QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Often heard at parties: "Nothing shocks me any more." Who wants to be thought the kind of simpleton who can go on being shocked?
But in truth everybody has something - needs something - to be shocked by. Baudelaire tells of taking a "five franc whore" to the Louvre, which she had never visited before. As they passed the paintings and statues, she blushed and hid her face in her hands. Tugging at his sleeve, she kept asking how such indecencies could be displayed publicly.
"Nothing shocks me any more", the sort of gesture proper to social gatherings, bold, fearful, and futile.
D J Enright
MUSIC
The organist at the 9.30am Eucharist is Elizabeth Neaum her last stint for some time as next Sunday she will be at University in Canberra. Hymns: 80 92 531 492
PRAYER OF THE WEEK
O God, I thank you for my fellow human beings without whom I would have no personal relationships, and on whose work I depend for the continuation of my life. Let me always respect them, never try to exploit them, always be open to them, never presume to classify them, but always be reverent to their mystery and selfhood. Let my heart go to out to greet them, let the smile in my eyes welcome them, in desire for true relationship, O Father of us all. Amen
CHEERS
A professor of philosophy stood before his class with some items on the desk in front of him. When the final student was seated he picked up a large and empty glass bottle and proceeded to fill it with rocks...about two inches in diameter. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. He then picked up a box of pebbles and added them to the jar, shaking it lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks. "Is the jar filled now?" Yes, the students said. But then he picked up a bag of sand and poured it into the bottle. The sand filled in everything else. Once more he asked if it was full and after some thinking they said that it was. The professor then took two cans of beer from a bag at the side of the desk and opening them both, poured their entire contents into the jar. The students roared at this demonstration. After the laughter subsided the professor spoke: "I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things in your life; your family, your partner, your health, your children...things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter...like your job, your house, your car. The sand is everything else. The small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, rewire the lamp. Take care of the rocks first...the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. "After the impact of what he had said settled one of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. "I'm glad you asked. It just goes to prove that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of beers, and on that note, cheers lads..."
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Hugh Elford who celebrates his birthday on Tuesday the 18th, to Margaret Brew for Thursday the 20th and to Julie Skilton for Friday the 21st.
No, I am not going to write about this war....
Fr Ellis Jones
There must be better things to reflect upon. Take a drive in the countryside and let nature remind you of God's glory.
Yair? Smoke everywhere, no grass, suffering beasts. Talk about the parched land!
Well, what about a Bible reading. At last Sunday's services we read from Isaiah Chapter 40, a magnificent poem about God's grandeur, full of hope and promise: "those who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
People are complaining about armed personnel and equipment being sent to the Gulf before war has even been decided upon let alone declared. P'raps they should have waited so Hussain can have a decent two months to get ready. Wait on, wrong bloke. Not the England cricket captain, the guy in Iraq.
Lent is approaching. I am setting up Monday night Lenten Bible Studies about Mark's Gospel. It has 675 verses, 635 of which appear also in Matthew's Gospel, but scattered all over the place. It's not a biography of Jesus but a carefully designed treatise about two main topics: Christology ("Who is Jesus?") and Ecclesiology ("What does it mean to be his disciples?") The Church is the Community of Disciples today, so Mark's Gospel is about us.
Why can't Tony, John and Dubya write to Saddam saying "Look, old chap, we're crossing your borders and sending a few bombers over your towns and cities on such and such a date at 4 am, and we expect you to have the jug boiling and coffee available for our lads and lasses." That would be cricket, so to speak.
The Gospel of Mark is in four sections, each with a central theme surrounded by "satellite" events and messages. Although the shortest Gospel, it needs to be studied with care. For example, there are two miraculous feedings of the crowds, one for Jews, one for Gentiles, and each has a special message.
Although they have sent all these people, planes, tanks and ships to the Gulf, Saddam has an army of 350,000 and many tanks and missile launchers, and who knows what else? And what will happen when the stoush is over?
The sections in Mark lead on to new developments, except for the last part, Christ's Resurrection, which leaves many questions which can only be answered by readers themselves in their ongoing Christian lives.
Interesting, innit? I got this stuff from Frank Maloney's little book "This is the Gospel of the Lord, Year B".
Troubling, ain't it? I keep getting this stuff from the media, and sundry and manifold bad dreams.
Try for an encouraging Lent.
SUCCINCT
The `Times' once asked a number of writers for essays on the topic `What is Wrong with the World?' Chesterton's reply is the shortest and most to the point in history:
Dear Sirs:
I am.
Sincerely yours,
G K Chesterton.
ALWAYS FOLLOW TRUTH
Christ likes us to prefer truth to him because, before being Christ, he is truth. If one turns aside from him to go towards the truth, one will not go far before falling into his arms. Simone Weil
HELP
Support our fundraising activities for the Dawn Richardson Memorial Hall. The SACKAN ladies are compiling a series of recipe booklets made up of your favourite recipes. Commencing with soup and nibbles. We would like a copy of your favourite soup or nibbles recipe. Please help. The recipes should be provided in writing to Julie Skilton, Dorothy Heiner or Margaret Neaum by 28 February 2003.
FRIENDSHIP
The Friendship Group resume meetings this Wednesday 26th February in the Narthex at 7.30pm. The Guest Speaker will be the Reverend Libby Gilchrist.
ON YOUR OWN
A support group for people now on their own is about to start on Thursday evenings. We follow a program for dealing with various issues you face after separation, divorce or the death of your partner. You will find support and understanding from people who have lived and grown through such a crisis. It is provided in relaxed and often fun environment. To find out more please call Diane on 60247343.
PANCAKE TEA
The annual Pancake Tea will be held on Shrove Tuesday 4th March in the Narthex at 6.00pm. Cost $5.00 per head for Savoury Pancakes and Salad, Sweets, Glass of Wine and Tea/Coffee/Cordial. If able to attend, please put your name on the list in the Narthex as soon as possible.
LENTEN STUDIES
We are again running a series of Ecumenical Lenten Studies this year. If you would like to join in one of the groups please indicate on the list provided in the narthex your favoured day and time. We need to know how many books to order. There is a video as well as a CD involved in these studies and everyone who can should sign up, not least to avoid every group being predominantly Catholic, to our shame! In addition to the Ecumenical Studies, Fr Ellis will be running a Bible Study on Monday nights which will continue beyond Lent.
A G M REPORTS
The AGM at St John's occurs on the 2nd of March. Please submit reports this week!
STREET STALL - EARLY WARNING
The Street Stall is on Thur. 13th March 8.00am-1pm. All the usual goodies are needed, eg, cakes etc, plants. Are there any men who make wooden toys? I am sure they would be popular. Contacts: Julie Skilton 60592093, Dorothy Heiner 60567344, Georgina Edgar 60597316.
YOUTH RALLY AND REUNION
See the Notice Board for details of a Reunion and Centenary Celebration at the Cathedral in Wangaratta on Saturday 22nd of February.
PARISH COUNCIL
There is a Parish Council Meeting this Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Narthex.
READING THE BIBLE AT EUCHARIST
Next Sunday 23 February 2003
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Guide for Readers at Sunday Eucharist
Gospel is Mark 2: 1-12
Jesus heals the paralysed man with words of forgiveness.
A Reading from the Prophet Isaiah Chapter 43 verses 18-25
God is speaking through the mouth of the prophet. Emphasise that he is doing a "New Thing". For Christians, the New Thing is the promise of the coming of Christ, but 6th Century BC Jews were not to know this. The prophet has pronounced God's promise to overthrow Babylon, and restore Israel as a fertile and peaceful land. God allows for the fact that the people cannot offer any more sacrifices in the old way (there is no temple). He is weary of their heavy guilt for sin; the Jewish folk were full of guilt, as they understood the Exile as punishment for sin. But the final verse (25) is about God's unconditional forgiveness. It ties in well with the main theme of the Gospel reading.
Psalm 41
This song is a plea to God for healing of body and soul. It contains the Exilic notion that sickness and defeat come as the result of sin: "Heal me, for I have sinned against you." (Verse 4). The poem contains that tragic verse about betrayal: "My own familiar friend whom I trusted...has lifted his heel against me." (Verse 9). The song then expresses faith for those who trust in God in times of trouble. It is emotional stuff, & should be read with disciplined feeling.
A Reading from the Second Letter of Paul to the Corinthians, Chapter 1:16-22
Honestly, sometimes I am ding-boggled, dod-rotted and hornswaggled like the Captain in The Katzenjammer Kids for those who can remember. Paul is trying to explain to his Corinthian mates why he didn't turn up. I can relate to this, e.g. re the Opening of the Meeting Place a Friday ago, at which I was not. I don't think we need any further theological lecturing about this passage.
Nevertheless, try to present the Word with care. Thanks. ESJ.
THANKS
The family of the late Peter Nugent sincerely thank Fr Andrew and Margaret and St John's members for their prayerful support, attendance and words of comfort at Peter's funeral and also for their expressions of sympathy in the many beautiful cards we have received. Grateful thanks to all who helped in any way with the afternoon tea and lovely flowers. On such a sad occasion it is a joy to be a part of the St John's loving family. Beryl Nugent
ST JOHN'S WIPERS
This little business of ours is still growing and we urgently need lots and lots of cotton clothing, flannelette, windcheaters, sheeting and towelling. Please contact Hugh if you need goods picked up. Phone 60591212.
SACKAN
SACKAN will meet next Thursday 20 February in the Narthex from 9.30am. Come and join us. Contact: Julie Skilton 60592093 for more information.
IMPORTANT DATES
Feb 19th Pastoral Care Committee 2.00pm
Feb 26th Pastoral Care Group Meeting 2.00pm
Mar 2nd AGM St John's
Mar 4th Pancake Party
Mar 7th World Day of Prayer ( Sacred Heart)
Mar 13th Street Stall
Mar 19th Friends of our Lady Eucharist & Coffee Morn
May 4th Patronal Festival
May 31st Synod
Jun 18th Friends of our Lady Eucharist & Coffee Morn
July 23rd Fish and Chip night
Aug 14th -16th Choral Festival
Sep 17th Friends of our Lady Eucharist & Coffee Morn
Aug 17th Possibly Confirmation Day
Oct 5th St Francistide Pet Service
Oct 25th Flower Show and Fete
Dec 3rd Combined Friends of our Lady & Pastoral Care
FOR PRAYER
The Sick
Ivy Arnold, Ed Baumgarten, Jean Byrnes, Eunice Charlton, Sally Craven, Marjorie Glanville, Joyce Hall, Robert Jones, Lillian Loads, June Lyons, Gail Mahney, Anja Mosse, Grant Myers, Janet Murray, Thora Pyke, Val Saunders, Grant Savage, Ray Schmidt, Anne Shepstone, Dawn Smallpage, Pam Willoughby.
Rest in Peace
Margaret Lacey.
Anniversary of Death
William Walters, Noel Peirce 16th, Kathleen Perry 17th, Annie Turner, Peg Howard 18th, Phyllis Le Lievre 19th, Elizabeth Sheather 20th, Edna Muratore, Irene Cox, Peter Edwards, Geoffrey Bock, Jessica Carkeek 21st.
DUTIES up to & including 23rd February
Cleaning & Tea Team 1
Readers Beryl Anson, Margaret Connell, Dave Gillard
Eucharistic Assistant Roger & Cheryl Cobcroft
Intercessor Anne Young
Door Beryl Anson, Lanice Dicker, Rachel Neaum
Vestry Eric Saunders
Mowing Stan Best
Narthex Clare Russell & Liz Elliot
Linen Wendy McGregor
Welcome Table Gwen Goldsworthy, Ann Merbacj
Servers Tabitha, Matt, Jess, Phillip, Aimee, Catherine
THIS WEEK IN THE PARISH
Monday 17th February
Fr Andrew's Day off
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
Tues 18th February
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
Clergy Hospital Visits
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Affirming Catholicism - Parish Office
8.00pm Baptism Preparation - Narthex
Wed 19th February
7.15am Mattins only - Emmanuel
9.00am Meditation - Narthex
10.00am Eucharist - St John's
11.00am Eucharist - Vermont Court
2.00pm Pastoral Care Committee Meeting - Office
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Parish Council - Narthex
Thursday 20th February
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
9.30am SACKAN - Narthex
11.00am Eucharist - Westlands
1.30pm Eucharist - Osburn Lodge
3.30pm Children for Christ - Narthex
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Choir Practice - St John's
7.30pm Induction - Matthew Healey - Wangaratta
Friday 21st February
7.15am Mattins & Eucharist (Trad) - St John's
5.00pm Evening Prayer - St John's
7.30pm Probably no Scottish Country Dancing!!!
Sat 22nd February
7.45am Mattins & Eucharist - St John's
2.30pm Opening of Park Hill Village
6.00pm Vigil Eucharist - St John's
23rd February Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
7.30am Said Eucharist - St John's
9.00am Eucharist - Emmanuel
9.30am Eucharist - St John's
11.00am Eucharist - Bethanga
7.00pm Choral Evensong - St John's