CanonRonBlog

Sunday 1st July, 2012 Fifth Sunday after Pentecost Sentence The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22 Collect O Christ for Whom we search, our help when help has failed; give us courage to expose our need and ask to be made whole, that, being touched by You, we may be raised to new life, in the power of Your Name. Amen Old Testament Lesson 2 Samuel 1: 17 – 27 David intoned this lamentation over Saul and his son Jonathan. (He ordered that The Song of the Bow be taught to the people of Judah; it is written in the Book of Jashar.) He said: Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! Tell it not in Gath, proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon; or the daughters of the Philistines will rejoice, the daughters of the uncircumcised will exult. You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew or rain upon you, nor bounteous fields! For there the shield of the mighty was defiled, the shield of Saul, anointed with oil no more. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, nor the sword of Saul return empty. Saul and Jonathan, beloved and lovely! In life and in death they were not divided; they were swifter than eagles, they were stronger than lions. O daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you with crimson, in luxury, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan lies slain upon your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; greatly beloved were you to me; your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. How the mighty have fallen, and the weapons of war perished! Psalm 130 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; O Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness; therefore you are feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I put my hope. My soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. O Israel, put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. Epistle 2 Corinthians 8: 1 – 15 We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints-- and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you. Now as you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you --so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something--now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has--not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, "The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little." GOSPEL Mark 5: 21 – 43 When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, "My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live." So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him. Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse. She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, "If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well." Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease. Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, "Who touched my clothes?" And his disciples said to him, "You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, 'Who touched me?'" He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth. He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease." While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader's house to say, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?" But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, "Do not fear, only believe." He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, "Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside, and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, "Talitha cum," which means, "Little girl, get up!" And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. © 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 ............ Old Testament If you are unfamiliar with the Old Testament, here is one of the most passionate passages to be found. David and Saul’s son Jonathan had long been the greatest of mates, but both the King and his son were killed in battle. Somehow David managed to retain some sense of loyalty to the errant king, perhaps because of his closeness to Jonathan. To lose them both together was an almost paralysing experience. Life is often quite unfair, and that is one of the things that Israel long recognized – and perhaps we need to do the same. Psalm For some reason many people do not see past ‘forgiveness’ as that which cleanses their souls somewhat. I doubt if this ancient psalmist understood things that way, but rather was aware of the remarkable flexibility it gave to life. If there is no forgiveness, I am held – bound! - to my past mistakes and errors and likewise hold others to their faults. Forgiveness offers the unique opportunity to face those issues and to learn from them. This brings enormous freedom, not to repeat the mistakes, but to learn from the, and to grow and mature. Never lose sight of that reality, either for yourself or for others. Epistle If there is one thing that holds up a lot of people from growing and maturing, it is the hip-pocket nerve. Oddly enough, in a time when money is more freely available, that hang-up tends to increase geometrically. So both thrift and sharing goes out the window. (Ironically, recent economists’ complaints about people are that there are more people are working to reduce debt! Whose side are they on?) Any reading of the New Testament indicates fairly clearly how the Jerusalem Church long operates under great duress, much of which was financial. This may have stemmed from that rather odd attempt at ‘communism’ as described in the Acts. Whatever the case, Paul is often heard of, asking other congregations to offer their financial support for the people in Judaea. Notice the way he does this, and then – dare I say it – give considerable thought to offering support both to your own Church and to its various ministries to others. GOSPEL Mark had a great capacity offering what may be described as ‘sandwich incidents.’ And this is one of them. Two incidents remarkably similar and yet also quite contrasting. The first ‘patient’ could have expected preferential treatment, being the child of an important synagogue official. The second person could have been consigned to outer darkness if Jewish Law was heeded, for she was a nobody and an outcast because of her ailment. So notice the sequence of events. When the call came from Jairus, Jesus attended to it. A twelve-year-old girl, on the point of reaching maturity then, was dying. And yet a hold-up came from a woman who had been suffering menstrual problems of enormous scope, for the same period that the young lass had been alive. This woman was outcast because of those woes, being disqualified from synagogue and from society generally. This points up the reason that she attempted to find her answers in secret. While she knew Jesus had substantial answers for her, she would have wondered whether He would have followed the ‘party line’ and disqualified her. Jesus’ action in removing the secrecy was not some sort of attempt to unmask the interloper. Jesus knew that the only chance she had for rehabilitation back into society was for everyone to know that her disability had been overcome. It was yet another measure of the sensitivity our Lord had for people in lousy circumstances. This poses the challenge for modern Christians to be as sensitive and aware in contact with people, especially those disadvantaged. Only after the disqualified person had been assisted was the qualified person given attention. Rather too late for some, as the lass had died. This created no hassle for Jesus, and maybe – in contrast to the first situation – made the synagogue president feel something of the pain the haemorrhaging lady. There is always truth behind the image of the ‘wounded healer.’ One who has suffered nothing much is small help to someone who has suffered a lot. NOTES FOR A SERMON I have long been concerned at the extent to which so many people, reading incidents such as this, become quite hung up on the ‘miracle’ element of the story. Not only does that lead people into expectations of similar healings for themselves, but there is also the resultant failure to stop and see what is really happening. Mind you, part of that short-circuit stems from unfamiliarity with the Biblical mores, and the situation at the time. So what follows is an attempt to ask you to go past the easy perception and to look rather more significantly at what Mark was reporting. Remember that Jesus lived in a world where the best religion available at the time regarded women as, at the very least, second class citizens. Actually it was not the religion that had them follow that path, but their tradition. (Whoever wrote Genesis 2 and 3 did his best to abolish that practice, still held amongst some Eastern faiths. Bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh, and all that!) So it was small wonder that the woman in the second part of this incident was scared witless at being found out as having touched Jesus. What was worse for her, poor discarded human being, was her perpetual periods, rendering her totally unclean as far as the male population (and the priests) were concerned. Her situation was almost as isolating as leprosy, fear of that disease being parallel to the fear of this woman. On the other hand, there was the daughter of the leader of the synagogue: that young girl had everything going for her, at least up to that stage. Her Dad was important, religion-wise, and her age would indicate not having reached puberty, so even periodic uncleanness was not an issue. Mind you, she was still female, but we have noticed already that such was not an issue with our Lord. And then the interruption – that discard had the temerity to try and get healed on the quiet. Sneaking up behind Jesus, ‘she only touched the hem of His garment,’ but still, Jesus’ reaction surprised the Disciples. ‘How the hell could we know who touched You, with all this mob hanging around?’ Do not mistake Jesus’ question as indicating He was not aware of who touched Him. His concern was not that someone was sneaky, or tried to get away without being noticed. His concern for that lady was for the rest of her life. He would have been painfully aware of the extent of her isolation, and the continuation of it if she did not follow the required pattern. (It was not patterns or protocols that concerned Jesus, but the effect of the lack of if for her future.) It is the total care and concern shown by our Lord that I wish to underline. Please take care to notice, ALWAYS, how Jesus took the long-range view when He healed people. Forget miracle, look at the careful process. If there is one thing for which Christians, ever the centuries, have been condemned for doing good, it has been the practice of being more concerned that people see what they do, instead of being concerned about the effect on the person concerned. ‘Do-gooders’ has been the resultant epithet, and the despising has very good reason. Such an approach is little other than self-gratification. ‘Look what I have done!’ And there lies the destruction of what could have been beneficial. Please watch our Lord carefully – more often than not He refused to be focus, as He refused miracle as a means of gaining a following. What was far more important was for that poor almost destroyed lady to be able to live life far more fully – for her own benefit let alone anyone else’s. The change for her was not just her body being healed, but her life being opened up to all manner of possibility. It was only after that encounter that the younger lass was attended to, in spite of her better credentials, so to speak. That alone speaks volumes about Jesus’ attitudes and perceptions of who and what is important. It is a tightrope to walk, and while most mortals remain stuck with the consequences of their choices, Jesus was not. But it is a fascinating thing to note how Mark, in his Gospel, compares and contrasts a woman who personal issues lasted as long as the whole life of the younger lass. So this girl had passed away before Jesus arrived, met with the thanks of the ruler of the synagogue that He had got that far. But the story was not yet complete. In His own inimical way, Jesus responded to this greater need, and did it in a quiet, unassuming way. He even requested that there be no fan-fare post eventum, so no attention was drawn to Himself. There was a need and He was able to meet it, and did. Full stop. The whole business of Jesus’ ministry and especially His healing ministry operated at a level oh! So very differently from those who claim to follow Him today. The whole point of Jesus’ ministry was either to help people move the next step forward, or to offer a way that they could be accepted back into ordinary life as experienced by other, ordinary people. Most of all, He did it in such a way that showed so very clearly how our Lord pondered the whole business from the point of view of the recipient, balancing needs, directions and outcomes for the patient. This strikes me as being a most salutary message for all who follow Him these days. It is not easy to be the same caring, thoughtful sort of person these days, of brash advertising and demanding self-advertisement and glorification. Nor is there the slightest evidence of Jesus attempting to manipulate situations or people even to the very slightest extent. Pondering this significant and important passage, and the people and actions involved, should lead us to see how desperately far modern people have moved from any sort of altruistic self-giving to the most ugly self-aggrandizement.

Newsletter

Sunday 1st July, 2012 FIFTH SUNDAY OF PENTECOST 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 next Sunday for School holidays …... Special Notice: There is a service for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee to be held this evening (1st July) at 7.00 pm in St Peter's Cathedral. Should you need further details the number at the Cathedral is 8267 4551. Apologies for the late notice, Collect O Christ for Whom we search, our help when help has failed: give us courage to expose our need and ask to be made whole, that, being touched by You, we may be raised to new life in the power of Your name. Amen. Today’s Readings read by Neil T Readings 2 Sam 1:1 & 17 –27 2 Cor. 8: 7—15 GOSPEL Mark 5: 21—43 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;) Michelle and Jack,. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Barb Capon, premature baby Hayley Haig , Genevieve Forster. Pray especially for Helen, Yuri and family—more on this anon. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Jan Tregenza, Rita Musolino, John Wilson, Audrey Baines HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - YEAR’S MIND— Fr. Frank Maygar (2004) Marjorie Webber (1991), John Clarke (1995) Jean-Jacques Tibuzzio (1991) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Readings 2 Samuel 5:1-5 & 9-10 and 2 Corinthians 12: 2—10 GOSPEL Mark 6: 1—13 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 5.45pm Evening Prayer with Wendy and Sue 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 Saturday of each month at 4.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Each Friday morning, coffee and tea will be served in the Parish Hall from 8.30am to 11.30am so please come along and bring a friend or neighbour for a relaxing chat among friends. Only $2.00 for your tea or coffee and biscuit. It is our turn to visit the wards and take patients to the service in the Flinders Medical Centre chapel on Sunday 8th July. Please be at the chapel by 10am to allow plenty of time. If anyone else in our congregation is able to help in this outreach to the community please come and join us. Thank you, Jean Fordham Ph. 8278 2837 for enquiries. Archdeacon Michael Whiting (Janine and Michael worship usually at the 8.00am Eucharist) has completed his time as Chaplain to the Archbishop after three years. Michael will continue to assist the parish by taking services when asked by Father Warren. The Archbishop kindly made Michael an Archdeacon Emeritus in recognition of his service to the Diocese over many years.” 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 Jill Hilbig or Joy Campbell Sunday after Min Araki or Cynthia Macintosh READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Trevor T Intercessor Hal S-C Sunday after Reader Mary V Intercessor Max A SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers Sue D-T Brass Yvonne Caddy Cleaning Group 1 Mark your diary please ...... (a) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11 CHRISTIAN PASTORAL SUPPORT WORKER (Previously known as “School Chaplain”) BLACKWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Schools Ministry Group along with Mitcham Hills Inter Church Council are seeking applications for this 7 to 7.5 hour per week position, commencing late in Term 3, 2012. The position exists to offer support to students, staff and the school community. A Job and Person Specification, including details on “How to Apply”, is available from Schools Ministry Group on 8378 6800 or mail@smg.asn.au Closing date: Friday July 13th @ 5pm to SMG More info at www.smg.asn.au RONBLOG St. Mark had a great capacity to offer what may be described as ‘sandwich incidents.’ Two incidents remarkably similar and yet also quite contrasting. In today’s passage, the first ‘patient’ could have expected preferential treatment, being the child of an important synagogue official. The second person would have been consigned to outer darkness if Jewish Law was heeded, for she was a nobody and an outcast because of her ailment. So notice the sequence of events. When the call came from Jairus, Jesus attended to it. A twelve-year-old girl, on the point of reaching maturity then, was dying. But a hold-up came from a woman who had been suffering menstrual problems of enormous scope, for the same length of time that the young lass had been alive. This woman was outcast because of those woes, being disqualified from synagogue and from society generally. This points up the reason that she attempted to find her answers in secret. While she knew Jesus had substantial answers for her, she must have wondered whether He would have followed the ‘party line’ and disqualified her. Jesus’ action in removing the secrecy was not some sort of attempt to unmask the interloper. Jesus knew that the only chance she had for rehabilitation back into society was for everyone to know that her disability had been overcome. It was yet another measure of the sensitivity our Lord had for people in lousy circumstances. This poses the challenge for modern Christians to be as sensitive and aware in contact with people, especially those disadvantaged. Only after the disqualified person had been assisted was the qualified person given attention. Rather too late for some, as the lass had died. This created no hassle for Jesus, and maybe – in contrast to the first situation – made the synagogue president feel something of the pain the haemorrhaging lady. There is always truth behind the image of the ‘wounded healer.’ One who has suffered nothing much is small help to someone who has suffered a lot. Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….

RonBlog

Birth of John Baptist 2012 Sunday 24th June, 2012 Collect Almighty God, by Whose providence Your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way for Your Son our Saviour by preaching a baptism of repentance; make us so to follow his teaching and holy life that we may repent, and following his example, may constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 49: 1 – 6 Listen to me, O coastlands, pay attention, you peoples from far away! The LORD called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb he named me. He made my mouth like a sharp sword, in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me away. And he said to me, "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I will be glorified." But I said, "I have laboured in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my cause is with the LORD, and my reward with my God." And now the LORD says, Who formed me in the womb to be His servant, to bring Jacob back to Him, and that Israel might be gathered to Him, for I am honoured in the sight of the LORD, and my God has become my strength -- He says, "It is too light a thing that you should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.“ For the Epistle Acts 13: 22 – 26 When He had removed him, he made David their king. In his testimony about him He said, 'I have found David, son of Jesse, to be a man after My heart, who will carry out all My wishes.' Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Saviour, Jesus, as He promised; before his coming John had already proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. And as John was finishing his work, he said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but one is coming after me; I am not worthy to untie the thong of the sandals on his feet." "My brothers, you descendants of Abraham's family, and others who fear God, to us the message of this salvation has been sent. Gospel St. Luke 1: 57 ff Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, "No; he is to be called John." They said to her, "None of your relatives has this name." Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbours, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who heard them pondered them and said, "What then will this child become?" For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel. NOTES ON THE READINGS Old Testament One is left with the suspicion that this reading will go right over the heads of people as they listen, which is an enormous pity indeed. This comment is made simply because when a person is unaware of the situation at the time the prophet wrote, there could be little to show the potency of the words. Here the prophet is stating a profound truth that came to him as the result of questioning God. Rarely a bad thing to do, as long as you listen for the answer. The southern kingdom had been destroyed, along with Temple and Jerusalem, and anyone who was anyone was taken into exile in Babylon. For most people then, it was ‘end of story, end of line.’ No possibility of future lay in front of them. It must have been totally devastating. However the prophet had a rather wider vision of what was happening. That wider vision came from looking back further over Israel’s life and history, and in this very passage reminded people that their role was not simply to maintain an apparently disappearing religion, but was to be servants to the world at large. ‘It is too small a thing’ must have come like a hit from a sledge hammer, and made them see that God did not need to strong and viable nation to achieve His goal, but a faithful people who would simply get on with the job. Whenever the Church is strong, then in fact it is weak for it loses its way in the power struggle. When the Church is weak, then it sees the clear need to be true to its charter, -- and then it is strong! For the Epistle It was only last week that we watched as Saul was in process of being replaced as King but a kid who was a mere shepherd. Do not expect God to be very concerned about having this world’s heavies on side. And the process is repeated in the life of John the Baptist, ..... as in those of Mary and Joseph as well. God tends to work with the little people of this world GOSPEL What a delightfully low-key tale this is of John’s circumcision! Neither fuss nor bother ruled as that faithful little family gathered for such an important rite. And note the reference to John being in the desert until his ministry began. It is from that statement and John’s theological views that the assumption has been made that John spent much of his years with the Qumran sect, the Essenes. NOTES FOR A SERMON It is not always the easiest for us to link present issues of life and faith with events and incidents of the distant Biblical past, and even harder - seems to me! – for modern people even to know let alone connect past history with modern events. That’s a long sentence with a significant focus. Let me explain. A year or so after our youngest daughter left High School, I read a presentation book she was given for her efforts in Year 12. It was a fascinating book, writing Australian history from the mid 1860s up to the then present time (mid 1980s. I was reading at the time of the 1987 financial crisis, and was stunned at what I was reading. The book recorded a remarkably similar financial collapse of exactly a century before because of EXACTLY the same bases of land values being grossly overpriced, along with other similar rorts. It seems the old adage is true: the only lesson we learn from history is that we don’t ever learn the lessons of history. Most of them stems from the fact that modern people seem to have remarkably short memories, or perhaps even none at all. (I still suspect that climate change theories are based on insufficient or even incorrect evidence. I await definitive proof of it all.) Let’s go back to the beginning, to today’s readings, and to that remarkable and critical first lesson. Isaiah. (Gee I would love to have a long discussion with that person who wrote Chapter 49! B4rilliant and eternal stuff! Read it again if you would. Realize that the author is in exile in Babylon with the rest of the Hebrew displaced ones, after having gone through a crisis of enormous proportion. Facing them, as far as they saw, was the end of Jahweh, the end of Judaism, the end of Israel, the end of all that they valued so highly, even if they ignored much of it much of the time. End of the road. Boyo! Full stop, Amen. Everyone knew that if ever or whenever the god’s Temple was destroyed, (remember Samson?) that god was cactus, kaput! Dead and gone. You are left on your own. That was the current theology, and everyone knew it. Except some of the prophets. And Isaiah was one of them. He had the hide to question the process, to argue with God and to determine what really the kerfuffle was all about. He could not imagine that God would have gone to all that trouble with argumentative, murmuring people for nothing. So what the hell was God on about anyrate? Always a good question: before you get all self- focussed and ask ‘why me?’ ask the wiser, better question ‘what are you saying to me, Lord?’ Isaiah’s answer came from looking back over Israel’s history from where people were hurting right there and then. All is in question, nothing sacrosanct. Israel had developed a religion that stultified a wide-ranging, ;life giving Faith into a narrow religion of control and management. The nation had already had one cataclysm that destroyed the Northern Kingdom, a fate brought about not by God’s punishment, but by their refusal to live in love, compassion, (true) justice and integrity, and caring about each other. No one seemed to learn from that because no one took responsibility for that. So here is Stage 2. No, the Exile was not the end, though it could have been. It was ‘Time Out,’ so to speak. Stop and think, you lot, and ponder the reason for this. It is not a matter of defending your religion; it is a matter of re-evaluating what that Faith is about. ‘It is too light a thing that you should be My servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the survivors of Israel; I will give you as a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the end of the earth.“ Here was no end – it was a fresh beginning if they dared to take hold of it all. Do you begin to see? Now please put two and two together. The prophet was making it quite clear that here was no end to Judaism, no end to Jahweh, but time for God’s People to return to the original emphasis of their calling from Abraham on. ‘Light to the nations’ was the latest way of expressing ‘a blessing to all peoples.’ Here was nothing new, here was a simple challenge to go back to grass roots ... and then get on with the job. Sadly, Israel was not all that crash-hot at that restored role, which meant that, several centuries later, a new messiah was to come, with the same old message and challenge and calling. Now to 2012. Why is God allowing things to fall to bits (although most of the responsibility is ours of course.) This hiatus, like all previous ones in Hebrew and Christian history (and there have been lots of them!) is to stop and take stock and take up the original call and challenge and responsibility. We have been entrusted with the life-giving Gospel, for here and now rather more than heaven to come! And as I often report, when the Church is (seen as) strong, it is at its weakest. Neither Church nor Faith is a matter of strength and power. It is a matter of serving a hurting and damaged world of people. Serving. There is no other way to be that ‘light to the nations.’ It is an offer not a demand, it is a choice, not a requirement. It looks for all the world like weakness, yet it is significant, relevant and life- and world-changing. And all at little or not cost ... except to human pride and sometimes stupidity.

Newsletter

Sunday 24th June, 2012 FOURTH SUNDAY OF PENTECOST Birth of John the Baptist 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 next Sunday for School holidays …... Collect Almighty God, by Whose providence Your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way for Your Son our Saviour by preaching a baptism of repentance; make us so to follow his teaching and holy life that we may repent, and following his example, may constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen Today’s Readings Birth of John the Baptist read by Robyn K Readings Isaiah 49: 1—6 and Acts 13: 22 –26 GOSPEL Luke 1: 57—66 & 80 F r Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/ Supporting BCA Lois and David will be selling "Billy's Bush Tubs" between the services today. There are Milk Chocolate Almonds, Millionaire's Mix and Apricot Delight. Just $5 a tub. 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;) Michelle and Jack,. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Barb Capon, premature baby Hayley Haig , Genevieve Forster. . HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Margaret Collings, Graeme Browne, Christipher Moorecroft HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - YEAR’S MIND— Ann Rubinich (2003) Fr. Allan Daw (2001), Faith Hodgson (2004) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Readings 2 Sam 1:1 & 17 –27 2 Cor. 8: 7—15 GOSPEL Mark 5: 21—43 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 5.45pm Evening Prayer with Wendy and Sue 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 Saturday of each month at 4.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Each Friday morning, coffee and tea will be served in the Parish Hall from 8.30am to 11.30am so please come along and bring a friend or neighbour for a relaxing chat among friends. Only $2.00 for your tea or coffee and biscuit. It is our turn to visit the wards and take patients to the service in the Flinders Medical Centre chapel on Sunday 8th July. Please be at the chapel by 10am to allow plenty of time. If anyone else in our congregation is able to help in this outreach to the community please come and join us. Thank you, Jean Fordham Ph. 8278 2837 for enquiries. 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 Cynthia Macintosh or Don Caddy Sunday after Jill Hilbig or Joy Campbell READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Neil T Intercessor Mary V Sunday after Reader Trevor T Intercessor Hal S-C SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers Anna Kelly Brass Caroline & Sid Sweet Cleaning Susan Lee Mark your diary please ...... (a) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11 "I would like to say thank you so very much to my friends in our congregation for your cards, visits, best wishes and prayers after my recent accident. It all helped me to cope with the long recovery time and I appreciated your support very much indeed. I do hope to be back with you all very soon. With my love and heartfelt thanks, Barb Capon. MARY V AND THAT SOUP BUSINESS After church on Sunday the Winter Warm-up Soup Lunch (using the Anglicare recipe) gained some 'form' as some of those who volunteered to make some soup were talking in the foyer!! After consulting with Stephen as to when we might expect Warren's return to Sunday services (22nd July) we decided to use that day!! I anticipate that we might each pay for the soup in the form of a donation (generous, I hope!) to mission and I will ask the P/C to determine which organisation will benefit. Those who wish to contribute by making soup, will get a copy of the recipe - Vegetable and Lentil Soup (ex Magdalene Centre Cooking class) - from me or on the table in the foyer! If I get my act together, there will be lists up on Sunday. CHRISTIAN PASTORAL SUPPORT WORKER (Previously known as “School Chaplain”) BLACKWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL Schools Ministry Group along with Mitcham Hills Inter Church Council are seeking applications for this 7 to 7.5 hour per week position, commencing late in Term 3, 2012. The position exists to offer support to students, staff and the school community. A Job and Person Specification, including details on “How to Apply”, is available from Schools Ministry Group on 8378 6800 or mail@smg.asn.au Closing date: Friday July 13th @ 5pm to SMG More info at www.smg.asn.au RONBLOG JOHN THE BAPTIST Whilst today we celebrate the birth of the Baptist, there has been an issue with that man that has long disturbed me. That concern centres on the vast difference between what the Baptist preached, and the Gospel that Jesus came to offer. John, like his Essene tutors, was all about apocalyptic judgement, whilst Jesus pointed in very different directions and goals. Why did Jesus not demand that John reshape his preaching and ministry? [The only real point at where that happened was when John was imprisoned by Herod. And even then, the message Jesus offered was a question, not a firm statement. ] It strikes me that the answer is rather interesting from where I sit. Disagree with me if you like, but ponder this first, if I may ask that of you. I suspect that most of us have been brought up on the line that we are required to believe the Bible. Word of God and all that. But spend some time looking at the Scriptures if you will. That theory gets damaged somewhat when you realize that even in Scripture there are very different points of view put forward. Contradictions there are, in spades. So do you think that the authors did not realize that? Why did no one go back and revise and edit the contradictions out and resolve them? Answer: because those ancient worthies knew that a person is expected to do some pondering and thinking for themselves. Where does the truth really lie --- and where does that take you? In spite of expectations to the contrary, one is not expected to ‘believe’ either in stupidity or without argument or evidence. And when one has done some thinking and wondering, questioning and probing, then some clearer answers will emerge. And do not get too proud: then you are likely to encounter some harder questions too. So keep on searching...... and growing ..... and maturing. 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 17th June, 2012 Third Sunday after Pentecost Sentence In Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. 2 Cor. 5:19 Collect Almighty God, without You we are not able to please You; mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Old Testament Lesson 1 Samuel 15:24 – 16:13 Then Samuel went to Ramah; and Saul went up to his house in Gibeah of Saul. Samuel did not see Saul again until the day of his death, but Samuel grieved over Saul. And the LORD was sorry that he had made Saul king over Israel. The LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you grieve over Saul? I have rejected him from being king over Israel. Fill your horn with oil and set out; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite, for I have provided for myself a king among his sons." Samuel said, "How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.“ And the LORD said, "Take a heifer with you, and say, 'I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.' Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do; and you shall anoint for me the one whom I name to you." Samuel did what the LORD commanded, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet him trembling, and said, "Do you come peaceably?" He said, "Peaceably; I have come to sacrifice to the LORD; sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice." And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the LORD." But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. He said, "Neither has the LORD chosen this one." Then Jesse made Shammah pass by. And he said, "Neither has the LORD chosen this one." Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, and Samuel said to Jesse, "The LORD has not chosen any of these." Samuel said to Jesse, "Are all your sons here?" And he said, "There remains yet the youngest, but he is keeping the sheep." And Samuel said to Jesse, "Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes here." He sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and had beautiful eyes, and was handsome. The LORD said, "Rise and anoint him; for this is the one." Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the presence of his brothers; and the spirit of the LORD came mightily upon David from that day forward. Samuel then set out and went to Ramah. Psalm 92; 1 – 4 & 12 – 15 Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High: who abide under the shadow of the Almighty They will say to the Lord ‘You are my refuge and my stronghold: my God in Whom I trust For He will deliver you from the snare of the hunter: and from the destroying curse He will cover you with His wings, and you will be safe under His feathers: His faithfulness shall be your shield and defence You shall not be afraid of any terror by night: or of the arrow that flies by day Of the pestilence that walks about in darkness: or the plague that destroys at noonday ‘You have set your love upon Me,’ says the Lord, ‘and therefore I will deliver you: I will lift you out of danger because you have known My name When you call upon Me I will answer you: I will be with you in trouble, I will rescue you and bring you to honour With long life will I satisfy you: and fill you with my salvation. Epistle 2 Corinthians 5:6 – 10 and 14 – 17 We are always confident; even though we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we do have confidence, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! GOSPEL Mark 4: 26 – 34 Jesus also said, "The kingdom of God is as if someone would scatter seed on the ground, and would sleep and rise night and day, and the seed would sprout and grow, he does not know how. The earth produces of itself, first the stalk, then the head, then the full grain in the head. But when the grain is ripe, at once he goes in with his sickle, because the harvest has come." He also said, "With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable will we use for it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth; yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes the greatest of all shrubs, and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade." With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it; he did not speak to them except in parables, but he explained everything in private to his disciples. © 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 Old Testament Lesson As each three-year cycle comes up with this passage, I have to repeat my comment ‘ Never, never assume that the role of the prophet was a sinecure. A person of immense integrity was needed to be a prophet for JHWH, and it was a life-threatening risk that Samuel took in this process. With the evidence of the Libyan and Syrian revolt in front of us, and other Arab states having the same sort of unrest, most Westerners are appalled at the extent to which some Arab leaders would sacrifice their own population rather than surrender the power that they were abusing so extensively. There is nothing new about that!! Also underlined in this passage is the reiterated emphasis that God works through ‘little people’ rather than powerful ones. Mind you, David’s later actions underlines the extent to which positions of authority can so easily seduce people into self-service. Humans are not noted for being altruistic, now are they! Psalm This Psalm can be seen either as a sort of cringe behind the Almighty or the recognition that to live with integrity is the best choice for humans to follow. In other words, the Psalmist sees God as a guarantor – supporter if you like! – of all that is true and right. My support is for the latter! Epistle In my experience, this passage was always used as a sort of warning against ‘going against the Christian grain,’ and living the worldly life. It was seen as a sort of justification for being spiritual and looking for heaven as the escape from harsh reality. I see it quite differently these days – rather more as offering a rationale for living with integrity and truth in a world that operates on a vastly different wavelength. One needs only to ponder for a short while to recognize the huge difference to life if more people operate in such a manner. What a difference if one could trust all other people! GOSPEL And now here is all of the above ‘reduced’ to a series of pictures or parables about the Kingdom. So the entire range of readings for this Sunday has to do with the choice in front of all humans; either to live with integrity and honesty, or to refuse that and live self-centredly – and blow everyone else. One of the sad things, I find these days, is the rather great lack of teaching and preaching on the Kingdom. Correct that, and one suspects that the Faith may well have more people respond to it, though the opposite reaction is just as possible. Not too many people really want to know which way is really up! NOTES FOR A SERMON In all my debates and discussions about the Faith with those of atheistic and other leanings, the issue for them has been the perceived superstition in faith of any sort, and the perceived wisdom of being atheistic. Whenever I raise the main issue presented by Judaism and Christianity, and point to the huge issues underlined in today’s readings, there is a total blank in any reply for they are not interested at all. It is a strange hiatus, from where I sit, and the ‘problem’ has nothing to do with superstition. Atheists (like many other critics of the Faith) seem to have no answers at all when the focus is away from their favourite myopic issues. Today’s readings and their focus has always been a stunning emphasis for life, again from where I sit, for the most simple of reasons. That is to ignore this direction is to choose the sort of life that offers not only great chaos, but little or no hope for any future. However, this aspect of the Faith has tended to be overlooked, or avoided, for it appears to clash with the Atonement theology. Little could be further from the truth. So much of Jesus’ teaching had to do with the Kingdom of God (or of Heaven if you follow Matthew’s Gospel.) To sidestep that emphasis is to miss most of the point of the Gospel. Obviously if it comes from the mouth of our Lord, then full attention is required. When added to the fact that much of the OT prophets focussed on such issues, then to miss the point is inexcusable. As I have reiterated often, both Judaism and Christianity have very strong emphases on matters political, and on fundamental issues of human relationships. If and when I act unjustly or unfairly, I am not responding to the Faith. On top of that, I am not glorifying God, I am not reflecting His characteristics, I am not bearing witness to the point and purpose of the Gospel. Back, many years ago, when I was a pup, it was fashionable in evangelical circles to be disparaging about what used to be called ‘the social Gospel.’ A sense of superiority was engendered amongst evangelicals, showing that they had a far superior grasp of the spiritual Gospel than those who upheld that social Gospel. And I have to say that Scripture, life and the Faith has left me staggered at the narrow-mindedness that upheld such a view. Yes, I have long moved away from that perception. Pick up any of the OT prophets and see for yourself where their emphasis lies. Pick out all of the ‘Kingdom’ sayings of Jesus and see where His emphasis lies. And then ponder awhile how different life would be if/when people responded to such simple, powerful, utterly reliable reactions to relationships. Right from the very outset, the aim of Judaism was to offer to the world at large a method or system (whatever you like to call it) that would provide a remedy for the human ugliness in life and relationships. And there in the words of Scripture such a remedy is offered, from Genesis to Revelation. This is the good news, and great news it is and all. And there, in today’s parable, there is no hiding from the harsh realities of human evil. The Christian has to cope with the fact that loyalty will be tested in a no-holds-barred struggle against evil. There could hardly be anything more down to earth than that! And nothing anywhere near as valuable!

Newsletter

Sunday 17th June, 2012 THIRD SUNDAY OF PENTECOST 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 back in action again ……... Collect Almighty God, give us such a vision of Your purpose, and such an assurance of Your love and power, that we may ever hold fast the hope which is in Jesus Christ our Lord; Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Today’s Readings read by Hal S-C Readings 1 Samuel 15:34—16:13 and2 Cor.5: 6—10 GOSPEL Mark 4:26—34 r Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/ PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Ben L 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;) Michelle and Jack,. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Barb Capon, (home now) premature baby Hayley Haig , Genevieve Forster. . HAPPY BIRTHDAY - Barb Capon, Robyn Keynes HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - YEAR’S MIND— Norman Currer (2010) Beryl Errington (1993) Richard Osterman (2006) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Birth of John the Baptist Readings Isaiah 49: 1—6 and Acts 13: 22 –26 GOSPEL Luke 1: 57—66 & 80 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 5.45pm Evening Prayer with Wendy and Sue 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 Saturday of each month at 4.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Each Friday morning, coffee and tea will be served in the Parish Hall from 8.30am to 11.30am so please come along and bring a friend or neighbour for a relaxing chat among friends. Only $2.00 for your tea or coffee and biscuit. 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 The ABM - A Auxiliary, in Adelaide, has arranged for the annual 'MIDWINTER LUNCH' to be held in the hall at St George's Church, St Bernard's Road, Magill, on Friday 22 June beginning at 11.45 a.m. The guest speaker will be Bishop Ian George, talking about "Mad Moments in Ministry". This promises to be an entertaining event in support of ABM's missionary work. Joan Durdin has tickets at $12.00 per person. Transport can be provided if needed. POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Min Araki or Ron Keynes Sunday after Cynthia Macintosh or Don Caddy READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Caroline Sw Intercessor Wendy M Sunday after Reader Neil T Intercessor Mary V SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers Iris Downed Brass Joan Durdin Cleaning Susan Lee Mark your diary please ...... (a) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11 And do not forget the St. Barnabas’ College event at the Cathedral this evening. From 6.00pm. Cheese and wine in the Cynthia Poulton Hall and the service at 7.00pm. Matthew Anstey will be preaching. Special Note: News broke last weekend that Brad and Jo have another infant, and Brad has been appointed to Kangaroo Island as priest there. We offer our very best wishes to then as they begin ministry there. In the pew sheet for the last two weeks, I requested that you notify me regarding the amount that you gave in your Planned Giving envelope on 15th of April, this year. The envelopes which were missing have now been located. Therefore, you are no longer required to notify me about the amount you put in the envelope. I am going to take new measures to prevent a similar incident in the future. Thank you and my apologies for any inconvenience caused. Min Araki Recorder "I would like to say thank you so very much to my friends in our congregation for your cards, visits, best wishes and prayers after my recent accident. It all helped me to cope with the long recovery time and I appreciated your support very much indeed. I do hope to be back with you all very soon. With my love and heartfelt thanks, Barb Capon. RONBLOG on the readings today In all my debates and discussions about the Faith with those of atheistic and other leanings, the issue for them has been their perception that faith of any sort is superstitious or close to it, and so they underline the resultant wisdom of being atheistic. Whenever I raise the main issue presented by Judaism and Christianity, and point to the huge issues underlined in today’s readings, there is a total blank in any reply for they are not interested at all. It is a strange hiatus, from where I sit, and the ‘problem’ has nothing to do with superstition. Atheists (like many other critics of the Faith) seem to have no answers at all when the focus is away from their favourite myopic issues. Both Judaism and the Christian Faith are hammering constantly the need for truth, justice, integrity and compassion. Today’s readings and their focus has always been a stunning emphasis for life, again from where I sit, for the most simple of reasons. That is to ignore this direction is to choose the sort of life that offers not only great chaos, but little or no hope for any future for any of us humans. However, this aspect of the Faith has tended to be overlooked, or avoided even by Jewish and Christian adherents, For the latter, it appears to clash with the Atonement theology. Little could be further from the truth. So much of Jesus’ teaching had to do with the Kingdom of God (or of Heaven if you follow Matthew’s Gospel.) To sidestep that emphasis is to miss most of the point of the Gospel. Obviously if it comes from the mouth of our Lord, then full attention is required. When added to the fact that much of the OT prophets focussed on such issues, then to miss the point is inexcusable. As I have reiterated often, both Judaism and Christianity have very strong emphases on matters political, and on fundamental issues of human relationships. If and when I act unjustly or unfairly, I am not responding to the Faith. On top of that, I am not glorifying God, I am not reflecting His characteristics, I am not bearing witness to the point and purpose of the Gospel. What a waste!

RonBlog

Sunday 10th June, 2012 Second Sunday of Pentecost Sentence Whoever does the will of God is My brother, and My sister and My mother Mark 3:34 Collect Almighty God, give us such a vision of Your purpose, and such an assurance of Your love and power, that we may ever hold fast the hope which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen Old Testament Lesson 1 Samuel 8: 4 – 12 All the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah, and said to him, "You are old and your sons do not follow in your ways; appoint for us, then, a king to govern us, like other nations." But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, "Give us a king to govern us." Samuel prayed to the LORD, and the LORD said to Samuel, "Listen to the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them. Just as they have done to me, from the day I brought them up out of Egypt to this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so also they are doing to you. Now then, listen to their voice; only--you shall solemnly warn them, and show them the ways of the king who shall reign over them." So Samuel reported all the words of the LORD to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, "These will be the ways of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them to his chariots and to be his horsemen, and to run before his chariots; and he will appoint for himself commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and some to plough his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his implements of war and the equipment of his chariots. Psalm 138 I will give thanks O Lord, with my whole heart: even before the gods will I sing Your praises I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name: because of Your faithfulness and Your loving-kindness, for You have made Your name and Your Word supreme over all things. At a time when I called to You, You gave me answer: and put new strength within my soul All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord: for they have heard the words of Your mouth And they shall sing of the ways of the Lord: that the glory of the Lord is great. For though the Lord is exalted, He looks upon the lowly: and He comprehends the proud from afar. Though I walk in the midst of danger yet will You preserve my life: You will stretch out Your hand against the fury of my enemies, and Your right hand shall save me. The Lord will complete His purpose for me: Your loving-kindness, O Lord endures for ever – do not forsake the work of Your own hands. Epistle 2 Corinthians 4: 13 – 5:1 Just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture--"I believed, and so I spoke"--we also believe, and so we speak, because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. We know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. GOSPEL Mark 3: 20 – 35 The crowd came together again, so that they (Jesus and His disciples) could not even eat. When his family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, "He has gone out of his mind." And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebul, and by the ruler of the demons he casts out demons." And Jesus called them to him, and spoke to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan? If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand. And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but his end has come. But no one can enter a strong man's house and plunder his property without first tying up the strong man; then indeed the house can be plundered. "Truly I tell you, people will be forgiven for their sins and whatever blasphemies they utter; but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit can never have forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"-- for they had said, "He has an unclean spirit." Then Jesus’ mother and his brothers came; and standing outside, they sent to him and called him. A crowd was sitting around him; and they said to him, "Your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, asking for you." And he replied, "Who are my mother and my brothers?"And looking at those who sat around him, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! Whoever does the will of God is my brother and sister and mother." © 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 Old Testament It was only a few weeks ago that I drew attention to the fact that the life of an OT prophet was no sinecure. This passage precedes that other one, as here Samuel had the unwelcome task of replacing the Hebrew theocracy with a monarchy. Samuel would have had quite enough evidence from other countries and states to know the down-side of having kings – over-inflated egos being one of them One does not need much in the way of local observation to be aware that decisions (even within democracies!) do not often stand the test of wisdom. People have a remarkable capacity to be very foolish, ultra-short-sighted and selfish in their decisions. And that prophet of course needed no Divine inspiration to be aware that it was really God Who was being discarded. It is well worth noting that JHWH deal with the demand for a king, not by ruling the move invalid, but by leaving the door open for people to see the backward step they were taking. God’s wrath, even then, was not to punish, but to leave room for people to learn from experience. The passage of centuries, even millennia, though, has not improved the human position now has it for few seem to take the opportunity of learning from mistakes.! Psalm In spite of the late number in the Psalter, this must have been early in terms of composition. The reference to ‘other gods’ would seem to indicate its place in Hebrew history. But the author was well aware of the clear support he felt he had from a God of truth and justice. Epistle And it is obvious that even dear old St. Paul was well aware, as Samuel and the psalmist that life was not meant to be easy. This was not so much a matter of ‘hoping against hope,’ as it was a matter of being aware of realities. Has it ever occurred to you that if life was so designed by God that the faithful ones were protected and the sinners were not, that there would be an awful lot of hangers-on just for the ride? If I am Christian because of fear of Hell or promise of heaven, then my discipleship is very suspect indeed. GOSPEL So even our Lord was right in the middle of the usual crap, pardon me! No progress is apparent in Judaism in the time before King Saul nor nearly a thousand years later. It is a very tragic picture presented here: crowds of people surrounded Jesus, so some people listened and responded. On the other hand, those most threatened by Jesus and His ministry turned, as people often do, to ridicule or even charges of insanity, to refuse to respond affirmatively. Ba’alzebul (Lord of the Flies, for those who can remember the book/film of the same name) was the then equivalent to Satan. The deceiver, the leader astray of people. No supernatural fiend is intended; people knew enough about themselves to realize that I tempt me to choose foolishly, even evilly. Jesus’ response to the utterly foolish charge was to destroy it quietly with gentle and mocking logic. One of the issues that arise sometimes in people’s minds is that matter of the unpardonable sin. Even my dear old mother was someone in that category, sure that she may have offended God without even knowing it. That, may I say, is impossibility. But what is unforgiveable? Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit is nothing other than the refusal to follow the truth. To turn truth into lie. To do what those people did in their attempt to denigrate Jesus by refusing to respond to the truth that he offered. That can only be reversed when the refusal of truth is reversed – and anyone is quite capable of doing just that, are they not? NOTES FOR A SERMON One of the things that really annoy me about lots of Christians is their focus on themselves and their ‘salvation.’ I still recall with something of a cringe, being confronted in Martin Place Sydney, in 1950, by some over-eager older person, asking if I was saved. Actually I was wearing a Scripture Union badge at the time, and that was the clear indication to anyone then, that I was on Jesus’ side. That experience had me determined never to follow such a stupid and rude pattern to others. It is hard enough being Christian in the real world, let alone be interfered with by narrow-minded idiots. Having said all that, are you aware of the extent to which today’s readings make it utterly clear that even our Lord, let alone His Old Testament prophets and psalmists, had to endure the same stupidity and resistance. In other words, if it was good enough for Jesus to have to put up with it, then ...... you know where that takes you. Also I recall with some vividness how –as kids in Sunday School and even after, - we were taught to assume that all the ancient worthies in Scripture somehow knew exactly which way was up, exactly what God wanted, and were completely true to their vision of the Faith. On top of that, all went well with them and that there was no gainsaying or refusal from those they led. Obviously it was not long in my own reading of Scripture to see the utter falsity of that view of things, which was great relief to me. I rarely have had any such certainty. The reality is that even those Biblical characters had to search inside themselves to recover where the truth lay in all the situations they confronted. And there is no doubt that each human being has that capacity to discern where truth lies, even if that may be with some need to correct previous perceptions. The older one gets, hopefully, the wiser one becomes. But it has to be said that even youngsters are remarkably aware of where fairness lies, when the crunch is on. Sadly, there is also that capacity in each of us to bend, twist and distort the truth for our own benefit. It is not only politicians who use spin and deceit and half-truths to get their own way. As I write this, the debate is going on about the necessity or otherwise of the carbon tax (5/11) and the various arguments offered, pro and con, are not noted for their veracity. Sadly for most of us, the final proof with emerge with the passage of time. And what about the Murray-Darling debate, and many others!!! That experience of Jesus as recorded in today’s Gospel is one of the more bloody examples of people finding ways to avoid the very powerful realities of Jesus’ ministry. Notice how, in this and so many other examples, mockery is the attempted means to avoid facing the issues that Jesus presented. It seems to be far easier to regard someone as insane than to explore the truth of what they present.

Newsletter

Sunday 10th June, 2012 SECOND SUNDAY OF PENTECOST 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 with another celebratory cake! Sunday School is back in action again ……... Collect Almighty God, give us such a vision of Your purpose, and such an assurance of Your love and power, that we may ever hold fast the hope which is in Jesus Christ our Lord; Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Today’s Readings read by Arndrae L Readings 1 Samuel 8: 1 …. And 2 Cor. 4:13—5:1 GOSPEL Mark 3: 20—35 r Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/ PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Ben L 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;) Michelle and Jack,. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Barb Capon, (home now) premature baby Hayley Haig , Genevieve Forster, and thanks for safe arrival of Oliver William Devlin. The Arnolds have moved to Kalyra also. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - YEAR’S MIND— Roz Haysman (2010) Mabel Mitchell (1997) Len Dent (1998) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Third Sunday of Pentecost Readings 1 Samuel 15:34—16:13 and2 Cor.5: 6—10 GOSPEL Mark 4:26—34 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 5.45pm Evening Prayer with Wendy and Sue 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 Saturday of each month at 4.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Each Friday morning, coffee and tea will be served in the Parish Hall from 8.30am to 11.30am so please come along and bring a friend or neighbour for a relaxing chat among friends. Only $2.00 for your tea or coffee and biscuit. A gentle reminder that the Parish Diary is available at the e-site mentioned at the base of the information box on page 4 of this newsletter. When you have got there, bookmark that page for easy access each time you need it. Reminder too, that the latest Parish Magazine is available in the foyer. And the Sunday School is buying 10 copies of the CEV Big Rescue Bibles, which are available for inspection.. Should anyone wish to support this project, the Bibles are $16.00 each ….. And look out for the display of the story of Ruth on the SS Notice board. 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 The ABM - A Auxiliary, in Adelaide, has arranged for the annual 'MIDWINTER LUNCH' to be held in the hall at St George's Church, St Bernard's Road, Magill, on Friday 22 June beginning at 11.45 a.m. The guest speaker will be Bishop Ian George, talking about "Mad Moments in Ministry". This promises to be an entertaining event in support of ABM's missionary work. Joan Durdin has tickets at $12.00 per person. Transport can be provided if needed. POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Ron Keynes or Trevor Tregenza Sunday after Min Araki or Ron Keynes READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Hal S-C Intercessor Sue D-T Sunday after Reader Caroline Sw Intercessor Wendy M SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers Marilyn Little Brass Margaret Carruthers Cleaning Group 4 Mark your diary please ...... (a) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11 Special Note: News broke last weekend that Brad and Jo have another infant, and Brad has been appointed to Kangaroo Island as priest there. We offer our very best wishes to then as they begin ministry there. RONBLOG On lies, damn lies and statistics ..... From today’s readings As kids in Sunday School and even after, - we were told to assume that the ancient worthies in Scripture somehow knew exactly which way was up, exactly what God wanted, and were completely true to their vision of the Faith. On top of that, all went well with them and that there was no gainsaying or refusal from those they led. Obviously it was not long before I saw the utter falsity of that view of things! Oddly., that was great relief to me. I rarely have had any such certainty. Even those Biblical characters had to search inside themselves to see where truth lay in all the situations they confronted. And each human being has that capacity to discern where truth lies, though that may need some correction of previous perceptions. The older one gets, hopefully, the wiser one becomes. But it has to be said that even youngsters are remarkably aware of where fairness lies, when the crunch is on. Sadly, there is also that capacity in each of us to bend, twist and distort the truth for our own benefit. It is not only politicians who use spin and deceit and half-truths to get their own way. The debate is going on about the carbon tax and other financial directions and emphases. The various arguments offered, pro or con, are not noted for their veracity. Sadly for most of us, the final proof with emerge with the passage of time. And what about the Murray-Darling debate, and many others!!! That experience of Jesus as recorded in today’s Gospel is one of the more bloody examples of people finding ways to avoid the very powerful realities of Jesus’ ministry. Notice how, in this and so many other examples, mockery is the attempted means to avoid facing the issues that Jesus presented. It seems to be far easier to regard someone as insane than explore the truth of what they present. ST. BARNABAS’ PATRONAL FESTIVAL EVENSONG SERVICE ST PETER’S CATHEDRAL SUNDAY, 17 JUNE 2012 PREACHER: The Rev’d Dr Matthew Anstey 6:00PM Cheese and Wine - Cynthia Poulton Hall 7:00PM Evensong (robing from 6.40)Please let us know if you are coming. RSVP by 12 JUNE 2012 (admin@sbtc.org.au). Now located at 1 Susan Street, Hindmarsh An offering will be collected for the work of the College Please join us for this celebration in the life of the College and hear about the proposal for the new site from the architects, Walter Brooke Note from the Recorder: Thank you for your support for the Planned-Giving Scheme. I need to ask a favour of you who have been attending the 8 am services. If you attended the 8 am service on 15th of April and left your envelope in the collection bowl, could you please do one of the following? Either put in the collection bowl, a slip of paper which states your ID number and the amount that you think you put in the envelope, referring to 8 am, 15th April collection, - write to the Recorder, or - e-mail to him, or - phone him. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Min ( The Recorder) minaraki@adam.com.au (ph 7129 6758) 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 3rd June 2012 Trinity Sunday Sentence ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory. Isaiah 6: 3 Collect O Blessed Trinity, in Whom we know the Maker of all things, seen and unseen, the Saviour of all both near and far, by Your Spirit enable us so to worship Your divine majesty that with all the company of heaven we may magnify You glorious name, saying holy, holy, holy, glory to You O Lord Most High. Amen Old Testament Lesson Isaiah 6: 1 – 8 In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lofty; and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphs were in attendance above him; each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, and with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." The pivots on the thresholds shook at the voices of those who called, and the house filled with smoke. And I said: "Woe is me! I am lost, for I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips; yet my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!" Then one of the seraphs flew to me, holding a live coal that had been taken from the altar with a pair of tongs. The seraph touched my mouth with it and said: "Now that this has touched your lips, your guilt has departed and your sin is blotted out." Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I; send me!" Psalm 29 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendour of his holiness. The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic. The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars; the LORD breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon. He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, Sirion like a young wild ox. The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of lightning. The voice of the LORD shakes the desert; the LORD shakes the Desert of Kadesh. The voice of the LORD twists the oaks and strips the forests bare. And in his temple all cry, “Glory!” The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD is enthroned as King forever. The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace. Epistle Romans 8: 12 – 17 Brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--for if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ--if, in fact, we suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. GOSPEL John 3: 1 – 17 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God." Jesus answered him, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above." Nicodemus said to him, "How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, 'You must be born from above.' The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." Nicodemus said to him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered him, "Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? "Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. "Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. © 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 The older I get the more I am amazed at the extent to which modern Christians seem to be remarkably unfamiliar with the contents of their Bibles. I am being sad, not critical, for that lack must surely add either to bemusement or boredom, for so much of the development of the Faith has depended on the exploration of life and wisdom by the ancient (and not so ancient) worthies. Very many questions have been thrown up to me over recent years and that indicates the extent of modern ignorance. In fact, sometimes one is left wondering what many modern Christians do believe or understand about the Faith. Old Testament Having been ‘on about’ the Spirit last week, I hope readers make the connection between Isaiah and Spirit with this most formative of readings. (It connects well with the John reading too.) (First) Isaiah was one of the political and religious elite of his time, mixed up in both areas of leadership in Israel. And it would seem that even such exalted people can become so stuck with an air of unreality of the faith they profess but not believe, until something opens their eyes. This is a most moving report of Isaiah’s eye- and mind-opening experience of the God he talked about but seemed never to have known till this experience. And it happened in the Temple. It was a matter of realizing Who God is, a transfiguration all of his own. It is well worth you reading past the close of the selected passage, for although the prophet realized that the role was his, the passage goes on to indicate quite clearly that the road towards his ministry would be very difficult to pursue. As I have often said, the role of prophet, in Old Testament (or any) times, was no sinecure. Psalm You may be forgiven for thinking that this psalmist was going somewhat bonkers, or at least over the top. Mind you, one might consider that Isaiah, after the experience mentioned above, would no doubt relate to this psalm. While I have considerable difficulty with modern Christians going over the top about God, it must be said that some ‘Isaianic’ experience would be a shake-up of considerable proportion. Epistle May I remind readers that what St. Paul was on about was the difference between living self-centredly (as Adam, ‘flesh,’ death,) and following Christ, which is diametrically opposite to the ‘adam’ prototype? This is life. And it is not just a matter of avoiding ‘sins of the flesh!’ It is a matter of seeing what is important in life not for oneself, but for the world of people at large. That may take a while to ponder ... and then to pursue. GOSPEL This fascinating chapter tends to be misunderstood almost completely. In spite of the popular perception, this has nothing to do with what used to be called ‘conversion’ in my earlier days. It has everything to do with what the other readings emphasise. This is experiential. This is profound. And it has to do with the Spirit of God at work, as with Isaiah, bringing about radical change in the life of the Christian and the Christian community- and hopefully, to the world at large. It was a sad commentary on Judaism in the time of Nicodemus that he seemed to have no idea of the point, purpose or direction of the Jewish faith. That was in spite of those worthy Old Testament prophets who did have a clear view. The need for change in people and the community was very widely understood by people like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The Minor Prophets were just as potently aware. And the motive, from John 3, was not so much sins forgiven as it was (and still should be) the following, the discipleship of Jesus Who remains our exemplar par excellence. Just as a matter of interest, when John wrote 3:16, I draw your attention to a significant matter: ‘should not perish’ has nothing to do with wasting away in Hell or such. The Greek word has to do with what happens to rubbish in Gehenna, the rubbish tip. It is a waste, a pointless existence. There is no point, purpose or use for what is there. Worth pondering, pardon me. NOTES FOR A SERMON Lots of people can relate to some life-changing experience for them where quite suddenly, and often uninvited light dawns on them. They may have been facing some crisis or challenge, or it may simply be that, like inspiration, it came unbidden totally. (Most inspiration seems just to burst in on the scene.) So, it seems, was that ‘thing’ with Isaiah. Up to that point in his life, he seems to have been so involved with the business of running the kingdom and the congregation, that he could see only himself and his responsibilities. It may well have seemed to have been his importance, his role that kept the wheels turning. And maybe it was a matter of having to face something well outside his parameters that brought this stunning vision to light. Whatever the situation, Isaiah was confronted by God, by JHWH, in a way that had never happened to him before. And the outcome was revolutionary, for without the book of Isaiah our perception of God would have been reduced considerably, at least until the Incarnation. Isaiah’s theology became enormously broad, all-embracing, and significant. When people have all manner of questions about the Faith, about God or about life, I find it odd how often such folk retreat into some sort of escape position. Either – it seems – the question, or the problem that provokes it, seems too hard to handle. So the question tends to be put on the back burner, meanwhile worrying and disturbing the person. There is a rather better way to tackle such questions ..... One of the fascinating things about life and the Faith is that first of all, it can stand up to questions and nothing can emerge to throw it. God never expects anyone to ‘believe’ without solid evidence for doing so. Such experiences as Isaiah’s didn’t happen for fun or by accident. More often than not, it is because the recipient has been struggling with some question or query, and the substantial (repeat substantial) answer comes, often quite out of the blue. To my mind, this mode of development is the genius of the Judaic-Christian Faith. It is experiential, almost hard-nosed in a way. Like science, one starts with a theory, then tests it in real life, and wears off the rough edges. It is a continual process, so don’t expect to stay still for long. Perhaps it could be said that any group of readings would be helpful in celebrating Trinity Sunday, as long as the readings portrayed this growing catalogue of the experience of people searching for where truth lay, in matters of life and relationships even more than in matters of what may be called religion. (Readers of previous comments of mine will know from way back that I have great hang-ups about ‘religion.’ My reason is that the word tends to conjure up things like escapism, or superstition, or other groundless bases of what passes for belief. This Faith is not about guesswork, except where issues beyond human experience are concerned.) So in a way a sort of two-fold test of the general validity of Hebrew-Christian Faith is (and not in any order of merit) (i) is this a random world in a random universe, and (b) if not, what is the wisest, most balanced response to human relationships and values? As to the first-mentioned, one would expect that a random universe was random full-stop. In other words, little or nothing could be predictable, and no connection would be found in anything much at all. With all due respect, that is not the case at all. Some things are certainly random, but the further we go, the more we become aware of remarkable connection. In fact, the exploration of science began in Western culture exactly on the basis that as there is one God, there is the high probability of finding exactly that predictability and reason and explanation of whatever and wherever we search and question. So may I suggest that today be the start of a long and fascinating search for answers to your questions? Do not be afraid!!!

Newsletter

Sunday 3rd June, 2012 TRINITY SUNDAY 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 with another celebratory cake! Sunday School is back in action again ……... Collect for Trinity Sunday O blessed Trinity, in Whom we know the Maker of all things, seen and unseen, the Saviour of all, both near and far: by Your Spirit enable us so to worship Your divine majesty, that with all the company of heaven we may magnify Your glorious name, saying, Holy, holy, holy. Glory to you, O Lord most high. Amen. Today’s Readings - - TRINITY SUNDAY read by John F Readings Isaiah 6: 1—8 & Romans 8: 12—17 GOSPEL John 3: 1—17 Fr. Ron’s Notes available at http://www.anglican-belair.blogspot.com/ PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Max A 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;) Michelle and Jack,. Hazel Looney, Tommy Ferguson, Judith Manning, Barb Capon, (home a week ago) little premature baby Hayley Haig , Genevieve Forster, and thanks for safe arrival of Oliver William Devlin. HAPPY BIRTHDAY - HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - YEAR’S MIND— John Carruthers (`009) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Second of Pentecost Readings 1 Samuel 8: 1 …. And 2 Cor. 4:13—5:1 GOSPEL Mark 3: 20—35 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 5.45pm Evening Prayer with Wendy and Sue 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 Saturday of each month at 4.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Each Friday morning, coffee and tea will be served in the Parish Hall from 8.30am to 11.30am so please come along and bring a friend or neighbour for a relaxing chat among friends. Only $2.00 for your tea or coffee and biscuit. A gentle reminder that the Parish Diary is available at the e-site mentioned at the base of the information box on page 4 of this newsletter. When you have got there, bookmark that page for easy access each time you need it. Reminder too, that the latest Parish Magazine is available in the foyer. And the Sunday School is buying 10 copies of the CEV Big Rescue Bibles, which should be available for inspection before long. Should anyone wish to support this project, the Bibles are $16.00 each ….. BEACON Thank you all for your generous support of Beacon (part of the work of our Interchurch Council). The retiring collection last Sunday, 27 May, totalled $328.20. A wonderful effort to assist those in our community in need of extra help during the winter months. 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 The ABM - A Auxiliary, in Adelaide, has arranged for the annual 'MIDWINTER LUNCH' to be held in the hall at St George's Church, St Bernard's Road, Magill, on Friday 22 June beginning at 11.45 a.m. The guest speaker will be Bishop Ian George, talking about "Mad Moments in Ministry". This promises to be an entertaining event in support of ABM's missionary work. Joan Durdin has tickets at $12.00 per person. Transport can be provided if needed. POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Joy Campbell or Craig Deane Sunday after Ron Keynes or Trevor Tregenza READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Arndrae L Intercessor Ben L Sunday after Reader Hal S-C Intercessor Sue D-T SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers Audrey & Graham Bains Brass Rosemary Conlon Cleaning Susan Lee Mark your diary please ...... (a) St John's Exams 17-20 July and 29/10-14/11 RONBLOG Trinity .... Not as vague as you might think!!! Check out the readings for today Lots of people can relate to some life-changing experience for them where quite suddenly and often uninvited, light dawns on them. They may have been facing some crisis or challenge, or it may simply be that, like inspiration, it came unbidden totally. (Most inspiration seems just to burst in on the personal scene.) So, it seems, was that ‘thing’ with Isaiah. Up to that point in his life, he seems to have been so involved with the business of running the kingdom and the congregation, that he could see only himself and his responsibilities. It may well have seemed to have been his importance, his role that kept the wheels turning. And maybe it was a matter of having to face something well outside his parameters that brought this stunning vision to light. Whatever the situation, Isaiah was confronted by God, by JHWH, in a way that had never happened to him before. And the outcome was revolutionary, for without the book of Isaiah our perception of God would have been reduced considerably, at least until the Incarnation. Isaiah’s theology became enormously broad, all-embracing, and significant. When people have all manner of questions about the Faith, about God or about life, it is sad how often such folk retreat into an avoidance mechanism. Either the question, or the problem that provokes it, seems too hard to handle. So it tends to be put on the back burner, meanwhile worrying and disturbing the person. Worse, some people retreat entirely. There is a rather better way to tackle such questions .....One of the fascinating things about life and the Faith is that it can stand up to questions ..... and nothing can emerge to throw it. God never expects anyone to ‘believe’ without solid evidence for doing so. Such experiences as Isaiah’s didn’t happen for fun or by accident. More often than not, it is because the recipient has been struggling with some question or query, and the substantial (repeat substantial) answer comes, often quite out of the blue. To my mind, this mode of development is the genius of the Judaic-Christian Faith. It is experiential, almost hard-nosed in a way. Like science, one starts with a theory, then tests it in real life, and wears off the rough edges. And it is a continual process, so don’t expect to stay still for long. So may I suggest that today be the start of a long and fascinating search for answers to your questions? Do not be afraid!!! ST. BARNABAS’ PATRONAL FESTIVAL EVENSONG SERVICE ST PETER’S CATHEDRAL SUNDAY, 17 JUNE PREACHER: The Rev’d Dr Matthew Anstey 6:00PM Cheese and Wine - Cynthia Poulton Hall 7:00PM Evensong (robing from 6.40)Please let us know if you are coming. RSVP by 12 JUNE 2012 (admin@sbtc.org.au). Now located at 1 Susan Street, Hindmarsh An offering will be collected for the work of the College Please join us for this celebration in the life of the College and hear about the proposal for the new site from the architects, Walter Brooke Note from the Recorder: Thank you for your support for the Planned-Giving Scheme. I need to ask a favour of you who have been attending the 8 am services. If you attended the 8 am service on 15th of April and left your envelope in the collection bowl, could you please do one of the following? Either put in the collection bowl, a slip of paper which states your ID number and the amount that you think you put in the envelope, referring to 8 am, 15th April collection, - write to the Recorder, or - e-mail to him, or - phone him. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Thank you. Min ( The Recorder) minaraki@adam.com.au (ph 7129 6758) Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron at 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net by Tuesday afternoon please …….