EASTER DAY
8 April 2012
Graphics and cartoons & liturgical material appear only in the printed version
A BLONDE EASTER
Three blondes died. At the pearly gates St. Peter told them that heaven was theirs if they answered one simple question. He asked the first blonde, "What is Easter?" She replied, "That’s easy! It’s the holiday in April when old soldiers march to the cenotaph and then play Two-Up at the RSL.” “Wrong!” replied St. Peter, and proceeded to ask the second blonde the same question. She replied, “Easter is the holiday in December when we put up a nice tree, exchange presents and celebrate the birth of Jesus.” “Wrong!” replied St. Peter, and proceeded to ask the third blonde the same question. The third blonde smiled confidently and said:”Easter is the Christian holiday that coincides with the Jewish celebration of Passover. Jesus and his disciples ate the Last Supper together and then Jesus was deceived and turned over to the Romans by one of his disciples. The Romans took him to be crucified, he was stabbed in the side, made to wear a crown of thorns, and was hung on a cross with nails through his hands. He was buried in a nearby cave which was sealed off with a large boulder.” St. Peter smiled broadly with delight. “Go on,” he said. The third blonde continued, “Every year the boulder is moved aside so that Jesus can come out and, if he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter.”
THIS, THAT AND THE OTHER (40)
Andrew Neaum
I have a mind full of fragments. Most of them inconsequential, redundant, past their use-by date, bizarre, unutterably irrelevant to life today and downright daft. Odds and bobs of this that and the other: snatches of songs learned at school, some of them bawdy some not, lines of poems, punch lines from jokes, my mother’s favourite proverbs, my father’s bon mots and so on and so on.
Diana and myself are almost exact contemporaries and both English born. It shouldn’t surprise us, but often does, just how many of the fragments in her mind chime with or relate to those in mine.
There’s another little room to let
Whenever I return from the cemetery after a funeral, I find myself singing quietly a little song with the recurring refrain: “There’s another little room to let.” It is wholly appropriate to the circumstances and suitably if only faintly melancholic. It comes from a song that I have always presumed to have been sung by George Formby, but I cannot find it anywhere. My father used to sing it, and there is only one verse that I can remember. It goes:
A pal of mine went fishing once
In a boat that was too thin.
He struck a hole in the bottom of the boat
And the water it rushed in.
To stop the water rushing in
He did his best you bet.
He made another hole for to let it out.
There’s another little room to let.
If anyone knows the song and can provide me with more verses I will be extremely grateful. You Tube provides no help.
Taking to the road
On the Wednesday before Holy Week, on the way back from taking a Eucharist at Banksia, I fell heavily from my bike and thought I had broken my arm. I hadn’t. I also developed a heavy cold. Neither of these minor misfortunes deterred us from setting off two days later to visit my son Peter (newly moved to Tamworth) and then on to Brisbane to visit my brother and his family.
We drove by car all the way and not directly either. Diana is someone who believes that one’s journey is as much destination as is the journey’s goal, and so much has to be made of it. There is a good philosophical parallel to draw between this and life’s journey. Doubt-less there will be a sermon on the matter in months to come.
This meant that in three days on the road we travelled a fascinating total of 3351 kilometres. This is roughly the equivalent of a journey from London to Warsaw and back and significantly more than one from Land’s End to John O’Groats and back. The countryside everywhere was green and lovely, the weather perfect. It was good to be on the road.
My Grandfather’s Clock
My brother announced that he had found on You Tube a song much sung and enjoyed by my father. Up until now we have never been able to find it, but both of us remember a fair bit of it with delight and so my father must have sung it often. It is a parody of My Grandfather’s Clock and it seems that it was composed and sung by George Formby Senior.
He sings it in his curious, dead-pan but broad Lancashire accent and it was fascinating to discover that there were two talented George Formby’s not one. The song goes:
My Grandfather’s Clock
was a Waterbury Watch,
It could live 90 days without food.
With a silk ‘at on its ‘ead and my father’s MecUntosh,
It was dressed up like a Piccadilly Dude.
It was kept in the hall,
Till the cup-board got too small,
And we had no place the food, for to stock.
So the butter and the heggs,
And the little mutton legs:
We kept them in me Grandfather’s Clock.
And the works of the clock,
Through the butter meltin’ in it,
Sent the fingers flyin’ round,
At a ‘undred miles a minute,
And Grandad, with a sigh, said
“I haven’t time to die,
So I’ll put it off until the clock’s repaired.”
My Grandfather’s Clock was me Mother’s P’rambulator,
Round the park in it we used to ride.
There was me, and Treacle Tummy,
Liza Ant, and Justice ‘Awkins,
Screamin’ “Jimmy,” and the twins
all stuck inside..... (...and more)
A splendid parody, and a link with my father to cherish.
One of the delights of Easter Day is the removal of all the purple veils. This year there is a special bonus in that Ella Egan’s two magnificent embroidered panels have quietly been put in place, under veils. They complete her “triptych” of the Death, Ascension and Resurrection. They are now revealed in all their splendour. About which there will be more in future pewsheets.
As usual many thanks to the good folk who help make Holy Week and Easter so memorable an occasion for those who take the trouble to immerse themselves in our worship. Carole Henderson as Sacristan is a rock of reliability and initiative upon whom I rely enormously. The choir, servers, flower ladies, organists and my ministerial colleagues also contribute enormously, as too our Parish Secretary, readers and devoted attenders at worship. I love you all for the part you play in easing the Divine into our daily stories....
CONGRATULATIONS
Birthday:
Mervyn Cowland 8 April
Albert Oxenbury (101) 9 April
Gladys Petschack 13 April
Anniversary:
John and Joan Morrow 9 April
RENEW NAME TAG
Some of the name tags are looking well used. If you would like a newly printed name tag please put your name on the list in the drawer on the Narthex table.
CHILDREN’S CHURCH
Sunday 10.30am every Sunday
Anyone who would like to help plan and take a monthly activity session for the children after their talk at the 10.30am Eucharist on Sundays, or to come out and be an assistant, please have a word with Diana or the Clergy. The activity is usually based on the Gospel of the day.
“LADY DAY” AT ST AUGUSTINE’S
Monday 16 April 10-12 am
In aid of ABM for the Philippines to help with Girl’s Education and Clean Water. Meet with your friends at the Coffee Morning. There will be a Trading Table - bring a gift and buy a gift. The Raffle for the PLATE donated by June McKellar, will be drawn.
STUDY COURSE: Christian Zen and Thomas Merton
Tuesdays 1,8,15,22 May 7.30 - 9pm
This interesting study course is out of the ordinary and stretches boundaries a little. Conducted by Fr Rob Whalley it will explore the place where Mystical Christianity and Zen Buddhist practice and presence find a common ground of being. Using the life and teaching of Thomas Merton as a guide, it considers how the contemplative actions found in both traditions can lead us to live with more peace, passion and purpose. Each session will include meditation, study and conversation, with time for a cuppa following. Sign up in the Narthex.
JUNIOR CONFIRMATION
Thursdays at 4.00pm
The next Junior Preparation Session is on the 19 April. On April the 22 at the 10.30am Eucharist, we will admit our candidates as Catechumens and invite them and their families to the Rectory for lunch.
MOVING ON- Grief support Group
Tuesday 10 April 7.30
The Meeting is in the Narthex on the theme “Emmaus Journey Represented by the Grief Curve”.
ORTHODOX EASTER
Saturday 14 April 10.30pm
On Saturday we celebrate Easter again according to the Orthodox Calendar with our Macedonian fellow Christians. All welcome to a fascinating service.
FRIENDSHIP GROUP
Tuesday 17 April meet at1.15pm at Church for a ride or 1.30pm at the Art Gallery
The group will spend time in the Art Gallery and afternoon tea is available there.
LAY RETREAT
Friday 20-Sunday 22 April
Please refer to the February OUTREACH under the heading SPIRITUAL DIRECTIONS for details about booking the weekend retreat.
SUNDAY LUNCH AT MURCHISON
Sunday 29th April at 12.15pm
Sunday Lunch at 12.15pm is a fund raising meal at the invitation of Don & Norma Leslie, 160 Pogue Road Toolamba. All welcome (with a limit of 50, so book early). $20:00 Bookings preferred 58262422 / 58265270. Come either after 10.30am combined service at Murchison or direct from Shepparton.
EVENING GUILD
Thurs 19 April 1.30
Make sure you keep this afternoon free to come and help make plans for the next year’s interesting programme.
Fr LAURENCE FREEMAN
Christian Meditation as a path to fullness of life
St Mel’s Church Hall Thu 3 May 7-9.30pm
Cost $10 ( pensioners and students as can)
Book to Sandhurst Diocese Chancery
by Mon 30 April. Phone: 03 54412544
or adultfaith@sandhurst.catholic.org.au
READINGS NEXT SUNDAY 15 April
cts 432-37 Psalm 133 1 John 11 - 222
FOR THE DIARY
April 16 Mon Lady Day at St Augustine’s 10-12
April 17 Tue Friendship Group- Visit to Art Gallery
April 19 Thur Guild Meeting 1.30
Apr 20-22 Fri-Sun Lay Retreat
April 23 Mon Arise 255
Apr 29 Sun Combined Service & Lunch Murchison
May 1 Tues 1st of 4 Tue studies-Christianity and Zen
May 3 Thurs Christian meditation-St Mel’s 7-9.30pm
May 10 Th Raffle Sub Committee Meeting 4.00pm
May 12th Sat St Columb’s Fair @ St Augustine’s 10-3pm
May 20 Sun St Augustine’s Patronal Festival
May 25-26th Synod - Wangaratta
May 28-31 Lay and Clergy Conference - Harrietville
Jun 14 Th Parish Fair Planning Meeting 4.00pm
Jun 25-29 Clergy in Service Training Trinity College
July 15 Sun Confirmation
Sep 24-27 Mon-Thu Clergy Retreat - Harrietville
Oct 6 Sat Car Boot Sale Murchison
Oct 20 Sat 2012 Parish Fair and Garden Party
Duties for Sunday 8 April
Reader 8.30 Pat Griffin, Norm Mitchelmore
Intercessors 8.30 Carole
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle, Carole
Euc. Assts 8.30 Grace Sharon, John Griffin
Sidespeople 8.30 Joy Campbell, Trevor Batey
Welcomer 8.30 Beryl Goodfellow,Heather Nichols
WelcomeTable 8.30 Judy Lloyd, Bev Condon
Tea 8.30 Gwyn Cowland
Readers 10.30 Peter Martin, Andrea Fisher
Intercessors 10.30 Grace Sharon
Servers 10.30 Joe, Rick
Euc. Assts 10.30 Jenny, Grace Sharon
Sidespeople 10.30 Chris Sim, John Pleming
Welcomers 10.30 Bev Condon, Gloria Wayman
Welcome Table 10.30 Dorothy Cook
Projector 10.30 Mary Pearson
Children’s Church Susanne Lear
Mowing none
Altar Linen - April Pat Griffin
Monday Office none
Duties for Sunday 15 April
Reader 8.30 Victoria Heenan, Bev Condon
Intercessors 8.30 Pat Griffin
Servers 8.30 Beth, Michelle
Euc. Assts 8.30 Barbara Schier, Bev Condon
Sidespeople 8.30 Gwyn and Merve Cowland
Welcomer 8.30 Anita Saville, Shirley Dean
WelcomeTable 8.30 Dorothy Cook, Judy Lloyd
Tea 8.30 Bev Reither
Readers 10.30 Mary
Intercessors 10.30 none
Servers 10.30 Zeb, Grace and Eve Way
Euc. Assts 10.30 Joe, Linda Prosser
Sidespeople 10.30 Beryl Black, Irene Crawford
Welcomers 10.30 Bev Condon, volunteer
Welcome Table 10.30 Judy Lloyd , Dorothy Cook
Projector 10.30 Charlotte Brewer
Children’s Church Mary Pearson
Mowing 21 April Merv, Beryl Bonfito
Altar Linen -April Pat Griffin
Monday Office Barbara Brown, Pat Gibson
REQUESTS FOR PRAYER
Dulcie Ackland, Hilary & Alan Akers, Liam Bognar, Angela Brown, Betty Bush, Michael Egan, Christine Furze, Vida Hardy, Frank Harder, Bruce Hodgson & family, Katherine Holt, John & Kate Horder, Bill Hunter, Margaret Kidman, Jack Lear, Ruth Lewis, Elsie Lieschke, Merle Maskell, Adrian Moule, Olive Paez, Bev Ralph, Sandra Simonis, Jon Singh, Suzanne Singh, Patricia Sparkes, Heather Steen, Fay Warren, Mary Warren, Jean Wellman, Joyce& Ray, , Liza, Kaye, Lewis, Margaret, Peter, Seth.
Rest in Peace: David Glenn, Peter Boumbis
Anniversaries: Kylie Oakes, Rowland Crosby, Margaret Montgomery (8 April), Valma Hooan (9 April), Ethel Robertson, Maisie Lear, Nancy Tacey, Minnie Laslett (11 April), Thomas Cochran, Alf Taig, Alan Batey ( 14 April).
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Sunday 8 April EASTER DAY
5.30pm Evening Prayer- Lady Chapel
Monday 9 APRIL Rector’s day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5.00pm Evening Prayer- Lady Chapel
Tuesday 10 APRIL
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
1.00pm Funeral of Peter Boumbis
5.00pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
7.30pm Grief Support
Wednesday 11 APRIL
7.45am Mattins - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine’s
2.00pm Vestry
5.00pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Hospice
6.00pm EfM
Thursday 12 APRIL
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
8.25am Narthex Breakfast
10.00am Eucharist - Mercy
11.00am Eucharists - Harmony
11.00am Eucharist - Ave Maria
12.15am Clergy Luncheon
5.00pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Choir Practice
Friday 13 APRIL
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
8.25am Narthex Breakfast
5.00pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel
7.30pm PCC Murch/Rush
Saturday 14 APRIL ORTHODOX EASTER
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.30pm Orthodox Easter Ceremonies
Sunday 15 APRIL
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine’s
10.30am Eucharist - St. Augustine’s (Baptisms)
8.45am Eucharist - St Luke’s Dookie and AGM
9.00am Eucharist - Rushworth
11.00am Eucharist - Murchison
5.30pm Evening Prayer - Lady Chapel