Friday, April 27, 2012
RonBlog
Sunday 29th April, 2012 Fourth Sunday of Easter
Sentence
‘I am the Good Shepherd,’ says the Lord. ‘I know My own and My own know Me.’ John 10:14
Collect
God of peace, Who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant make us complete in every good work to do Your will, and work in us that which is pleasing in Your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
First Lesson Acts 4: 5 – 12
The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. When they had made the prisoners stand in their midst, they inquired, "By what power or by what name did you do this?"
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, if we are questioned today because of a good deed done to someone who was sick and are asked how this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that this man is standing before you in good health by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead. This Jesus is 'the stone that was rejected by you, the builders; it has become the cornerstone.' There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved."
Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd: therefore can I lack nothing.
He will make me lie down in green pastures: and lead me beside still waters.
He will refresh my soul: and guide me in right pathways for His Name’s sake.
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me, Your rod and Your staff comfort me.
You spread a table before me in the face of those who trouble me: You have anointed my head with oil and my cup shall be full.
Surely Your goodness and loving-kindness will follow me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Epistle 1 John 3: 16 – 24
We know love by this that He laid down His life for us--and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action. And by this we will know that we are from the truth and will reassure our hearts before him whenever our hearts condemn us; for God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have boldness before God; and we receive from him whatever we ask, because we obey his commandments and do what pleases him. And this is his commandment that we should believe in the name of his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as he has commanded us. All who obey his commandments abide in him, and he abides in them. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit that he has given us.
GOSPEL John 10: 11 – 18
Jesus said "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away--and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them lso, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father."
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
First Lesson
There is little doubt that at this early stage in the spread of the Infant Church, the Apostles were delightfully unafraid of the powers-that-be in Israel. The outburst from Peter in today’s passage shows clearly the outspokenness of the Eleven.
Mind you, little of it went down very well with the authorities as you might expect, still smarting as they were from the tales of Jesus having been raised from the dead. Peter’s outburst blaming the Jewish authorities for Jesus’ execution would not have won a lot of authoritarian hearts either. But good on him! It was a pity in a way that the outspokenness was not all that regular as time went by.
Psalm
I doubt if I could add very much to your perception of this psalm, although it has to be said that having spent most of my ministry in rural and outback areas, my view of sheep does not stretch to the touchy-feely thing that seems to appeal to city dwellers. They tend to miss most of the point: and the story goes that when missionaries began their work in PNG, they had to make a rapid switch from sheep to pigs ..... which does not have the same sort of ring, does it!
Epistle
Dear old John; small wonder that he was held in such high esteem in the Early Church. This simple and direct material parallels rather well, I reckon, with the profundity of his Revelation. That latter was, of course the outcome of very extended ponderings as he observed life in the Empire, which was rarely a pretty sight.
GOSPEL
Never, never take this ovine imagery lightly. It was never any fun being shepherd, let me tell you. That is not from personal experience but from reading reports of early shepherding in this country back a century or more. One need only to look at the Gospels and remind ourselves of the difficulties and contrary pressure Jesus experienced to realize that while the Gospel is tremendous, so is the human capacity to make an absolute mess of whatever we touch!
NOTES FOR A SERMON
After half a century of priesthood and preaching – and living! – it remains such a disappointment to me that remarkably few of those in congregations seem to have much of a clue about the Faith, what it is there for and what benefit, if any, comes of following in Jesus’ footsteps. There is so much vague nonsense abroad; one is left wondering why anyone bothers to respond. In reality, the value and purpose of this Faith is stunning, and sooner or later, many more people will need to see, understand and follow this Lord of ours, unless of course, they choose chaos – which is the only alternative option.
Back to the imagery of the readings. Shepherds. And the Good Shepherd.
After many of those years mentioned above having been in outback, remote and rural areas, I am often bemused at the sight of urban people longing for the peace of the country. Recent TV programmes underline this movement, and further back, I was party to the sight of people moving north from Adelaide into rural areas where houses were (once-upon-a-time) cheap and affordable.
In one of the towns in the parish where I was working, that exodus of city people, sadly most of them disadvantaged, was creating quite a crisis for the locals. Crime rates began to soar, and locals needed to find a way to try and be alongside those folk. Occasionally, that support was appreciated, but mostly it was not, as the newcomers were certain that all others hated them, and wished only to see their backs. Actually the sad reality was that the problems tended to be solved only as the newcomers realised for themselves that their dream of peace and quiet was unreal, and that they needed to put in quite some effort if the experiment was to succeed.
In other words, there was the scenario that underlines the possibilities and problems of those trying to be shepherds. There is not a lot of difference between sheep and humans! Read that with a smile on my face, but do observe the truth of some of it,
You will need to do so if you are to embrace much of the point and purpose of Jesus as Shepherd. It is no easy task being shepherd, for humans or for animals, as it bears the same images and reality of small reward for huge effort, and distinct chance of rejection from the ungrateful public.
This imagery of shepherd goes back, Biblically speaking, to David about a thousand years before Christ. Later, prophets like Ezekiel took up the imagery which the Psalms had reflected already. In that rural and pastoral community, the image was familiar and was not overtaken by emotional and unreal expectations. Shepherding is an onerous and very demanding task, which the intervention of fencing and such has reduced to far less demanding proportion. On the other hand, dare to ask today’s pastoralist whether looking after sheep is all beer and skittles, and I suggest that you stand back a way when the reply comes.
Now begin to place some of the material you have gained alongside this image of the Good Shepherd. See, honestly if you dare, the enormous load and strain Jesus took upon Himself in His ministry, life, death and resurrection. Notice how few people actually responded positively to the message, to the truth of all He had to offer. Not even those among His Twelve could really be counted upon, until after the Resurrection. Put yourself in His shoes and ask yourself if you would continue faithful and true with such opposition from those who should have been most aware of the Faith, and most likely to have delighted to follow.
I suspect you might be getting the picture, and whilst I am not trying to tweak your guilt button, I am asking you to see that this ‘Good Shepherd’ business is not about being cosy and warm and fed and watered, but rather is all about responding with transparent truth to whatever challenge you are facing.
Newsletter
Sunday 29th April, 2012
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School is getting back into action …..
Collect for Easter III
Jesus, Good Shepherd of the sheep, by Whom the lost are sought and guided into the fold: feed us and we shall be satisfied, heal us and we shall be whole, and lead us that we may be with You, where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Today’s Readings Easter IV read by Mary V
Readings: Acts 4:5—12 and 1 John 3: 16—24
GOSPEL John 10: 11—18
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Wendy M
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Barb Capon, Sid Sweet and Pat Pater
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Robbie Bruce, Sid Sweet
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Caroline and Sid Sweet, Cynthia & Ian Macintosh
YEAR’S MIND— Valmai Barber (2004) Richard McKinley (2010) Catherine Cordes (2006)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter V
Readings Acts 8: 26—40 & 1 John 4: 7—21
GOSPEL John 15: 1—8
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
Walking Church First Sunday at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway Station Bridge.
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Stephanie Lloyd 8278 4260 and Lucinda Hale 8278 8814
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Min Araki or Ron Keynes
Sunday after Cynthia Macintosh or Don Caddy
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader David C Intercessor Mary V
Sunday after Reader Vanessa D Intercessor Hal S-C
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Iris Downes Brass Margaret Carruthers Cleaning Susan Lee
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) School bookings: May 19 afternoon, May 25 afternoon & evening
(c) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(d) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
Flea Market, Saturday 19th May. 9am to lunchtime. There will be stalls for books, cakes, second-hand clothes, white elephant and household gear. as well as Morning Tea and a Barbecue. Please help with stock for these stalls and volunteer your services to Jan Tregenza, Cynthia Macintosh, Yvonne Caddy, Graham Bains. The hall will be available to leave goods during the week. Flyers will shortly be available for distribution and display.
The S.A. ABM Auxiliary is presenting a fund-raising film morning on Wednesday 2 May at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood. The film to be shown is 'Midnight in Paris', described as ' beautiful to look at and abundant with charm'. Joan Durdin has five tickets at $9.00 each. Transport can be arranged. Morning tea available at 9.45 a.m. and the film commences 1030 a.m.
OTHER NOTES ……
Parish Council Meetings will now be held on the first Tuesday of the month starting from May 1st.
May is BCA box opening month. Please top up your boxes and leave them in the foyer early in May. If you would like to join the group who support BCA in this way, pick up a 'clean' box from the foyer. (David Hall)
NOTE FROM OUR LOCUMS – Fr. Conrad Patterson
It’s the Second Coming! or at least it is in the manner of The Terminator (‘I’m baaaaack!!!!) As a minimum I expect an opportunity to fire up the Memorial Barbecue at least once. It is very kind of Warren to invite me to stand in for him while he is on Long Service Leave. Today is just a brief appearance as Helen and I have a long-standing arrangement to be in Sydney next week-end. Helen trained as a Parish Worker at the now defunct St Christopher’s College in Melbourne. This week-end is their Biannual Reunion in Sydney. It’s probably the last time that she will get to one of these as the membership is declining rapidly. We are going the long way round
To contact me, you can always try me on the Mobile (041 609 1936). I make no promises as I often forget to have it with me, or the battery is flat and as for text messages, I am beyond redemption. But Helen will always take messages at home on 8351 5850. Conrad
RONBLOG — on sheep and shepherds.....
After many years in rural and outback ministry, I am often bemused at the sight of urban people longing for the peace of the country. Recent TV programmes underline this movement, and years ago I was party to the sight of people moving north from Adelaide into rural areas where houses were (once-upon-a-time) cheap and affordable. In one of the towns, that exodus of city people, (most of them disadvantaged,) was creating quite a crisis for the locals. Crime rates began to soar, and locals needed to find a way to try and be alongside those folk. Occasionally, that support was appreciated, but mostly it was not, as the newcomers were certain that all others hated them, and wished only to see their backs. Actually the sad reality was that the problems tended to be solved only as the newcomers realised for themselves that their dream of peace and quiet was unreal, and that they needed to put in quite some effort if the experiment was to succeed. In other words, that was the scenario underlining the possibilities and problems of those trying to be shepherds. There is not a lot of difference between sheep and humans! Read that with a smile on my face, but do observe the truth of some of it,
You will need to do so if you are to embrace much of the point and purpose of Jesus as Shepherd. It is no easy task being shepherd, for humans or for animals, as it bears the same images and reality of small reward for huge effort, and distinct chance of rejection from the ungrateful public. This imagery of shepherd goes back, Biblically speaking, to David about a thousand years before Christ. Later, prophets like Ezekiel took up the imagery which the Psalms had reflected already. In that rural and pastoral community, the image was familiar and was not overtaken by emotional and unreal expectations. Shepherding is an onerous and very demanding task, which the intervention of fencing and such has reduced to far less demanding proportion. On the other hand, if you dare to ask today’s pastoralist whether looking after sheep is all beer and skittles, I suggest that you stand back a way when the reply comes.
See, honestly if you dare, the enormous load and strain Jesus took upon Himself in His ministry, life, death and resurrection. Notice how few people actually responded positively to the message, to the truth of all He had to offer. Not even those among His Twelve could really be counted upon, until after the Resurrection. Put yourself in His shoes and ask yourself if you would continue faithful and true with such opposition from those who should have been most aware of the Faith, and most likely to have delighted to follow.
I suspect now you might be getting the picture, and whilst I am not trying to tweak your guilt button, I am asking you to see that this ‘Good Shepherd’ business is not about being cosy and warm and fed and watered, but rather is all about responding with transparent truth to whatever challenge you are facing.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
Friday, April 20, 2012
Newsletter
Sunday 22nd April, 2012
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School is in recess during the School holidays ,,,, so soon over!
Collect for Easter IIi
Lord of life, by submitting to death, You conquered the grave; by being lifted upon the cross, You draw all peoples to You; by being raised from the dead, You restore to humanity all that was lost through sin: be with us in Your risen power, that in word and deed we may proclaim the marvellous mystery of death and resurrection. For all praise is Yours, now and throughout eternity. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS read by Clare B
Readings Acts 3: 12—20 and 1 John 2:15—3:6
GOSPEL Luke 24: 36—48
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Sue D-T
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Valda Seith, Barb Capon and Sid Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Max Almond, David Corbett, Arndrae Luks, Jessica Helen Randall-Thomas
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
YEAR’S MIND— Evelyn Murray (2004)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter IV
Readings: Acts 4:5—12 and 1 John 3: 16—24
GOSPEL John 10: 11—18
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
Walking Church First Sunday at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge.
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Stephanie Lloyd 8278 4260 and Lucinda Hale 8278 8814
Today is the last Sunday Fr Warren will be with us before he starts Long Service Leave. Fr. Conrad Patterson will be locums for the rest of April and May, and he is no stranger to many of us. We look forward to his time back here as locums.
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Trevor Tregenza or Ron Keynes
Sunday after Min Araki or Jill Hilbig
[Changes due to Barb Capon’s accident]
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Mary V Intercessor Wendy M
Sunday after Reader David C Intercessor Mary V
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Marilyn Little Brass Rosemary Conlon
Cleaning Group 5
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) School bookings: May 19 afternoon, May 25 afternoon & evening
(c) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(d) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
The Flea Market – 19th May The time is getting closer and we hope all are planning for the event. All manner of help is being called for. Contact Jan T for more info.
The S.A. ABM Auxiliary is presenting a fund-raising film morning on Wednesday 2 May at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood. The film to be shown is 'Midnight in Paris', described as ' beautiful to look at and abundant with charm'. Joan Durdin has five tickets at $9.00 each. Transport can be arranged. Morning tea available at 9.45 a.m. and the film commences 1030 a.m.
NOTE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
After more than four years successfully leading Anglicare SA Dr Lynn Arnold will leave his position of Chief Executive Officer on June 30 to begin full-time study of theology and seek ordination. A previous Premier of South Australia, Dr Arnold has been exploring many areas of faith and spirituality and has for some time been in conversation with me about moving into ordained ministry. At the age of 63 Lynn Arnold feels it is now time and will begin a year of full-time study at St Barnabas’ Theological College from the beginning of semester two in July
RONBLOG …… on today’s Psalm 4 which you will need to look up
Who knows what sort of pressures from outside had this ancient worthy pondering the world in which he lived, and the sorts of people with whom he had to do. It was certainly enough to make him check his references, consider the relative values of following Jahweh or not; of weighing the relative merits of (his) faith and no faith. The choice he made was not only fascinating and true, but it was also based on empirical evidence. Cold hard facts. Never forget that. Here was no ‘pie in the sky’ crossing of fingers. Here was no ‘I hope it really is like this.’ It was a matter of observing the realities and making the choice I have long found this trait of Hebrew faith a fascinating one, which had long separated their ‘religion’ from any other religion, contemporary or not.
One does not have to look hard to see where modern culture equates, almost without adjustment, the follies and short-sightedness of those ancients. For instance, we watched TV the other night, and were appalled at the way in which advertisements pretend to offer all manner of benefit, when in fact the only reason for vast expenditure on ads is to separate people from their hard-earned. People get sucked in, again and again, and one is left wondering why! If you have the biggest boat, then you are top of the tree; if you do not have the right brands of clothes or shoes, you are reduced to being a nobody? Why ever is it that people do not manage to see past such crap and baloney? ‘Loving what is worthless, and seeking after lies’ tend to be art forms in our own day and age.
I suspect one of the most damaging lies perpetrated on people is for girls and young women to fit into a certain size- and lack-of-values- trap. Young people in particular seem determined to reject who and what they are, and attempt to fit the pattern of their idols, sporting or otherwise. And yet fail to see that most of those ‘idols’ are almost totally unable to keep their own heads above water.
What fools we mortals be.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School is in recess during the School holidays ,,,, so soon over!
Collect for Easter IIi
Lord of life, by submitting to death, You conquered the grave; by being lifted upon the cross, You draw all peoples to You; by being raised from the dead, You restore to humanity all that was lost through sin: be with us in Your risen power, that in word and deed we may proclaim the marvellous mystery of death and resurrection. For all praise is Yours, now and throughout eternity. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS read by Clare B
Readings Acts 3: 12—20 and 1 John 2:15—3:6
GOSPEL Luke 24: 36—48
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Sue D-T
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Valda Seith, Barb Capon and Sid Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Max Almond, David Corbett, Arndrae Luks, Jessica Helen Randall-Thomas
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
YEAR’S MIND— Evelyn Murray (2004)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter IV
Readings: Acts 4:5—12 and 1 John 3: 16—24
GOSPEL John 10: 11—18
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
Walking Church First Sunday at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge.
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Stephanie Lloyd 8278 4260 and Lucinda Hale 8278 8814
Today is the last Sunday Fr Warren will be with us before he starts Long Service Leave. Fr. Conrad Patterson will be locums for the rest of April and May, and he is no stranger to many of us. We look forward to his time back here as locums.
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Trevor Tregenza or Ron Keynes
Sunday after Min Araki or Jill Hilbig
[Changes due to Barb Capon’s accident]
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Mary V Intercessor Wendy M
Sunday after Reader David C Intercessor Mary V
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Marilyn Little Brass Rosemary Conlon
Cleaning Group 5
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) School bookings: May 19 afternoon, May 25 afternoon & evening
(c) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(d) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
The Flea Market – 19th May The time is getting closer and we hope all are planning for the event. All manner of help is being called for. Contact Jan T for more info.
The S.A. ABM Auxiliary is presenting a fund-raising film morning on Wednesday 2 May at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood. The film to be shown is 'Midnight in Paris', described as ' beautiful to look at and abundant with charm'. Joan Durdin has five tickets at $9.00 each. Transport can be arranged. Morning tea available at 9.45 a.m. and the film commences 1030 a.m.
NOTE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
After more than four years successfully leading Anglicare SA Dr Lynn Arnold will leave his position of Chief Executive Officer on June 30 to begin full-time study of theology and seek ordination. A previous Premier of South Australia, Dr Arnold has been exploring many areas of faith and spirituality and has for some time been in conversation with me about moving into ordained ministry. At the age of 63 Lynn Arnold feels it is now time and will begin a year of full-time study at St Barnabas’ Theological College from the beginning of semester two in July
RONBLOG …… on today’s Psalm 4 which you will need to look up
Who knows what sort of pressures from outside had this ancient worthy pondering the world in which he lived, and the sorts of people with whom he had to do. It was certainly enough to make him check his references, consider the relative values of following Jahweh or not; of weighing the relative merits of (his) faith and no faith. The choice he made was not only fascinating and true, but it was also based on empirical evidence. Cold hard facts. Never forget that. Here was no ‘pie in the sky’ crossing of fingers. Here was no ‘I hope it really is like this.’ It was a matter of observing the realities and making the choice I have long found this trait of Hebrew faith a fascinating one, which had long separated their ‘religion’ from any other religion, contemporary or not.
One does not have to look hard to see where modern culture equates, almost without adjustment, the follies and short-sightedness of those ancients. For instance, we watched TV the other night, and were appalled at the way in which advertisements pretend to offer all manner of benefit, when in fact the only reason for vast expenditure on ads is to separate people from their hard-earned. People get sucked in, again and again, and one is left wondering why! If you have the biggest boat, then you are top of the tree; if you do not have the right brands of clothes or shoes, you are reduced to being a nobody? Why ever is it that people do not manage to see past such crap and baloney? ‘Loving what is worthless, and seeking after lies’ tend to be art forms in our own day and age.
I suspect one of the most damaging lies perpetrated on people is for girls and young women to fit into a certain size- and lack-of-values- trap. Young people in particular seem determined to reject who and what they are, and attempt to fit the pattern of their idols, sporting or otherwise. And yet fail to see that most of those ‘idols’ are almost totally unable to keep their own heads above water.
What fools we mortals be.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
RonBlog
Sunday 22nd April, 2012
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School is in recess during the School holidays ,,,, so soon over!
Collect for Easter IIi
Lord of life, by submitting to death, You conquered the grave; by being lifted upon the cross, You draw all peoples to You; by being raised from the dead, You restore to humanity all that was lost through sin: be with us in Your risen power, that in word and deed we may proclaim the marvellous mystery of death and resurrection. For all praise is Yours, now and throughout eternity. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS read by Clare B
Readings Acts 3: 12—20 and 1 John 2:15—3:6
GOSPEL Luke 24: 36—48
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Sue D-T
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Valda Seith, Barb Capon and Sid Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Max Almond, David Corbett, Arndrae Luks, Jessica Helen Randall-Thomas
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
YEAR’S MIND— Evelyn Murray (2004)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter IV
Readings: Acts 4:5—12 and 1 John 3: 16—24
GOSPEL John 10: 11—18
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
Walking Church First Sunday at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge.
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Stephanie Lloyd 8278 4260 and Lucinda Hale 8278 8814
Today is the last Sunday Fr Warren will be with us before he starts Long Service Leave. Fr. Conrad Patterson will be locums for the rest of April and May, and he is no stranger to many of us. We look forward to his time back here as locums.
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Trevor Tregenza or Ron Keynes
Sunday after Min Araki or Jill Hilbig
[Changes due to Barb Capon’s accident]
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Mary V Intercessor Wendy M
Sunday after Reader David C Intercessor Mary V
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Marilyn Little Brass Rosemary Conlon
Cleaning Group 5
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) School bookings: May 19 afternoon, May 25 afternoon & evening
(c) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(d) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
The Flea Market – 19th May The time is getting closer and we hope all are planning for the event. All manner of help is being called for. Contact Jan T for more info.
The S.A. ABM Auxiliary is presenting a fund-raising film morning on Wednesday 2 May at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood. The film to be shown is 'Midnight in Paris', described as ' beautiful to look at and abundant with charm'. Joan Durdin has five tickets at $9.00 each. Transport can be arranged. Morning tea available at 9.45 a.m. and the film commences 1030 a.m.
NOTE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
After more than four years successfully leading Anglicare SA Dr Lynn Arnold will leave his position of Chief Executive Officer on June 30 to begin full-time study of theology and seek ordination. A previous Premier of South Australia, Dr Arnold has been exploring many areas of faith and spirituality and has for some time been in conversation with me about moving into ordained ministry. At the age of 63 Lynn Arnold feels it is now time and will begin a year of full-time study at St Barnabas’ Theological College from the beginning of semester two in July
RONBLOG …… on today’s Psalm 4 which you will need to look up
Who knows what sort of pressures from outside had this ancient worthy pondering the world in which he lived, and the sorts of people with whom he had to do. It was certainly enough to make him check his references, consider the relative values of following Jahweh or not; of weighing the relative merits of (his) faith and no faith. The choice he made was not only fascinating and true, but it was also based on empirical evidence. Cold hard facts. Never forget that. Here was no ‘pie in the sky’ crossing of fingers. Here was no ‘I hope it really is like this.’ It was a matter of observing the realities and making the choice I have long found this trait of Hebrew faith a fascinating one, which had long separated their ‘religion’ from any other religion, contemporary or not.
One does not have to look hard to see where modern culture equates, almost without adjustment, the follies and short-sightedness of those ancients. For instance, we watched TV the other night, and were appalled at the way in which advertisements pretend to offer all manner of benefit, when in fact the only reason for vast expenditure on ads is to separate people from their hard-earned. People get sucked in, again and again, and one is left wondering why! If you have the biggest boat, then you are top of the tree; if you do not have the right brands of clothes or shoes, you are reduced to being a nobody? Why ever is it that people do not manage to see past such crap and baloney? ‘Loving what is worthless, and seeking after lies’ tend to be art forms in our own day and age.
I suspect one of the most damaging lies perpetrated on people is for girls and young women to fit into a certain size- and lack-of-values- trap. Young people in particular seem determined to reject who and what they are, and attempt to fit the pattern of their idols, sporting or otherwise. And yet fail to see that most of those ‘idols’ are almost totally unable to keep their own heads above water.
What fools we mortals be.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School is in recess during the School holidays ,,,, so soon over!
Collect for Easter IIi
Lord of life, by submitting to death, You conquered the grave; by being lifted upon the cross, You draw all peoples to You; by being raised from the dead, You restore to humanity all that was lost through sin: be with us in Your risen power, that in word and deed we may proclaim the marvellous mystery of death and resurrection. For all praise is Yours, now and throughout eternity. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS read by Clare B
Readings Acts 3: 12—20 and 1 John 2:15—3:6
GOSPEL Luke 24: 36—48
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Sue D-T
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Valda Seith, Barb Capon and Sid Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Max Almond, David Corbett, Arndrae Luks, Jessica Helen Randall-Thomas
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
YEAR’S MIND— Evelyn Murray (2004)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter IV
Readings: Acts 4:5—12 and 1 John 3: 16—24
GOSPEL John 10: 11—18
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
Walking Church First Sunday at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge.
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Stephanie Lloyd 8278 4260 and Lucinda Hale 8278 8814
Today is the last Sunday Fr Warren will be with us before he starts Long Service Leave. Fr. Conrad Patterson will be locums for the rest of April and May, and he is no stranger to many of us. We look forward to his time back here as locums.
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Trevor Tregenza or Ron Keynes
Sunday after Min Araki or Jill Hilbig
[Changes due to Barb Capon’s accident]
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Mary V Intercessor Wendy M
Sunday after Reader David C Intercessor Mary V
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Marilyn Little Brass Rosemary Conlon
Cleaning Group 5
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) School bookings: May 19 afternoon, May 25 afternoon & evening
(c) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(d) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
The Flea Market – 19th May The time is getting closer and we hope all are planning for the event. All manner of help is being called for. Contact Jan T for more info.
The S.A. ABM Auxiliary is presenting a fund-raising film morning on Wednesday 2 May at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood. The film to be shown is 'Midnight in Paris', described as ' beautiful to look at and abundant with charm'. Joan Durdin has five tickets at $9.00 each. Transport can be arranged. Morning tea available at 9.45 a.m. and the film commences 1030 a.m.
NOTE FROM THE ARCHBISHOP
After more than four years successfully leading Anglicare SA Dr Lynn Arnold will leave his position of Chief Executive Officer on June 30 to begin full-time study of theology and seek ordination. A previous Premier of South Australia, Dr Arnold has been exploring many areas of faith and spirituality and has for some time been in conversation with me about moving into ordained ministry. At the age of 63 Lynn Arnold feels it is now time and will begin a year of full-time study at St Barnabas’ Theological College from the beginning of semester two in July
RONBLOG …… on today’s Psalm 4 which you will need to look up
Who knows what sort of pressures from outside had this ancient worthy pondering the world in which he lived, and the sorts of people with whom he had to do. It was certainly enough to make him check his references, consider the relative values of following Jahweh or not; of weighing the relative merits of (his) faith and no faith. The choice he made was not only fascinating and true, but it was also based on empirical evidence. Cold hard facts. Never forget that. Here was no ‘pie in the sky’ crossing of fingers. Here was no ‘I hope it really is like this.’ It was a matter of observing the realities and making the choice I have long found this trait of Hebrew faith a fascinating one, which had long separated their ‘religion’ from any other religion, contemporary or not.
One does not have to look hard to see where modern culture equates, almost without adjustment, the follies and short-sightedness of those ancients. For instance, we watched TV the other night, and were appalled at the way in which advertisements pretend to offer all manner of benefit, when in fact the only reason for vast expenditure on ads is to separate people from their hard-earned. People get sucked in, again and again, and one is left wondering why! If you have the biggest boat, then you are top of the tree; if you do not have the right brands of clothes or shoes, you are reduced to being a nobody? Why ever is it that people do not manage to see past such crap and baloney? ‘Loving what is worthless, and seeking after lies’ tend to be art forms in our own day and age.
I suspect one of the most damaging lies perpetrated on people is for girls and young women to fit into a certain size- and lack-of-values- trap. Young people in particular seem determined to reject who and what they are, and attempt to fit the pattern of their idols, sporting or otherwise. And yet fail to see that most of those ‘idols’ are almost totally unable to keep their own heads above water.
What fools we mortals be.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
Friday, April 13, 2012
RonBlog
Sunday 15th April, 2012 Second Sunday of Easter
Sentence
‘Peace be with you,’ says the Lord. ‘As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.’ John 20:21
Collect
Almighty and Eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt; may we who have not seem, have faith, and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, Who is alive and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen
First Lesson Acts 4: 32 – 37
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Psalm 133
Behold how good and lovely it is: when families live together in unity
It is fragrant as oil upon the head:, that runs down to the beard: fragrant as oil upon the beard of Aaron, that ran down over the collar of his robe
It is like the dew of Hermon: like the dew that falls upon the hill of Zion.
For there the Lord commanded His blessing: which is life for evermore.
Epistle 1 John 1:1 – 2:2
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us--
we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
GOSPEL John 20: 19 – 31
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
A week later his disciples were again in the house and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
First Lesson
It is an odd and rather sad cameo of the Infant Church that appears early in that story. On the one hand, there is enormous enthusiasm, and on the other, the inability to follow through. Before you are too hard on the errant couple, stop and realize how often people will respond not entirely automatically, then realize the step they have taken, and beat a rapid retreat. While it is understandable, it is also dishonest, and that is very destructive.
In my New Testament lectures in theological College donkey’s years ago, the lecturer drew attention to the strong possibility that this failed attempt at communism in the Church resulted in the constant appeals of Paul for the Jerusalem Church in its poverty. The idea was marvellous; the execution lacked forethought, one would consider that to be the problem.
Psalm
This is a very brief but very telling psalm drawing attention to the top value of community in the People of God. This is no easily-attained state, but enormously supportive when it occurs. Mind you, that is the aim of any community, and the Church is meant to be precisely that. Sadly, the demon of ego managed to infiltrate into the Church, for – as the Epistle today underlines, - we are and remain sinners. All of us, not just a nuisance few!!!
Epistle
Dear old John, who had become very much the elder statesman of the Infant Church, although his message remained remarkably simple and telling. It would not hurt to read through this short passage again.
GOSPEL
Three huge issues are enunciated here, in this brief and telling passage. First has to do with the forgiveness of sins, then resurrection, and the nature of faith.
Have you ever stopped to realize how remarkable is this business of Jesus giving His Apostles the authority to forgive sins. That action of Jesus drew constant antagonism from His enemies, religious leaders of Israel. Remember? And here He is handing out that authority to mere humans. You may notice that our Church tends to limit that authority to the ordained priesthood, which is a mark of the seriousness of that authority. It is not to be acted upon willy nilly. That is the point.
I have to express my solidarity with dear old Thomas: he – alone of the Twelve – was most aware of the enormous difference that Jesus’ resurrection brought, if in fact it had happened. Thomas was not prepared to take someone else’s word for such a gigantic change. He had to see the evidence for himself. And please note that Jesus both recognized and honoured that. Faith is never some sort of ‘cross the fingers’ business. Faith is ever the choice a person makes on the basis of the evidence available. And never forget that.
And what impelled Thomas to ask the serious question is simply this: if that tale of Jesus rising was a furphy, it was not worth the candle. That would simply be following some sort of dream. On the other hand, if this were true, then nothing could ever be the same again. The resurrection made clear that evil had been defeated in Cross and resurrection, a stunning situation in a world where evil and power always had the upper hand, and so it appeared in the death of Jesus. Neither truth, nor love, nor life can be killed, and that ‘moved the goal posts’ in a way never thought possible before.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
Every now and again I offer what I call a ‘hard hat and east belt’ situation and this just may be one of these. And as usual, I remind you that I am asking you to think, rather than dig your toes in? OK?
Being old and retired, the TV offers some light relief periodically, although I often produce great complaint about some of the idiotic comments made from time to time. One of my pet hates occurs quite often on ‘Deal or No Deal’ where the presenter will often comment to contestants about their ‘faith’ in their choice of number for the game. Regular viewers will know what I am on about. At the start of each game, said contestants select a number out of 29 or so, and many give all sorts of reasons why that number is significant for them. Andrew will ask, remarkably often, if they have faith that their number will win the big bucks. The same question about their ‘faith’ recurs, with some people being honest enough to say that they have no idea of the outcome, in spite of their so-called confidence.
My point for referring to this conundrum is the extensive and popular perception that ‘if I have faith, all will fall into my lap,’ and that is baloney of the first order. Reason? This is not about faith! Yet sadly, that is the perception many people have about the almost total reality attached to ‘faith’ in anything or anyone.
Many years ago, I had a rather unpleasant encounter with a man who rang the Rectory where we lived requesting help to purchase some food. He claimed to be broke. As I was in a rush I offered the usual assistance, suggesting attendance at the local Supermarket, where he could obtain $25 worth of food. No fags nor grog. On going to pay the bill, the manager informed me that he had bought the tucker with my freebie, and went on to buy his fags and grog with his bank card. On top of that he had done the local St. Vinnies to bits. He was not a local
The epitome was reached when, a day or so later, he called at the Rectory and I was in. He needed a ticket to get to Albury for a Court case, and would I help. Having let the man know I was aware of his misdemeanours I went on to say that (a) I would arrange his ticket through the local Post Office, but give no cash. Added to that, I informed him that he could choose bus transport (be at the depot at 2.00am or rail travel where he could leave at 4 am. His response was loud and irate, including the challenge that if I was a real Christian then I would trust him.
Trust him! I told him he had to be joking, and went on to say that I would trust him under the same terms that I would trust God. In that case I needed clear evidence of his trustworthiness. (My wife was sure that I would soon be mincemeat. )
Under what terms would you trust such a guy. You would not have been helped either by his huge anger, or his tats from (bald) heat to toes. Even less would you be helped by his quite recent and very real history of doing St. Vinnies down, let alone me. As an added matter, his need to be in Court was for child molestation charges.
Faith? Vague and ill-informed? Without foundation or basis? Faith without evidence is a nonsense, an absolute folly, blind faith which has to be the greatest oxymoron of all time. If that is the faith we are supposed to follow, then leave me out. It is castle in the air stuff, baseless, pointless, stupid.
And dear old Thomas was completely aware of that. And yet somehow Thomas has been duded for far too much of Christian history. He was never a doubter, and certainly not ever a weak or vacillating disciple. He was one tough, wise, committed sensible cookie, and you had better believe it.
Get hold of a Concordance and find all the references you can to this rather great guy. Where was he when Lazarus was raised? And who professed to go all the way with Jesus. When Jesus spoke of ‘many mansions’ and Thomas asked the hard question because on one else did, he was answered. And when, post-Resurrection, Thomas declared that he would take no one else’s word for it, Jesus was quite content to offer the evidence.
Thomas was perfectly clear that, if the Resurrection was real, then all of life’s goal-posts had moved. Nothing could ever remain the same. However, if it was not true, then none of the old enemies had even been dented. He was the one who saw perfectly clearly that faith in something or Someone has to be based on substance and reality, not on someone’s hearsay. How I love that man, after my own heart he was.
Over 50 years ago, in Theological College, we had a young priest from an Indian Church in Goa whose roots went back to the earliest Christian times. The Rev’d MM Thomas came for post-grad study in Sydney, from the Mar Thoma Church – founded, so he kept telling us, by – yes, you guessed it – St. Thomas Didymus, the Twin.
Doubter eh? Not on your nelly!
Faith, as I keep telling people, must be based on real evidence, otherwise it is just the crossing of fingers and hoping. Or hoping that you chose the right Deal or No Deal box. Or pushing wind uphill!
Sentence
‘Peace be with you,’ says the Lord. ‘As the Father has sent Me, so I send you.’ John 20:21
Collect
Almighty and Eternal God, the strength of those who believe and the hope of those who doubt; may we who have not seem, have faith, and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing, Who is alive and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen
First Lesson Acts 4: 32 – 37
Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
There was a Levite, a native of Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means "son of encouragement"). He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
Psalm 133
Behold how good and lovely it is: when families live together in unity
It is fragrant as oil upon the head:, that runs down to the beard: fragrant as oil upon the beard of Aaron, that ran down over the collar of his robe
It is like the dew of Hermon: like the dew that falls upon the hill of Zion.
For there the Lord commanded His blessing: which is life for evermore.
Epistle 1 John 1:1 – 2:2
We declare to you what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the word of life-- this life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and declare to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us--
we declare to you what we have seen and heard so that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. We are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
GOSPEL John 20: 19 – 31
When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. Jesus said to them again, "Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you." When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."
But Thomas (who was called the Twin), one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, "We have seen the Lord." But he said to them, "Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands, and put my finger in the mark of the nails and my hand in his side, I will not believe."
A week later his disciples were again in the house and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were shut, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you." Then he said to Thomas, "Put your finger here and see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Do not doubt but believe." Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus said to him, "Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have come to believe."
Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name.
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS
First Lesson
It is an odd and rather sad cameo of the Infant Church that appears early in that story. On the one hand, there is enormous enthusiasm, and on the other, the inability to follow through. Before you are too hard on the errant couple, stop and realize how often people will respond not entirely automatically, then realize the step they have taken, and beat a rapid retreat. While it is understandable, it is also dishonest, and that is very destructive.
In my New Testament lectures in theological College donkey’s years ago, the lecturer drew attention to the strong possibility that this failed attempt at communism in the Church resulted in the constant appeals of Paul for the Jerusalem Church in its poverty. The idea was marvellous; the execution lacked forethought, one would consider that to be the problem.
Psalm
This is a very brief but very telling psalm drawing attention to the top value of community in the People of God. This is no easily-attained state, but enormously supportive when it occurs. Mind you, that is the aim of any community, and the Church is meant to be precisely that. Sadly, the demon of ego managed to infiltrate into the Church, for – as the Epistle today underlines, - we are and remain sinners. All of us, not just a nuisance few!!!
Epistle
Dear old John, who had become very much the elder statesman of the Infant Church, although his message remained remarkably simple and telling. It would not hurt to read through this short passage again.
GOSPEL
Three huge issues are enunciated here, in this brief and telling passage. First has to do with the forgiveness of sins, then resurrection, and the nature of faith.
Have you ever stopped to realize how remarkable is this business of Jesus giving His Apostles the authority to forgive sins. That action of Jesus drew constant antagonism from His enemies, religious leaders of Israel. Remember? And here He is handing out that authority to mere humans. You may notice that our Church tends to limit that authority to the ordained priesthood, which is a mark of the seriousness of that authority. It is not to be acted upon willy nilly. That is the point.
I have to express my solidarity with dear old Thomas: he – alone of the Twelve – was most aware of the enormous difference that Jesus’ resurrection brought, if in fact it had happened. Thomas was not prepared to take someone else’s word for such a gigantic change. He had to see the evidence for himself. And please note that Jesus both recognized and honoured that. Faith is never some sort of ‘cross the fingers’ business. Faith is ever the choice a person makes on the basis of the evidence available. And never forget that.
And what impelled Thomas to ask the serious question is simply this: if that tale of Jesus rising was a furphy, it was not worth the candle. That would simply be following some sort of dream. On the other hand, if this were true, then nothing could ever be the same again. The resurrection made clear that evil had been defeated in Cross and resurrection, a stunning situation in a world where evil and power always had the upper hand, and so it appeared in the death of Jesus. Neither truth, nor love, nor life can be killed, and that ‘moved the goal posts’ in a way never thought possible before.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
Every now and again I offer what I call a ‘hard hat and east belt’ situation and this just may be one of these. And as usual, I remind you that I am asking you to think, rather than dig your toes in? OK?
Being old and retired, the TV offers some light relief periodically, although I often produce great complaint about some of the idiotic comments made from time to time. One of my pet hates occurs quite often on ‘Deal or No Deal’ where the presenter will often comment to contestants about their ‘faith’ in their choice of number for the game. Regular viewers will know what I am on about. At the start of each game, said contestants select a number out of 29 or so, and many give all sorts of reasons why that number is significant for them. Andrew will ask, remarkably often, if they have faith that their number will win the big bucks. The same question about their ‘faith’ recurs, with some people being honest enough to say that they have no idea of the outcome, in spite of their so-called confidence.
My point for referring to this conundrum is the extensive and popular perception that ‘if I have faith, all will fall into my lap,’ and that is baloney of the first order. Reason? This is not about faith! Yet sadly, that is the perception many people have about the almost total reality attached to ‘faith’ in anything or anyone.
Many years ago, I had a rather unpleasant encounter with a man who rang the Rectory where we lived requesting help to purchase some food. He claimed to be broke. As I was in a rush I offered the usual assistance, suggesting attendance at the local Supermarket, where he could obtain $25 worth of food. No fags nor grog. On going to pay the bill, the manager informed me that he had bought the tucker with my freebie, and went on to buy his fags and grog with his bank card. On top of that he had done the local St. Vinnies to bits. He was not a local
The epitome was reached when, a day or so later, he called at the Rectory and I was in. He needed a ticket to get to Albury for a Court case, and would I help. Having let the man know I was aware of his misdemeanours I went on to say that (a) I would arrange his ticket through the local Post Office, but give no cash. Added to that, I informed him that he could choose bus transport (be at the depot at 2.00am or rail travel where he could leave at 4 am. His response was loud and irate, including the challenge that if I was a real Christian then I would trust him.
Trust him! I told him he had to be joking, and went on to say that I would trust him under the same terms that I would trust God. In that case I needed clear evidence of his trustworthiness. (My wife was sure that I would soon be mincemeat. )
Under what terms would you trust such a guy. You would not have been helped either by his huge anger, or his tats from (bald) heat to toes. Even less would you be helped by his quite recent and very real history of doing St. Vinnies down, let alone me. As an added matter, his need to be in Court was for child molestation charges.
Faith? Vague and ill-informed? Without foundation or basis? Faith without evidence is a nonsense, an absolute folly, blind faith which has to be the greatest oxymoron of all time. If that is the faith we are supposed to follow, then leave me out. It is castle in the air stuff, baseless, pointless, stupid.
And dear old Thomas was completely aware of that. And yet somehow Thomas has been duded for far too much of Christian history. He was never a doubter, and certainly not ever a weak or vacillating disciple. He was one tough, wise, committed sensible cookie, and you had better believe it.
Get hold of a Concordance and find all the references you can to this rather great guy. Where was he when Lazarus was raised? And who professed to go all the way with Jesus. When Jesus spoke of ‘many mansions’ and Thomas asked the hard question because on one else did, he was answered. And when, post-Resurrection, Thomas declared that he would take no one else’s word for it, Jesus was quite content to offer the evidence.
Thomas was perfectly clear that, if the Resurrection was real, then all of life’s goal-posts had moved. Nothing could ever remain the same. However, if it was not true, then none of the old enemies had even been dented. He was the one who saw perfectly clearly that faith in something or Someone has to be based on substance and reality, not on someone’s hearsay. How I love that man, after my own heart he was.
Over 50 years ago, in Theological College, we had a young priest from an Indian Church in Goa whose roots went back to the earliest Christian times. The Rev’d MM Thomas came for post-grad study in Sydney, from the Mar Thoma Church – founded, so he kept telling us, by – yes, you guessed it – St. Thomas Didymus, the Twin.
Doubter eh? Not on your nelly!
Faith, as I keep telling people, must be based on real evidence, otherwise it is just the crossing of fingers and hoping. Or hoping that you chose the right Deal or No Deal box. Or pushing wind uphill!
Newsletter
Sunday 15th April, 2012
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School is in recess during the School holidays ……
Collect for Easter II
Risen Christ, Whose absence leaves us in despair but Whose presence is overwhelming: breathe on us with Your abundant life, that where we cannot see we may have courage to believe that we may be raised with You. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS read by Araki family
Readings Acts 4:32—37 & 1 John 1: 1—2:2
GOSPEL John 20: 19 –31
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Valda Seith, Barb Capon and Sid Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Oliver Vialls, Elliot Hale
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Yvonne and Don Caddy
YEAR’S MIND— Ivy Morris (2002)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter III
Readings: Acts 3: 12—20 and 1 John 2:15—3:6
GOSPEL Luke 24: 36—48
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
Walking Church First Sunday at 5.00pm at Belair Nat Park gates near railway station bridge.
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Iris Downes on 8278 3260 and Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568..
Next Sunday is the last Sunday Fr Warren will be with us before he starts Long Service Leave. Fr. Conrad Patterson will be locums for the rest of April and May, and he is no stranger to many of us. We look forward to his time back here as locums.
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Joy Campbell or Craig Deane
Sunday after Trevor Tregenza or Ron Keynes
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Clare B Intercessor Sue D-T
Sunday after Reader Mary V Intercessor Wendy M
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Jan Tregenza Brass Sweets—if available
Cleaning Group 4
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) School bookings: May 19 afternoon, May 25 afternoon & evening
(c) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(d) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
The Flea Market – 19th May You can help make this a successful event…..it is planned to keep the Flea Market / Jumble Sale to a manageable level with stalls mainly occupying the hall.
The S.A. ABM Auxiliary is presenting a fund-raising film morning on Wednesday 2 May at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood. The film to be shown is 'Midnight in Paris', described as ' beautiful to look at and abundant with charm'. Joan Durdin has five tickets at $9.00 each. Transport can be arranged. Morning tea available at 9.45 a.m. and the film commences 1030 a.m.
RONBLOG …… on today’s Gospel—and Thomas….
Three huge issues are enunciated here, in this brief and telling passage. First has to do with the forgiveness of sins, then resurrection, and the nature of faith.
Have you ever stopped to realize how remarkable is this business of Jesus giving His Apostles the authority to forgive sins. The very mention of forgiveness drew constant antagonism from His enemies, religious leaders of Israel, during His ministry. Remember? And here He is handing out that authority to mere humans. You may notice that our Church tends to limit that authority to the ordained priesthood, which is a mark of the seriousness of that authority. It is not to be acted upon willy nilly. That is the point.
And faith? I have to express my solidarity with dear old Thomas: he – alone of the Twelve – was most aware of the enormous difference that Jesus’ resurrection brought, if in fact it had happened. Thomas was not prepared to take someone else’s word for such a gigantic change. He had to see the evidence for himself. And please note that Jesus both recognized and honoured that. Faith is never some sort of ‘cross the fingers’ business. Faith is ever the choice a person makes on the basis of the evidence available. And never forget that.
And what impelled Thomas to ask the serious question is simply this: if that tale of Jesus rising was a furphy, it was not worth the candle. That would simply be following some sort of dream. On the other hand, if this were true, then nothing could ever be the same again. The resurrection made clear that evil had been defeated in Cross and resurrection, a stunning situation in a world where evil and power always had the upper hand, and so it appeared in the death of Jesus. Neither truth, nor love can be killed, for in ordinary life, both and either somehow overcome their ‘crucifixions.’ And that ‘moved the goal posts’ in a way never thought possible before.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School is in recess during the School holidays ……
Collect for Easter II
Risen Christ, Whose absence leaves us in despair but Whose presence is overwhelming: breathe on us with Your abundant life, that where we cannot see we may have courage to believe that we may be raised with You. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS read by Araki family
Readings Acts 4:32—37 & 1 John 1: 1—2:2
GOSPEL John 20: 19 –31
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Valda Seith, Barb Capon and Sid Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Oliver Vialls, Elliot Hale
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Yvonne and Don Caddy
YEAR’S MIND— Ivy Morris (2002)
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter III
Readings: Acts 3: 12—20 and 1 John 2:15—3:6
GOSPEL Luke 24: 36—48
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
Walking Church First Sunday at 5.00pm at Belair Nat Park gates near railway station bridge.
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Iris Downes on 8278 3260 and Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568..
Next Sunday is the last Sunday Fr Warren will be with us before he starts Long Service Leave. Fr. Conrad Patterson will be locums for the rest of April and May, and he is no stranger to many of us. We look forward to his time back here as locums.
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Joy Campbell or Craig Deane
Sunday after Trevor Tregenza or Ron Keynes
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Clare B Intercessor Sue D-T
Sunday after Reader Mary V Intercessor Wendy M
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Jan Tregenza Brass Sweets—if available
Cleaning Group 4
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) School bookings: May 19 afternoon, May 25 afternoon & evening
(c) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(d) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
The Flea Market – 19th May You can help make this a successful event…..it is planned to keep the Flea Market / Jumble Sale to a manageable level with stalls mainly occupying the hall.
The S.A. ABM Auxiliary is presenting a fund-raising film morning on Wednesday 2 May at the Capri Theatre, Goodwood. The film to be shown is 'Midnight in Paris', described as ' beautiful to look at and abundant with charm'. Joan Durdin has five tickets at $9.00 each. Transport can be arranged. Morning tea available at 9.45 a.m. and the film commences 1030 a.m.
RONBLOG …… on today’s Gospel—and Thomas….
Three huge issues are enunciated here, in this brief and telling passage. First has to do with the forgiveness of sins, then resurrection, and the nature of faith.
Have you ever stopped to realize how remarkable is this business of Jesus giving His Apostles the authority to forgive sins. The very mention of forgiveness drew constant antagonism from His enemies, religious leaders of Israel, during His ministry. Remember? And here He is handing out that authority to mere humans. You may notice that our Church tends to limit that authority to the ordained priesthood, which is a mark of the seriousness of that authority. It is not to be acted upon willy nilly. That is the point.
And faith? I have to express my solidarity with dear old Thomas: he – alone of the Twelve – was most aware of the enormous difference that Jesus’ resurrection brought, if in fact it had happened. Thomas was not prepared to take someone else’s word for such a gigantic change. He had to see the evidence for himself. And please note that Jesus both recognized and honoured that. Faith is never some sort of ‘cross the fingers’ business. Faith is ever the choice a person makes on the basis of the evidence available. And never forget that.
And what impelled Thomas to ask the serious question is simply this: if that tale of Jesus rising was a furphy, it was not worth the candle. That would simply be following some sort of dream. On the other hand, if this were true, then nothing could ever be the same again. The resurrection made clear that evil had been defeated in Cross and resurrection, a stunning situation in a world where evil and power always had the upper hand, and so it appeared in the death of Jesus. Neither truth, nor love can be killed, for in ordinary life, both and either somehow overcome their ‘crucifixions.’ And that ‘moved the goal posts’ in a way never thought possible before.
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
Thursday, April 5, 2012
RonBlog
Sunday 8th April, 2012 Easter
Sentence
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. 1 Cor. 5:7
Collect
Glorious Lord of life, by the mighty resurrection of Your Son You overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in Him; grant that we, who celebrate with joy Christ’s rising from the dead may be raised from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, through Him Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen
First Lesson Acts 10: 34 – 43
Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
For the Psalm Hymn to the Risen Christ
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us: so let us celebrate the feast
Not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth
Christ once raised from the dead, dies no more: death has no more dominion over Him
In dying He died to sin once for all: in living, He lives to God.
See yourselves, therefore, as dead to sin: and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord
Christ has been raised from the dead: the first-fruits of those who sleep.
For as by one man came death: by another man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die: even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Epistle I Corinthians 15: 1 – 11
I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you--unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. but by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them--though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
GOSPEL Mark 16: 1 – 8
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back.
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS .....
First Lesson
I have commented before that this passage is included in the Lectionary perhaps more often than any other. There is good reason of course, for it marks yet another stage in the development of Peter and his understanding of the Gospel.
This matter has to do with the acceptance of Gentiles into the Church; small drama for you, you say, but that is because you have two millennia of Christian discovery right in your lap. It was a vast and significant step for the Early Church.
Like any human being of any time and age, we bring a lot of baggage into our pilgrimage. Sadly we are often totally unaware of it until some ‘egg hits the fan’ and we have to do a rethink. Jews had been convinced for centuries that they were the Chosen People of God, the only humans in whom God had the slightest interest. It was embedded so deeply in the Jewish psyche that I suspect much of Judaism today has the same understanding.
Had the Church remained with that dogma, it would never have survived the first century. It would first have become simply a Jewish sect, and then almost certainly died out.
On the other hand, one of the great, repeated and strong emphases of the Old Testament prophets, and the Psalms, and, indeed, the original promise of blessing to Abraham had the focus on the entire human population. If you find that hard to believe, Google ‘Gentile(s)’ or ‘nations’ in your Bible and stand ready to be overwhelmed with the response. As the final and irreversible evidence, read the Gospels again to see the irrepressible Jesus in His wide acceptance of Gentiles. Over the top of that is our Lord’s remarkable (for that time) acceptance of women. Luke, in particular, underlines the hugely important role women played in Jesus’ ministry – another shock for His contemporaries.
Read the entire incident in Acts 10 to get the full picture. In spite of being the ‘hay-seed’ Jew – from Galilee – Peter was still very much the kosher person. But that experience led him so far past tradition as to be breath-taking. Mind you, that same man had trouble with his contemporaries who were certain that he had crossed over that ‘line in the sand.’ Thank heaven he did!!!!!
So who do we translate as ‘Gentiles’ in today’s world? Fr. Warren is for ever pointing us to the need to make room for people however different to us in our fellowship ........
For the Psalm
I guess it is true to say that this quotation from Corinthians explains itself as the passage unfolds. And please notice that this rune of words is not some introspective ‘holy, heart-warming’ statement. It is the expression of a very clear and strategic view of the Faith for all of humanity, once you realize that ‘Adam’ is not some figure from a very distant past, but is shorthand for all humans living outside the point, purpose and benefit of the Faith.
Epistle
This passage used to be the normal choice of readings in the Funeral Service of the Book of Common Prayer. I recall using it, in decades past, and finding the need to explain to people what the Apostle was on about. The reality is quite clear: Paul was painfully aware that the Resurrection would make it hard for many to believe, and offered the cold hard evidence of many people who had individual experience of the Risen Christ. Whilst we are bereft of such evidence, other sound factors can be added to the store of facts and factors. Not least of those, of course, is the continuing existence of the Faith and Church; and in fact stop and ponder the extent to which so much of life is subject to the death / resurrection cycle. Even day and night!
GOSPEL
Some years ago at Christmas I left a sheet on the Church Notice Board which offered suggestions at what would have happened at the Nativity if (a) the shepherds and (b) the Magi had been women. Part of the page was a little risqué, but funny. The other part was quite down to earth, indicating the sheer practicality of the ladies when it comes to significant events. They brought casseroles, they brought nappies, and they cleaned up the stable etc.
Here in Mark’s brief account of the death of Jesus, it was the ladies who came, early and well prepared to do what was required to attend to the body of their Lord. No fuss; no bother. There was just the grim determination to get the job done, as quickly and as completely as possible. Bless ‘em. And thank heaven for them
Notice also how much of a complete surprise the resurrection came to them. Jesus had talked about it often enough, but I guess none of us hear what we do not expect to hear, or see! We really are rather thick, eh! Mind you, I find reference to ‘fear and terror’ a little hard to coper with, but if telemovies are any real indication, it seems that seeing a dead body evokes such a response from the ladies – absence of a body may have produced more explosive reactions.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
You can call me anything you like, as you read on, but I have to report having (consciously) celebrated something like 70 Easters over the past decades. Having lived through times when nothing about the Faith was questioned to now when almost everything is, it has long been a concern of mine how far too often we Christians have got all excited over the celebration whilst missing the whole point of it all. In fact one of my contemporaries in a Youth Group to which I belonged would get ‘over the top’ excited, but I doubt if she could have explained why. In other words froth and bubble have never appealed to me, -- which may explain partly why I tend to be a bit of a party-pooper. Nothing wrong with getting excited – but excitement ought to have a real and empirical basis. Otherwise it is like the end of a fire-cracker show: all a bit of a let-down.
So, resurrection: is it real or is it ephemeral?
If there is an explanation that I would ask you to consider, it is what I have expressed often about ‘miracles.’ Again, if there is one thing that I have learnt from the study of the Gospels, it is that Jesus – from His Temptations on, turned His back on using miracle as a means of gaining a following. John’s Gospel makes it most clear when he describes what we might call ‘miracle’ as ‘sign!’ In other words, it is a matter of understanding that to which the sign or miracle is pointing, and not to confuse the two.
So what is the resurrection saying, and as I see it, loud and clear? Please come on a journey with me.
When one looks at the Cross in the way it is designed to be looked at, it is the savage expression of the determination of evil people to get rid of anyone or anything that threatens their position and power. This is an age-old process that still occurs regularly even in so-called democracies , and in those days was so common that anything different was an utter rarity. Evil ruled, and that was that, and you would be stupid even to consider the possibility that anything different could happen. (It is small wonder that the ancient Babylonian creation myths posited the certainty that life was bloody and it was pointless even trying to consider anything different.) It seems to me that much of fundamentalist Islam is on the same wave-length. Mind you, that violent attitude applies to fundamentalist almost anything! And before you get too proud, I have just been reading (Jan 2012) a book on the slavery situation in the Deep South of USA where the so-called Christians there operated [some still do!!!] under the same false theology!)
If retaliation was the real way to go, then Jesus would have done so. That He did not was a stunning change from the expected, and that did not arise out of weakness but because He knew that retaliation against evil only increased that evil, and did nothing to overcome it.
Should you have the bravery to see this, Jesus overcame evil by absorbing it and refusing to retaliate. Evil is overcome, not by destroying the perpetrators, but by showing up evil for what it is. THAT is how evil is defeated, and note that this approach still requires the positive response from us by seeing and then avoiding doing evil ourselves.
Those present that day when Jesus was killed expected that there was the end of the ‘lovely story.’ End of Jesus, end of problem. But it was not the end, but a stunning new beginning.
That Jesus rose from the dead was the sign and seal, the semeion that the old immutable pattern was no longer inevitable. With Jesus rising, there came the new certainty that love can be suppressed but it will rise again. Justice can be suppressed but it will rise again. Likewise truth and compassion and loyalty and all the ancient values that make life liveable will keep coming back, for life is intolerable without them.
DO I believe in Jesus’ resurrection, yes I do, for not only do those things I have mentioned never die, but look at the ordinary things of life and see the same picture. Day and night; summer and winter, death and life, seeds and reaping, trees and fruit. Life is punctured with illustrations of the necessity of resurrection, and thank God for that!
Sentence
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. 1 Cor. 5:7
Collect
Glorious Lord of life, by the mighty resurrection of Your Son You overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in Him; grant that we, who celebrate with joy Christ’s rising from the dead may be raised from the death of sin to the life of righteousness, through Him Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen
First Lesson Acts 10: 34 – 43
Peter began to speak to them: "I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. You know the message he sent to the people of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ--he is Lord of all. That message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John announced: how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power; how he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
We are witnesses to all that he did both in Judea and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a tree; but God raised him on the third day and allowed him to appear, not to all the people but to us who were chosen by God as witnesses, and who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one ordained by God as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
For the Psalm Hymn to the Risen Christ
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us: so let us celebrate the feast
Not with the old leaven of corruption and wickedness: but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth
Christ once raised from the dead, dies no more: death has no more dominion over Him
In dying He died to sin once for all: in living, He lives to God.
See yourselves, therefore, as dead to sin: and alive to God in Jesus Christ our Lord
Christ has been raised from the dead: the first-fruits of those who sleep.
For as by one man came death: by another man has come also the resurrection of the dead.
For as in Adam all die: even so in Christ shall all be made alive.
Epistle I Corinthians 15: 1 – 11
I would remind you, brothers and sisters, of the good news that I proclaimed to you, which you in turn received, in which also you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold firmly to the message that I proclaimed to you--unless you have come to believe in vain. For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.
Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. but by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me has not been in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them--though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. Whether then it was I or they, so we proclaim and so you have come to believe.
GOSPEL Mark 16: 1 – 8
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint Jesus. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back.
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, "Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you." So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
© New Revised Standard Version of the Bible
Copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the
Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. All rights reserved
NOTES ON THE READINGS .....
First Lesson
I have commented before that this passage is included in the Lectionary perhaps more often than any other. There is good reason of course, for it marks yet another stage in the development of Peter and his understanding of the Gospel.
This matter has to do with the acceptance of Gentiles into the Church; small drama for you, you say, but that is because you have two millennia of Christian discovery right in your lap. It was a vast and significant step for the Early Church.
Like any human being of any time and age, we bring a lot of baggage into our pilgrimage. Sadly we are often totally unaware of it until some ‘egg hits the fan’ and we have to do a rethink. Jews had been convinced for centuries that they were the Chosen People of God, the only humans in whom God had the slightest interest. It was embedded so deeply in the Jewish psyche that I suspect much of Judaism today has the same understanding.
Had the Church remained with that dogma, it would never have survived the first century. It would first have become simply a Jewish sect, and then almost certainly died out.
On the other hand, one of the great, repeated and strong emphases of the Old Testament prophets, and the Psalms, and, indeed, the original promise of blessing to Abraham had the focus on the entire human population. If you find that hard to believe, Google ‘Gentile(s)’ or ‘nations’ in your Bible and stand ready to be overwhelmed with the response. As the final and irreversible evidence, read the Gospels again to see the irrepressible Jesus in His wide acceptance of Gentiles. Over the top of that is our Lord’s remarkable (for that time) acceptance of women. Luke, in particular, underlines the hugely important role women played in Jesus’ ministry – another shock for His contemporaries.
Read the entire incident in Acts 10 to get the full picture. In spite of being the ‘hay-seed’ Jew – from Galilee – Peter was still very much the kosher person. But that experience led him so far past tradition as to be breath-taking. Mind you, that same man had trouble with his contemporaries who were certain that he had crossed over that ‘line in the sand.’ Thank heaven he did!!!!!
So who do we translate as ‘Gentiles’ in today’s world? Fr. Warren is for ever pointing us to the need to make room for people however different to us in our fellowship ........
For the Psalm
I guess it is true to say that this quotation from Corinthians explains itself as the passage unfolds. And please notice that this rune of words is not some introspective ‘holy, heart-warming’ statement. It is the expression of a very clear and strategic view of the Faith for all of humanity, once you realize that ‘Adam’ is not some figure from a very distant past, but is shorthand for all humans living outside the point, purpose and benefit of the Faith.
Epistle
This passage used to be the normal choice of readings in the Funeral Service of the Book of Common Prayer. I recall using it, in decades past, and finding the need to explain to people what the Apostle was on about. The reality is quite clear: Paul was painfully aware that the Resurrection would make it hard for many to believe, and offered the cold hard evidence of many people who had individual experience of the Risen Christ. Whilst we are bereft of such evidence, other sound factors can be added to the store of facts and factors. Not least of those, of course, is the continuing existence of the Faith and Church; and in fact stop and ponder the extent to which so much of life is subject to the death / resurrection cycle. Even day and night!
GOSPEL
Some years ago at Christmas I left a sheet on the Church Notice Board which offered suggestions at what would have happened at the Nativity if (a) the shepherds and (b) the Magi had been women. Part of the page was a little risqué, but funny. The other part was quite down to earth, indicating the sheer practicality of the ladies when it comes to significant events. They brought casseroles, they brought nappies, and they cleaned up the stable etc.
Here in Mark’s brief account of the death of Jesus, it was the ladies who came, early and well prepared to do what was required to attend to the body of their Lord. No fuss; no bother. There was just the grim determination to get the job done, as quickly and as completely as possible. Bless ‘em. And thank heaven for them
Notice also how much of a complete surprise the resurrection came to them. Jesus had talked about it often enough, but I guess none of us hear what we do not expect to hear, or see! We really are rather thick, eh! Mind you, I find reference to ‘fear and terror’ a little hard to coper with, but if telemovies are any real indication, it seems that seeing a dead body evokes such a response from the ladies – absence of a body may have produced more explosive reactions.
NOTES FOR A SERMON
You can call me anything you like, as you read on, but I have to report having (consciously) celebrated something like 70 Easters over the past decades. Having lived through times when nothing about the Faith was questioned to now when almost everything is, it has long been a concern of mine how far too often we Christians have got all excited over the celebration whilst missing the whole point of it all. In fact one of my contemporaries in a Youth Group to which I belonged would get ‘over the top’ excited, but I doubt if she could have explained why. In other words froth and bubble have never appealed to me, -- which may explain partly why I tend to be a bit of a party-pooper. Nothing wrong with getting excited – but excitement ought to have a real and empirical basis. Otherwise it is like the end of a fire-cracker show: all a bit of a let-down.
So, resurrection: is it real or is it ephemeral?
If there is an explanation that I would ask you to consider, it is what I have expressed often about ‘miracles.’ Again, if there is one thing that I have learnt from the study of the Gospels, it is that Jesus – from His Temptations on, turned His back on using miracle as a means of gaining a following. John’s Gospel makes it most clear when he describes what we might call ‘miracle’ as ‘sign!’ In other words, it is a matter of understanding that to which the sign or miracle is pointing, and not to confuse the two.
So what is the resurrection saying, and as I see it, loud and clear? Please come on a journey with me.
When one looks at the Cross in the way it is designed to be looked at, it is the savage expression of the determination of evil people to get rid of anyone or anything that threatens their position and power. This is an age-old process that still occurs regularly even in so-called democracies , and in those days was so common that anything different was an utter rarity. Evil ruled, and that was that, and you would be stupid even to consider the possibility that anything different could happen. (It is small wonder that the ancient Babylonian creation myths posited the certainty that life was bloody and it was pointless even trying to consider anything different.) It seems to me that much of fundamentalist Islam is on the same wave-length. Mind you, that violent attitude applies to fundamentalist almost anything! And before you get too proud, I have just been reading (Jan 2012) a book on the slavery situation in the Deep South of USA where the so-called Christians there operated [some still do!!!] under the same false theology!)
If retaliation was the real way to go, then Jesus would have done so. That He did not was a stunning change from the expected, and that did not arise out of weakness but because He knew that retaliation against evil only increased that evil, and did nothing to overcome it.
Should you have the bravery to see this, Jesus overcame evil by absorbing it and refusing to retaliate. Evil is overcome, not by destroying the perpetrators, but by showing up evil for what it is. THAT is how evil is defeated, and note that this approach still requires the positive response from us by seeing and then avoiding doing evil ourselves.
Those present that day when Jesus was killed expected that there was the end of the ‘lovely story.’ End of Jesus, end of problem. But it was not the end, but a stunning new beginning.
That Jesus rose from the dead was the sign and seal, the semeion that the old immutable pattern was no longer inevitable. With Jesus rising, there came the new certainty that love can be suppressed but it will rise again. Justice can be suppressed but it will rise again. Likewise truth and compassion and loyalty and all the ancient values that make life liveable will keep coming back, for life is intolerable without them.
DO I believe in Jesus’ resurrection, yes I do, for not only do those things I have mentioned never die, but look at the ordinary things of life and see the same picture. Day and night; summer and winter, death and life, seeds and reaping, trees and fruit. Life is punctured with illustrations of the necessity of resurrection, and thank God for that!
Newsletter
Sunday 8th April, 2012
EASTER
Holy Week and Easter Services
Good Friday, Stations of the Cross for Children at 9:30AM,
Traditional Good Friday Service at 10:45AM.
Easter Lighting of the paschal candle and Eucharist, beginning at 6:00AM,
Traditional Eucharist 8:00AM
Contemporary Eucharist at 10:00AM.
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School will be in recess during the School holidays ……
Collect for Easter
Glorious Lord of life, by the mighty resurrection of Your Son You overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in Him: grant that we, who celebrate with joy Christ's rising from the dead may be raised from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through Him Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS read by Paul H (8) and Max A (10)
Readings Acts 10: 34—43 and 1 Corinthians 15: 1—11
GOSPEL John 20: 1—18
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Valda Seith, Barb Capon and Sid Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aileen Shepherd, Judy Ellis, Don Baker, Clare Bruce
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
YEAR’S MIND— John Hall
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter II
Readings: Acts 4:32—37 & 1 John 1: 1—2:2
GOSPEL John 20: 19 –31
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Iris Downes on 8278 3260 and Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568..
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Jill Hilbig or Barb Capon
Sunday after Joy Campbell or Craig Deane
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Araki family Intercessor Ben L
Sunday after Reader Clare B Intercessor Sue D-T
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Jan T Brass Sweets—if available
Cleaning Group 4
Bonney Tomlinson would be glad to hear from anyone who has spare plastic mugs, suitable for use for children and their Milo at morning tea after Church. She would be grateful for any contributions.
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(c) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
The Flea Market – 19th May YOU can help make this a successful event…..it is planned to keep the Flea Market / Jumble Sale to a manageable level with stalls mainly occupying the hall.
ATTENTION SIDESPEOPLE
The key to the safe has been damaged and thus it was unable to be used to open or close the safe. One of the teeth on the key has been broken off. A replacement key has now been attached to the key ring. However, to prevent this happening in the future please ensure that the door is closed firmly with all items placed well back in the safe. Turn the handle to horizontal and then GENTLY turn the key to securely lock the safe. When unlocking the safe, the door requires a sharp tug to open. Please do not force the key in the lock. If you encounter any difficulty, please seek assistance. Many thanks again for your work as sidespeople and hopefully the above instructions will make your job easier.
Special Note: A strong capable father of two requires work to support his children—willing to do gardening, cleaning or anything. Phone Yvonne Myers on 8278 6297
RONBLOG …… on today’s First Lesson from Acts
I have commented before that this passage is included in the Lectionary perhaps more often than any other. There is good reason of course, for it marks yet another stage in the development of Peter and the Infant Church in their understanding of the Gospel. This matter has to do with the acceptance or not of Gentiles into the Church; small drama for you, you say, but that is because you have two millennia of Christian discovery right in your lap. BUT it was a vast and significant step for the Early Church.
Like any human being of any time and age, we bring a lot of baggage into our pilgrimage. Sadly we are often totally unaware of it until some ‘egg hits the fan’ and we have to do a rethink. Jews had been convinced for centuries that they were the Chosen People of God, the only humans in whom God had the slightest interest. It was embedded so deeply in the Jewish psyche that I suspect much of Judaism today has the same understanding. Had the Church remained with that dogma, it would never have survived the first century. It would first have become simply a Jewish sect, and then almost certainly died out.
On the other hand, one of the great, repeated and strong emphases of the Old Testament prophets, and the Psalms, and, indeed, the original promise of blessing to Abraham had the focus on the entire human population. If you find that hard to believe, Google ‘Gentile(s)’ or ‘nations’ in your Bible and stand ready to be overwhelmed with the response. As the final and irreversible evidence, read the Gospels again to see the irrepressible Jesus in His wide acceptance of Gentiles. Over the top of that is our Lord’s remarkable (for that time) acceptance of women. Luke, in particular, underlines the hugely important role women played in Jesus’ ministry – another shock for His contemporaries.
Read the entire incident in Acts 10 to get the full picture. In spite of being the ‘hay-seed’ Jew – from Galilee – Peter was still very much the kosher person. But that experience led him so far past tradition as to be breath-taking. Mind you, that same man had trouble with his contemporaries who were certain that he had crossed over that ‘line in the sand.’ Thank heaven he did!!!!!
So who do we translate as ‘Gentiles’ in today’s world? Fr. Warren is for ever pointing us to the need to make room for people however different to us in our fellowship ........
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
EASTER
Holy Week and Easter Services
Good Friday, Stations of the Cross for Children at 9:30AM,
Traditional Good Friday Service at 10:45AM.
Easter Lighting of the paschal candle and Eucharist, beginning at 6:00AM,
Traditional Eucharist 8:00AM
Contemporary Eucharist at 10:00AM.
WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School will be in recess during the School holidays ……
Collect for Easter
Glorious Lord of life, by the mighty resurrection of Your Son You overcame the old order of sin and death to make all things new in Him: grant that we, who celebrate with joy Christ's rising from the dead may be raised from the death of sin to the life of righteousness; through Him Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
TODAY’S READINGS read by Paul H (8) and Max A (10)
Readings Acts 10: 34—43 and 1 Corinthians 15: 1—11
GOSPEL John 20: 1—18
Fr Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/
PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE
We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Jenny Jeffrey, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Lynda Knight, Dianne Cordes. Ivanka Cosic, Jim (fighting cancer;) Jake and Gail. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Valda Seith, Barb Capon and Sid Sweet
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Aileen Shepherd, Judy Ellis, Don Baker, Clare Bruce
HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
YEAR’S MIND— John Hall
PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY - Easter II
Readings: Acts 4:32—37 & 1 John 1: 1—2:2
GOSPEL John 20: 19 –31
REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS
PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North
BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s
THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist
SINGING GROUP Meets after the 10am service each Sunday. All singers welcome
MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm
HELPLINE
Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Iris Downes on 8278 3260 and Marlene Dixon on 8278 8568..
POWERPOINT ROSTER –
Next Sunday Jill Hilbig or Barb Capon
Sunday after Joy Campbell or Craig Deane
READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER
Next Sunday Reader Araki family Intercessor Ben L
Sunday after Reader Clare B Intercessor Sue D-T
SANCTUARY ROSTER
Next week Flowers Jan T Brass Sweets—if available
Cleaning Group 4
Bonney Tomlinson would be glad to hear from anyone who has spare plastic mugs, suitable for use for children and their Milo at morning tea after Church. She would be grateful for any contributions.
Mark your diary please ......
(a) Wedding May 5 Private function in Hall May 6
(b) St John's drama production in hall afternoon and evening of May 31 and June 1
(c) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11
The Flea Market – 19th May YOU can help make this a successful event…..it is planned to keep the Flea Market / Jumble Sale to a manageable level with stalls mainly occupying the hall.
ATTENTION SIDESPEOPLE
The key to the safe has been damaged and thus it was unable to be used to open or close the safe. One of the teeth on the key has been broken off. A replacement key has now been attached to the key ring. However, to prevent this happening in the future please ensure that the door is closed firmly with all items placed well back in the safe. Turn the handle to horizontal and then GENTLY turn the key to securely lock the safe. When unlocking the safe, the door requires a sharp tug to open. Please do not force the key in the lock. If you encounter any difficulty, please seek assistance. Many thanks again for your work as sidespeople and hopefully the above instructions will make your job easier.
Special Note: A strong capable father of two requires work to support his children—willing to do gardening, cleaning or anything. Phone Yvonne Myers on 8278 6297
RONBLOG …… on today’s First Lesson from Acts
I have commented before that this passage is included in the Lectionary perhaps more often than any other. There is good reason of course, for it marks yet another stage in the development of Peter and the Infant Church in their understanding of the Gospel. This matter has to do with the acceptance or not of Gentiles into the Church; small drama for you, you say, but that is because you have two millennia of Christian discovery right in your lap. BUT it was a vast and significant step for the Early Church.
Like any human being of any time and age, we bring a lot of baggage into our pilgrimage. Sadly we are often totally unaware of it until some ‘egg hits the fan’ and we have to do a rethink. Jews had been convinced for centuries that they were the Chosen People of God, the only humans in whom God had the slightest interest. It was embedded so deeply in the Jewish psyche that I suspect much of Judaism today has the same understanding. Had the Church remained with that dogma, it would never have survived the first century. It would first have become simply a Jewish sect, and then almost certainly died out.
On the other hand, one of the great, repeated and strong emphases of the Old Testament prophets, and the Psalms, and, indeed, the original promise of blessing to Abraham had the focus on the entire human population. If you find that hard to believe, Google ‘Gentile(s)’ or ‘nations’ in your Bible and stand ready to be overwhelmed with the response. As the final and irreversible evidence, read the Gospels again to see the irrepressible Jesus in His wide acceptance of Gentiles. Over the top of that is our Lord’s remarkable (for that time) acceptance of women. Luke, in particular, underlines the hugely important role women played in Jesus’ ministry – another shock for His contemporaries.
Read the entire incident in Acts 10 to get the full picture. In spite of being the ‘hay-seed’ Jew – from Galilee – Peter was still very much the kosher person. But that experience led him so far past tradition as to be breath-taking. Mind you, that same man had trouble with his contemporaries who were certain that he had crossed over that ‘line in the sand.’ Thank heaven he did!!!!!
So who do we translate as ‘Gentiles’ in today’s world? Fr. Warren is for ever pointing us to the need to make room for people however different to us in our fellowship ........
Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….
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