Newsletter

Sunday 25h November, 2012 CHRIST THE KING - Sunday before Advent 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, young people! Collect for the day Everlasting God, Whose will it is to restore all things in Your well-beloved Son, our Lord and King; grant that the people on earth, now divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under His gentle and loving rule; Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever, Amen. Today’s Readings read by Vanessa D Readings 2 Samuel 23: 1—7 and Revelation 1:4b—8 GOSPEL John 18: 33—37 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Vanessa We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. (coping reasonably) Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Bonney Tomlinson, - home again now - Janet Phillips., Jan and Mollie HAPPY BIRTHDAY Marcia Wilkins, Dorothy Richardson, Joyce Arnold HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Marilyn and Peter Little, Marlene and Ray Dixon YEAR’S MIND— Violet Arnold (1980) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY First Sunday in Advent Year C begins on 2nd December Readings Jeremiah 33: 14—16 and 1 Thessalonians 3: 9—13 GOSPEL Luke 21: 25—38 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 5.30pm Evening Prayer with Wendy YOUNG PEOPLE’S GROUP 5pm every second Sunday 14th at Daughtry’s home MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. This means next Saturday!!!!! Friday morning tea will recommence on this Friday 30th November, thanks to the return of the Baines from the UK. All are welcome. Planned-Giving Confirmation Letter Thank you for being in the Planned-Giving Scheme. Parishioners who have handed in their pledge form by the 11th of December will find their confirmation letter on the table in the foyer. Parishioner who hand it in after this date will receive confirmation letter later on. Min The Recorder minaraki@adam.com.au 7129-6758 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 1st March 2013 with our Parish hosting the Day of Prayer next year, we need to be ready for all the duties involved. The focus next time is France. We need to be ready for speaker, publicity, in the kitchen, and other matters. Please be ready to play your parts in this important event. Yvonne Myers. Saturday 1st December, 10am at St. Peter’s Cathedral, clear for Stephen Daughtry’s Ordination as priest. Please remember if you are going, that we are to help provide refreshments after the service in the Cathedral Hall afterwards. 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 Ron Keynes Sunday after Min Araki or Cynthia Macintosh READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Eric D Intercessor Ben L Sunday after Reader Iris D Intercessor Wendy M SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers No flowers Brass Margaret Carruthers Cleaning Group 1 The Quire St. Nicholas will be singing their Annual Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral at 3.00 pm on Sunday 23rd December. You may well need to make your plans early ….. SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY FUN DAY 2nd December Do not forget our Sunday afternoon Family Fun Day on December 2nd at 4.00 pm. We are asking folk to help with craft and activities and the Mothers’ Union for refreshments, and in the meantime would you (a) bring to Church any old Christmas cards (preferably no Santas!) and (b) any catalogues advertising Christmas gifts and shopping (junk mail really!) Robyn Keynes asks people to save their 2 ltr wine-casks, please—they are very useful as building blocks for junior Sunday School. Friday 7th December is the Blackwood Pageant. As in previous years it will be led by the churches and it is hoped as many of you as possible can turn out and walk with our church banner. Meet in Gulfview Road, near Hungry Jacks end at about 5.30 pm for a 6.30 kick off. Anglicare Christmas Toy Appeal is back with the request for donations , toys that can be put in the toy box from today until 15th December,. Further information from Joy Campbell on 8398 5163. RONBLOG on today’s Readings Are you aware that the real battle between the People of God and those who are not is often over the issue of what truth is and what it is not? Then one realizes that while the issue is hugely significant, the boundaries between the two ‘sides’ are somewhat quite blurred. From quite early in Jewish history, the Chosen People were made aware of the rather large gap between the faith of Abraham and the religion of most of their contemporaries. Amos and the early prophets were first to punch the drum on those factors, and were not met with general acceptance. Fancy that! And dear old Daniel was heavily into pointing out the religious and moral threats posed by Hellenism, Greek culture. (Later, John was to see and understand similar threats to the Faith from Roman culture ..... and increasing opulence.) So they were all about truth and falsehood. No room for spin, ‘lies, damn lies and statistics.’ It is small wonder then that the critical issue for Pilate, during Jesus’ trial, lay along the lines of ‘what is truth?’ That, understand this most clearly, was the real issue behind Jesus’ arraignment and trial and execution. What is truth? Truth is hugely important in life, and not just in matters religious. If one cannot trust those with whom you do business, the whole scheme of things comes crashing down. Even in our own day and age when ‘truth’ is for ever painted as relative, the basic necessity remains unchanged. Most little kids are profoundly aware of where fairness lies, even in minor matters. The matter of responding to hideous tales of child abuse wracking Churches and people underlines the utter necessity of complete and transparent honesty, without which the distrust will continue unabated. Not only honesty but preparedness to stand up for it. This is not a matter of Christians against others. It is a matter for humans with humans; for the future possibility of living and working together with each other. It is no small wonder that the authors of so much of the Christian Scriptures focussed so heavily and importantly on the matter of truth. There is no room for white lies or any other modification of truth. It is either true or it is not.

Newsletter

Sunday 18th November, 2012 TWENTY-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 back in action, young people! Collect for the day O God, welcoming refuge for the outcast, and upholder of justice for the oppressed: maintain the hope of the poor, so that the time may soon come when no one need want for food and shelter, and all will learn to share freely following the example of Your Son, Who gave His very self; Who now lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Today’s Readings read by David C Readings 1 Samuel 1:4—20 and Hebrews 10: 11—14 & 19—25 GOSPEL Mark 13:1-11 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Don B We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family, Dianne Cordes. (coping reasonably) Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Bonney Tomlinson, - home again now - Janet Phillips., Jan, Mollie and Margaret. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pat Pater, Sue Daw-Thomas, David Hale HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY YEAR’S MIND— Beryl Wilson (1995) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Christ the King - Sunday next before Advent Readings 2 Samuel 23: 1—7 and Revelation 1:4b—8 GOSPEL John 18: 33—37 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 5.30pm Evening Prayer with Wendy YOUNG PEOPLE’S GROUP 5pm every second Sunday 14th at Daughtry’s home MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Friday morning teas will recommence on Friday 30th November, thanks to the return of the Baines from the UK. All are welcome. Planned-Giving Confirmation Letter Thank you for being in the Planned-Giving Scheme. Parishioners who have handed in their pledge form by the 11th of December will find their confirmation letter on the table in the foyer. Parishioner who hand it in after this date will receive confirmation letter later on. Min The Recorder minaraki@adam.com.au 7129-6758 WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 1st March 2013 With our Parish hosting the Day of Prayer next year, we need to be ready for all the duties involved. The focus next time is France. We need to be ready for speaker, publicity, in the kitchen, and other matters. Please be ready to play your parts in this important event. Yvonne Myers. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD - SHOE BOXES. We are pleased to let you know that we sent 29 Shoes Boxes and l donation to the Samaritan’s Purse this year. Slight improvement over last year. Thank you all so much for filling these boxes. Much appreciated. Marlene Dixon Saturday 1st December, 10am at St. Peter’s Cathedral, clear for Stephen Daughtry’s Ordination as priest. Also Wendy Morecroft and Clare Bruce have been selected for Discernment by the Diocese, in moves towards training and possible Ordination. 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 Joy Campbell or Ron Keynes Sunday after Min Araki or Cynthia Macintosh READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Vanessa Intercessor Vanessa Sunday after Reader Eric D Intercessor Ben L SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers Noelene Carter Brass Rosemary Conlon Cleaning Cleaner SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY FUN DAY 2nd December Do not forget our Sunday afternoon Family Fun Day on December 2nd at 4.00 pm. We are asking folk to help with craft and activities and the Mothers’ Union for refreshments, and in the meantime would you (a) bring to Church any old Christmas cards (preferably no Santas!) and (b) any catalogues advertising Christmas gifts and shopping (junk mail really!) Robyn Keynes asks people to save their 2 ltr wine-casks, please—they are very useful as building blocks for junior Sunday School. Friday 7th December is the Blackwood Pageant. As in previous years it will be led by the churches and it is hoped as many of you as possible can turn out and walk with our church banner. Meet in Gulfview Road, near Hungry Jacks end at about 5.30 pm for a 6.30 kick off. Anglicare Christmas Toy Appeal is back with the request for donations, toys that can be put in the toy box from today until 15th December. Further information from Joy Campbell on 8398 5163. The Quire St. Nicholas will be singing their Annual Lessons and Carols at the Cathedral at 3.00 pm on Sunday 23rd December. You may well need to make your plans early ….. RONBLOG on today’s Readings People, Christian and otherwise, seem to have a fascination with end of the world themes. Movies pander to the urge, but if all this is thought to respond to Biblical imagery, then the point is missed entirely. It is a remarkable thing to note, even if you are not a student of history, that it is important to realize that most cultures and civilisations come to the end of their life not from invasion from outside, but by collapse within. That collapse tends to emerge through a rather common failure of people to react in terms compatible with justice and truth, compassion and equity. This is what the Old Testament prophets were all about, as is the Kingdom of which Jesus spoke constantly. The further I have gone in my ministry and pilgrimage, the more I am surprised how few people really understand John’s Revelation. Apocalyptic writings are sadly misunderstood and mis-interpreted. St. John was not, repeat NOT talking about the end of the world any more than Jesus was, as per today’s Gospel passage. Both our Lord and John were underlining the fact that moral decadence is the chief factor that brings about its own collapse in peoples. Jesus expected calamitous events to follow the Crucifixion, and although it took some time, happen it did. John expected the end of Empire (Roman of course) because of the exploding trade in luxuries and the gap between rich and poor, and while it took rather longer than John expected, happen it did. It is not so much a matter of wealth, as it is a matter of unfair distribution of wealth, with widening gaps between those who had and those who had not. If I am wealthy and you are poor, and I give not a damn about you, then I have strayed too far from where truth and justice lies, and my disregard for you is blasphemous – even if I have no God. It is very telling stuff, and should make us all look very much more closely at how we live and operate as humans in a world where we Australians, rich or poor in relation to each other, are living like kings when compared to much of the rest of the world’s population.

Newsletter

Sunday 11th November, 2012 TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY OF PENTECOST Welcome to Campbell and his family 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 action, young people! Collect for the day Blessed Lord, You have caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Your Holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of eternal life which You have given us in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen Today’s Readings read by Clare B Readings Ruth 3:1-5 & 4:3—17 and Hebrews 9:23 –28 GOSPEL Mark 12: 38—44 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family, Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Margaret Pressley, Danny Hodgson, Ann Daughtry, Dennis and Walter, Chris Barber, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Bonney Tomlinson, - - home again now - Janet Phillips., Jan, Mollie and Margaret. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Pip Bruce HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY YEAR’S MIND— Jane Matthews (1996) Audrey Gaskell Crouch (2002) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Readings 1 Samuel 1:4—20 and Hebrews 10: 11—14 & 19—25 GOSPEL Mark 13:1-11 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 5.30pm Evening Prayer with Wendy YOUNG PEOPLE’S GROUP 5pm every second Sunday 14th at Daughtry’s home MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm Mothers' Union reports that the result of the Trading Table was $350.00, for which they thank everyone. This amount goes to East African Women’s Literacy programmes - and some Men’s, too, - which is a major effort of MU in Africa. WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Craig Deane wishes to thank all who were involved in the recent Working Bee at the Church. So much necessary work was done and all manner of improvements done!! Friday morning tea recommences on Friday 16th November, thanks to the return of the Bains from the UK. All are welcome. OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILLD - SHOE BOXES. We are pleased to let you know that we sent 29 Shoes Boxes and l donation to the Samaritan’s Purse this year. Slight improvement over last year. Thank you all so much for filling these boxes. Much appreciated. Marlene Dixon Please keep Saturday 1st December, 10am at St. Peter’s Cathedral, clear for Stephen Daughtry’s Ordination as priest. Also Wendy Morecroft and Clare Bruce have been selected for Discernment by the Diocese, in moves towards training and possible Ordination. 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 Friday 7th December is the Blackwood Pageant. As in previous years it will be led by the churches and it is hoped as many of you as possible can turn out and walk with our church banner. Meet in Gulfview Road, near Hungry Jacks end at about 5.30 pm for a 6.30 kick off." POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Ron Keynes 0r Barb Capon Sunday after Joy Campbell or Ron Keynes READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader David C Intercessor Don B Sunday after Reader Vanessa Intercessor Vanessa SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers Iris Downes Brass Yvonne Caddy Cleaning Group 5 SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY FUN DAY 2nd December Plans are shaping up well for our Sunday afternoon Family Fun Day on December 2nd at 4.00 pm. We are asking folk to help with craft and activities and the Mothers’ Union for refreshments, and in the meantime would you (a) bring to Church any old Christmas cards (preferably no Santas!) and (b) any catalogues advertising Christmas gifts and shopping (junk mail really!) Robyn Keynes asks people to save their 2 ltr wine-casks, please—they are very useful as building blocks for junior Sunday School. (No rude comments please!!!) Friday 7th December is the Blackwood Pageant. As in previous years it will be led by the churches and it is hoped as many of you as possible can turn out and walk with our church banner. Meet in Gulfview Road, near Hungry Jacks end at about 5.30 pm for a 6.30 kick off. Mark your diary please ...... St John's Exams 29/10-14/11 Also there is to be a BBQ lunch after service on 25th November to mark the end of the Church Year and the move into Advent. A list will go up in the foyer, announcing this and asking for contributions of salads and sweets—usual procedure. Plan to be part of this event!!! Please put your name on the list if you plan to attend the BBQ. Packs of Fun Anglicare has a terrific new project some young people of our parish will be promoting over the next six weeks - 'Pack of Fun'. We will try to fill a couple of backpacks for refugee children settling with their families in South Australia. If you would like to contribute something or make a donation, just tick off an item from the sheet or make a donation to one of the Senior Sunday School young people. RONBLOG on today’s Readings One of the old axioms ( axia?) used to be that ‘politics and religion’ do not mix! However, little could be further from the truth. In fact, I suspect that axiom was an attempt to stifle any discussion of either matter, particularly in pubs – where an outcome may become frazzled. One of the major ‘drums’ that I have punched’ over the years has been to underline the extent to which the Judaic-Christian Faith says far more about what may be called political issues than it does about ‘religious’ ones. I would point anyone who questions this to read the Old Testament prophets, especially the early ones like Amos. They had no difficulty pointing to issues social and political as illustrations of how Israel had wandered from the faith path. Read the Old Testament and see there is no room in Judaism for the emergence of a rich elite or a poor underclass. Sadly much of the Torah did not seem to be adhered to, such as the jubilee business of returning sold fields and paddocks so that families could remain soundly based. However the main points of the Biblical faith have to do with matters of truth, justice, integrity and compassion. (When non-believers rant against religionists, they manage somehow to sidestep the realities and elevate the idiot fringe instead. That makes for far easier pickings apparently.) It is only recently that the ugly and violent response from people of other faiths has underlined the disparity between some religions, though it has to be said that even those of such faiths have protested that such ugliness is not part of their religion. The only reason for mention of this is that one needs to be sure of each Faith’s realities as opposed to the views of any radical adherents. Sadly every Faith manages to produce some strange and sometimes dangerous and radical variations on their theme!

Newsletter

Sunday 4th November, 2012 All Saints’ Day TWENTY-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, young people! Collect for the day Eternal God, neither life nor death can separate us from Your love; grant that we may serve You faithfully here on earth, and in heaven rejoice with all Your saints, who ceaselessly proclaim Your glory, 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 read by Arali family Readings Revelation 7: 9– 17 GOSPEL Matthew 5: 1—12 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Hal S-C We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Margaret Pressley, Danny Hodgson, Ann Daughtry, Dennis and Walter, Chris Barber, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Bonney Tomlinson, Janet Phillips., Jan, Mollie and Margaret. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Colin Davies, Vic Carpenter, Iris Downes, Jim Scrivens, HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY YEAR’S MIND— Olive Forster (1992), Jane Matthews (1996) Mary Barrown (1992) Valerie Loftes (2004) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Readings Ruth 3: 1-5 & 4: 4—17 and Hebrews 9: 23—28 GOSPEL Mark 12: 38—44 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 5.30pm Evening Prayer with Wendy YOUNG PEOPLE’S GROUP 5pm every second Sunday at Daughtry’s home MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm Mothers' Union reports that the result of the Trading Table was $350.00, for which they thank everyone. This amount goes to East African Women’s Literacy programmes - and some Men’s , too, - which is a major effort of MU in Africa. WALKING CHURCH (Yesterday evening!) First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. And keep Saturday 1st December, 10am at St. Peter’s Cathedral, clear for Stephen Daughtry’s Ordination as priest. Also Wendy Morecroft and Clare Bruce have been selected for Discernment by the Diocese, in moves towards training and possible Ordination. 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 Ron Keynes 0r Barb Capon READER- AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Clare B Intercessor Max A Sunday after Reader David C Intercessor Don B SANCTUARY ROSTER Next week Flowers Marilyn Little Brass Sweets Cleaning Cleaner SUNDAY AFTERNOON FAMILY FUN DAY 2nd December Plans are afoot to put together our Sunday afternoon Family Fun Day on December 2nd at 4.00 pm. We are asking folk to help with craft and activities but in the meantime would you (a) bring to Church any old Christmas cards (preferably no Santas!) and (b) any catalogues advertising Christmas gifts and shopping (junk mail really!) Mark your diary please ...... St John's Exams 29/10-14/11 Robyn Keynes asks people to save their 2 ltr wine-casks, please—they are very useful as building blocks for junior Sunday School. (No rude comments please!!!) Also there is to be a BBQ lunch after service on 25th November (can you remember that far ahead?) to mark the end of the Church Year and the move into Advent. A list will go up in the foyer, announcing this and asking for contributions of salads and sweets—usual procedure. Plan to be part of this event!!! Please put your name on the list if you plan to attend the BBQ. On Thursday 8 November, at Christ Church, North Adelaide, the centenary of the Anglican Board of Mission will be celebrated. By Bishop David McCall will be the celebrant at the Eucharist, and the Rev'd Martin Chittleborough, patron of the National ABM Auxiliary, will be the guest preacher. Following the Eucharist there will be a shared lunch in the hall and an ABM Auxiliary History exhibition. ABM Christmas cards will also be available for purchase. Joan Durdin would be happy to provide transport for up to three parishioners who would like to attend this event. RONBLOG on today’s Readings It is only a couple of years since the Roman Church was all excited about the canonisation of Mary McKillop, but before then, and now, I have wondered what Mary herself would have said in response to all the fuss. I wonder if she would have said ‘that this work was her calling, and that’s that!’. Even her earlier brawl with the Church of the day would have been seen as part of her calling and ministry, for if she had not persisted, then the Little Sisters may well have wilted on the vine. So what is the point of All Saints’ Day? For mine, it is not to have readings – and perhaps sermons! – on the life hereafter, but to take hold of the hugely important Biblical emphasis on the fact that ‘God has no hands but your hands.’ No saints = no progress. And Biblical saints aren’t all special but remarkably ordinary. Where would we have been without Abraham, without Moses, or David (well, moot point there!) without the prophets, and Mary, ………. The list is enormous. The point is that each of those ancient and ordinary people responded positively to the call of God – and so became agents of change. The old manner of celebrating saints, like Mary McKillop and the search for miracles from her, does nothing but isolate such apparently high and holy ones from hoi polloi like us. In other words, they did what they did and that is way beyond the reach of mere mortals such as us is it not? That view of things renders us safe from any challenge, or any sense of call, and leaves us well within our comfort zone, untouchable, and supine. Instead, let’s get the real picture that we are as likely as any of them to be called to some challenge! In other words, the whole outlook changes. “You don’t mean me, do You, Lord?” And the answer quite probably is in the affirmative. ******************************************************************************** Hard at work - Alison, Anna, Sue, Jocelyn, Marcia and Iris have been making a set of 4 stoles to give to Stephen Daughtry to celebrate his ordination to the priesthood. We plan to give him the Advent (purple) one at the BBQ on 25th November as a taste of what is to come (as we finish the rest)!! On that day we will celebrate the finish of the current year (in the church calendar!) and wish Stephen well as he prepares for his ordination! The stoles have been designed by Vanessa and we have become really excited at how they have 'turned out' as we were asked to do some new (to us!) things. Its great to see them all coming together and we are sure you too will be excited!!