SEPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY
8th February 2004
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
As the bus slowed down at the crowded bus stop, the Pakistani bus conductor leaned from the platform and called out, "Six only!" The bus stopped. He counted on six passengers, rang the bell, and then, as the bus moved off, called to those left behind: "So sorry, plenty of room in my heart - but the bus is full." He left behind a row of smiling faces. It's not what you do, it's the way that you do it. Anonymous
Bread for myself is a material question. Bread for my neighbour is a spiritual one. Nicholas Berdyaev
A PRAYER
FOR THIS WEEK
Father, we bring to you the needs of all our families. We call you Father because we are all your children. Let your fatherly love strengthen our family and all families in peace and harmony, in love and faithfulness, in care and considerateness for each other, in faith and patience in our difficulties, in hope and forgiveness, in prayer and cheerfulness, through our Risen Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen.
ALL SEEING
A woman had twins and gave them up for adoption. One of them went to an Egyptian family and was named "Amal". The other went to a Spanish family and was named "Juan". Years later Juan sent a photo of himself to his mother. Upon receiving it she wistfully told her husband that she wished to have a photo of Amal too. Her husband responded: "But they are twins my dear. If you've seen Juan, you've seen Amal."
My wife says I never listen to her. At least I think that's what she said.
ORDINATION INTERVIEW
Bishop: What part of the Bible do you like best?
Candidate: I like the New Testament best.
Bishop: What book in the New Testament?
Candidate: The book of Parables, Father.
Bishop: Would you kindly relate one of these parables to me?
Candidate: Once upon a time a man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho and fell among thieves, and the thorns grew up and choked him. And he went on and met the Queen of Sheba, and she gave that man, Father, a thousand talents of gold and silver and a hundred changes of raiment. And he got in his chariot and drove furiously. And when he was driving along under a sycamore tree, his hair got caught in a limb and left him hanging there. And he hung there many days and many nights, and ravens brought him food to eat and water to drink. And one night, while he was hanging there asleep, his wife, Delilah, came along and cut off his hair, and he dropped and fell on the stony ground - and it began to rain, and it rained forty days and forty nights. And he hid himself in a cave. And he went on and met a man who said, "Come in and take supper with me", but he said, "I can't come for I have married a wife." And the man went out into the highways and byways and compelled him to come. He went on and came to Jerusalem and he saw Queen Jezebel sitting high up in a window, and she saw him. She laughed at him, and he said, "Throw her down out of there!" and they threw her down. And he said, "Throw her down again," and they threw her down seventy times seven and of the fragments they picked up twelve baskets full. Now whose wife will she be in the day of judgement?
Bishop: Never have I heard such a marvellous and compelling conflation of the Biblical narrative. You have a more complete view of the Bible than those who come from the Theological Colleges brandishing a Bachelor of Theology degree! I will ordain you next Saturday. Well done.
ANGLICAN REFLECTIONS
Fr Andrew Neaum
The most trivial pastime of the past week has been rotating my right foot in a clockwise direction while drawing the number six in the air with my right hand at the same time. This magically changes the foot's direction. It is an exercise best practised at home and should` in no way be attempted during worship.
The most successful denominations, numerically, are evangelical and "happy clappy". They tend usually to be Baptist, Pentecostal and sometimes Sydney-style or very evangelical Anglican. Numbers, though important, are not everything however. We are called to feed our sheep not count them. Indeed, King David landed his people in terrible trouble, we are told, by counting them.
Two weeks ago I took a trip to Melbourne to meet the head of the Theological School at Trinity College. He has spent a lot of time in the United States where there are some very successful Anglican Churches of a liturgical and tradition-respecting sort, such as ours at St Augustine's. He is a historian and scholar and I asked him if he thought there was any future for the Anglicanism that I love so much, but which seems so divided between liberals and conservatives. He said he thought that there was, but that a major realignment was taking place and that we liturgically based, liberally minded and reasonably high church Anglicans, would probably part company, in some way or other, with the conservative and extreme evangelical wings of our denomination and also perhaps with the conservative and anglo-catholic wings. A de facto division, which has already opened up, is likely to be formalised, either into some sort of federal arrangement which maintains a tenuous link or a total parting of the ways. He thought that this would leave Anglicanism of our sort smaller, leaner, and more focussed and effective.
I make these observations as we launch into Children's Church once a month at the 10.30am Eucharist. What we have got to be careful to avoid is losing touch with our tradition and raison d'etre. There are always those among us who look down the road at successful evangelical denominations and, envious of their numerical success, push us to ape slavishly their style of worship and approach. Certainly we can learn from different styles and approaches, but we must remain true to ourselves, distinctive, Anglican, liberal and high church (not spiky Anglo Catholic). Not because other denominations are to be despised or denigrated, but because we ourselves have something precious and unique that needs to be preserved in order to continue to enrich the amazing mosaic that is contemporary Christianity. The Baptists make the best Baptists, to ape them is unnecessary, stupid and probably doomed, likewise the Pentecostals. Those who hanker after such worship and theology simply have to go there. Anglicanism of the tolerant, inclusive, liturgical, liberal sort is likely always to be a minority taste, but it is precious, lovely and a vital and bright thread in the Christian tapestry, if lived and expressed authentically. What we hope to do at the 10.30, then, is not to innoculate people, and especially the young, against liturgical Eucharistic worship by weaning them onto something totally different and happy clappy. Rather the intention is to introduce them to authentic Anglican worship, but in a more lively and child-friendly style than is usual at the 8.30 or the ordinary 10.30 service. We will indeed sing some contemporary songs, so long as they are of a reasonable quality, but we will also sing the great hymns of our tradition as well. No Anglican child should be unfamiliar with, for example, "All Things Bright and Beautiful", though the version we sing is an interesting Australianised one. "Stand up Stand up for Jesus", "Jesus Loves me", "Who would True Valour See", "What a Friend we have in Jesus", "God be in my Head", even "Onward Christian Soldiers" are all part of our rich heritage, have helped make us who we are and need transmitting to our children far more than many a contemporary and often ephemeral chorus or song! Children rather like being mystified too, an occasional incomprehensible hymn of quality will not do them any harm at all and might become a favourite. My generation loved "Immortal Invisible", for example, and it was the "hobgoblins and foul fiends" in Bunyan's "Who would True Valour See" that grabbed us, as also "the hornèd moon at night, mid her spangled sisters bright" in Milton's "Let us with a Gladsome Mind." The great pity is that most parents are unable or unwilling to bring their children to church more than once a month, so their child's exposure to all the hymns, songs, readings, prayers and indeed to Christ himself is likely to be too slight to soak in and become a part of their very being. Something is better than nothing though.
On this second Sunday of every month upon which Children's Church takes place there will be a BYO barbecue for anyone who would like to come. In the months ahead we might travel off to some pleasant spot elsewhere for this, but to start with it will be here at St Augustine's. This is for everyone, you don't need to be accompanied by a quiver full of kids and 8.30 congregants (dread word) are welcome too.
At a funeral last week I met a delightful Roman Catholic lady who told me that at another funeral some months previously in St Augustine's, I had blown so brazen and proud an Anglican trumpet that I had half persuaded her, and some of her fellow Catholics, that I am un-ecumenically minded. This is not so. I love my particular tradition passionately, but I also love Christendom passionately. The Roman Catholics I best relate to are those who passionately love their denomination as I do mine. Likewise Baptists and Pentecostals. I have a particular affection for Rome, though, not least because I consider it to hold the future of Christendom in its hands, simply through its world-wide dominance and influence, but I love it too because, like my sort of beloved Anglicanism, it is so sacramentally and liturgically based. A sacramental theology is the only one that makes much sense to me. Then of course it has its glorious musical and artistic heritage, Palestrina, the Masses of Haydn and Mozart and so on. On the Protestant side I love Lutheranism particularly, not least because of Luther himself, such an earthy, fascinating and so often profoundly sensible lad, but above all because of Johan Sebastian Bach who is without doubt, to me, the "Fifth Evangelist". I am very fond too of the Uniting Church, especially its Methodist hymn-singing tradition, and also because of my happy and close association with it at Emmanuel in Wodonga, a combined Anglican and Uniting Church congregation. A love of one's own tradition does not necessarily preclude a love of other traditions. It simply adds another point of commonality - not only are we united by a love of our Lord, but also by a common and passionate love of our own particular tradition.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Elizabeth Neaum who celebrates her birthday on Sunday the 8th of Feb. and to Joan Harder for Monday the 9th.
BARBECUE
On the Second Sunday of each month, starting today, there is a BBQ for all who would like to attend. It is BYO everything and an opportunity to meet and enjoy each other's company, that is all. All are welcome.
NOTICE OF A G M's
The Annual General Meetings this year take place as follows: Dookie: Tuesday 17th February at 7.30pm. Katandra: Sunday 29th February, after the Family Service. St Augustine's and Parish: Ash Wednesday 25th February after a 7.00pm Eucharist.
REPORTS FOR AGM
The Parish AGM is held on Ash Wednesday, the 25th of February. All reports for this should be handed in to the Parish Office by Monday the 16th of February.
LENT GROUPS
At this stage there will be two Lent Groups meeting this year. The first on Tuesdays at 2.00pm at the Church starting on the 2nd of March. The second on Wednesday evenings, following a Eucharist at 6.00pm and then a light meal of soup and bread. I shall be ordering the booklets this week so put your name down on the list in the narthex if you intend coming to either.
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Next Sunday is Harvest Festival at St Augustine's. It has crept up on us rather quickly, but I do hope that folk will bring stuff along on Saturday morning to help decorate the church. We would like not only produce from the garden and farm but also (on loan only) symbols of our labours in fields of endeavour, such as the home, the factory and the class room. An ironing board or two, perhaps and so on....
VESTRY MEETING
There is a Vestry Meeting this Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Library.
SHROVE TUESDAY
There is a list for the names of those who will be attending the Pancake Party on Shrove Tuesday the 24th Feb. It begins at 6.00pm.
DUTIES FOR 8th February 2004
Readers 8.30 Norm Mitchelmore, Heather Carlyon
Readers 10.30 Jenny Pleming, Charlotte Brewer
Servers 8,30 Michelle, Stephen, Debbie
Servers 10.30 Jenny Pleming, Zebedee, Joan McCann,
Euch. Assists 8.30 Bev Condon, Heather Fitzgerald
Euch. Assists 10.30 Christine Evans, Carole Henderson
Intercessors Bev Condon, Children
Welcoming 8.30 Beryl Goodfellow, Cecily McDonald
Welcomers 10.30 Frank Steen, Jill Waterson
Sidespeople 8.30 Trevor Batey, Victoria Heenan
Sidespeople 10.30 Alan Akers, Adrian Evans
Tea 8.30 Bev Reither
Mowing Alan Akers, Mervyn & Stephen Cowland
DUTIES 15th February 2004
Readers 8.30 Carole Henderson, Joan Harder
Readers 10.30 Christine Jones, Nancy Noonan
Servers 8,30 Beth, Kate, James
Servers 10.30 Jenny Waite
Euch. Assists 8.30 John Griffin, Carole Henderson
Euch. Assists 10.30 Bev Condon, Maureen Cormican
Intercessors Celebrant, Maureen Cormican
Welcoming 8.30 Heather Pearson, Bev Ralph
Welcomers 10.30 Judy Longley, Adrian Evans
Sidespeople 8.30 Bob Galt, Joe Pearson
Sidespeople 10.30 Charlotte Brewer, Nola Brewer
Tea 8.30 Shirley Dean
Mowing Norm Mitchelmore,Lawrie Tinning
PRAYER
Prayer List
Liam Bognar, Rosalie & Phil Brown, Adie Edwards, Rita Esam, Richard Goodfellow, Iris Grant, Ron Hall, the Harrison Family, Kevin & Ellen Green, Jean Hastie,Fr Wayne Ireland, Isobel Kerr, Hilder Lidgard, Ann Mills, Joy Merrigan, Joan O'Reilly, John Perry, Ray Prosser, Gwen & Bob Scott, Roger Saville, Gill & Lawrie Slater, Peter & Eva Swindells, Anne Tacey, Des Walker, May Wallace, Brian Ward, Malcolm Waterson, Ashley, Brydie & baby Taya, Bruce, Natalie & baby Alexandra,David, Elizabeth, Faith, Gary, Joyce, Keith, Midge.
Rest in Peace
Edie Alexander, Marion Nagle, Bob Butcher.
Anniversary of Death
Amelia Meloury , Jennifer Clarke 8th, John Chaman 9th, Sylvia Walls 11th, Ernest Fister, Edna(Molly) Moore 12th Niko Rendevski, Nanette Woodcock 13th.
IMPORTANT DATES
Feb 10th G.F.S. Townsend 7.30p.m.
Feb 10th Playgroup 10 a.m.
Feb 11th Vestry meeting 7.30 p.m.
Feb 13th Rural Deanery
Feb 14th Wedding 3.00pm
Feb 15th Harvest Festival
Feb 17th Dookie A.G.M. 7.30 p.m.
Feb 17th Afternoon Guild 2 p.m.
Feb 17th Playgroup 10.00am
Feb 19th 1.30pm, Evening Guild Eucharist and meeting
Feb 24th Playgroup 10 a.m.
Feb 25th Ash Wednesday and AGM
Feb 29th Family Service Katandra & A.G.M.
Mar 5th World Day of Prayer
Mar 14th Children's Church
Mar 21st Mothering Sunday
Mar 25th Lady Day - Wangaratta
April 11th Easter Day
May 18th - 21st Annual Priests' Retreat
May 26th St Augustine's Patronal Festival
May 28th -29th Synod
Jun 5th Ugandan Martyrs - Breakfast
June 16th Mass for Africa
Oct 3rd St Francistide Pet Blessing
Nov 13th Parish Fair
THIS WEEK
Monday February 9th
Fr Andrew's Day off
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Tuesday February 10th
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.00am Playgroup - Hall
1.30pm Funeral of Bob Butcher
5.30pm Evening Prayer
7.30pm GFS/Townsend Meeting - Narthex
Wednesday February 11th
7.45am Mattins - Lady Chapel
10.00am Eucharist - St Augustine's
11.00am Banksia Lodge
11.30am Katandra Guild Eucharist and AGM
1.30pm Hakea Lodge
5.30pm Evening Prayer
7.30pm Vestry Meeting - Library
Thursday February 12th Martyrs of Japan
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
5.30pm Evening Prayer
7.30pm Choir Practice
Friday February 13th
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
10.30am Rural Deanery Meeting - Euroa
6.30pm Wedding Rehearsal
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Saturday February 14th
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - Lady Chapel
3.00am Wedding - St Augustine's
5.30pm Evening Prayer
Sexagesima Sunday Feb 15th
8.00am Mattins - Lady Chapel
8.30am Sung Eucharist - St Augustine's
9.00am Eucharist - St Luke's Dookie
10.30am Eucharist - St Augustine's
10.45am Eucharist - St Mary's Katandra West.
5.30pm Evening Prayer