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!!!!!