S A L T ST MATTHEW S ANGLICAN CHURCH, CHELTENHAM PARISH NEWSLETTER: DECEMBER 2016 JANUARY 2017 A WORD FROM OUR VICAR... Having spent many years in the Mallee, dust and the smell of dust are a part of my story of Christmas. Ringing the bell for Midnight Mass in temps that would make an English summer blush and then add another 10 or 20 degrees by midday Christmas Day heat was inevitable (and we had the hide to 'expect' a roast lunch via a woodfired stove!!). Living opposite the fire station, it was not unusual for Christmas celebrations to be interrupted by the siren calling the volunteers to yet another fire in a paddock of tinder dry stubble and soon the smell of smoke. No wonder (as the Wheeler/James carol tells us) "the sparrows are under the eaves" taking refuge from the heat. Yet we will still sing of 'mid-winter' and frost, snow and icicles. As so we should and must for this is a part of our heritage, memory, upbringing and indeed our learning (it was wonderful to see and hear the mums and dads etc at the Cheltenham Primary School Christmas service singing carols from memory many couldn't see the screen) and of course for many, an expression of our faith. Forget the 'hither page', the red nose guiding and 'decking halls' (not violently!) because most of our carols are a means of teaching, of remembering the fact of the Incarnation of God 'putting on' our flesh and coming to dwell live amongst us and teach us how to love. So sing of and to the child in the manger but decide also not to leave him there for the world to coo over but be ready to take him to the world as he is and was and always will be Son of God saviour. And take him in prayer, introduce him by name, show him in acts of kindness and compassion, follow his example by listening and encouraging and share this 'joy to the world' by reading and knowing his word and passing on what we know as the Bible, with others his story, his power to save. So this Christmas, having sung to remind us of his birth, take a while to then rest and 'let all mortal flesh keep silence' and allow Continues on page 2 WORSHIP ST MATTHEW S ANGLICAN CHURCH Corner Nepean Highway & Park Road, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192 Sundays 8am Eucharist with Hymns 1st Sunday of the month BCP service 10am Sung Eucharist 1st Sunday of the month Family service with Sunday School Wednesdays (not in January) FRIENDS OF ST FRANCIS Community of the Holy Name (CHN) 40 Cavanagh Street, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192 Sundays 9.30am in the Prayer Room at the Community CLERGY & STAFF Fr Ron White Parish Priest Fr Andre Hassing Priest Associate Marlene Davies Organist / Musical Director Claire Johnston Parish Secretary WARDENS & PARISH COUNCIL Sue Polites Vicar s Warden Julie Johnston & Phil Whelan People's Warden Rob Johnston Treasurer Andrew Napier Parish Council Secretary Harold Daly, Marlene Gale, Glenys Foreman & Debby Howard CONTACT DETAILS Parish Office 161 Park Road, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192 Hours: Wednesday to Friday: 9am to 4pm Phone: (03) 9583 2205 Email: stmatthewsanglicanchurch@bigpond.com Website: www.stmatthewscheltenham.org.au CHELTENHAM OPPORTUNITY SHOP 33-35 Station Road, Cheltenham, VIC, 3192 Hours: Monday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm and Saturday: 9.30am to 12pm Phone: (03) 9583 2993 Salt: December 2016 January 2017 Page 1
A WORD FROM OUR VICAR... this miracle to envelope, surround and comfort us this 'mighty God', this 'everlasting Father', this 'Prince of Peace'. Not bad for being born in a shed. Fr Ron White, Parish Priest. Continued from page 1 DO WE HAVE...? In preparation for our 150th Anniversary celebrations next year we would appreciate knowing your email address. If you don t think the Parish Office has your address please send it through to stmatthewsanglicanchurch@bigpond.com. If you know of former parishioners email addresses and / or contact details and have their permission, could you please send these onto the Parish Office. THIS IS NOW URGENT ST FRANCIS BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS The weather was kind, the owners were considerate and the animals 'filled the roost' interesting image for a dog of which there were many! After the service, during which all animals received an individual blessing (and were presented with a St Francis medallion and card) most of our guests joined a number of St Matthew's parishioners for lunch a noisome and joyful occasion. Salt: December 2016 January 2017 Page 2
OP SHOP CHRISTMAS LUNCH A wonderful gaggle of volunteers (coincidentally on World Volunteer Day) as most of our Op Shop crew came together for their Christmas lunch at Dom's in Highett. It was a happy and enjoyable time as all swapped tales of the year and whilst Philip tried to 'rabbit ears' any one who came near, Mani tied the waiter in knots over her chicken breast, before it got anywhere near the frying pan! It was an excellent opportunity to thank all for their ministry and particularly to Julie for her work, leadership and encourangement. The Op Shop will be closed from Saturday 24 December and will reopen on Monday 16 January so that our hard working volunteers can have a much deserved and restful break. Salt: December 2016 January 2017 Page 3
PATRONAL FESTIVAL Bishop Paul, the previous Bishop of Jumbunna (our region), was with us for the 50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the 'new' church building. The architect, Rex Patrick, took part in the liturgical welcome and the Bishop challenged us to look beyond our boundaries. He joined us for lunch during which he renewed various acquaintances and in the middle of the festivities launched our 'Random Acts of Kindness' (brought to fruition by Pat Ashton). As an expression of our appreciation of his ministry to us as Regional Bishop, Fr Ron presented him with a reasonably liquid hamper to share with his wife, Robyn. Thank you Bishop for your care and prayers. Salt: December 2016 January 2017 Page 4
CHELTENHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS SERVICE Cheltenham village knew something was 'up' when they saw over 400 children walking through the street on the morning of Thursday 1 December. Students, teachers and families gathered at St Matthew's for their Christmas service with the junior grades stealing the show all dressed as holy family, shepherds, angels and wise men. The Principal, Ms Morgan, read the story of the first Christmas (aided by wonderful illustrations, which were displayed on a screen) and school captains Ruby and Will read the account from the Gospel of Luke. Lusty singing of carols endorsed the story and Fr Ron reminded the children that their various ways of caring for the environment and under privileged was in fact showing ways of God's love and care for his world and children. Archer and Avelina had lit the candles at the beginning of the service and two girls were impressed by the 'angel smoke' when they extinguished them. Wonderful behaviour and manners were displayed by all the students who carried the message of Christmas back to school. Empty Christmas Tree In the weeks following, the senior students from the school carried their gifts through the streets and into the church. After depositing their gifts under the tree (see photo!), Fr Ron gave a prayer of thanksgiving and thanked the children and their parents for their generosity. Salt: December 2016 January 2017 Page 5
FROM ST MATTHEW S The clergy and staff of St Matthew s wish you all a happy and holy Christmas and a great start to the New Year. May this holy day season be a safe time for you all. A NOTE OF THANKS The Parish Office received a card from Barbara Wellock thanking the members of the congregation who sent their love, congratulations and best wishes for her recent 80th birthday! We wish Barbara and Fr Peter all the best for Christmas and the New Year. ARTICLES FOR SALT Do you have a story for Salt that you would like to share regarding a recent or future parish event? Would you like to share how you came to be a parishioner here? If you would like to contribute please either send by email or neatly write and hand it into the Parish Office. Thank you. WORKING BEEE After a year of many successful working bees, we would like to say a big thank you to those who attend regularly and put in the 'hard yards'. It is because of you that we are able to keep the church grounds looking cared for and loved. It is a big job but having the working bees more frequently has meant that we can get on top of jobs that would otherwise take many, many hours. Our work has included maintenance of St Matthew's Garden of Memory and St Stephen's Memorial Garden, the 'Mary' garden and (often unseen) the gardens bordering the carpark. The gardens facing Park Road which were established two years ago are beginning to add to the beauty of the grounds and add some colour. We will again be having our working bees every 6-8 weeks next year, with our first one for the year to be held on Saturday 11 February at 9am. A GREAT CELEBRATION! On Saturday 1 October, family, friends and members of the congregation gathered in the Hall here at St Matthew's to celebrate Alan Fielder's 90th birthday! It was a wonderful opportunity for those who had gathered, many from interstate, to catch up and share stories of Alan's life and their memories of his various doings!! Loads of preparation had gone into the day and many had been involved in preparation of the lunch and continued with its presentation and clearing up. (Val is relieved!) Salt: December 2016 January 2017 Page 6
BIBLE CAKE This unusual cake uses only ingredients mentioned in the Bible. Judges 5, v.25:... she brought forth BUTTER in a lordly dish Jeremiah 6, v.20: To what purpose cometh there to me incense from Sheba, and the SWEET CANE from a far country? 1 Samuel 14, v.25: And all they of the land came to a wood: and there was HONEY upon the ground. Jeremiah 17, v.11: As the partridge sitteth on EGGS and hatcheth them not, so he that getteth riches, and not by right shall leave them in the midst of his days. 1 Samuel 30, v.12: They gave him a piece of cake and figs, and two clusters of RAISINS Nahum 3, v.12: All thy strong holds shall be like fig trees with the first ripe FIGS; if they be shaken, they shall even fall into the mouth of the eater. Numbers 17, v.8: Behold, the rod of Aaron... brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded ALMONDS. 1 Kings 4, v.22: Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine FLOUR 11 Chronicles 9, v.9: Neither was there any such SPICE as the Queen of Sheba gave King Solomon Leviticus 2, v.13:... with all thine offeringsthou shalt offer SALT Amos 4, v.5:... offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with LEAVEN Judges 4, v.9: She opened a bottle of MILK and gave him drink, and covered him 250g butter 250g castor sugar 1 tablespoon honey 3 eggs, beaten 250g raisins 250g dried figs, chopped 60g almonds, chopped 500g plain flour 1 level teaspoon mixed spice pinch of salt 1 level teaspoon baking powder 3 tablespoons milk Method: Grease a round 20cm cake tin and line base. Set oven to warm, 160C. Cream togethr butter, sugar and honey. Mix in eggs a little at a time, beating well between each addition. Fold in raisins with chopped figs and chopped almonds. Sift together the flour, mixed spice, salt and baking powder and fold into the mixture with the milk. Turn into the tin, level the top, then hollow out the centre slightly. Sprinkle nuts over to decorate. Bake for 2 hours or until a warm skewer inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out and cooling on a wire rack. With thanks to Bev Mueller and her sister! NEWS FROM CHN From the CHN newsletter our congratulations go to Sister Pamela, who has been nominated and accepted as a Member of the Order of St John. Membership is awarded for outstanding service in the St John Ambulance Association for over twenty years. Sister Pamela will be formally admitted to the Order at a ceremony at Government House in January. Congratulations are also due to Sisters Margaret Anne and Josephine Margaret, recipients of the Coldrake Award for their work in PNG. Bishop Garry Weatherill and the ABM Board have struck a medal in recognition of the contribution of former missionaries and dedicated staff members, and our two Sisters are to receive this award. Arrangements are being made for the presentation of the medal. Salt: December 2016 January 2017 Page 7
CALENDAR OF EVENTS DECEMBER 4 Sunday Services Second Sunday of Advent 8am BCP & 10am Family Service 7 Weekday Service The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 11 Sunday Services Third Sunday of Advent Healing service will follow the 10am Mass 14 Weekday Service John of the Cross 17 9am Working Bee 18 Sunday Services Fourth Sunday of Advent 6pm Carol Service 21 Weekday Service Thomas 24 Christmas Eve 5.30pm Children s Crib Service followed by sausage sizzle 11pm Carols by Candlelight 11.30pm Midnight Mass 25 Christmas Day 9am Christmas Holy Communion 26 Weekday Service Stephen, Deacon & Martyr JANUARY 1 Sunday Services The Epiphany of our Lord 8am BCP & 10am Mass 8 Sunday Services Baptism of our Lord 15 Sunday Services Second Sunday after Epiphany 22 Sunday Services Third Sunday after Epiphany 29 Sunday Services Fourth Sunday after Epiphany IN JANUARY During the month of January there will be no organist and choir and no Wednesday/weekday services; morning tea following the 10am service will resume in February. The Parish Office will be closed from Christmas Day until late January. 27 Weekday Service John, Apostle & Evangelist 28 Weekday Service Holy Innocents Salt: December 2016 January 2017 Page 8