St Mark's Anglican Church South Hurstville We at St Mark's aim to grow in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, and to welcome others into an open Christian community where we can experience and explore the reality of God in an atmosphere of acceptance and trust. 11 November 2012 8.00am Choral Eucharist 1 24th Sunday after Pentecost Remembrance Day Liturgy Holy Communion Prayer Book p 119 Presider Revd Andre Jacobs Preacher: Dr Douglas Golding Leader Wesley Fairhall Intercessor: Lois Little Readings Ruth 3.1-5, 4.3-17 Cathie Robilliard Psalm 127 Anglican chant Hebrews 9.23-28 Pauline Burdon Mark 12.38-44 Presider Introit Sing praise and bless the Lord Setting: Addington Anthem Attwood: Teach me O Lord Hymns 589 (T136), 607, Communion, 658 9.30am Prayer Circle Intercessions at the Taizé cross 10.00am Family Worship & Remembrance at RSL Liturgy Special booklet (yellow) Intercessor: Lois Little Presider Revd Andre Jacobs All-age homily: Dr Douglas Golding Readings Hebrews 9.23-28 Bruce Cooke Hymns 589 (T136 Processional), 640 (Dismissal) Reflection One striking thing about the passage in Ruth is the sheer thoughtfulness of Naomi towards Ruth s future (in verse 1). She knows she is advancing in age and wants to ensure that she leaves a secure future for her daughter-in-law friend. She of course did not need to take that trouble upon herself, after all Ruth was an adult woman. But that is not how this friendship works, it looks at the need or plight of the other, yes, at the expense of one s own need. There is a subtle truth that putting others first before one s self produces the best in others to do the same; and if everyone did the same the world certainly would be a better and fairer world, just like Jesus would love it to be. The world does not appear to be fair because we often all like to put our personal interests first and forget about those who are on the edges of society. The Revd John Kafwanka, Director for Mission, Anglican Communion Office, London
Light a candle All are welcome to light a candle, symbolic of prayer, at the Taizé cross. Morning tea All welcome to morning tea in St Mark's Hall after the 8.00am Eucharist this morning. Due to the Remembrance Commemoration at the RSL, there will be no morning tea after 10am Family Worship back to normal next Sunday. Prayer of the Day O God, whose blessed Son came into the world that he might destroy the works of evil and make us your children and heirs of eternal life: grant that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves as he is pure; that, when he comes again with power and great glory, we may be made like him in his eternal and glorious kingdom: where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. Sit for the reading Psalm 127 1. Unless the Lord / builds the / house: their labour / is but / lost that / build it. 2. Unless the Lord / keeps the / city: the / watchmen / watch in / vain. 3. It is in vain that you rise up early and go so late to rest, eating the / bread of / toil: for the Lord bestows honour and / on those / whom he / loves. 4. Behold, children are a heritage / from the / Lord: and the fruit of the / womb / is his gift. 5. Like arrows in the / hand of a / warrior: are the / children / of one's / youth. 6. Happy the man who has his / quiver / full of them: he will not be put to shame, when he confronts his / enemies / at the / gate. Glory to the Father and / to the / Son: and / to the / Holy / Spirit; as it was in the be/ginning is / now: and shall be for / ever. / A/men. Communion song (Taizé 13) The kingdom of God is justice and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Come, Lord, and open in us the gates of your kingdom. During Communion, you are invited to sing, hum or pray the contemplative song often a chant from the Ecumenical faith community of Taizé, France. 2
Remember in your prayers Carole Russell; Michael; Kurt Young; Pam Lord and Joy Dwyer's family (mourning death of sister Joy Dwyer); Revd Warren Croft; Liam McManus; Jeff & Edna Edwards; Jean Hill; Ian & Pat Price; Gabrielle Hobbs; Betty Allan; Les and Edna Green; Peter Mylecharane; Alan Cook; Yvonne Scott; Tony Platford; Madge & John Conlon. Congratulations Congratulations and best wishes to Peter Mylecharane who will be celebrating his birthday on Monday. Remembrance at 8.00am Intercessor Let us remember before God, and commend to his sure keeping: those who have died for their country in war; those whom we knew, and whose memory we treasure; and all who have lived and died in the service of humankind. Silence for reflection then is said the Ode by Wilf Ewens They went with song to the battle, They shall grow not old they were young, as we that are left grow old: straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. Age shall not weary them, They were staunch to the end nor the years condemn. against odds uncounted, At the going down of the sun They fell with their faces to the foe. and in the morning We will remember them. We will remember them. Lest we forget. Lest we forget. Intercessor Almighty God, you have promised to hear our prayers. Grant that what we have asked in faith We may by your grace receive, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Remembrance at 10am Following a short 10.00am Family Worship today, we will follow St Mark's Banner and walk to the Memorial Garden, RSL Club South Hurstville for the Commemoration led by the club's padre, Revd Chris Albany last service lead by the Rector in the Parish. Prayer for a Rector Before the Blessing Bountiful God, grant to St Mark's a faithful pastor and teacher who will speak your word and minister your sacraments; an encourager who will empower your people for ministry and enable us to fulfil your calling. Give to those who will choose a rector, your heavenly wisdom, discernment and patience, and to all of us give warm and generous hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 3 Please also use in private devotions to pray for the search for a new rector, and for parish nominators Alan Little, John Kennedy, Barbara Booth, Doug Golding, Bruce Cooke.
Prayers and devotions this week Anglican Board of Mission Pray that we may find courage, encouragement and joy in serving others above and beyond our personal needs and interests. Give thanks for the work and witness of the Episcopal Church of Sudan The Anglican Communion PRAY for The Lusitanian Church (E-P to the Archbishop of Canterbury) Lusitanian Church - (Portugal) The Rt Revd Fernando Soares Prayer for Hurricane Sandy Gracious God, you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble. In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, reveal your presence and make known your power so that all may know your healing, hope, and love. As one Body on earth, bound together by your grace, inspire us to pray faithfully, work courageously, and give sacrificially for the relief of all those who suffer. All which we pray in Jesus' name, Amen. Australian Religious Response to Climate Change Scripture readings 4 Prayer of the week Mon Ps 33 Matthew 22.34-46 Blessed Lord, you have caused all holy Scriptures to be Tues Ps 35.1-17 Matthew 23.1-15 written for our learning: grant that we may so hear them, read, Wed Ps 34 Matthew 23.16-28 mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that, by patience and Thur Ps 37.1-17 Matthew 23.29-39 the comfort of your holy word, we may embrace and ever Fri Ps 38 Matthew 24.1-14 hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have Sat Ps 40 Matthew 24.15-31 given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen Thanksgiving for the life and faith of holy people (Today) Martin, bishop of Tours (d.387) Martin was born around 330 of pagan parents. His father was a soldier, who enlisted Martin in the army at the age of fifteen. One winter day he saw an ill-clad beggar at the gate of the city. Martin had no money to give, but he cut his cloak in half and gave half to the beggar. In a dream that night, Martin saw Christ wearing the half-cloak, and he promptly became a Christian and was baptized. He soon asked to be released from the army, saying: Hitherto I have faithfully served Caesar. Let me now serve Christ. In 371 he was elected bishop of Tours in France. His instruction and personal manner of life impressed people greatly. (Monday) Charles Simeon, evangelist (d.1836) Charles Simeon s life was transformed through attending church regularly at Cambridge University. Upon finishing university, he was ordained and was appointed chaplain of Holy Trinity, Cambridge, where he remained for 55 years. His ministry helped to transform the lives of many undergraduates, such as William Wilberforce who devoted his life to the abolition of slavery throughout the British Empire, and many missionaries. (Friday) Margaret, Queen of Scotland, helper of the poor (d1093) Margaret was grand-daughter of an English king, probably born in exile in Hungary and brought to England in 1057. After the Norman Conquest in 1066, she sought refuge in Scotland, where she married King Malcolm III. She and her husband rebuilt the monastery of Iona and encouraged the founding of schools, hospitals, and orphanages. She was less successful in preventing feuding among Highland Clans, and when her husband was treacherously killed in 1093, she herself died a few days later of grief.
(Saturday) Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln (d.1200) King Henry II founded the first house in England of the strict monastic order of the Carthusians, and appointed Hugh de Avalon as its abbot. A close friendship soon developed between king and monk. Hugh was elected Bishop of Lincoln in 1186 and began a process of reform. He employed priests of great piety and learning, and made a priority of caring for the poor. Hugh was a man of great wit, tireless and selfless in ministry, and with a special concern for children and the defenceless. Once, when riots against the Jews broke out in England at the time of the Third Crusade, Hugh several times faced armed mobs and defended the persecuted. He used to visit leper-houses and wash the ulcerous limbs of the residents. He was fond of animals, and birds and squirrels readily came to his hand. He had a pet, hand-fed swan that followed him about and kept guard over his bed, so that no one could approach it without being attacked. News & Events Thanks Robyn and Alison join me in thanking you for the wonderful celebratory Choral Eucharist and lunch last Sunday the flowers for Robyn and Alison were wonderful and have brightened the house all week. I was moved by all that was said by way of farewell and appreciation for my time here as Rector of this wonderful community of St Mark s. Thank you for all your expressions of love and support as I prepare to go to Perth to take up my new life with Robyn and after we are married in February a new ministry around Easter next year. I will particularly treasure the comments made by so many of you in the 'Memory Book' and am aware that there may be some of you who did not have an opportunity to do so. Therefore the book is available in the narthex today for any who may wish to add a word or two. As I said last Sunday you have been a blessing to me over these past 7 years, especially during the years of Pam s illness and subsequent to her death last year. St Mark s will forever hold a very special place in my heart and affection, thank you for all you have been as a Community of God s people, it has been a privilege and joy to share life and ministry with you. As we journey into the future may we all be sustained by the knowledge that we held in the hands of the God who in Jesus comes amongst us to show that God loves us and invites us to share in the joy, love, hope and peace of Easter faith and life life abundant. With much love and affection. Chris Albany A new prayer time for St Mark's in the tradition of Taizé. Meeting monthly on the second Wednesday, the lessthan-an-hour long gathering will include song, readings, song, prayer and more song. All welcome to the first THIS WEDNESDAY gathering: 14 Nov at 7.30pm at St Mark's Church Stewardship The new year of envelopes, which commenced last Sunday, are available in the narthex. Please use them to make your regular and intentional offering for ministry at St Mark s. Looking forward to Advent, Christmas and Epiphany A reminder to all who have signed up to attend this series of studies fourth in the series tomorrow night, Monday 12 November at 8.00 pm Pauline & Glenn Burdon's home. 5
Toys 'n' Tucker Dorothy Harpley is coordinating Toys 'n' Tucker collection this year. Food will be collected at South Hurstville IGA on Saturday 24 November. This collection of food for Anglicare, is an excellent opportunity of making contact with the local community. Add your name to the roster in the narthex. Music Coordinator and Organist The role which Lois Little so admirably currently performs for St Mark s, apart from playing the organ, relates to co-ordinating the planning, programming/repertoire choice, rehearsals, and music library and database that support our worship, as well as the musical activities and events within the Parish. In particular this involves taking the time to choose music (words and tunes) which fit the particular service/event taking into account readings/theme/ expected audience etc and then consulting with those involved a not inconsiderable task. After consultation with Lois we have decided that the title which most accurately reflects this role is that of Music Coordinator and Organist rather than Music Director and Organist. This reflects the collaborative nature of the job which brings together the Choir Director, volunteer musicians, singers, liturgical writers, preachers and Parish Councillors/Wardens who all take part in the process. It has been a great blessing and gift for me personally to have Lois take on this role in recent years. On behalf of St Mark s and myself I express profound appreciation for all she has done and continues to do. Chris Albany Church gardens Two automatic watering systems have been installed in the Church gardens: one in the rear Gardenia garden, under the choir vestry windows and the other beside the Church to water the camellias. There is no need to adjust the taps or manually water these gardens. Batteries may need to be replaced each 6 months. We need parishioners to volunteer on a regular basis to simply water the gardens in the front of the Church and the hall during summer...at any time, day or night. Alan Little War memorial book We have had encouraging responses from the RSL and the community. We wish to expand the project to provide a more personalised account of names already in the book. We seek photographs or other memorabilia you might have and be willing to allow us to photograph and reproduce them as a resource for upgrading the Cabinet. Rex Merten, if need be, would come to your place to do the photographing. Please feel free to talk to Wilf Ewens (9583 9554 ewenssnr@gmail.com) or Rex Merten about the project. Meanwhile keep looking for our post Korean War veterans. Parish Council...... next meets on Tuesday 20 November 2012. 6
Serendipity:the choir Saturday 24 November at 2.30pm Once again Serendipity brings you a gorgeous collection of songs to celebrate the festive season at St Mark's. The concert program, entitled Make We Merry, includes carols, anthems, spirituals, Latin hymns from the medieval period, and songs from Spain, France, Israel and the Americas. This is a concert not-to-be-missed by music lovers with a desire to celebrate all that s best in music and song at this special time of year. Entry is by donation, suggest $15 (or more!) per person. Music Director Kerith Fowles, Pianist Ann Clipsham. BookBusters The next meeting of the BookBusters will be on Thursday 13 December when the book Cold Comfort Farm will be reviewed, led by Rob Nelson. New Members are welcome (Rex Merten 95802808). The list of books for reading next year is: 17 th Jan. The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Moshin Hamid, presented by Fay. 28 th Feb. Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak *trans.hayward-harari, presented by Gabrielle 11 Apr. The Street Sweeper by Elliot Perlman, presented by Noreen. 23 May. The Sea The Sea by Iris Murdoch, presented by Peter Harris. 27 Jun. Spies by Michael Frayn, presented by Paul. 8 Aug. The Mill on the Floss by George Elliot, presented by Jocelyn. 19 Sep. All That I Am by Ann Funder, presented by Clare 31 Oct. The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen, presented by Maureen 5 Dec. Happy Valley by Patrick White, presented by Rex An upcoming concert - Sun 16 Dec at 2.00pm Concert by David Drury, Christ Church St Laurence. A Benedictine experience See flyer in narthex about a weekend retreat 23-25 November at Pennant Hills. Church of the Light, Osaka, Japan, 1989 The concrete walls, poured on site, are 15in (375 mm) thick. 7
Blood Service The Mobile Blood Service will be at the Hurstville Entertainment Centre, MacMahon Street Wed 14 Nov 2-7 pm, Thu 15 Nov 2-7 pm, Fri 16 Nov 10-3 pm. Visiting Organist During November we will have great pleasure in welcoming David Drury who will play on Sunday 18th November at 8am. Mark the date in your diary so that you don t miss it! Forward Calendar Sat 2.30pm 24 Nov Serendipity: the Choir concert Lois Little Thu 8.00pm 13 Dec Book Busters Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons Rex Merten Sun 8.00pm 16 Dec Christmas Readings & Carols (choir), champagne supper Lois Little Mon 5.30pm 24 Dec Christmas Children's Service Bruce Woodhouse Mon 11.00pm 24 Dec Christmas Sung Eucharist Andre Jacobs Tues 8.00am 25 Dec Christmas Choral Eucharist David Warner Tues 10.00am 25 Dec Christmas Family Communion Andre Jacobs This week at St Mark s Mon 12/11 8.00pm Bible Study 104 Laycock Road Hurstville Grove (Pauline Burdon 9570 8841) Tue 13/11 7.30pm Choir Practice (Deb Mulcair debmulcair@hotmail.com) Wed 14/11 9.30am Holy Communion followed by Carinya Day Club (Joy Martin 9546 3748) 2.00pm Holy Communion Blakehurst Aged Care 7.30pm Taizé Prayer @ St Mark's (Bruce Cooke 0412 680 430) Thu 15/11 9.30am Needle & Thread (Dorothy Harpley 9547 2563) 9.30am St Mark s Art (Lorraine 9546 1162 & Marlene 9546 2558) 10.30am 3.00pm Holy Communion The Bay Nursing Home Holy Communion St Bede s Hostel 5.00pm Christian Meditation (Bridget McKern 9546 4557) Fri 16/11 9.00am Tai Chi (Gabrielle Merten 9580 2808) 10.00am Music practice (Lois Little 9594 5999) 6.00pm SMACKS (Susan Szalay 9594 6969) Sun 18/11 4.00pm Education for Ministry (Barbara Booth 9597 4140) Next Sunday 18 November 2012 25th Sunday after Pentecost 8.00am 10.00am Readings 1 Samuel 1.4-20 Barbara Falloon Psalm Song of Hannah Anglican Chant Hebrews 10.11-14, 19-25 John Matthews Vic Playford Mark 13.1-11 Presider Lay Assistant Intercessions Gabrielle Merten TBA Notices for Connections are invited. Please email the parish office before Thursday evenings Rector The Revd Chris Albany 0412 075 428 rector@southhurstville.anglican.asn.au Associate Priest The Revd Andre Jacobs 0424 578 322 assistant@southhurstville.anglican.asn.au Parish Office office@southhurstville.anglican.asn.au 9547 1239 Website www.southhurstville.anglican.asn.au Wardens Bruce Cooke 0412 680 430, Alan Little 9594 5999, Andre Jacobs 0424 578 322 Music Director and Organist Lois Little 9594 5999 Choir Director Deb Mulcair 0416 332 713 8