The Grapevine. Christmas in the Southern Vales, December Festival of Lessons & Carols. Christmas Eve. Christmas Day Eucharist

Transcription

1 December 2013 The Grapevine Newsletter of the Pastoral District of Southern Vales, Diocese of The Murray, SA Christmas in the Southern Vales, and on the Sunday after Christmas, the festivities continue... St Stephen s Patronal Festival Sunday 29th December 10 am Holy Eucharist Festival of Lessons & Carols Sunday 22nd December, 7 pm St Ann s, 7 Stonehouse Lane, (off South Rd) Aldinga Christmas Eve 7 pm Children s service, St Margaret s, 99 Main Rd, McLaren Vale 9 pm Vigil Mass, St Stephen s, St Andrew s Tce, Willunga Midnight Mass, pm St Philip & St James Church Hill Rd, Old Noarlunga Carols from 11 pm Christmas Day Eucharist 8.30 am St Margaret s, McLaren Vale 10 am St Ann s, Aldinga With special Christmas Sunday School Followed by the traditional and delightful shared ploughman s lunch under the peppercorn tree There will be only one Eucharist in the Pastoral District that weekend. However, Morning Prayer will be read at St Ann s on Sunday morning at 9 am for anyone unable to join the St Stephen s celebrations. People with news of coming events or noteworthy happenings in the Pastoral District of Southern Vales to share with the rest of the parish, please contact the Editor, Anne Chittleborough, at 23 The Esplanade, Pt Willunga 5173, Ph or machit5@bigpond.com.au,, preferably by 15th December. With The Grapevine now appearing on the parish website and including photos and some contact details, remember to notify me (contact details above) if you don t want to have anything about you included in The Grapevine in this format. 1

2 Photo: J Drought Photo: J Drought St Margaret s Day was an occasion to celebrate the Patronal Festival of the church, and was also Bishop Stanley Goldsworthy s final service. At 87 and increasingly frail he has had to acknowledge that he can no longer help with parish or diocesan services. Over luncheon after the service Fr Paul spoke of Bp Stanley s valuable contribution to Southern Vales and himself personally, and to the Diocese. Robert Brokenshire, M.P. thanked Bp Stanley for his advice and constructive criticism in his parliamentary role. The bishop cut a splendid cake made by Helen Roberts and Anna Carroll. He was presented with flowers and a book voucher. St Margaret was not forgotten either, and the St Margaret s cake was cut by four Margarets: Margaret Cale, Helen Margaret Devenport, (Margaret) Anne Chittleborough and Margaret Cameron. Born a King On Sunday December 15 th at 6 p.m. there will be a musical offering at St Francis Church Christies Beach, which will be a wonderful prelude to Christmas, coupled with our own Lessons and Carols on the 22 nd. The combined choir from Christies Beach, Southern Vales, and other local Churches will present BORN A KING, a Christmas Musical by John Peterson, an American composer. We have stunning soloists, the Organist is Roz Gallasch, Conductor Su Russel, and the choir has been practising for many weeks. There will be food served after the performance. For any further information, please contact me, Felicity Warrington, Mothers Union Final meeting for the year 10 am at Seaford Ecumenical Mission. Guest speaker Ann Gardiner. Christmas lunch in the cafe to follow. 2 Barbara Jeanes, R I P Barbara Jeanes has been an active member and tireless worker of St Ann s congregation and of the Mothers Union in this Pastoral District since 1998, when she and her husband Bill moved here from Marino. Her financial skills made her invaluable as a Treasurer for both the Guild and the MU. She and Bill were sidesmen at St Ann s, and Barb was regularly on the flower roster. She was an energetic builder in the St Ann s Room-building team, with an eagle eye for bagging the best rocks, and showed great skill putting up the timber ceiling. Barbara died on 25th November after a long illness, and her lively personality and sharp wit will be sorely missed.

3 What s on 2013 December Sun 1 st ADVENT SUNDAY. Family Service Gold Coin Collection for CPS workers (Chaplains) Mon 2 nd Mothers Union Guest speaker & Christmas lunch (p. 2) Fri 6 th Installation of Bishop John Ford, Murray Bridge [No Home Group this month: resuming 7th February] Sat 7 th Celebration of the Holy Eucharist by Bp John, Murray Bridge Mon 9 th Combined Guilds afternoon tea (next column) Tues 10 th Pastoral District Council Thurs 12 th Colton Court Singers 11 am-12 midday Enquiries: Sue MacKirdy Fri 13 th St Ann s Concert (next column) Thurs 19 th Granny Annie s Christmas Special (closing until 16 th Jan) Sat 21 st THOMAS Sun 22 nd Festival of lessons & carols 7 pm St Ann s (p. 3) Tues 24 th 7 pm Children s service, St Margaret s 9 pm Vigil Mass, St Stephen s Midnight Mass, SSPJ Wed 25 th Thurs 26 th Fri 27 th Sat 28 th Sun 29 th 2014 January CHRISTMAS DAY 8.30 Holy Eucharist St Margaret s 10 Holy Eucharist St Ann s STEPHEN JOHN HOLY INNOCENTS [No Vigil Mass at St Stephen s] ST STEPHEN S PATRONAL FESTIVAL COMBINED SERVICE 1O am (see p. 1) Wed 1 st NAMING & CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST Sun 5 th Family service Cold Coin collection for CPS workers (Chaplains) Mon 6 th EPIPHANY Thurs 16 th Granny Annie s resumes Sat 18 th St Ann s Jumble Sale Enquiries: Pat Roper Sun 19 th Confirmation Fri 24 th St Ann s Family Tea Sat 25 th CONVERSION OF ST PAUL Sun 26 th AUSTRALIA DAY ADVENT BIBLE STUDIES With the theme Expecting Christ, studies are being held on Wednesdays at the Rectory at 10 am, Thursday Nights at the Rectory at 7.30 pm, and at the Mausolfs residence after the service at St Philip & St James. Study booklets ($8) available from Fr Paul. Festival of Lessons and Carols St Ann s, Aldinga, Sun. 22nd December, 7.30 pm. Enjoy mince pies in St Ann s Room after the service. Combined Guilds Afternoon Tea Monday 9th Dec., 2 pm at the Peacock Farm, Norman Rd, Willunga. It is hoped that this occasion might be shared by some of the many people who have assisted and supported the Guilds in their work for the churches in so many ways over the year catering, cleaning, arranging flowers etc. You know who you are please do join us. Bookings to Trish Frith $10 St Ann s Concert Friday 13th Dec. 7 for 7.30 A night of frivolity & jollity; song, dance and laughter. Wear something outrageous a prize for the best costume. Tickets $ Supper provided. BYO drinks. Granny Annie s Christmas Special Thurs. 19 th Dec. Christmas delights and activities provided for children. Granny Annie s will close until Thurs. 16th January Take goodies for Christmas hampers for the Christian Care & Support Centre to your church by Sun 8th Dec. Christmas puds and bonbons are in short supply so far. Basic food supplies continue to be required for those in need. Parish Calendars, 2014 The perfect present for the person who has everything. Last copies available from Anne & Martin Chittleborough ( or machit5@bigpond.com). Proceeds to parish funds. $15 3

4 Fr Paul writes... There is a sense of excitement for many people at this time of the year with Christmas approaching. There is a sense of relief for others with end of year exams or assignments over for the year. It is a time to be with family and friends, to celebrate Christmas and maybe enjoy a relaxing break somewhere. There is a sense of excitement in the Diocese with a new Bishop being installed this month. I have had the privilege to meet with him and to talk with him at length, as have all the clergy in the diocese leading up to his installation. I attended a two day consultation meeting at Strathalbyn on November the 18th and 19th. The gathering had representation from a number of parishioners from the Southern Vales, which was very pleasing. The meeting involved three other parishes, Mt Barker, Strathalbyn and the Onkaparinga Valley which takes in Woodside and Balhannah. We gave presentations to the Bishop, spent time with him in prayer, in worship, in study and in service. This is how Bishop John Ford wants to see us, as faithful Christians in the Diocese. He urges us firstly to spend time in prayer regularly. Bishop John believes we take action on many things, but we don t do it without prayer first. Jesus reminds us of the importance of prayer in Matthew 7:7, Ask, and it will be given you, search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. Jesus showed us the importance of prayer by the number of hours, sometimes from very early in the morning and into the night, in which he prayed to His Father in heaven. Secondly, Bishop John believes worship is most important, in coming together to hear the word and receive the sacrament. Christians need to come together as a community to praise God, to reflect on the bible readings for the day and to receive the consecrated bread and wine to keep us spiritually going. Bishop John is also keen for all of us to come to gather to study the Bible on a regular basis. He was particularly encouraged by our Bible Study group on Wednesday mornings at the Rectory and by the Home Group at Aldinga on the first Friday of the month. I spoke of our Lenten and Advents Studies as well. Bishop John believes we need to be equipped with knowing the word of God in the Bible, so we can be always open to others about our faith. As one member of our Bible Group has informed us, the word Bible stands for Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth. Finally, the Bishop believes most importantly that we should be of service to each other and to the wider community as Christians, in helping those who are not as well off as ourselves, in showing our love of Christ to others. Bishop John Ford has asked all of us particularly to pray from him in his ministry as our Bishop in God in this Diocese. I hope you will encourage him in his ministry as our Shepherd and support him. I hope that you all are also able to prepare yourselves spiritually during the season of Advent for the coming of Christ at Christmas, when we celebrate again the birth of Jesus Christ; God coming to us as one of us and living as one of us, as he continues to do so through the Holy Spirit. May I take this opportunity to wish you a blessed holy and joyous Christmas. Fr Paul A Meeting at the Community Club for dinner in November were (reading from L-R) (A) Malcolm and Susan Richards with Briony Chapman, (B) Lorna McGaffin, Laurel Putland, Fran Pettigrew, Eileen Cook and Jo Steggall, (C) Susan Smith, Sylvia Francis, Felicity & Jack Warrington, Harry Francis and Bob Smith. The next Community Club dinner will be held on Friday 14th February. (Photos: D Best) A B 4

5 Around the traps From St Philip & St James. Old Noarlunga Our special thanks to the musicians, Sue McKirdy, Felicity Warrington, Julia Drought and Christine Nash who have worked on a roster to supply regular accompaniment to our weekly services. We are also grateful to Brian McMillan who has played on special occasions. We appreciate the time, effort and quality of their service during the year. We also appreciate the ministries of Fr Dirk, Fr Paul and assisting clergy. Congratulations to all who have provided outreach in various ways during the year. Ted Sandercock, Anne Chittleborough and Di Best continue to give dedicated service to the administration of the parish and the production of The Grapevine and pew sheets. We look forward to the celebration of the Midnight Vigil at our church on Christmas Eve. The little town is being decorated and there will be a carol evening in the park. We hope that a satisfactory programme will have been conducted by Morphett Vale CFS in the interests of fire safety on the church s perimeter. The congregation has met the costs of this exercise. Maintenance of the cemetery and grounds continues. Thank you to John Carroll for removing the fallen southern fence. A replacement will be constructed once winter rains have softened the ground. Our congregation continues to support parish ventures and appreciates the efforts of groups and individuals involved. We are offering the opportunity for members of the congregation to be involved in the Advent Study under Judith Wells competent leadership. Wallace Mausolf & Stephen Wells, Wardens. The organ recital and launch of the Greg Trott Organ Fund on Sunday 24th November filled St Margaret s, with people travelling from as far afield as Adelaide, Stirling and Strathalbyn. The afternoon was compared by Greg John who told the story of Greg Trott and the organ, and featured Alexander Paine, Senior Organ Scholar at St Peter s Cathedral, Adelaide, concluding with the magnificent strains of Widor s Toccata. The audience joined in some rousing hymns, and just for fun, Clare Baker swung the organ into some light-hearted Wurlitzer-style music as people moved to the Sunday School Room for a delicious afternoon tea. Henry Mark Wylie-King, son of Mark and Benita Wylie King, was baptised at St Philip & St James on the 17 th of November. He is pictured above with his godparents and Benita s parents. (Photo provided) 5 Baptisms in November Liam Jones (seen here with his mother Natalie and father Matt) was baptised at St Margaret s on Sunday 24th November. (photo provided)

6 Around the traps (cont d).. From St Margaret s, McLaren Vale A Family service was held on 3 rd of November with good participation from the children during the sermon as well as Prayers for the community. It was delightful to hear their voices and comments prompted by Jack who helped to encourage the children during the service. (R: the children prepare visual aids for the service. Photo: J Drought.) This was followed by the annual Sunday School Picnic at the Rectory (see opposite page). A large number of children and adults enjoyed a barbecue lunch with lots of good food and games. The Wardens became the master chefs sausage sizzlers and enjoyed one another s company while testing the results of our cook up. It was great to meet some of the parents during the day.thanks to Helen R., Helen D,. Greg and Father Paul for a tremendous effort. The Monthly Parish Dinner was held at the Mclaren Flat Community Club on Friday the 8 th of November Diners enjoyed a lovely meal, numbers were good and reports indicate that the community will definitely support our outreach meals at the club starting in February. Our thanks to the hard working volunteers for a job well done. St. Margaret s Patronal service was held on the 10 th of October. It was great to see parishioners from the other churches in the Parish attend the service and enjoy the shared meal after wards. A great time for sharing. Joe Saunders, Greg Roberts Wardens From St Stephen s, Willunga Thank you Fr Ed for officiating on Saturday October 27 th. We celebrated All Souls on Saturday November 2, followed by raising glasses to our dear departed. St Stephen s Patronal Festival will be held on Sunday December 29 th at am, followed by the traditional Ploughman s Lunch under the peppercorn tree. The Saturday Night Out for October was held on Saturday 19 th and was attended by 16 parishioners. The November one, however, was cancelled as so many people had other commitments. The next Saturday Night Out will be on February 15th. The Southern Vales was again responsible to the Sausage Sizzle at the Willunga Quarry Market on Saturday November 9 th. Help was given by Rupert Best, Trish Frith, Wendy & Ted Sandercock, Fr Paul, Jac Bishop, Margaret & Bill Cale, and a member of the Uniting Church (Aldinga) and Treasurer of SVSM, Trevor Lloyd. Thanks to these stalwarts, who continue to carry out this activity for Community Ministry. The SES cut our fallen tree trunk and branches into manageable small pieces, and some parishioners have taken up the free firewood. The City of Onkaparinga have undertaken a once off Community Service to remove some of the branches so that mowing can be undertaken unhindered. The maintenance team also cut up the larger branches into log size lengths. Any more takers? We are still investigating a solar light for the external toilet. Suggestions for planting the area around the peppercorn tree are welcome. Lavender, salt bush and native grasses have been suggested. Should the focus be on native plants? It has also been suggested that almond trees be planted in the western section of the block. Do join us at our Vigil Mass on a Saturday at 5.30 pm, if at any time you are unable to attend a Sunday Service. During the Summer, drinks (sparkling wine) and nibbles (cheese and dips) will continue. Margaret Cameron & Ted Sandercock, Wardens 6

7 Picnic! The Sunday School Picnic at St Margaret s on 3rd November was a great success, with team games, fun and food for the children, and a chance to relax with friends over a BBQ for the parents. Shown below at the successful conclusion of the treasure hunt are L-R: Christopher Tassie, Georgia Copeland, Annaliese (back) and little Joshua Tassie (front), Thomas NcNee, Jack Elliott, Rebecca Tassie, Katy Elliott, Timothy Dickinson (hidden), Sophie and little Emma Elliott, Patience Dickinson, Benjamin Tassie, Alice Dickinson, Zac McNee. Above (L-R): Jac Hocking and Patience Dickinson make Christmas tree angels, Katy and Jack Elliott try their climbing skills, and Rebecca Tassie tackles chocolate cake with a huge spoon. Below, the luncheon crowd, and two tired sausage chefs, Greg Roberts & Joe Saunders. 7

8 Around the traps (cont d).. Granny Annie s year will conclude with a Christmas Special on Thursday 19th December, then will close until Thursday16th January. Something for everybody at Granny Annie s 2nd Birthday! Oliver, Riley and Chloe play with cars, Ellie-Mae and Heather decorate party hats, and the mums, a grandmum and grannies talk among themselves and admire baby Leo. In the background Pat, Eileen and Cath cut sandwiches for Jeanne Richardson s 80th birthday party to follow. Helen Davies found she enjoyed this new way to visit the sick, when Alf Lear drove her to take a loaf of fresh bread to Val Martin. Photo: A Lear From St Ann s, Aldinga Granny Annie s celebrated its second birthday on the 7th November in a jovial way with a lovely cake made by Helen, and balloons and party hats designed by children and adults alike. We had three families joining in the celebrations along with several of the grannies who devote their time and energies to this outreach programme. Again, we wish our own parishioners to feel welcome to drop in for a cuppa and chat whenever they feel inclined. It is not just for kids! That Thursday was a busy day for some. After Granny Annie s we catered for the 80 th birthday luncheon for Jeanne Richardson and her guests. Jeanne has been a long standing friend of St Ann s and still dedicates her time and energies in assisting us with our regular Jumble Sales. We were pleased to be able to provide the venue for her big day. The rebuilding of the window in the vestry tower is now underway after which the rest of the repair work, preparation for and painting of the outside timbers etc will be continued on the church. Our November Jumble Sale was another wonderful success in more than one way. Yes, we made a total of over $670 after expenses which was wonderful considering the slowness of the day. We were also delighted and grateful for the huge team effort, with twenty-three or more helpers, and many people baked for the cake stall and donated goods to be sold. A wonderful effort from all. Thank You! With so many of our older and frailer members just not able to help in any way these days we have needed this injection of support. It is uplifting. Tickets for our December 13 th concert are on sale at $12.50 a head which includes supper. This concert, designed around the theme of an old time music hall evening, is a must for all those who enjoy humour and a good oldfashioned sing-along. Special guests the Bolshy Ballet have been invited to perform on the night. 8 Our November and last Family Tea for the year was enjoyed by all who came. Its highlight had to be the delightful visit by Martin and Anne for a short time to share some fun and fellowship. It buoyed us up to see Martin, and hope that the outing was a good one for him as well. Those of us still keeping things going are saddened by the awful events of this year, with the serious ill health of so many stalwarts and our prayers and good wishes go to each and every one of you. Pat Roper & Peter Chapman, Wardens

9 News from November Pastoral District Council On Tuesday 12 th November, after a shared meal, the Council met at 7.00 pm chaired by Canon Dirk. Matters discussed included the following. Other items appear elsewhere in this edition. Solar panels at St Margaret s These are now in place, at Fr Paul s suggestion, in the form of a cross, and are generating power. They were erected on Thursday 7 th and Friday 8 th November. Aldinga Bay Electrical will return to give instruction and explanation when time is available. Fence on northern boundary at St Margaret s After the last PDC meeting Fr Paul spoke to Mr Bennett who had another proposal to construct a Colorbond fence (to match the existing Colorbond section, with family friendly capping) for a length of 30 metres from the front fence to his house, 5 6 feet high, a little lower towards the street. His offer to pay the full cost is in writing and as there is no cost to the PD, it would be an improvement, and the style of fence is suitable, his proposal was accepted. St Ann s Restoration work Carpenters from Building Eco Systems Pty Ltd have removed the window and replaced it with a sheet of ply. The new window is being constructed by Southern Joinery who will advise when it is complete. This may take some time. Gregg Trott Pipe Organ project at St Margaret s: As relocating the container housing the pipes from St Margaret s to Coriole Winery is not possible, PDC approved the proposal of the Friends to purchase the container, paint it to match the Colorbond fence, vent it and relocate it under the shade of the adjacent gum tree. This is a temporary measure with the PD reserving the right to move it if necessary and regular progress reports to be provided by the Friends. Presentation to Bp Ford at Strathalbyn Fr Paul, Anne Chittleborough and Ted Sandercock had prepared a 5 minute PowerPoint presentation with photos of the churches, pastoral district activities and our vision for the future. NBN Connection Letters have been received re connection availability at St Margaret s. There is a potential cost saving of $ per month, telephone and internet for the parish office and rectory could both run off one wireless system and at present there is no connection fee - a potential future fee is unknown. Fr Paul and Ted Sandercock will work on a proposal to present at the next meeting with possible implementation next year. Financial Report: October 2013 $ Overall Finances to Oct $ Nett monthly income 7,203 Income 62,709 Monthly expenditure 6,471 Expenditure 73,340 Operating profit/loss 731 Loss 10,631(Budgetted 10,468) Missions 664 Total donations to missions 4,473 Margaret Cale (Treasurer) noted that the Monthly Income figure includes the amount of $851 interest paid on our At Call Account. The overall figure is an improvement on last month but is probably due to timing of payments. There has been a big increase in insurance and stipend this year and we can expect another insurance bill soon. At $8,000 10,000 pa deficit we have at best 6 years to turn things around or face unwanted changes in our pastoral district. There is little room to tighten the expense side of the Budget and maintenance has not been done on the rectory this year. Next meeting: Tuesday 10 th December. Note that observers are still not admitted. Di Best on behalf of The Editor. Thank you to all Bush Church Aid box holders for their donations in the last 6 months. $ was collected. Anne Lear 9

10 In our time of feasting and celebration, let s not forget those in need The Christmas Bowl is the Christmas appeal of Act for Peace: the international aid agency of the National Council of Churches in Australia. *assistance in emergencies * response to injustice * development & poverty reduction Sister Bev writes thanking folk for their support. She advises that $45 was raised for candle sales, and $20 for worm juice fertiliser. Continuing orders taken; ph Orders can be placed for those wanting white chrysanthemum plants for their garden. Bronze is also available. Coloured moulded candles for the Christmas season should also be ordered soon. All monies donated go to benefit the Parish as a whole. Southern Vales Pastoral District Contact information: Administrator: The Very Rev d Dirk van Dissel Ph Ass t Priest The Rev d Paul Devenport Ph pdevenport@vtown.com.au Parish Secretary: Ted Sandercock Ph sanderwt@bigpond.com The Parish Office is not regularly attended but messages can be left on the message bank Visit our website! * * * * * To contact your church wardens: St Philip & St James, Old Noarlunga Wallace Mausolf , Stephen Wells St Margaret s, McLaren Vale Greg Roberts Joe Saunders St Stephen s, Willunga Margaret Cameron Ted Sandercock St Ann s, Aldinga Peter Chapman Pat Roper Parish Service times St Stephen s, St Andrews Tce, Willunga Saturday: Vigil Mass: 5.30 pm St Philip & St James, Church Hill Rd, Old Noarlunga Sunday: Holy Eucharist: 8.45 am St Ann s,7 Stonehouse Ln,off South Rd, Aldinga Sunday: Holy Eucharist: 9 am with children s lessons & activities St Margaret s, 99 Main Road McLaren Vale Sunday: Holy Eucharist: am with Sunday School except in school holidays. Wednesday: Holy Eucharist: 9:00am But please note: From time to time the four centres of the Pastoral District combine in worship to celebrate special events. On those days there is only one Sunday service in the Pastoral District. On Sunday 29th December the only Eucharist will be at St Stephen s, Willunga, to celebrate their Patronal Festival (see p. 1) and there will be no service at St Stephen s on 28th. Morning Prayer will be held at 9 am at St Ann s for anyone unable to celebrate at St Stephen s