It has all been trial and error, marked by some spectacular mishaps. I once lost everything I had written for six years. The intelligent geekish son of a parishioner was able to recover most of it, but every file had been corrupted by other files. So a letter to a friend would contain part of a sermon. It made for boring letters and interesting sermons.
Computing has been an interesting voyage of discovery. My general ignorance still exasperates Peter my son, whom I call upon to rescue me from any spectacular or even footling goofs these days. The ignorance is general rather than specific. Any particular program or task that captures my imagination or interest I teach myself to use and understand thoroughly.
Word processing first sparked my interest. I am very adept at this now, in spite of having put my faith in a word processor called Word Perfect instead of in the now almost universally used Word. This means that there are translation problems when communicating electronically with others, but such problems are relatively minor.
Tristan photos
These past few weeks Diana and I have spent much time turning a selection of our Tristan photographs into a Power Point presentation. This allows for titles and text as well as offering a variety of other possibilities. Neither of us know anything much about Power Point, so our efforts have been as much trial and error as success. We are getting there though. I hope to be able to give our achievement a first run through at the Men’s Breakfast on the 15th of December. To do so will mark some sort of departure for me. My preferred form of public communication is the lecture or address with the only pictures allowable drawn in words. Our photos were taken only with small and inexpensive cameras, but they are not at all bad.
Now the continuation of an edited diary from Diana and my time in England:
Saturday 18 August, 2012 7.40am
A really traumatic day yesterday. I decided to ring Cynthia on Tristan da Cunha to ask about payment for the voyage. Lorna had informed us that phone calls to the island were as easy and inexpensive as if ringing someone in England. I got through directly to Cynthia and she told me that she was just in the process of sending me an email, to say that our booking on the Agulhas was no more. Those in charge of the ship had too many people wishing to take places and so the ten berths allocated to the Island had been taken away. She was most apologetic, but the decision was final.
We were numbed as we explored the consequences of this decision and began to consider possible alternatives. We could stay in England longer, go to Europe, or stay longer in South Africa. Nothing seemed either easy or satisfactory. We rang Lorna, our Tristan friend who lives in England and she was equally devastated. She said that she would ring Cynthia to see what was what and I wrote an email to Cynthia:
Dear Cynthia
Devastating news. Do please confirm the decision by email. Is it set in concrete? We need to know, for it involves a possible re-booking of airfares with possible penalties, or even the renegotiating of leave etc. etc. It really is hard to believe at such short notice and having been booked for two years!
How awful for you too though to have to inform folk like us of so terrible a decision. Our sympathies! With best wishes.
Some time later I received in response the following:
Dear Andrew,
I really feel terrible (even though it was not my decision!!) that you and Diana will not get a berth on the Agulhas this year. As I explained on the phone we originally planned for 10 places at the Ordinary Fare, same as last year. It was only on Monday that the shipping company advised us that they could not give us these places because they were needed for scientists etc. on this trip. We are just as devastated as you are at their decision, but like I said it is out of our hands!!
If it helps in any way, we can offer you and Diana two berths on the Baltic Trader departing Cape Town on 20 September, returning from Tristan on 5 Oct - she usually departs Tristan a day or two later than scheduled. Or you can return on the SA Agulhas II on 6 Oct as we will have spaces on the return trip from returning medevacs and Islanders who were on holiday. This would give you approximately 6-7 days on Tristan.
Thank you for your sympathies - I am sure you understand how difficult it is on a place like Tristan, as even though it is no fault of mine the finger still gets pointed at me!! I should be used to it by now but each time I have to cancel someone on a ship I always feel so bad. Best wishes, Cynthia
PS. Lorna has also e-mailed me about the cancellation of your berths so I will be phoning her shortly to explain.
After phoning Lorna we decided to take the Baltic Trader option, electing to return on the Agulhas as this would be more reliable for catching our plane. All is not lost. I had thought that my dream of seeing Tristan again was over and done with. Curtailed yes, but not over. Though neither of us is hugely confident of getting there after this late blow. We have decided to stay an extra couple of weeks in England which will mean a penalty for changing airfares, but it does mean that we can expand some of our compressed visiting schedule. We have already put off Tony and Alison for a week and likewise the Bristol trip. This means we will be able to do the latter without dragging Max and Bella along, though they would not mind.
Other than that we did eventually get out to visit the banks to begin rationalising Diana’s finances, and we went to look at the guttering of 26 Loubet Street which apparently is blocked, visiting the agent as well about the Bond.
Hot and sunny weather for today as well as yesterday. We had an authentic Greek-made moussaka last night, made and then frozen by Olga’s mother. Good, and I was hungry. A simple dish though, unfussy with little obvious spicing or flavouring. Layers of aubergine, as we do it, grilled rather than fried, layers of mince and a thin cheese covering. We sleep in Olga and Pula’s sitting room on a sofa that pulls out to be a bed.
Sunday 19 August, 2012 6.45am
Yesterday we headed by bus and train to Kew to meet up with the both our families, David, Rachel and Ray;, Pula, Olga, Martha and Llew with the children. It was the hottest day of the summer, full sunshine and about 32 degrees. The deep, green shade and beauty of Kew Gardens was surely the best place in London to be on such a day. David had asked his cousin along, a thoughtful, clever and delightful fellow. He confessed to leaning backwards towards Church again, or as I like to put it, discovering Church again for the first time. Mystery, awe, otherness and beauty being what it is all about. He said a trip to Mass at Kings College he had found too cold and protestant, for all its beauty, whereas a Russian Orthodox Mass in St Petersburg was overwhelming in its beauty. A lovely day.
Later 4.30pm: We decided this morning to go to the 10.00am Eucharist at the local church, All Saints. We had risen late and needed to get the girls ready to go with us as Olga and Pula were off to celebrate their wedding anniversary at Greenwich.
We managed to arrive in time for the Gospel and there was a not unreasonable congregation, largely West Indian. The sermon was standard liberal fare, worth listening to but with an absence of passion and in no way stimulating to the heart. The preacher is a social-worker priest attached to the parish.
The choir was far less than ordinary, two men and three women, with no finesse whatsoever. As I walked past them on my way to receive Communion they sang ‘Sweet Sacrament Divine’, the women a little harsh, the men singing bits and pieces of idiosyncratic harmony. Their enthusiasm was touching though and it is admirable that they persevere because there is no choir master or musical director. The organist was very good, but he has moved from London and so plays only once a month. An Oxford educated barrister, I found him a little difficult to talk to in that his response in conversation was less freely given than needing to be dug out. His wife was much more voluble in talking to Diana. This Sunday provided a good contrast to the two previous ones. It certainly did not touch the heart aesthetically, but did so in the community sense. A happy throng, so mixed, ordinary and decent. The Giving of the Peace was a great hugger mugger that went on for ages. We chatted to a fair number of folk afterwards.
Monday 21 August, 20126.53pm
Once Ogla and Pula returned we packed our gear and headed for our favourite Indian Restaurant the Saraswathy Bhavan at 70 Tooting High Street, opposite the Sainsburys that is next door to Tooting Broadway Underground. Instead of our usual dhosa we shared a 17 item Thali. This came with a puri, chappati, a good bowl of rice and lots and lots of little dishes of different spiced relishes. Excellent. All for a mere £7.50 altogether. We then bussed our way to Streatham and as Janet was away were able to enjoy an evening in a house to ourselves for a change.
Monday Sunday 20 August, 2012
After a relatively leisurely morning we left to visit Diana’s North of Ireland friend Joyce at the apartment of her friends in Wapping, as we did two years ago. We had a lovely time and because they were going out to an exhibition of some sort they knocked together an early light lunch for us before we went. Good conversation, both of them well educated retired professionals. Their apartment is right over the river, below Tower Bridge, easy to get to by bus. From their balcony there is a good view of the new Shard, a building not particularly pleasing to the eye. From there we made our back home to Streatham by way of Victoria to hire a car for our Worcester and Belper trip. On our return I found the following email:
Dear Andrew,
On Saturday I was informed that one of the Islanders had injured his knee so he and his wife may not be able to travel on the SA Agulhas II, but I will know for definite towards the end of the week. If this is the case then you and Diana can have the two berths!!! If it is OK with you, I suggest we wait and see what happens before I give you the contact details for payment for the Baltic Trader fares. Have a nice day. Best Wishes, Cynthia.
FROM THE REGISTERS
Birthdays:
Joyce Auldrige. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dec 2
Lillian Walter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dec 4
Elaine Brown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dec 5
Anniversary:
Betty & Barry Pleming. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec 3
URGENT NEED FOR PINE CONES
These are wanted to decorate as a part of Children’s Church. Bring them to the Parish Office please.
CLERGY & LAY CONFERENCE
3 Dec - 6 Dec
The clergy will be away this week from Mon to Thurs & Diana from Mon to Tues. We are attending the Diocesan and Lay Conference at Trinity, Melbourne. In an emergency, until Wednesday morning, ring Fr Andrew’s mobile 0417 452 460. After that ring the Parish Office.
ADVENT STUDY
6 Dec 13 Dec
The Rectory: Thursdays 7.30 - 9.00pm.
The third of these four studies is on Thursday. Led by the Rector they take us through the life of Jesus in four weeks, and are based on a chapter from Francis Spufford’s impressive book “Unapologetic: Why, Despite Everything, Christianity can still make Surprising Emotional Sense.” Good preparation for Christmas, not to be missed. Sign up in the Narthex. Not too late to come.
NATIVITY PLAY REHEARSAL
9 Dec Sunday 10.30am
NATIVITY PLAY
16 Dec 10.30am during Sunday Eucharist
All children are most welcome and indeed encouraged to be a part of the play. Please come to the crucial rehearsal for all those children desirous of a part this lovely event.
ST. MARY’S KATANDRA
PATRONAL FESTIVAL
9 Dec Sunday 8pm
Katandra West would appreciate lots of good company on Sunday the 9th of December. They celebrate their Patronal Festival on that day. There is always a good spirit to the occasion and lavish eats afterwards.
ARISE255 YOUTH GROUP
10 December Monday
Christmas break up: Gather at Kids Town for a play and BBQ dinner.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
11 Dec Tuesday 2pm in the Narthex
A reminder to the Friendship Group that they are meeting on the 2nd Tuesday this month for their CHRISTMAS PARTY. Please bring a plate and a gift to exchange- no more than $5.
TRISTAN DA CUNHA for BREAKFAST
15 December after 8am Eucharist Saturday
There is a Men’s Breakfast coming up. So, all you fellows, sign up for it in the Narthex. The Speaker: Andrew Neaum on Tristan da Cunha.
CAROL SERVICE
AND
FAREWELL TO DEACON GRACE
21 Dec Friday 7.00pmOur Carol Service at St Augustine’s is always different. This year there are new carols by the choir and old favourites for the congregations, as well as an interesting Russian Christmas Story to augment the biblical story. More importantly however, having just learned that Deacon Grace’s new calling to help Karen refugees requires her to leave us at the end of December and not January as we thought, we will make the Carol Service her “official” farewell. So after the Carol Service we will crack champagne bottles, speechify prettily, make a presentation and eat tasty nibbles all in her honour. More details next week.
ST PAUL’S RUSHWORTH
Combined Evening Eucharist and Meal
30 Dec Sunday 5pm
Join the ‘Almost New Year Celebration’ when Rushworth and Murchison invite everyone to join them at 5pm in Church followed by a delicious meal after in the Hall. Please contact Phil Lowden 58 561 513 or Dawn Wilkinson 58 561 768 for numbers. Tickets $20 including raffle ticket
EMPTY JARS WITH LIDS PLEASE
These are wanted by the Katandra Guild please, to fill with lovely concoctions for the good of Mother Church. Please bring them along to the Parish Office.
FOR THE DIARY
Dec 9 Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nativity Play Rehearsal
Dec 9 Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8.00pm Katandra Patronal Festival
Dec 10 Mon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arise 255 Youth Group
Dec 11 Tue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friendship Group Xmas Party 2pm
Dec 12 Wed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4.00pm Vestry
Dec 15 Sat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Men’s Breakfast
Dec 15 Sat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00pm Carols at Mercy Aged Cared
Dec 16 Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nativity Play at 10.30 am
Dec 19 Wed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Parish Council and drinks
Dec 21 Fri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carol Service & Deacon Grace’s Farewell
Dec 30 Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rushworth-Combined Service and Meal
Feb 3 Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cologne Chamber Orchestra
Feb 13 Wed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ash Wednesday & AGM
June 02 Sun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Patronal Festival
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
Betty Adams, Hilary & Alan Akers, Joyce Auldrige, Liam Bognar, Michael Egan, Victoria Heenan, Bruce Hodgson & family, Katherine Holt, Dos King, Elsie Lieschke, Helen McDonald, June McKellar, Lynda Saville, Suzanne Singh, Heather Steen, Janet Whelan, Joyce & Ray, Fr Peter, Simon & Cheryl, Beryl, Lucy, Michelle.
Rest in Peace: Kevin Cowell, Nell Dent.
Anniversaries: Edith Waite, Zaidee Turner, Beryl Mitchel (2 Dec), Georgie Gribble, June Kemp, Marie Peoples (3 Dec), Yvonne Guthrie, Mavis Hildyard (4 Dec), Joseph Lidgard (5 Dec), Bertha Nelson (6 Dec), Marj Gash, Keith Howlett (7 Dec), Francis Burgman, Marjorie Green(8 Dec).
Duties for Sunday 2 December
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Liz Gyle, Pat Griffin
Intercessor 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clergy
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beth, Soibhan, Michelle
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joe Pearson, Heather Pearson
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gwyn & Merve Cowland
Welcomer 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dulcie Ackland, Gwenda Betson
Welcome Table 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy Cook
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bev Reither
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Nancy Noonan
Intercessor 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joan Mc Cann
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny Pleming, Sarah, James
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Volunteer, Joe Fernandez
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Pleming, Frank Steen
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Beryl Black, Irene Crawford
Welcome Table 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy Cook
Projector 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karina Black
Children’s Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Pearson
Mowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .none
Monday Office 3 Dec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rosemary Moore, Jeanette Smith
Duties for Sunday 9 December
Readers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bev Condon, Pat Griffin
Intercessor 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Griffin
Servers 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michelle, Soibahn, Beth
Euc. Assts 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Griffin, Barbara Schier
Sidespeople 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bev & Max Ralph
Welcomer 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Beryl Goodfellow, Anita Saville
Welcome Table 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dorothy Cook, Bev Condon
Tea 8.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Val Bambrook
Readers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Bhat
Intercessor 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aaran Bhat
Servers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rick, Sam, Maddie
Euc. Assts 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jenny, Joe
Sidespeople 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . John Pleming, Yasmin Bhat
Welcomers 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leoni Gilbert, volunteer
Welcome Table 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorothy Cook
Projector 10.30. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandra Simonis
Children’s Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grace
Mowing 15 Dec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marg & Brendan Carroll
Altar Linen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pat Griffin
Monday Office 10 Dec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Jenny Mintern, Jan Phillips
READINGS NEXT SUNDAY
Malachi 31-14, Zechariah’s Song, Philippians 11-11
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday 2 December
2.00pm Sudanese Church Service
5.30pm Evening Prayer- Lady Chapel
Monday 3 December, Francis Xavier- Clergy Conference
(Rector’s day off)
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5.00pm Evening Prayer- Lady Chapel
Tuesday 4 December Nicholas Ferrar, Clergy Conference
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10-12 Play Group
11.00am Shepp Aged Care
5.00pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Wednesday 5 December Clergy Conference
7.45am Mattins - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine’s
2.00pm Mercy Christmas Services
4.00pm Banksia
5.00pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Thursday 6 December Nicholas Clergy Conference
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
9.30am Tarcoola
11.00am Harmony Devotions
1.00pm Memorial Service for Nell Dent
5.00pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Choir Practice
7.30pm Advent Study Group
Friday 7 December Ambrose
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
8.30am Narthex Breakfast
5.00pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
Saturday 8 December Conception of BVM
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist
Sunday 9 December 2nd Sunday in Advent
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine’s
10.30am Eucharist - St Augustine’s (Nativity Rehersal)
9.00am Rushworth-local
11.00am Murchison-local
8.45am Eucharist - St Luke’s Dookie
2.00pm Sudanese Church Service
5.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
8.00pm Eucharist -St Mary’s Katandra
Patronal Festival and Supper