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Friday, March 29, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 31st March, 2013 EASTER WELCOME to Holy Innocents—we hope you enjoy this time of prayer as we reflect on Scripture together and celebrate the Eucharist. Breakfast is available in the Hall after the 8 am service and morning tea after the 10 am. All are welcome. Sunday School is well into action Collect for today: God of glory, fill Your Church with the power that flows from Christ’s resurrection, that, in the midst of this sinful world, it may signal the beginning of a renewed humanity, raised to new life with Christ, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever Amen Today’s Readings Easter read by Trevor T Readings Acts 10: 34—43 and 1 Corinthian 15: 19 - 26 GOSPEL John 20: 1—19 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, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose, Allan Pressley, Ben Forster and Leslie Kay HAPPY BIRTHDAY Angus Bruce, Paul Hilbig HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - YEAR’S MIND— Jeannie Moffatt (2008) Audrey Windram (1999) Ronald Dickson (2010) William Spencer (1996) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Easter 2 Readings Acts 5: 27—32 and Revelation 1: 4—8 GOSPEL John 20: 19—31 REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS - PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist 5.30pm Evening Prayer with Wendy 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. Next Saturday is the day! GREAT BIG THANK YOU Our very great thanks go to all those people involved in the previ-ous READY SET GO FOR EASTER event. It was a fairly noisy time, but warmly appreciated by those who came and those who did all the work. Catch your breath, everyone, till next time!!!! One result of last Sunday’s Annual Meeting was David Hall’s resignation as Warden. Our great thanks go to him for his contribution in that role. That no one offered for the position makes a statement of the difficulty of the position! Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn . CHAPEL SERVICES AT FLINDERS MEDICAL CENTRE Holy Innocents' parish is rostered to help on four occasions each year. We visit patients in the wards and take those who are able, to the service in the chapel at 11am. We also make a list of people who would like us to pray for them during the service. The NEXT date is 14th April, Helpers are asked to be at the chapel by 10am. If anyone would like to be part of this worthwhile and rewarding ministry, please speak to me or phone me on 8278 2837. Jean Fordham. Delivery of food offerings to the Magdalene Centre Offers from parishioners who could help in the transport of the weekly food offerings to the Magdalen Centre in Angas Street, Adelaide, would be welcomed by Joan Durdin, who pre-pares the roster. Each driver's turn comes once every 6 or 7 weeks. It entails collecting the goods from the church, and taking them to the Centre in Angas Street, Adelaide. Please contact Joan (81780704) if you can assist in this way. 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 Mary V Intercessor Wendy M Sunday after Reader Family Araki Intercessor Sue D-T SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers Sue D-T Brass Margaret Carruthers Cleaning Group 5 Parish Camp Friday 8 - Sunday 10 November 2013 at Pt Elliot Caravan Park Powered site $33/night Units $115/night, Cabins $90/night For more details refer notice board in the hall or contact Wendy Morecroft awsc@internode.on.net 0400576364 RONBLOG on today’s Readings Our Lord’s Cross and Resurrection are the pivots on which an alternative modus operandi for living is offered. No one is forced to accept it, but I have to say one is foolish to turn their back on it. This is not a matter of believing or refusing to believe in the (facts of the) Resurrection, but to head in the direction that those events point present. When one ponders the arrest, trial and execution of Jesus, one sees the dread hand of human refusal to follow where truth lies, and to destroy whoever stands in its path. The cross underlines the refusal of Jesus to retaliate (with 12 legions of angels, for in-stance) for to do so would be to do nothing other than to multiply the evil. In other words, evil is not destroyed by putting the perpetrators to death, or any other form of punishment, but by offering a solid and substantial alternative – a path most risky, but also most productive. First off, evil is—in Biblical terms, destroyed when it is shown up for what it is. Then you have the choice to avoid it …. And not to succumb to it. The Resurrection is making the statement that truth cannot be destroyed permanently but will always come back and face you; that love cannot be overcome but will rise again; that justice cannot be dealt with and destroyed, but will rise again just as Jesus did. One does not even need proof of the resurrection of Jesus to become aware of this – in fact simple observation of life and people and history will offer its own evidence that this is a moral universe despite all of our attempts to determine otherwise. All this is rather exciting stuff, and (as I have often argued with atheists) I must still follow Christ even if there is no life after this. Also, the refusal of the greater part of humanity to see the wonderful possibilities have no effect upon my commitment. Easter has moved life’s goal-posts, and it has to be said that this has always been the telos, the goal, the direction of the Hebrew-Christian Faith, and makes the most sense of life that I have ever encountered from any other source or philosophy or ism. (And yet, this has been the goal of all those human searches.) Church 29 Sheoak Road, Belair SA 5052 Post to PO Box 156 Belair SA 5052 Phone 08 8370 3530 Email innocents@adam.com.au Services Sunday 8.00am Holy Communion (APBA) 10.00am Contemporary Communion Thursday 9.30am Holy Communion MINISTRY TEAM Rector Rev’d Dr. Warren Huffa 83703530 Mob 0438 988 448 Wardens Sue Parham 0418816413 Hon. Priest Canon Ron Keynes 8298 7160 or ronpkeynes@internode.on.net Items for the Newsletter need to be sent to Fr. Ron by Tuesday afternoon please ……. Holy innocents Calendar https://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=innocents.belair% 40gmail.com&ctz=Australia/Adelaide

Friday, March 22, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 24thMarch, 2013 Sixth Sunday in Lent—Palm /Passion 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. Sunday School is well into action Collect for today God of all, You gave Your only-begotten Son to take the form of a servant, and to be obedient even to death on a cross; give us the same mind that was in Christ Jesus that, sharing in His humility, we may come to be with Him in His glory, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Today’s Readings Lent VI Passion Sunday read by Hal S-C Readings Isaiah 50: 4—9a and Philippians 2: 5—11 GOSPEL Luke 22: 14—23 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Mary V We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose, Allan Pressley, Ben Forster HAPPY BIRTHDAY Marlene Dixon, Tommy Ferguson HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - I YEAR’S MIND— Evelyn Halstead (1997) Betty Hains (2006) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Easter Readings Acts 10: 34—43 and 1 Corinthian 15: 19 - 26 GOSPEL John 20: 1—19 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 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. Next Saturday is the day! GREAT BIG THANK YOU Our very great thanks go to all those people involved in last Sunday afternoon’s READY SET GO FOR EASTER event. It was a fairly noisy time, but warmly appreciated by those who came and those who did all the work. Catch your breath, everyone, till next time!!!! Your attention is drawn to the planned breakfast after the 6.00am service on Easter. This will be a BYO breakfast as advised by Mary V. Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn although not this coming Friday of course. CHAPEL SERVICES AT FLINDERS MEDICAL CENTRE Holy Innocents' parish is rostered to help on four occasions each year. We visit patients in the wards and take those who are able, to the service in the chapel at 11am. We also make a list of people who would like us to pray for them during the service. The NEXT date is 14th April, Helpers are asked to be at the chapel by 10am. If anyone would like to be part of this worthwhile and rewarding ministry, please speak to me or phone me on 8278 2837. Jean Fordham. Delivery of food offerings to the Magdalene Centre Offers from parishioners who could help in the transport of the weekly food offerings to the Magdalen Centre in Angas Street, Adelaide, would be welcomed by Joan Durdin, who prepares the roster. Each driver's turn comes once every 6 or 7 weeks. It entails collecting the goods from the church, and taking them to the Centre in Angas Street, Adelaide. Please contact Joan (81780704) if you can assist in this way. 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 Neil T Intercessor tba Sunday after Reader n/a Intercessor n/a SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers Anna Kelly Brass Rosemary Conlon Cleaning Cleaner Parish Camp Friday 8 - Sunday 10 November 2013 at Pt Elliot Caravan Park Powered site $33/night Units $115/night, Cabins $90/night For more details refer notice board in the hall or contact Wendy Morecroft awsc@internode.on.net 0400576364 RONBLOG on today’s Readings It was an interesting but not unexpected conversation over a cuppa after Church we attended quite some time ago. The person who was speaking to me was a long-time parishioner who started off life as a Baptist before his wife presented him with the challenge of being Anglican. It was a long time ago all this happened, but the comment from the octogenarian was that he had been used to being harangued about sin and the world to come by his pastor, whilst the Anglican preacher had him rather more focussed on responding to life and people in the here and now. Apart from anything else, the Lord of the Universe is perfectly capable of dealing with ‘life to come’ issues without a lot of help from us. On top of that, so much of what is increasingly ‘popular’ preaching tends to be little more than a refined form of selfishness. The Gospel is NOT about me! Why is it that so few (as far as I can see) people see the Faith as having immediate and really very effective answers to a world of people apparently going rather awry? Some recent developments in our own country, and culture and even city, have left lots of people with their mouths agape. Some hideous murders perpetrated by young teens! All sorts of road rage situations and the general increase in violence and home invasions. Relationships have passed breaking point, leaving people profoundly concerned. It seems that many politicians can only come up with draconian legislation, which will, almost always, blow up in the hands of the legislators or get thrown out by a higher court. And the Hebrew Christian Faith has been offering a serious response for millennia. And the Faith is supposed to be irrelevant! EASTER SERVICES March 28 Maundy Thursday, 9.30am Eucharist 7:30pm Eucharist (Last Supper) March 29 Good Friday, 9.30am Children's Service Stations of the Cross 10.45am Traditional Good Friday Service March 30 EASTER 6.00am Lighting of the Paschal fire and Eucharist, (note change please) BYO Breakfast to follow 8.00am Traditional Eucharist 10.00am Contemporary Eucharist

Friday, March 15, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 17th March, 2013 Fifth Sunday in Lent 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 well into action Collect for today Christ, Whose feet were caressed with perfume and a woman’s hair, You humbly took a basin and towel and washed the feet of Your friends; wash us also in Your tenderness, that embracing Your service freely, we may accept no other bondage in Your Name. Amen Today’s Readings Lent V read by Arndrae L Readings Isaiah 43:16—21 and Philippians 3: 3—13 GOSPEL John 12: 1—8 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Wendy M We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose, Bonney Tomlinson, Allan Pressley, Ben Forster HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kumiko Araki, Barbara Corbett HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Iris and Eric Downes YEAR’S MIND— Shirley Marston (2005), Anne Martin (1999), Edwina Christie (2000) Harlod Crouch (2009) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent VI Passion Sunday Readings Isaiah 50: 4—9a and Philippians 2: 5—11 GOSPEL Luke 22: 14—23 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 MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm Next meeting this coming Thursday (21st) at 2.00pm with Guest Speaker Graham Baines who tells the story of an ancient chasuble found in their Church recently. This vestment was dated from 1485, has been restored and is now on permanent display at the Church of St. John, Poulton Le-Fylde in Lancashire. WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 4.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn Lenten Studies are to be held on Luke’s Gospel. Meetings for this week are: Tuesday at 10 in the foyer, and 7.30pm in the Rectory and next Sunday 11.30am in the Church The second of our READY, SET, GO Children's Ministry Events is set for 3.30pm TODAY . All youngsters and their rellies are invited, and watch out for a donkey or two, and other items as well. The Annual Vestry Meeting of the Parish will be held after Church on Palm Sunday 24th March. 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 Good Friday Ron Keynes or Barb Capon Easter Jill Hilbig or Joy Campbell READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Hal S-C Intercessor Mary V Sunday after Reader Neil T Intercessor tba SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers No flowers Brass Yvonne Caddy Cleaning Group 4 The Lenten Envelope Appeal Thank you to those who have already returned their Lenten offering envelope. The offerings still to be returned may be placed in the offertory plate today or on Palm Sunday or Easter Day. Parish Directory We are looking for someone to spend the time collating the information we need to produce a revised parish directory. It is not difficult work, just some chasing up and encouraging people to get their details in. If you are interested please see Warren or Wendy. Parish Camp Friday 8 - Sunday 10 November 2013 at Pt Elliot Caravan Park Powered site $33/night Units $115/night, Cabins $90/night For more details refer notice board in the hall or contact Wendy Morecroft awsc@internode.on.net 0400576364 RONBLOG on today’s Readings Isaiah in particular In our country and culture at least, the values of the Faith tend to be overwhelmed by other life-styles and views, to the extent that many people are wondering ‘where it will all end.’ That is a question people have been putting to me for at least 40 years or more now. And like dear old Isaiah of the ancient world, we need to take a long-range view if we are to be both factual, and confident as we face the future whatever it may bring. So what does this series of readings offer a person right here and now? For me, the greatest thing is hope for the future. Hope is no use to anyone if it is little else than ‘castles in the air.’ Something rather more substantial is called for, surely. And to my mind, you have it right in these readings. If there is one thing that has long sustained me in life and faith, it has been the reiterated emphases of the Old Testament prophets, oddly enough. You will know my views on Isaiah well enough, too. That great visionary was for ever encouraging the people of his own day and age by reminding them of the nature and activity of God. And that nature had become quite clear to Isaiah as he looked back over centuries of Israel’s history. (It was not based on fluff!!!) There is no pointing to dramatic or miraculous events and interventions, but the firm and gentle reminder that the God with Whom we have to do is the God Who rescues His people even from their own folly and disbelief. Check out the stories of Abraham, of the Exodus, of the Exile. And if that is not enough, go on with the New Testament and the Cross of Christ. Mind you, there is more to the story that just ‘rescue.’ In each of the situations, there were shown up the need for change and growth and development. On top of that, little really did change unless and until ordinary human beings put their ‘money where their mouth was.’ This God of ours works always through you. His hands are your hands. I have more than a sneaky suspicion that some quiet may be useful here, to take on board what has been put in front of us. EASTER SERVICES March 28 Maundy Thursday, 9.30am Eucharist 7:30pm Eucharist (Last Supper) March 29 Good Friday, 9.30am Children's Service Stations of the Cross 10.45am Traditional Good Friday Service March 30 EASTER 6.30am Lighting of the Paschal fire and Eucharist, 8.00am Traditional Eucharist 10.00am Contemporary Eucharist

Friday, March 8, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 10thMarch, 2013 Fourth Sunday in Lent Mothering Sunday Welcome to Connor 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 well into action Collect for today God of compassion, You are slow to anger and full of mercy, welcoming sinners who return to You with penitent hearts: receive in Your loving embrace all who come home to You and seat them at Your bountiful table, that they may feast with delight in all that satisfies. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen Today’s Readings Lent IV read by Hal S-C Readings: Joshua 5: 1—12 and 2 Corinthians 5: 16 –21 GOSPEL Luke 15: 11—32 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Vanessa We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose, Bonney Tomlinson, Allan Pressley, Eva and Ben Forster HAPPY BIRTHDAY Jill Hilbig. Barbara Almond, Marilyn Little, Rosemary Conlon, Brittany Luks, Emma Bruce, Maya Araki HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - YEAR’S MIND— Doris Kelly (1995) John Walder (1988) Jack Kelly (1999) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent V Readings Isaiah 43:16—21 and Philippians 3: 3—13 GOSPEP John 12: 1—8 REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS - PRAYER CIRCLE meets noon on the 2nd Tuesday each month at 36 Penno Parade North BIBLE STUDY 10am Wednesdays at Pressley’s THURSDAY 9.30am Eucharist 5.30pm Evening Prayer with Wendy 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. Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn Lenten Studies are to be held on Luke’s Gospel. Meetings for this week are , Tuesday at 10 in the foyer, and 7.30pm in the Rectory The second of our READY, SET, GO Children's Ministry Events is set for 3.30pm next Sunday. More details are available with advertising and invites going out. On the day, watch out for a donkey or two, and other items as well. The Annual Vestry Meeting of the Parish will be held after Church on Palm Sunday 24th March. Reports need to be in hand for printing. a fortnight before that date please. That means this Sunday!!!!!!!! Mothering Sunday, TODAY we will have a BBQ to 'Refresh' us in body (even though it is a long weekend!!) after the 10 am service. Please come and join in the festivities! 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 Ron Keynes or Barb Capon Following week Jill Hilbig or Joy Campbell READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Arndrae L Intercessor Wendy T Sunday after Reader Hal S-C Intercessor Mary V SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers No flowers Brass Caroline and Sid Sweet Cleaning Cleaner Here are some activities for Lent, 1. Making Palm Crosses. Palm crosses are distributed on Palm Sunday. Each year a group undertakes to make crosses from palm tree leaves. It is a tricky process, though quickly learnt, or re-learnt. 2. The Lenten Envelope Appeal In this annual appeal, all parishioners are invited to contribute weekly. Your contribution can be placed in a special envelope, which will be available on Sundays in Lent, and may be returned with your offering on Easter Day. Parish Directory We are looking for someone to spend the time collating the information we need to produce a revised parish directory. It is not difficult work, just some chasing up and encouraging people to get their details in. If you are interested please see Warren or Wendy. We have been informed that the Commissioning of Public School Chaplains has been deferred till 17th March at 10am at All Hallows, Coromandel Parade, Blackwood. All are welcome to be present for that service. Parish Camp Friday 8 - Sunday 10 November 2013 at Pt Elliot Caravan Park Powered site $33/night Units $115/night, Cabins $90/night For more details refer notice board in the hall or contact Wendy Morecroft awsc@internode.on.net 0400576364 RONBLOG on today’s Readings One of the saddest elements of Christian Faith and worship, to my mind, is the fact that so many Christians of all denominations seem to focus only on their own forgiveness and reconciliation with God. “Heaven is assurred and now nothing else seems to matter.” What blasphemy that is!!! Heaven is a long way off, and now is the critical moment, and nothing could be more necessary for human life and lives to attain potential, than to act on that for which Christ died. And here in this rather disparate but interesting set of readings for today is expressed all that is necessary to reach such a goal or at least to move towards it. And harsh, punitive responses do nothing to resolve issues, but rather they only harden people in their intransigence, and multiply the hatreds. God, we are idiots. And the Faith is ignored. How dare I charge Jews with the same error! That OT Lesson points up again the necessity of the Covenant between God and humans, not for His sake but for ours in retaining connection with the important issues of that covenant. This is no two-way agreement, but specifically ‘take it or leave it.’  The Psalm underlines the necessity - for us, not God – to recognize and take responsibility for our foolish, sinful and damaging actions. This is not to avoid punishment (though that is how it was seen early in OT times.) It is only as ‘I acknowledge my sin’ knowing that Someone is there to listen and know, and for me to be responsible, that I can learn from mistakes and move on from there. This is a process very largely avoided and even refused these days, with the concomitant downward slide that will always emerge from such refusals. I have nowhere to move if and when I have to hide my mistakes and errors for the purview of those close to me, let alone those most distant. EASTER SERVICES March 28 Maundy Thursday, 9.30am Eucharist 7:30pm Eucharist (Last Supper) March 29 Good Friday, 9.30am Children's Service Stations of the Cross 10.45am Traditional Good Friday Service March 30 EASTER 6.30am Lighting of the Paschal fire and Eucharist, 8.00am Traditional Eucharist 10.00am Contemporary Eucharist

Friday, March 1, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 3rd March, 2013 Third Sunday in Lent 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 well into action Collect for today Lord God our redeemer, Who heard the cry of Your people and sent Your servant Moses to lead them out of slavery; free us from the tyranny of sin and death, and, by the leading of Your Spirit, bring us to the promised land, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Today’s Readings Lent III read by John F Readings Isaiah 55: 1 – 9 and 1 Corinthians 10: 1 – 13 GOSPEL Luke 13: 31 – 35 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Ben L We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Janet Phillips, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose, Bonney Tomlinson, Allan Pressley (in Flinders.), Eva and Ben Forster HAPPY BIRTHDAY Stuart Vandepeer, Andrew Morecroft, Eddie Barber, Allan Jennings HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Mary and Graham Roberts YEAR’S MIND— Laurie Castanelli (2006), Basil Marston (2003) Bessie Barnett (2005) Marjorie Dickson (2003) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent IV Readings: Joshua 5: 1—12 and 2 Corinthians 5: 16 –21 GOSPEL Luke 15: 11—32 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 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. Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn Lenten Studies are to be held on Luke’s Gospel. Meetings for this week are , Sunday 11.30am in Church ONLY Official lists are available in the foyer—changes will be notified each week in these pages. Pancake Night The donations from the Pancake evening amounted to $86 and with the promise of a further donation we should easily make $100. Thanks to the hard work from everyone involved, it was a wonderful evening. Traditionally the proceeds from this event have gone to the ABM Lenten Appeal. Yvonne Caddy The second of our READY, SET, GO Children's Ministry Events is set for 3.30pm on 17th March. More detail will be available soon, with advertising and invites going out. Watch out for a donkey or two, and other items as well. The Annual Vestry Meeting of the Parish will be held after Church on Palm Sunday 24th March. Reports need to be in hand for printing a fortnight before that date please. That means next Sunday!!!!!!!! On Mothering Sunday, 10th March (NEXT SUNDAY) we will have a BBQ to 'Refresh' us in body (even though it is a long weekend!!) after the 10 am service. If you come, please bring a salad or a sweet and we will see to it that there is meat for all!! Please come and join in the festivities! 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 Ross Hill-Brown advises that the planned Commissioning of School Chaplains has been deferred to Sunday March 17th at 10.00am at All Hallows, Blackwood, and asks supporters to note the alteration. POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Cynthia Macintosh or Don Caddy Following week Ron Keynes or Barb Capon READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Paul H Intercessor Vanessa D (Baptism – no Intercessions) Sunday after Reader Arndrae L Intercessor Wendy T SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers No flowers Brass Joan Durdin Cleaning Group 3 Here are some various activities in Lent, 1. Making Palm Crosses. Palm crosses are distributed on Palm Sunday. Each year a group undertakes to make crosses from palm tree leaves. It is a tricky process, though quickly learnt, or re-learnt. 2. The Lenten Envelope Appeal In this annual appeal, all parishioners are invited to contribute weekly. Your contribution can be placed in a special envelope, which will be available on Sundays in Lent, and may be returned with your offering on Easter Day. Parish Directory We are looking for someone to spend the time collating the information we need to produce a revised parish directory. It is not difficult work, just some chasing up and encouraging people to get their details in. If you are interested please see Warren or Wendy. RONBLOG on today’s Readings or the general drift of them … May I offer a look at Scripture in a way that may open some doors for people? The Creation Stories are where the Bible story begins, but please realize that Israel’s experience of God preceded all that, for it started (historically) with Abraham. It was a long journey before people realized that JHWH was One God and not a pantheon. Catch sight, too, that the Hebrew Faith, was not really a religion but was designed to benefit the whole world of humans, being a response to everything in life that somehow manages to white-ant human relationships at every level. The story is not—REPEAT NOT—one of Divine punishment of human sin, but an appalling Divine struggle to get us mere mortals see both the mess that we make of each other, as well as providing an alternative mode of operation that points to resolution of all those issues. Failure to see this and respond – not the failure of the Faith (Hebrew and Christian) – resulted in the reductio ad absurdum of the faiths into increasingly dead religions If you find all this a bit too much in one paragraph, please feel free to get in touch and discuss it all. It has been an enormous disappointment when people seem to prefer NOT to look at the realities of the Biblical Faith, and remarkably few are prepared to think outside the enclosed box of conventional ‘religion.’ In fact, they will almost turn to force of arms to close their ears to anything other than the sadly narrow and very selfish ‘gospel’ they prefer. No wonder Jesus had problems in His own day and age. This faith, unlike most others, is offering an understanding of life, existence and purpose for all humanity right here and now, [perhaps even more than the life to come.] And when Jesus talks about His kingdom, that is no future event but rather that modus operandi (if you like to put it that way) for living right here and now. The reason that the Pharisees were after Jesus’ life was simply because His modus for life was seen as a potent – almost deadly – threat to their power and position. It remains such a threat to people in positions of power right up to the present and into the future. Far from irrelevant (as people used to think) - it is perhaps too close to the bone!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 24th February, 2013 Second Sunday in Lent 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. Collect for today God of our ancestors, Whose chosen servant Abraham was given faith to obey Your call and to go out into the unknown; endow Your Church with such faith that we may follow You with courage, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever. Amen Today’s Readings Lent II read by Iris D Readings: Genesis 15: 1 …..18 and Philippians 3: 17—4:1 GOSPEL Luke 13: 1—9 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Max A We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Janet Phillips, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose, Bonney Tomlinson, Allan Pressley (in Flinders.), Eva and Ben Forster HAPPY BIRTHDAY Anna Kelly, Nuree Kim, Raquel Williams HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Lois and David Hall YEAR’S MIND— Erica Carter (2003) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent III Readings Isaiah 55: 1 – 9 and 1 Corinthians 10: 1 – 13 GOSPEL Luke 13: 31 – 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 5.30pm Evening Prayer with Wendy 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. Next Saturday 2nd March Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn Lenten Studies are to be held on Luke’s Gospel. Meetings for this week are , Sunday 11.30am in Church, Tuesday 10am in foyer, and 7.30pm at the Rectory. Official lists are available in the foyer—changes will be notified each week in these pages. You are reminded of the forthcoming WORLD DAY OF PRAYER on Friday 1st March at 10.00am at Holy Innocents’ Church. We are hosts! Pancake Night The donations from the Pancake evening amounted to $86 and with the promise of a further donation we should easily make $100. Thanks to the hard work from everyone involved, it was a wonderful evening. Traditionally the proceeds from this event have gone to the ABM Lenten Appeal. Yvonne Caddy The second of our READY, SET, GO Children's Ministry Events is set for 3.30pm on 17th March. More detail will be available soon, with advertising and invites for giving out. Watch out for a donkey or two, as well. The Annual Vestry Meeting of the Parish will be held after Church on Palm Sunday 24th March,. Reports need to be in hand for printing a fortnight before that date please. HELPLINE Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Stephanie Lloyd 8278 4260 and Lucinda Hale 8278 8814 POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Min Araki or Ron Keynes Following week Cynthia Macintosh or Don Caddy READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader John F Intercessor Ben L Sunday after Reader Paul H Intercessor Vanessa D SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers No flowers Brass Bonney Tomlinso Cleaning Cleaner Here are some various activities in Lent, to enable parishioners to contribute to the work of the ABM, the Anglican agency for overseas mission. 1. Making Palm Crosses. Palm crosses are distributed on Palm Sunday. Each year a group undertakes to make crosses from palm tree leaves. It is a tricky process, though quickly learnt, or re-learnt. 2. The Lenten Envelope Appeal In this annual appeal, all parishioners are invited to contribute weekly. Your contribution can be placed in a special envelope, which will be available on the first Sunday in Lent, and may be returned with your offering on Easter Day. All of us can remember the work of the Anglican Board of Mission as a part of our Lenten discipline of prayer For more information, please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704) Parish Directory We are looking for someone to spend the time collating the information we need to produce a revised parish directory. It is not difficult work, just some chasing up and encouraging people to get their details in. If you are interested please see Warren or Wendy. RONBLOG on today’s Readings Today’s Gospel? Conventional wisdom, in Jesus’ day, was that if you suffered an accident (and the more horrific the more the point was ’proved,’) then you were obviously a sinner of some notoriety and extent. However as in similar situations and discussions, our Lord made quite clear that such a viewpoint was quite ridiculous and totally unjust. Our Lord also made it quite clear that one of the things very important in any person’s move towards real maturity, was to take responsibility for acts and actions. I do not become mature by acting with immaturity; I do not bear fruit by accident or automatically. Maturity and discipleship emerges by one making sensible and valuable choices. Nor do I become an idiot by accident. Today’s readings, particularly in this Season of Lent, say something rather powerful to me – and a little intro may be of some use first, though. When, our son-in-law was ordained Deacon, one of the bright sparks of this Diocese – where Jeremy was ordained – preached on the difficulties of being called to the priesthood in such a tenuous time as ours. That preacher then indicated his conviction that when a century or so passes, people of that day and age will look back longingly, wishing that they had been part of this rather stressful time. They would have longed to have been part of what, to them then, would clearly be God at work in His world in away not seen for many centuries. Now, in my twilight years, I find people in congregations becoming quite unsettled because ‘what will happen to our church, Ron, when we pass away, and there is no one to follow us?’ And my answer is always the same. ‘Who knows, but God will be there and the Church will continue because the Spirit of God will ever be at work in people, and call them as He called Abraham all those millennia ago.’ The Church is not ours, but God’s. And as the Biblical record has shown since Abraham, God is always one who brings life out of death, something out of nothing, and although the experience may be a painful and difficult one, truth, love and compassion will survive, and one needs to keep one’s eyes open to see this all work out. Fear not is the constant Biblical injunction.

Friday, February 15, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 17th February, 2013 First Sunday in Lent 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. Collect for today O Lord, Who for our sake fasted forty days and forty nights; give us grace to use such abstinence that, our flesh being subdued to the spirit, we may ever obey Your godly will in righteousness and true holiness, to Your honour and glory, Who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end. Amen Today’s Readings First Sunday in Lent read by Eric D Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Romans 10:4—13 GOSPEL Luke 4: 1—15 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, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Janet Phillips, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose, Allan Pressley, Robyn Keynes’ sister Pam .. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mark Williams, Anthony Taylor, Ray Dixon HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Meg & Don Baker YEAR’S MIND— Jack Stauner, Ray Holdernesse (1993) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Lent II Readings: Genesis 15: 1 …..18 and Philippians 3: 17—4:1 GOSPEL Luke 13: 1—9 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 MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm—next meeting Febru-ary 21st –Fr. Warren will celebrate the Eucharist with a Lenten focus, and a planning meeting will be held . Suggestions for speakers etc., please, - and a small plate of afternoon tea t o share. Margaret Pressley, (Group Leader) WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Saturday week, 2nd March Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn Anna Kelly is calling a meeting of people on the Sanctuary Roster for TODAY at 9.30am—all volunteers are asked to attend please. Someone lent Fr. Ron a large swag of old photos of Holy Innocents’ when the 20 year anni-versary magazine of the move to this building was published. Since then, the person who lent them has not claimed them. Please catch up with Fr. Ron if you know whose photos they are. Lenten Studies are to be held on Luke’s Gospel. Meetings for next week, Sunday 11.30am in Church, Tuesday 10am in foyer, and 7.30pm at the Rectory. Official lists are available in the foyer—changes will be noted each week in these pages. You are reminded of the forthcoming WORLD DAY OF PRAYER on Friday 1st March at 10.00am at Holy Innocents’ Church. France is the focus under the banner ‘I was a stranger and I welcomed me’ in a service prepared by French women. 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 Barb Capon or Trevor Tregenza Following week Min Araki or Ron Keynes READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Iris D Intercessor Max A Sunday after Reader John F Intercessor Ben L SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers No flowers Brass Margaret Carruthers Cleaning Group 2 The Commissioning Service of (Public) School Chaplains is to be held at St. John’s, Coro-mandel Valley at 10 am on Sunday 24th February. All are welcome to attend and support the new Chaplains. Here are some various activities in Lent, to enable parishioners to contribute to the work of the ABM, the Anglican agency for overseas mission. 1. Making Palm Crosses. Palm crosses are distributed on Palm Sunday. Each year a group undertakes to make crosses from palm tree leaves. It is a tricky process, though quickly learnt, or re-learnt. All crosses in excess of those needed for distribution in the par-ish will be directed to the Auxiliary of the ABM in Adelaide. They will sell them to other par-ishes, the proceeds going to the ABM. In addition, we need a supply of palm fronds, in good condition. From each ‘good’ frond - clean, and not old and dry - about 30 or more crosses can be made. Help in supplying these will be welcome. 2 The Lenten Envelope Appeal In this annual appeal, all parishioners are invited to con-tribute weekly. Your contribution can be placed in a special envelope, which will be availa-ble on the first Sunday in Lent, and may be returned with your offering on Easter Day. All of us can remember the work of the Anglican Board of Mission as a part of our Lenten discipline of prayer For more information, please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704) RONBLOG on today’s Gospel - Even when I was young, I could never see how those temptations ever constituted the slightest challenge to Jesus, or what it would matter if He gave in to these. Then I stopped being so very literal and the reality struck me. The temptations of Jesus were severe and hugely significant tests of our Lord, in His selection of the nature of His leadership. If ever you watch someone altruistically choose politics or somesuch as a career, intending to change the world, and then surrendering to the dishonesty and jiggerypokery, you will understand that enormity of the challenge. Each of the three tests represents differ-ent challenges, as Jesus sought ways of gaining a following and helping people to see what He was on about. They are also challenges to His perception of leadership, and this is some-thing so few people grasp. So let’s look at them one by one. The first test was about turning stones into bread. People then, as now, would real-ize straight away the direction in which this test was taking Jesus. In an Empire that ruled people through their stomachs, (give them bread and circuses) Jesus knew, as you do, that lots of people will surrender their whole being on the chance of getting something for nothing, but aware people know how destructive that path really is. Small wonder that Jesus rejected that path! It would be far harder to go in the direction He knew He should, but He also knew that He would lose both integrity and credibility if He chose the easy way. (Dare to note that sin so often consists in choosing the easy way rather than the true and effective way.) The second test was perhaps the most sinister. This falling down and worshipping Satan needs to be expressed in simple and straightforward terms. Jesus was challenged here to turn the truth into the lie, and the lie into the truth. Propaganda, spin and other names are given to this falsehood these days, but it remains THE LIE. Imagine the damage that would ensue had Jesus followed this path! You know the damage caused when leaders track this sort of way. The third test was to throw Himself down from the Temple – or if you like to astound people by His capacity to do miracles. Few Christians realize that Jesus refused miracle as a means of gaining a following. (He often used them as teaching tools, or signs -  - as John calls them in his Gospel.) This approach to people may titillate and lead them to ask for greater and more remarkable things. But there is small chance of miracles changing anything, and certainly not in the direction Jesus sought change in people. I know of very few other leaders who remained true to what is important. And it is hugely important to realize that just as Jesus saw the need to operate that way, so do His people of every day and age!

Friday, February 8, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 10th February, 2013 Last Sunday after Epiphany 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. Collect for today Almighty God, You have given us Your only Son to be for us both a sacrifice for sin and also an example of godly life; give us grace that we may always thankfully receive the benefits of His sacrifice, and also daily endeavour to follow the blessed steps of His most holy life; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen Today’s Readings Last Sunday of Epiphany—Transfiguration —read by Vanessa Readings Exodus 34:29—35 and 2 Corinthians 3: 12—42 GOSPEL Luke 9: 26—36 (37-45) Ash Wednesday 9.30am and 7.45pm Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Warren We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Janet Phillips, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose, Allan Pressley, Robyn Keynes’ sister Pam .. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - David & Barbara Corbett, Allan and Kate Jennings YEAR’S MIND— Alice Moore (2010) Alfred Barber (2003) Arleen Charlick (2008) Walter Marston (2001) Anne Bills (2009) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY First Sunday in Lent Readings: Deuteronomy 26:1-11 and Romans 10:4—13 GOSPEL Luke 4: 1—15 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 MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm—next meeting February 21st –Fr. Warren will celebrate the Eucharist with a Lenten focus, and a planning meeting will be held . Suggestions for speakers etc., please, - and a small plate of afternoon tea t o share. Margaret Pressley, (Group Leader) WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn Anna Kelly is calling a meeting of people on the Sanctuary Roster for Sunday 17th February at 9.30am—all volunteers are asked to attend please. Mary Vandepeer is planning the Shrove Tuesday Pancake evening, (13th Feb) and asks all who plan to attend to provide fillings for the pancakes that evening please. 6.00pm at the Church. Someone lent Fr. Ron a large swag of old photos of Holy Innocents’ when the 20 year anniversary magazine of the move to this building was published. Since then, the person who lent them has not claimed them. Please catch up with Fr. Ron if you know who it was. Jocelyn Deane is sorting them out just at present. Lenten Studies are to be held on Luke’s Gospel. Meetings for next week, Sunday 11.30am in Church, Tuesday 10am in foyer, and 7.30pm at the Rectory. Official lists are available in the foyer—changes will be noted each week in these pages. You are reminded of the forthcoming WORLD DAY OF PRAYER on Friday 1st March at 10.00am at Holy Innocents’ Church. We are hosts to this event. You are encouraged to invite your friends to this event. 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 Craig Deane Following week Barb Capon or Trevor Tregenza READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Eric D Intercessor Hal S-C Sunday after Reader Iris D Intercessor Max A SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers No flowers Brass Rosemary Conlon Cleaning Cleaner GENTLE REMINDER Wendy M has been using Facebook to convey information from the parish on her page at Holy Innocents’ Anglican Parish Belair, and is obtaining increasing numbers of hits. It may be a little rude for me to report that my full notes on Sunday’s Readings are also posted on that page each week. St Barnabas’ Theological College Commencement Monday 25 February 2013, 6.30 pm – St Peter’s Cathedral Our theological college will celebrate the new academic year with its Commencement Service, This will include the presentation of prizes to several students to commemorate their success in theological studies. The Guest Preacher will be Dr Ben Myers, one of Australia’s leading young theologians. Following the evensong service, the Commencement Lecture will be held starting at 7.30pm. The title of Dr Ben Myer’s talk is God and Other Strangers: Rowan Williams and Theology in the Public Square. Parishioners are welcome to attend the Service and/or Lecture. If you have any queries please telephone the College on 8340 0411. Here are some various activities in Lent, to enable parishioners to contribute to the work of the ABM, the Anglican agency for overseas mission. 1. Making Palm Crosses.Palm crosses are distributed on Palm Sunday. Each year a group undertakes to make crosses from palm tree leaves. It is a tricky process, though quickly learnt, or re-learnt. All crosses in excess of those needed for distribution in the parish will be directed to the Auxiliary of the ABM in Adelaide. They will sell them to other parishes, the proceeds going to the ABM. In addition to some ‘makers’ of crosses, we need a supply of palm fronds, in good condition. From each ‘good’ frond - clean, and not old and dry - about 30 or more crosses can be made. Help in supplying these will be welcome. 2 The Lenten Envelope Appeal In this annual appeal, all parishioners are invited to contribute weekly. Your contribution can be placed in a special envelope, which will be available on the first Sunday in Lent, and may be returned with your offering on Easter Day. All of us can remember the work of the Anglican Board of Mission as a part of our Lenten discipline of prayer For more information, please contact Joan Durdin (8178 0704) RONBLOG on today’s Gospel - Transfiguration Many years ago, I was driving back from a rather hectic and stressed Tuesday of visits and counselling in the next valley, drained, exhausted and wondering whether it might be wise to ring up the dozen or more folk who looked forward to the Bible Study Group in that parish. It was latish afternoon, sun dropping down in the west, and time of year not all that far off harvest. The lowering sun somehow caught the ripening wheat and the ttint brought tears to my eyes. It was such a beautiful sight that I stopped the car, and got out to drink in the vision there in front of me – acres and acres of golden wheat, slowly swaying in the slight breeze. Kids these days would call that ‘awesome,’ and so it was. After ten minutes of simply looking, it so refreshed me that any idea of cancelling the Study dissipated. When we all gathered that evenoing, I mentioned my very own transfiguration, and it was a lovely surprise to have other people report their own similar experiences. A transfiguration is an ordinary situation taking on an extraordinary value, quite invigorating and encouraging and strengthening aware people. And offering a huge challenge as well. Neither of those stories are designed to get you all emotional; far from it. Rather it is simply an attempt to help see that more often than not, transfigurations are a remarkable yet constant revelation of something marvellous which emerges out of something quite unremarkably ordinary. Some people call such things as light-globe moments, eureka times, when out of the blue comes a chance at a learning curve. There is less point simply enjoying the moment than there is in moving in the direction such an experience points.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 3rd February, 2013 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany 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 today Collect for today Righteous God, You confound the world’s wisdom by giving Your blessing to the lowly and pure in heart; give us such a hunger and thirst for justice, and perseverance in striving for peace, that in all we do, the world may see the promise of Your kingdom which ahs been revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever Amen Today’s Readings Fourth Sunday after Epiphany read by David C Readings: Jeremiah 1: 4—10 and Corinthians 13: 1—13 GOSPEL Luke 4: 21—30 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Mary V We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Janet Phillips, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose . Robyn Keynes’ sister Pam . HAPPY BIRTHDAY Kira Eve Barber HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Neal and Sharon Barber YEAR’S MIND— Bette Tickle (2002) Michaerl Bingham (2005) Gordon Hannaford (1994) Shirley Burkitt (2003) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Last Sunday of Epiphany—Transfiguration Readings Exodus 34:29—35 and 2 Corinthians 3: 12—42 GOSPEL Luke 9: 26—36 (37-45) 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 MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm—next meeting February 21st WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn Mary Vandepeer is planning the Shrove Tuesday event, and asks all who plan to attend to provide fillings for the pancakes that evening please. Colin Wright, the Keynes’ son-in-law, Colin Wright, Ancient History teacher at TRAC, Wagga, discovered reference to the original and encouraged his class to recreate the mosaic shown on the front page. It was discovered recently in a yard in Britain—said to be of Jesus. Well, maybe. You are reminded of the forthcoming WORLD DAY OF PRAYER on Friday 1st March at 10.00am at Holy Innocents’ Church. We are hosting the event, and all are encouraged to attend. Warren is planning Lenten Studies with tentative arrangements being for Monday mornings at the Church and Tuesday evenings at the Rectory. More closer to the time. 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 Ron Keynes or Barb Capon Following week Joy Campbell or Craig Deane READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Vanessa D Intercessor Warren Sunday after Reader Eric D Intercessor Hal S-C SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers Noelene Carter Brass Yvonne Caddy Cleaning Group 1 ADVANCE NOTICE Parish Camp Friday 8 - Sunday 10 November 2013 at Pt Elliot Caravan Park Powered site $33/night Units $115/night, Cabins $90/night For more details refer notice board in the hall or contact Wendy Morecroft awsc@internode.on.net 0400576364 St Barnabas’ Theological College Commencement Monday 25 February 2013, 6.30 pm – St Peter’s Cathedral Our theological college will celebrate the new academic year with its Commencement Service, commencing at 6.30 pm. This will include the presentation of prizes to several students to commemorate their success in theological studies. The Guest Preacher will be Dr Ben Myers, one of Australia’s leading young theologians. Following the evensong service, the Commencement Lecture will be held starting at 7.30pm. The title of Dr Ben Myer’s talk is God and Other Strangers: Rowan Williams and Theology in the Public Square. Parishioners are welcome to attend the Service and/or Lecture. If you have any queries please telephone the College on 8340 0411. RONBLOG on today’s Epistle What an Epistle – which used to be one of the best-known passages in Scripture. Paul’s panegyric on love. This surely is one of the greatest levellers of all time. Love. What a word that carries all the beauty and ugliness in English, because it is one word only. Greek has at least three words and the one used by Paul is, so I am led to believe, one that he dredged up from past desuetude. Long out of use, Paul decided that the Divine love needed a word all of its own and here it is. Agape. . (And even this word has been abused in this State in recent years.) This Divine love has been defined as ‘love that is offered and persists not because of who the loved person is but in spite of who that person is.’ Most of us respond with love to love, but here is something several steps ahead of it. God’s sort of love, as Paul conveys it that reaches out to the unloved. What really gives the rest of us the willies is that Paul expressed the challenge for Christians to express that sort of love to others. Whilst one may say that it is better to aim for the impossible, than to aim at nothing and hit it, the scenario remains a huge challenge. Even heading in such a direction can be a huge benefit to people around us. And if you go on to think about it, there lies the direction and challenge of Epiphany for Christian people today. This is not just going the second mile, but the third and the fourth. And in a day and age so bereft of such love, the impact will be greater, will it not?

Friday, January 25, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 27th January, 2013 Third Sunday after Epiphany 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 back in action next Sunday Collect for today Life-giving God, Who sent Your Son Jesus to proclaim Your kingdom, and to teach with authority; anoint us with Your Spirit, that we too may bring good news to the poor, bind up the broken-hearted, and proclaim liberty to the captives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen Today’s Readings Third Sunday after Epiphany read by Clare B Readings Nehemiah 8: 1 – 3, 5-6, 8-10 and 1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 31 GOSPEL Luke 4: 14 - 21 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Sue D-T We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Janet Phillips, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose (prostate ca) . Robyn Keynes’ older sister Pam .. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Barbara Rathbone, Jane Raymond, Andrew Kelly, Lucy Thomas, Kirby Huffa HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Lucinda and David Hale Rosemary and Sean Conlon YEAR’S MIND— PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Fourth Sunday after Epiphany Readings: Jeremiah 1: 4—10 and 1 Corinthians 13: 1—13 GOSPEL Luke 4: 21—30 REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS - most activities do not start till February 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 MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm—next meeting February 21st WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Next Saturday February 2nd is the next event. Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn Mary Vandepeer is planning the Shrove Tuesday event, and asks for volunteers for cooking the pancakes that evening. Please contact Mary V herself, or Jan Tregenza. You are reminded of the forthcoming WORLD DAY OF PRAYER on Friday 1st March. The Theme for the day is Í was a stranger and you took me in. More information will be provided as the day draws closer….. Spies tell us that the Sweets Senior are now great-grandparents, and Jane’s daughter has provided the joy! 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 Don Caddy or Cynthia Macintosh Following week Ron Keynes or Barb Capon READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader David C Intercessor Mary V Sunday after Reader Vanessa D Intercessor Warren SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers Iris Downes Brass Caroline & Sid Sweet Cleaning Cleaner ADVANCE NOTICE Parish Camp Friday 8 - Sunday 10 November 2013 at Pt Elliot Caravan Park Powered site $33/night Units $115/night, Cabins $90/night For more details refer notice board in the hall or contact Wendy Morecroft awsc@internode.on.net 0400576364 RONBLOG on today’s Readings All who oppose the Faith, discarding it as superstition, would do well to give some time to stop and think about this Gospel reading. In fact, it seems to me to demand attention to all who consider the choice of which way to head in life.. What is even more fascinating to me is the fact that six centuries before Christ, the prophet Isaiah was pondering what God was pointing people to at the time of the devastating Exile in Babylon when all seemed totally lost. Sadly I discover from Jewish friends that they see nothing at all interesting in Isaiah’s Servant Songs, and I dare to wonder if that is because they reject anything that tastes of Jesus. I hope I am quite wrong. On the other hand, Christians themselves tend to miss rather too much of the point of those same Songs. Always ready to see its anticipation of Jesus, they fail to see further. The reason they point to Jesus (from where we sit) is because of this passage where Jesus makes that connection so strongly. But look more deeply – and see that (a) the entire Judaic/Christian Faith is there to offer a staggering answer to the human dilemma (who are we and what are we here for,) and (b) here lies the answer to all that Genesis 3 and 4 (and onwards) underlines. If one looks for the answer to and remedy for human evil, here it is, ‘writ large and clear,’ and is the primary function of the Gospel. The answer to human evil is NOT to be punitive, but redemptive. The entire process of reconciliation and restoration is long and costly, and the Divine answer to evil is not Hell, but lies where the Cross of Christ points. This has all to do with finding paths towards reconciliation and redemption of relationships.

Friday, January 18, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 20th January, 2013 Second Sunday after Epiphany Welcome to Asher and Thomas 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. Collect for today Bountiful God, Whose Son revealed His glory at Cana of Galilee, help us to believe and obey so that, as our Saviour promised, we may be filled with the wine of new life, and show forth His joy and love, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever. Amen Today’s Readings Epiphany II read by Araki family Readings: Isaiah 62: 1—5 and 1 Corinthians 12: 1– 11 GOSPEL John 2: 1—11 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Wendy M We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Janet Phillips,, Jan and Mollie, Eddy Klose (prostate ca) Hal Shaw-Calverley,. Robyn Keynes’ older sister Pam.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Anthony Kelly, Tom Araki HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Anthony and Alysia Kelly YEAR’S MIND— Valerie Hall (2009) George Forward (1996) George McAuliffe (1990) Bess Newland (2013) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Third Sunday after Epiphany Readings Nehemiah 8: 1 – 3, 5-6, 8-10 and 1 Corinthians 12: 12 – 31 GOSPEL Luke 4: 14 - 21 REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS - some activities do not start till February 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 MOTHERS’ UNION - meets third Thursdays each month at 2.00pm—next meeting February WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Again, not till February 2nd Friday Morning HI Tea and Coffee is on again from 8.30am. Don’t miss the chance for a yarn 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 Should anyone wish to send support to Tassie bushfire-victims , the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania offers the following opportunities. Contact Fr. Ron is you require further information: 1. Direct deposit into the bank account for Anglican Health and Welfare BSB: 067-000 Account Number: 10720017 Reference: Bushfire (plus surname) Please send an email to finance@anglicantas.org.au letting us know of your donation, including your name and address, so that a tax-deductible receipt can be sent to you. 2. Cheque made out to Anglican Health and Welfare and sent to GPO Box 748, Hobart TAS 7001. Be sure to include your name and address so that a tax-deductible receipt can be sent to you. OR 3. Online credit card donations can be made through our Anglicare website: http:// www.anglicare-tas.org.au/BeInvolved/Donate.aspx . A receipt for tax deductible donations will be mailed out if the caller leaves their mailing address POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Ron Keynes or Joy Campbell Following week Don Caddy or Cynthia Macintosh READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Clare D Intercessor Sue D-T Sunday after Reader David C Intercessor Mary V SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers Marilyn Little Brass Joan D Cleaning Group 5 RONBLOG on today’s Readings If some people find this story of water into wine somewhat hard to swallow, it may help to realize the extent to which Biblical stories are often rather more imaginative than real. If that bothers you, please do see that humans often vary the facts to suit the ‘lesson’ without a single blush. The story of Jonah and the whale is an instance, for no author even then or ever after expected anyone to believe that a person could survive in the belly of a great fish: water would get them before digestive juices. And if you remain somewhat shocked, how does the Gallipoli legend strike you? A sound defeat is still trumpetted as the birthplace of our nation. The reality that we celebrate, however, remains untouched does it not! So what have we done with the Faith, and the expression of it? This story points to an awful lot of wine, so get the implication that much of the fun seems to have been removed from the Faith, from worship and from life. There, surely, lies an area where we need to be having a long hard look to change things. Mind you, such a change needs to have solid ground underneath it. The Faith is not some sort of ‘feel good’ panacea, but that with which life can be laced with a joy and gladness that includes having one’s feet very firmly on the ground. This Faith, as Scripture underlines and worship should also, has far more to do with responding to the human dilemma brought about by what we call sin. That response is a gentle one of meeting human failure, not with judgement but with a way of reconciliation. It contains all the beneficial elements in life of compassion and love, but also with justice and truth. It may sound all a little impotent and low-key, but the reality of outcomes can be far more creative and productive. And it is designed to be expressed here, not waiting for some future Nirvana, but right now. One need look only to the most recent headlines in papers or on TV, to be reminded of our terribly human capacity to head off into directions diametrically opposite – revenge and retaliation, for instance, and then wonder why the problems and conflicts escalate. Perhaps the greatest tragedy is that so-called Christian democracies call out for retaliation! Would you like me to list the battlefields? What strikes me as most odd here in our own country is that the cynical disregard of the Christian ethic leaves many of our leaders propounding the very policies that do nothing but escalate the problems rather than alleviate them. Truth of course is the first casualty, which means fairness drops right off the radar. So much of our government direction is ego-driven, having nothing to do with the solution of issues.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 13th January, 2013 Baptism of our Lord 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. Collect for today Spirit of energy and change, in Whose power Jesus was anointed to be the hope of the nations; be poured out also upon us, without reserve or distinction, that we may have confidence and strength to implant justice on the earth, through Jesus Christ our Lord., Amen Today’s Readings The Baptism of our Lord read by Max A Readings Isaiah 43: 1—7 and Acts 8: 14—17 GOSPEL Luke 3:15—22 PRAYERS FOR THE PEOPLE led by Wendy M We pray for those in need: Ron Teague, Peter Little, Dorothy Furnival, the Swaby family , Dianne Cordes. Tommy Ferguson, Bob Arnold, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Janet Phillips, recovering from pneumonia, Jan and Mollie, Hal Shaw-Calverley,. Robyn Keynes’ older sister Pam.. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Anthony Kelly, Tom Araki HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Anthony and Alysia Kelly YEAR’S MIND— Valerie Hall (2009) George Forward (1996) George McAuliffe (1990) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY Epiphany II Readings: Isaiah 62: 1—5 and 1 Corinthians 12: 1– 11 GOSPEL John 2: 1—11 REGULAR GROUPS AND BOOKINGS - some activities do not start till February 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—next meeting February WALKING CHURCH First Saturday of each month at 5.00pm at Belair National Park gates near railway station bridge. Again, not till February 2nd 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 Should anyone wish to send support to Tassie bushfire-victims, the Anglican Diocese of Tasmania offers the following opportunities. Contact Fr. Ron if you require further information: 1. Direct deposit into the bank account for Anglican Health and Welfare BSB: 067-000 Account Number: 10720017 Reference: Bushfire (plus surname) Please send an email to finance@anglicantas.org.au letting us know of your donation, including your name and address, so that a tax-deductible receipt can be sent to you. 2. Cheque made out to Anglican Health and Welfare and sent to GPO Box 748, Hobart TAS 7001. Be sure to include your name and address so that a tax-deductible receipt can be sent to you. OR 3. Online credit card donations can be made through our Anglicare website: http://www.anglicare-s.org.au/BeInvolved/Donate.aspx . A receipt for tax deductible donations will be mailed out if the caller leaves their mailing address POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Cynthia Macintosh or Don Caddy Following week Ron Keynes or Joy Campbell READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Arakis Intercessor Ben L Sunday after Reader `Clare D Intercessor Sue D-T SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers Baines Brass Bonney T Cleaning Cleaner SPECIAL N.B. A small triptych of the Nativity was left in the Germein Room. Owner please collect from foyer. Also a small wooden cross has been taken from the Germein Room, used for Sunday School for 3 years. If anyone has seen it, please let Robyn Keynes know. RONBLOG on today’s Readings—Baptism The indisputable facts are that from early Jewry, the Faith was ringed and supported by a large series of covenants: a close look at Genesis on will underline that situation, although it has to be said that some of those covenants take some following, and understanding. Still, one needs to see them in the light of what was then current thinking and theology. Also it needs to be seen quite clearly that the Biblical covenants were not to be seen as agreements between two equals, God and people, but it is ever God Who set the agenda, and humans are left with the choice of saying yes or no to the offer. Start off with the clear proposition that baptism in NOT a name-giving ceremony. It is the offer to people to become part of the covenant family, and that is offered to youngsters long before they have a clue of what is going on. On offer is the challenge to be part of the ‘People of God,’ in OT terms, Israel and in NT terms, the Church. I feel rather certain that the Jews had the clearest and best idea: that the Faith was always imparted within the family rather than Temple or synagogue. (I am happy to be corrected if this is not so.) The Faith of Israel was very much the expression of family which is where youngsters learn all aspects of their Faith and life. There are not many people, these days, who begin to see the Biblical reality. Not only has the Faith become a ‘personal and private matter,’ but the very idea of covenant and community is alien to their thoughts and aspirations. The great sadness of all that shows up in so many other areas of life and community, the latter being seen as almost insignificant to many. We have neighbours in this town who actually turn their back rather than even greet those around them, would you believe? After many years in rural and remote areas, this is an aspect of city life with which I can do without!!!!!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Newsletter

Sunday 6th January, 2013 Epiphany  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. Collect for the Epiphany Eternal God, Who by a star led the Magi to the worship of Your Son; guide the nations of the earth by Your light, that the whole world may see Your glory, through Jesus Christ Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and for ever Amen Today’s Readings Epi8phany read by Mary V Readings Isaiah 60: 1—6 and Ephesians 3: 1—12 GOSPEL Matthew 2: 1—12 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, Ann Daughtry, Pat Pater, Susan Daulby, Janet Phillips. Recovering from pneumonia, Jan and Mollie Hal Shaw-Calverley has had surgery. Robyn Keynes’ older sister Pam. HAPPY BIRTHDAY HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Joyce and Bob Arnold, Mary and Stuart Vandepeer YEAR’S MIND— Rita Shiack (2006) PREPARATION FOR NEXT SUNDAY The Baptism of our Lord Readings Isaiah 43: 1—7 and Acts 8: 14—17 GOSPEL Luke 3:15—22 HELPLINE Part of being a Christian community is the support offered to each other in times of need. We offer short-term delivery of food where needed, local transport, phone calls, and other types of assistance. Call Stephanie Lloyd    8278 4260   and Lucinda Hale    8278 8814 POWERPOINT ROSTER – Next Sunday Min Araki or Ron Keynes Following week Cynthia Macintosh or Don Caddy READER AND INTERCESSOR ROSTER Next Sunday Reader Max A Intercessor Wendy M Sunday after Reader Arakis Intercessor Ben L SANCTUARY ROSTER Next Sunday Flowers Jan T Brass Margaret C Cleaning Group 4 SPECIAL N.B. A small triptych of the Nativity was left in the Germein Room. Owner please collect from foyer. Also a small wooden cross has been taken from the Germein Room, used for Sunday School for 3 years. If anyone has seen it, please let Robyn Keynes know. The Hall will be unavailable to all from tomorrow until the following Tuesday. The floor is being resurfaced. CHAPEL SERVICES AT FLINDERS MEDICAL CENTRE Holy Innocents' parish is rostered to help on four occasions each year. We visit patients in the wards and take those who are able, to the service in the chapel at 11am. We also make a list of people who would like us to pray for them during the service. The dates for 2013 are: 13th January, 14th April, 14th July, 13th October Helpers are asked to be at the chapel by 10am. If anyone would like to be part of this worthwhile and rewarding ministry, please speak to me or phone me on 8278 2837. Jean Fordham. RONBLOG on today’s Reading s In a first century world of Judaism, there really was nobody other than ‘us’ who mattered a damn to God. “”Chosen people’’ tend to look no further than their own parameters so Judaism was for Jews, full stop, Amen! God had no other interests—so they thought. All that was in spite of centuries of OT Prophets who pointed to a rather wider view, no one seemed to take a lot of notice. You will be aware that, even after the Resurrection, Peter was still hung up by the food laws in spite of being a ‘bush’ Jew. And then there was the business in Acts 15 as to whether non-Jews should have any part in the new movement. Magi! I remember my shock and horror when – after having called them the ‘Wise Men from the East’ for decades, the Greek made it quite clear that these were following the horoscope! Talk about horror! That whole business was anathema to the Christian, some of whom were fearful of the power of the occult! But here they were, the Wise Men, Magi, magicians, however few or many there were, with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. They seemed to understand more of what was going on with the birth of Jesus than even the Jews themselves. And that is really shocking. Gold, frankincense, myrrh. King and God and sacrifice ..... That is the shock-horror of Epiphany. Here was a group of people searching for the truth who found it, ... and the Chosen People had to come to terms with that awful fact. There were no ‘God-secrets,’ for the truth has always been available to genuine seekers after it, wherever and whoever they are. And the People of God have to recognize that and respond to it positively .