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TRINITY TIMES Winter 2017

Parish Church of Holy Trinity Kew Cnr. High Street & Pakington Street, Kew 3101

The Vicar’s Letter Dear Parishioners, On this festival, The Holy Trinity, we celebrate one of the great treasures and mysteries of the church — the Doctrine of The Holy Trinity. When we begin to rationally approach the Trinity we can quickly become sidetracked, muddled and confused and brush it all off as too complicated. Now is an opportunity to plumb a small part of its depths and meaning in the creation. The word “Trinity” never made it into the Old Testament nor in the gospels. It is not in any of Paul’s epistles. You’ll find it nowhere in the entire New Testament. Nonetheless, the roots, the trunk, the branches, the essence of the Trinity tree flowers and blooms throughout the Bible. In the Great Commission, Jesus instructs his disciples to baptise “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). The apostle Paul underscores the reality of the Trinity in 2 Corinthians 13:13, with a blessing to the Corinthian church, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.” The term “Trinity” was first used by Theophilus of Antioch around 180 AD. Then the doctrine itself was hammered out at the Council of Nicea in 325 AD and the Council of Constantinople in 381 AD. The Trinity has had a tough go over the centuries. The Trinity has been much maligned, and ridiculed. The cults today have no interest or patience with the “trinity.” The Jehovah’s Witnesses hate it. The Mormons despise it. The Unification church attacks it. So the church over the millennia have developed three special guardians finally worked out at the Councils of Nicea and Constantinople. These three special guardians. Every time you and I worship they stand inside and outside the church without fail. One probably doesn’t notice them but they are supported by a more obvious set of symbols which stand in the stained glass windows, in the shape of windows, kneelers and carvings all around us. They are in our Invocation, Sentence, Gloria and Hymns. They have names. Their last name is Credo (I believe) from which we get the word “creed.” Their first names are Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian. They are good friends and loyal protectors of the Trinity. They refuse to put up with any rubbish from the cults, the new agers or any distorters of orthodox Christianity. When sincere, but misled, cult members knock on your door, push a tract in your hand, and say foolish things like, “Jesus is brother to the devil,” “Jesus was married and has children in heaven,” or “Jesus was a lesser god, a created being,” these guardians shout throughout the ages, “No way!” Because of this, on Holy Trinity Sunday and every Sunday, Christians respond to God’s grace by doing several important things. We recite the creeds and we enunciate the Trinity over and over again in our liturgy. Many churches have or had on the arch leading to the sanctuary “Holy, Holy, Holy.” Its our Churches dedication- there are Trinity symbols everywhere! If you look for them. We sing “Joy To The World” and celebrate Christmas. We sing “Away In A Manger” and “O Little Town Of Bethlehem.” When we celebrate not only the birth but also the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus we add to our anthems, “My Song Is Love Unknown,” “There Is Green Hill Far Away” and “Jesus Christ Is Risen Today”. On Ascension and Pentecost we may sing “The Head That once was Crowned in Thorns” “Lord Enthroned in Heavenly Splendour” and “Come Down O Love Divine” and today on the Feast of the Holy Trinity: “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty. All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea; Holy, Holy, Holy! merciful and mighty, God in three persons, Blessed Trinity” with the noncoincidental tune NICEA. As our Hymn “Holy Holy Holy” resonates at the most basic level we all first experience God as creator. I recall the reports from astronomers who scan the stars, the planets, the galaxies and they tell us creation is still going on. Look around you. “The heavens,” the psalmist sang, “are telling the glory of God.” Psalm 8 chants, “When I consider the heavens, what is man?”

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God is in the present tense through the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel of John chapter 16 it is written:, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth” (v. 13). The Holy Spirit is here in this place. The Holy Spirit is as close as your heartbeat and as enlivening as your breath. The Holy Spirit is at work in and through the Word of God, the Sacraments, and the people of God. When we feel our faith is fainting, the Holy Spirit gets to work making believers out of us. When we don’t feel generous with our talents, time and treasure the Holy Spirit is at work making stewards out of us. When we don’t feel very loving, the Holy Spirit is busy creating lovers out of us. The words for us today are this: Take a walk. Go and experience God the creator, redeemer and sanctifier. Walk and pray in your nearby park, our Church Green or your backyard. See birds, trees, and plants. Take a Walk. See Jesus, the Saviour. He who loves you and saves you by his grace. Take a walk. Experience the holy wind, holy breath, holy power, and peace from on high. Our God is an awesome God. Thanks to our three guardian friends whose eyes scan the horizon while we sing our doxologies to the Holy Trinity — God the creator, redeemer, and sanctifier. Amen. 1 Fr Robert Newton 1

The ‘Book of Books’ is an account of the King James Bible written by Melvyn Bragg and published in 2011.

translated into English, so that people could read the Bible in their mother tongue. It may be claimed that the growth in literacy sprang from the urge, It is an account of the radical impact of for the peoples of the English speaking the King James Bible. Bragg writes that world, to read the Bible for themselves. this ‘Book of Books’ consists of sixty Bragg quotes David Simpson, “It is not six different ‘books’ and that it has sold only our literature and language that has more than any other single book since been influenced by the King James its publication in 1611. Bible. It has had an extraordinary beneficial influence upon political and conBragg describes the King James Bible stitutional affairs.” [Bragg. 2011. p 11] as “one of the fundamental makers of the modern world. Its impact on the There are many current translations of English speaking world is unparalleled. the Bible that have been produced It has a fair claim to be the most pivotal during the last century. Each version book ever written a claim made by building on the academic, theological poets, and statesmen and supported by and literary foundations that have laid tens of millions of readers and congre- since the publication of the King James gations”. Abraham Lincoln described Bible. If you are interested in the fasciit as “the best book that God has given nating subject of one of the first English man” and Charles Dickens wrote that translations of the Bible, Melvyn “The New Testament is the very best Bragg’s books is highly recommended. book that ever was or ever will be Another history of the King James Bible known in the world.” [Bragg, M. The is “In the Beginning. The Story of the Book of Books. Great Britain: Hodder King James Bible” by Alister McGrath and Stoughhton. 2011. pages 6-7] [Hodder and Stoughton 2001] Bragg writes that the King James Bible inspired some of the finest thinkers, statesmen, artists and men of science. Its production emerged from the movement that demanded the Bible be

They are both formidable literary histories that provide a fascinating reading experience to those who are lovers of literature and history,

A note from Joan Brooking Dear Fr Robert and all my friends at Holy Trinity, There is not a day in which I don’t think of you all and I pray for you and miss you. We are all so very fortunate that our Parish Chaplain Pam Hughes is able to come once a month and lead us in worship and bring us Holy Communion. We all love Pam. My good wishes to you all, Joan.

From the Registers Baptisms Fred Hillas Benjamin Williamson Xavier Anderson Khairil Choong (CK Choong) Marriages None Funerals Renee Armstrong Geoffrey Habben Vivienne Sterndale Rosemary Sewell Thelma Hardie John Barnard

Much of this text was incorporated into a sermon preached by Fr Robert on Holy Interment of Ashes Trinity Sunday, the 11th June 2017 at Myrtle Ostmeier Holy Trinity Kew. Philip Hadwen

ANSWERS

How big is the universe? On February 23, 1987, an astronomer observed with his naked eye the explosion of a distant supernova. It was a blast so powerful that it released as much energy in one second as our sun will release in ten billion years. I find this absolutely mindboggling, that this supernova exploded 170,000 years ago. It took that long for the light generated by that distant event, travelling almost six trillion miles a year to reach our watching astronomer. To top it off, the astronomers tell us that the universe is expanding. Discoveries in 2006 and 2007 of new black holes and more exploding stars boggle our rational minds. For God, the Father creator, time and space is measured differently. Time is a convenience by which we measure things but surely not God. We would like to create God in our own image, manageable, manipulable, but God is the Divine Other. God is beyond our reason and comprehension. In the presence of God our creator — the works of God the Father, we should be rightly humbled.

The Book of Books by Leonie Bird

to riddles on page 11 1. Snap. 2. Coca Koala. 3. A stick. 4. A woolly jumper. 5. All animals, because bridges can’t jump. 6. Their joeys have to play inside. 7. Tomato paste. 8. Because it saw the salad dressing. 9. An egg. 10. .A towel. 11. .A teapot. 12. The house is at the North Pole so the bear is white. On his head. Hebrews it. A cheetah. Ruthless.

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13. 14. 15. 16.

The Vicar’s Letter

Intercession

by Jan Todd

Intercession, or praying for others, is a worthwhile spiritual work, especially because no one else need know that you are doing it, and therefore you are not tempted to (outward) pride in the work. Also everyone needs praying for. We are told that Jesus Himself constantly intercedes for us Hebrews 7:25 and that the Holy Spirit also, intercedes for us with ‘groans too deep for tears’

Update on Parish Centre Project and Church Restoration By Alan Wilson

with four electricity retailers and the monopoly distribution company, and has been extremely frustrating for both Devco and Brenda in the HTK office. It has entailed multiple applications and much back and forth. Hopefully we are close to achieving the cut over.) Once the Op Shop is down the piles of rubbish will be removed and excavation along High Street will commence. Bulk excavation is due to be finished by 10th August and then the builders will move on underground services and foundation work. At this stage the provisional completion date for the project is 17th September 2018.

Romans 8:24.

Philippians 4:6 tells

us not ‘to be anxious about anything’, but, ‘in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving present your requests to God and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.’ Sometimes I think people rely on the Bible too much, but in a lot of ways read it as ‘spiritual antibiotics’ or ‘vitamins’ for help. Always remembering, ‘the letter kills but the spirit gives life’. That is, you need the Bible in the context that God is love, and that love is far more emphasised in the Bible than judgement.

The roof works on the Church have been completed, and put to the test with some heavy falls of rain. We now seem to have a watertight, possum and bee-proof When I wrote my last update in midbuilding! The next project for the Church February, we had just closed the tenders is LED lighting, which will include the for the Parish Centre project. Much has reinstallation of the Memorial Lanterns happened since then. A contract has been retrofitted with LEDs. Discussions are agreed between Melbourne Anglican underway with the electricians as to how Trust Corporation and Devco Project and to approach the project to minimise disConstruction Management Pty Ltd to ruption to services. We are also talking to build the new Centre. We (finally!) have them and our architects about what a building permit from the City of options may exist to improve heating in Boroondara, and Devco are on site. They the Church! have nearly completed all the preliminary works required before construction prop- I mentioned in the last edition that the new owner of the ‘car park’ block in Peel er commences. Street was taking it to auction. It did not This has entailed the demolition of the sell and the owner is now progressing old kitchen between the Jubilee and with the project (six townhouses) himParish Halls, installation of toilet faciliself. Devco is in communication on this ties in the Freeman Room of the Jubilee as they have been (with the owner’s perHall, the laying of new sewer and storm mission) using the car park for access water drains between the existing halls, a and their own parking. Hopefully we will new crossover from Pakington Street into be well underway with our build before the car park behind the Church, replace- anything starts to happen on the Peel ment of the water line from Pakington Street site. Street to the vicarage, and the creation of truck access behind the vicarage by dem- Finally, thank you to everyone who asolition of the two outbuildings. The next sisted with clearing out the shipping container in the Pakington Street car park step is the demolition of the Op Shop, which will happen as soon as the electric- and moving everything from the Op Shop to the vicarage. The next 14 months will ity line feeding the old halls is switched from High Street to a temporary arrange- be occasionally trying, and there will be times that access to the Church and vicarment from Peel Street. (The electricity abolishment process has entailed dealing age is constrained, but the end result will be well worth it! A scene of desolation—the church green after demolition of the old kitchen.

Irene’s joke An engineer dies and reports to the Pearly Gates. Saint Peter checks his dossier and not seeing his name there, accidentally sends him to Hell. It doesn't take long before the engineer becomes dissatisfied with the level of comfort in Hell.

pretty popular guy. One day, God calls Satan and says: "So, how are things in Hell?" Satan replies: "Hey, things are going great. We've got air conditioning, flush toilets, and escalators. And there's no telling what this engineer is going to come up with next."

He soon begins to design and build improvements. Shortly thereafter, Hell has air conditioning, flush toilets and escala- "What!" God exclaims: "You've got an tors. Needless to say, the engineer is a engineer? That's a mistake - he should

never have been sent to Hell. Send him to me." "Not a chance," Satan replies: "I like having an engineer on the staff, and I'm keeping him!" God insists: "Send him back or I'll sue." Satan laughs uproariously and answers, "Yeah, right. And where are you going to get a lawyer?”

The next editor of Trinity Times by Irene Shorthouse barrister and was a Judge’s Associate in the County Court of Victoria.

She has four adult children and nine grandchildren, four of them in UK. Her family was brought up in Portland which was then a small country town. She knew both Roy Stanley and his father Keith through teaching at Portland Technical School. In Portland she had a radio program and wrote a weekly newspaper column.

Leonie Bird is to be the new editor of Trinity Times following this, my last edition.

Leonie commenced theological studies in 2009, graduating as Master of Arts (Theology) in 2016. In her theological studies she was greatly helped and encouraged by the Rev’d Roy Stanley, who gave her theological books and generous access to his theological library. She is currently conducting post- The family moved to Melbourne in 1985 graduate research into clergy stress and to further her husband’s career. burnout. She started a law degree and in 1996 Her current interests include social was admitted as a lawyer to the legal justice, orchestral music and church profession (that is the exact way of history. describing it).

Leonie has been parishioner at Holy Trinity Kew for about 15 years. She has been an Authorised Lay Ministry in the parish for the last 9 years and a lay Synod representative for HTK. She is a

She has been a member of Archbishop in Council of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne and is currently a General Synod representative for the Province of Victoria.

She loves cooking for church fundraising especially the Christmas cakes. Her big regret is not having family around to cook for.

Sharing A holy man was having a conversation with God one day and said, 'God , I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.” God led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew, which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.

Obituary—supposedly once printed in The Times Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: - Knowing when to come in out of the rain; - Why the early bird gets the worm; - Life isn't always fair; and, - Maybe it was my fault.

The people sitting at the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles, that were strapped to their arms and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get Common Sense lived by simple, sound the spoons back into their mouths. The financial policies (don't spend more than holy man shuddered at the sight of their you can earn) and reliable strategies misery and suffering. (adults, not children, are in charge). God said, “You have seen Hell.” His health began to deteriorate rapidly They went to the next room and opened when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place. Reports of the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; with the large pot of stew which made teens suspended from school for using the holy man's mouth water. mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher The people were equipped with the same fired for reprimanding an unruly long-handled spoons, but here the people student, only worsened his condition. here were well nourished and plump, Common Sense lost ground when parlaughing and talking. ents attacked teachers for doing the job The holy man said, “I don’t understand.” that they themselves had failed to do in “It is simple,” said God. “It requires but disciplining their unruly children. one skill. You see they have learned to It declined even further when schools feed each other, while the greedy think were required to get parental consent to only of themselves.”

administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion. Common Sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims. Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault. Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death, -by his parents, Truth and Trust, -by his wife, Discretion, -by his daughter, Responsibility, -and by his son, Reason. He is survived by his 5 stepbrothers; - I Know My Rights - I Want It Now - Someone Else Is To Blame - I'm A Victim - Pay me for Doing Nothing Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.

IN MEMORIAM Rosemary Sewell 21st June 1935 ~ 18th May 2017

The Address by the Rev’d Robert Newton at the Memorial Service on 23rd May 2017. We gather here today to give thanks for the life of Rosemary Sewell. Rosemary was a faithful and loving parishioner of Holy Trinity Kew. We give thanks for her service to this Church and the many friendships in Christ she made here. When my wife Jane and daughter Darcey and myself came to Holy Trinity two and half years ago, Rosemary made us feel very welcome and loved. There are always those special people in every church, whom I call the Saints- Rosemary was certainly one of those. For close family, Tim, Mark, Fiona, Patricia, Phil, Joshua, Katherine and Georgie and the rest of Rosemary’s family and friends gathered here in sadness, that sadness is shot through with relief and a quiet gratitude for her life. And we can say before God that we are thankful to have known Rosemary and we are thankful to God for revealing something of himself through her. In the Beatitudes, which were the basis on which Rosemary tried to live her life, the Lord Jesus tells us “How happy are those who mourn”. That is a very strange thing to say. Nobody else ever said anything like that. But then ‘never did any man speak as this man speaks’. Our mourning is not futile. It is not meaningless. It is not a wild cry of despair. Pain forms part of every human life. Our Saviour through his own suffering teaches us that pain is part of the redemptive process. Mary the Mother of God’s Son who stood by the cross of her beloved son, had brought this understanding. When the shadow of the cross falls on us we are in good company. We mourn for those whom we love. So our mourning is a sign of our love. We have been privileged to have what is most precious in human life. Our mourning signifies our privilege. Those who have never loved will never mourn. Their hearts will never be broken. How blessed are they who mourn. But we do not mourn as those who are without hope. Love is stronger than death. Love abides forever. When our Lord was preparing his disciples for the time when he would be taken away from them, he said that he was going to prepare a place for them. And if I go, he said, “I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you will be also.” The mystery of death is cruel, sudden, final, irrevocable, absurd, savage. It can make everything that goes before in life appear a sham. If we dwell on it, it can take all meaning, hope and joy out of life. When someone we love dies, it can be the last straw. It can make what is in many ways a cruel, savage and grotesquely unjust world seem a hundred times worse. At times we can ignore this as we are caught up in the activities of life. At other times, such as the sudden loss of a loved one, the whole universe can seem a ruthless, unwelcoming place.The world is a contradictory place. There is so much wonder in it, so much splendour in it, so much enjoyment and pleasure, on the one hand. On the other hand, one is bedevilled by the sight of poverty which destroys human lives; disease which frustrates the happiness of thousands; hunger and want which afflict multitudes; the threat of war and disaster and constant violence which turns a garden of paradise into a valley of death. How can all this suffering, all this agony, all this darkness be reconciled with the God who claims he is a God of love, of mercy and of friendship? It is in the resurrection of Christ and his promise of resurrection for us that this dilemma can be resolved. The contradiction so eloquently enunciated in our reading from Ecclesiastes between sadness and joy, hunger and plenty, disease and well being, decrepitude and wholeness, war and peace is resolved for me in the mystery of the resurrection. The world is caught up in an evolutionary process—from that great primeval bang which began it all, to the final moment when all is revealed and we can all see God face to face. This evolutionary process is not crowned by cybernetic, electronic or optical technology. Its final point and its completion is the transformation of death. It is when death gives way to life, eternal life, that the evolution of the universe and of the individual human person is complete. When death is not the end but the beginning, then we can begin to see the face of God even behind the disasters which surround us. The hope of resurrection changes the equation. It turns recession and depletion into perfect health, bankruptcy into infinite riches. In this vision of human life, then, death is not the failure of therapy but the final healing. It is not a closed door but a threshold to a world where all tears are wiped away and our hearts are filled with unlimited joy. As the poet has put it; “Death is blowing out the candle because the dawn has arrived”. As the caterpillar dies the butterfly flies off into the sun. And that is my fervent prayer today is that the Lord has taken our friend Rosemary who has been taken from us to be at home with him, where death will be no more, no mourning, nor crying, nor any sorrow. And we follow Christ, the first born of many, into that place of unending peace. His promise is that when we get there, everything that we have suffered or borne in this life will appear as nothing.

The Big Issue from The Friendship Book 2010. A young child doesn’t have much chance in life if his mother’s an alcoholic and his father a violent bully. By the time he was five years old, John Bird’s family was on the streets. Taken into orphanages and raised in care, like many youngsters in his situation he slowly drifted into a life of petty crime. Yet deep down John managed to hold on to the belief that he was worth more

than the dead end life he was experiencing. Eventually he managed to start up a small printing press, but even as it grew ever more profitable, he never forgot his harsh beginnings. In his mid-forties he launched ‘The Big Issue’, a magazine to be sold by the homeless with the aim of helping them escape from life on the streets. It was to transform many lives for, from an

original print run of under 100, and a team of only 10 vendors, its sales are now worldwide. In 1995 John Bird received a welldeserved MBE for services to homeless people—but perhaps even more importantly, he has shown that even the harshest circumstances can still be overcome.

The Home Stretch Program

by Marg Kelly

ANGLICARE VICTORIA is the instigator of this important initiative to ensure that children who have spent their childhood in OUT OF HOME CARE receive the support they need, as they travel the road from childhood to adolescence and adulthood.

Within the first year of leaving care, a study by Care Leavers Australia Network (2008) reported:  41% were pregnant during adolescence  43% to 65% have poor mental health outcomes

OUT OF HOME CARE includes foster care (which may be with a relative), residential care i.e. with paid staff, and family group homes with live-in nonsalaried carers, and independent living which includes private board.

A 2009 survey by the CREATE foundation on care leavers found that:  35% were homeless in the first year of leaving care  46% of boys were involved in the criminal justice system  29% were unemployed.

There is no doubt that these children suffer some disadvantage compared with their counterparts from a stable happy home. Given that the circumstances which led to their removal from the family home in the first place often leave them with mental and psychological scars, a caring empathetic environment is of vital importance. Government support for these vulnerable young people cuts out when they turn 18 —a time when their peers are still at home and finding their feet with the help of supporting family.

Extending the leaving age to 21 would enable reimbursement to the foster family for those who wished to stay and therefore help with accessing employment or educational opportunities, to say nothing of providing a secure and stable environment. More information is available on the Anglicare Victoria website (anglicarevic.org.au) where you can add your name to the campaign to change the leaving age to 21, and listen to some real life stories.

The Home Stretch Program is a national campaign, seeking to change the current Or you may like to ask for a copy of the CHILDREN IN CARE REPORT arrangements and extend the leaving CARD which is available from care age to 21. Anglicare Victoria at 1800 809 722. Currently, government policies require Holy Trinity Kew Anglicare Group the child protection system to begin preparing the young person to leave care meets regularly. Contact Marg Kelly on 0447 282 062 or Father Robert on as early as 15 years, while most would 9855 0630. leave their care placement during their th th 16 or 17 year.

William Oughtred 1574-1660 William Oughtred’s father taught writing at Eton School, and William was educated there as a king's scholar. Aged 15 he entered King's College Cambridge receiving his bachelor's degree in 1596, followed by MA four years later. He became a fellow there in 1595. In 1603, aged 29, he was ordained as an Anglican clergyman. Despite his studies having consisted mainly of philosophy and theology, as early as age 12 he had demonstrated an extraordinary interest and talent in all things mathematical. He is considered to be one of the world’s greatest mathematicians. He wrote several books on mathematics and is credited by most historians with inventing both linear and circular slide rules. His innovations extended to the use of notation ‘X’ for multiplication. Despite the fame he acquired as a mathematician, he remained dedicated to his flock and held his position as rector of Albury, near Guildford in Surrey, for nearly half a century, until his death in 1660.

WAY OF POSITIVE ACTION We do not see the way that lies ahead of us. It seems dark, but God is the Master of all destinies and His will is love. Let us then put aside everything else and trust ourselves completely to Him, Giving ourselves completely to his love, asking him to enlighten and guide us in the way of positive action. If any such action is feasible. We must have great patience and sustained fidelity to His will and to our ideals. Thomas Merton Reflections/Ways of Positive Action

Thomas Merton was an American Trappist monk and mystic. He worked as an English teacher before entering a Trappist monastery in Kentucky before becoming a priest. He was a poet, social activist, a student of comparative religion and a great scholar. Merton wrote more than 70 books mostly on spirituality and social justice. His influence has grown since his death in December 1968 and he is widely recognised as an important 20th century Catholic mystic and thinker. His work contributed to a rise in spiritual exploration in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Wikipedia .org/wiki/Thomas-Merton. Downloaded 17.7.2017

Mothers’ Union at Holy Trinity Kew By Rosemary Nairn In Holy Trinity archives is a local newspaper cutting from 1919 noting a Mothers’ Union Group which helped families in Kew with goods and funds. Branch records show a Young Members’ Department of Mothers’ Union meeting during World War II. This group met in the evening while the senior MU Branch met mid-morning during the week. As the seniors declined in numbers the two groups began to meet together on a Thursday evening. In recent times our numbers have declined due to age, disability and members movin We have had fewer meetings, but continue to pray for all our friends and remember

The MU banner By Rosemary Nairn

anniversaries and celebrations. We recall attending annual Lady Day services at St Paul’s cathedral, with our banner, which hangs in the sanctuary of our church. Over the years we have raised money for MU projects in Northern Australia and in Africa. One fundraiser was a parish breakfast and display in support of the literacy programme in Burundi to empower women and their children to contribute to development in their communities. For some years we fostered children in Africa and the Philippines via Plan Australia. We particularly enjoyed sponsoring weekend workshops led by Relation-

The Mothers’ Union Prayer Loving Lord, we thank you for your love so freely given to us all. We pray for families around the world. Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union as we seek to share your love through the encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. Empowered by your spirit, may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

ships Australia, for couples planning a wedding at Holy Trinity. We arranged and served lunch to the participants, providing an ongoing link with the parish. Later we sponsored baptisms of the children of the parents married at our church. We have now decided to disband the MU Branch because of an aging and diminishing group of members. The Vicar conducted a memorial service on 14th June 2017. Members present spoke to the group about their recollections of the Branch over the years. We are pleased to learn of the formation of a new Anglicare Group in our parish and look forward to supporting it.

Multi-national Mothers’ Union By Irene Shorthouse

I joined Mothers’ Union in our tiny Bedfordshire UK village in 1970. I was invited by the Vicar’s wife although, only just married and not yet a mother. We went to Blake’s home in New Zealand two years later and I became a member of MU at St Barnabas Church Glenfield in Auckland and I became a mother. I later belonged to MU at St Giles’ church in Greenwich, Sydney. Then I finally came to rest at HTK. At each of these places I found a wonderful fellowship of caring women who became my friends.

MU memories By Maurelle Thompson

The Mothers’ Union banner, prominently displayed in the church, was made in 1985 replacing an earlier one, which was stolen and never recovered. Funds totalling $70.34 were collected at branch meeting for the materials. Extracts from the MU Minute Book: 4th July 1985: ‘The new banner, designed and made by Betty Kemp, with centre tapestry worked by Doris Chipper, was dedicated on Sunday 18th August 1985. 3rd April 1986: ‘Mesdames Chipper and Schultz will attend the Lady Day Service on 8th April 1986, and will carry the new banner.’ A label on the back, added in 2005, gives the names of the makers and the date it was made .

I grew up in Kew, attending Holy Trinity My husband & I were married there in 1968 and moved to another area. Our church there did not have a Mothers’ Union, so I asked Holy Trinity if they would accept me as a member of their branch. I was admitted on 7 November 1996. I was welcomed with open arms and enjoyed fellowship with some lovely committed Christian women. who encouraged one another in so many ways as we adhered to the Aims and Objectives of Mothers’ Union. We met each month commencing with a Communion Service, followed by our meeting and prayer, and then finishing with lunch. We participated in Diocesan events, especially the annual Lady Day Service at St Paul’s Cathedral in March. Taking our beautiful banner on the tram raised many eyebrows and initiated many conversations. There were regional days where we would meet up with other MU members. The annual ‘Wave of Prayer’ was when we prayed for our MU friends across the world.

I always looked forward to receiving the quarterly ‘Mia Mia’ magazine, also the ‘Families First’ magazine from England. On a couple of overseas trips my husband & I stayed at Mary Sumner House in Westminster, London which was so convenient. Looking out our window we could see Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the ‘London Eye.’ It was sad to see the decline of this wonderful group through age and sickness and in this 21st century the focus on Christian marriage not being a priority. MU at Holy Trinity Kew turned 70 on 11 September 2005, which means we would have been 82 this year. I use this prayer every day – you might too. God, bless my family and all those I love. May your love surround them today and may your Spirit support and encourage them in whatever circumstances and places they find themselves. In Jesus’ name. Amen. There will be a few of us who will still belong to MU as ‘loan members.’

Paraprosdokians

Paraprosdokians are figures of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected and frequently humorous. Winston Churchill loved them:

Brenda Forman in her own words I was born in New Zealand, the eldest of 4 daughters, and had a very happy childhood growing up in Auckland. My father was Australian so I do have dual citizenship— but I still support the All Blacks!

I have been married to Lindsay for just The last thing I want to do is hurt over 20 years and we have 2 children, Alyou—but it's still on my list. exandra (17) & Oliver (15). Since light travels faster than In terms of my working life, I obtained a sound—some people appear Commerce Degree majoring in Accountanbright until you hear them speak. cy at Auckland University, and went on to If I agreed with you—we'd both work at Touche Ross (now part of Deloitte) for a number of years before be wrong. transferring to USA on a short-term work War does not determine who is exchange, leaving to work/travel in Lonright—only who is left. don/UK & Europe for a couple of years. Knowledge is knowing a tomato On returning home, I joined ASB Bank Ltd is a fruit—wisdom is not putting (subsidiary of CBA) and spent the next 10+ years there in various roles helping it in a fruit salad. minimise the risk to the bank within the To steal ideas from one person is Commercial & Corporate loan area. plagiarism—to steal from many When the children were born we decided it is research. was best for me to be a stay-at-home mum I didn't say it was your fault— for a while and after the children develI said I was blaming you. oped a number of long-term health issues it became very evident that a part time job You do not need a parachute to skydive—you only need a para- was best in order to keep all our stress levels at a minimum. A job came up in the chute to skydive twice. office at the Church we were going to at To be sure of hitting the target, the time so I worked there, fitting the hours shoot first—and call whatever around my children and their needs. I also you hit the target. helped set up Mainly Music at the Church and was involved with that for 5 years as Going to church doesn't make well as helping in the Playgroup, Sunday you a Christian—any more than School, and Children’s Holiday Prostanding in a garage makes you grammes. a car. Lindsay was made redundant from his job I'm supposed to respect my in December 2012 and obtained a job in elders—but it's getting harder Melbourne in May 2013 so he moved over and harder for me to find any while the children & I remained in Aucknow. land to finish the school year, sell the

house, cars etc, and arrange for the move over. During that time, Lindsay found us a home in Blackburn North which we subsequently purchased, and we moved in on the hottest day of January 2014, very quickly working out how to use the airconditioning! We looked at several Churches in the area before settling at St Alfred’s Anglican Church in Blackburn North where we enjoy worshipping. After settling the family into Australian life, I started looking for part time work, and eventually came across the advertisement for the Office job at HTK. I enjoy working in a Church environment as there is a huge variety of jobs to be done and work is never dull. I also enjoy meeting the different people that make up God’s family so please, if I haven’t met you and you are passing, pop in and say hello!

If I ascend to heaven You are there; If I spread out my wings towards the morning Or in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me And your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139 More Mothers’ Union memories

Coralie Coulston at the Botanical Gardens Williamstown 6 April 2000, with the Rev’d John Jessop

L to R: Melvie Holliday, Rosemary Nairn, Maurelle Thompson, Dorothy Soley, Irene Shorthouse, Carol Fraser, Julie Burke, Joan Brooking , Coralie Coulston (standing), Nell Eddy, Marilyn Frood, Pam Hughes and Rosemary Sewell on 16th July 2012

Music making at Holy Trinity by Stephen Kerr, Director of Music a Kew Festival day of spirituality, it provided a suitable musical closing to the day, with an inspiring and educational message from Father Robert on the history and place of music in the church. This was a well-attended event and it is hoped that further evensongs can be added as another worship opportunity throughout the year.

With ongoing works to the church building, improving the space and preparing for our new centre, it is now a good time to consider things such as placement of the choir and organ console, as well as acoustics within a space that prioritises traditional worship and quality music. I The choir continues to progress well, would encourage you to air your opinwith choristers improving noticeably ions on such matters so that the best this year, producing a good sound and decisions can be made! I would personWe were lucky to be treated to an managing musically quite challenging ally love to see the choir singing from repertoire at times. We are always keen impromptu solo during choir recess, the chancel, the organ console placed with Janine Flavelle-Smith treating us to near the choir in that location, and a to welcome new members (after a her beautiful solo soprano sound during wooden/solid, sound-reflecting floor friendly audition) who can read music. communion. This year we have begun to add some used instead of carpet, which would more sung elements during the service, There will be a concert of piano music at encourage a more lively and engaging most recently, the Lord’s prayer, sung to St Paul’s Anglican Church in East Kew acoustic for music-making and congrea modified plainchant adapted by Ian gational participation (while also being (Tickets $10 at the door), Sunday 15th Tyler for congregational singing with visually more appealing). October, 2017 at 2:30pm. The concert organ. This has proved a success. Feed- will be presented by former chorister, back on this and other musical elements organist and parishioner Dorothea Baker New robes for the choir have been ordered and should arrive soon. Thank you in the service is always welcome. (now Director of Music at SPEK), and I to everyone that contributed to this will be performing too. Music will be On March 13, the Kew Philharmonic worthwhile renewal of the HTK choral Chamber Choir participated in a choral well-known piano favourites by comwardrobe! posers such as Chopin and Bach alongevensong at Holy Trinity, led by the Rev’d Robert Holland. As a final stop in side original music written by Dorothea. It would be great to see you there!

Bi-centenary of death of Jane Austen by Irene Shorthouse

In my last edition as editor of Trinity Times I am indulging myself by writing about my favourite author.

the time of her death—but because of her exemplary Christian life and the influence of two of her brothers.

The memorial stone over her grave tells of her ‘long illness supported with the patience and hopes of a Christian’.

The seventh child and second daughter of Cassandra and George Austen, Jane was born on 16th December 1775 at Steventon, Hampshire. Her father and a brother were clergymen. She grew up in a family that practiced their faith through regular worship and by helping people in need. From her surviving letters, we know that she and her sister often sewed or provided clothing for her father’s parishioners. Religion, though an important part of her daily life, was a private affair, demonstrated discreetly.

Although her life and her writing was motivated by her Christian beliefs, in her novels she did not write about her faith. However I think it showed through. Her characters showed themselves capable of great change. Their journey from a narrow understanding to self-awareness is what makes her stories so interesting and so enduring. Her characters are good people who become better ones.

Her health declined from 1816 so she was taken to Winchester for medical In the 1960s I lived for several years in treatment in the hope of finding a cure. (It might have been Addison’s disease, Winchester very close to the cathedral and to the house in College Street where or possibly lymphoma.) Her devoted sister Cassandra—the person to whom Jane Austen died. Jane was closest all her life—was with Each year on 18th July, the anniversary her in her final days as hope faded. Her of her death in 1817, I would take a last letters all spoke of her love and gratsmall posy of flowers to the cathedral to itude to all who cared for her. In Jane’s lay on her grave among many similar final hours Cassandra wrote, “she wanttributes from other admirers. ed ‘nothing but death’ & some of her words were ‘God grant me patience. She is buried in the north aisle of WinPray for me oh Pray for me.’” chester cathedral with a large stone set into the floor over her resting place. She The doctor was sent for and he gave her wasn’t buried in the cathedral because something (probably laudanum), and she she was famous—she wasn’t famous at died quietly several hours later.

She valued integrity, humility and understanding, and such qualities are rarely cultivated without some hard lessons. Her heroes and heroines begin with good hearts and end their stories with more capacity to love and to accept others because of what they’ve learned. They are transformed by love, an idea central to Christianity. In her surviving prayer, Austen writes, “Thou art everywhere present, from thee no secret can be hid. May the knowledge of this, teach us to fix our thoughts on thee, with reverence and devotion that we pray not in vain.” Austen’s faith may not call attention to itself in her novels, but it is everywhere present in her work, just like the love of God.

Reports from around the world compiled by Blake Shorthouse English Clergy can dress down Daily Telegraph 10 July 2017 English Clergy have been given the go-ahead to ditch their robes and dress down for services following a vote by the church's General Synod. Priests should be allowed flexibility to wear what they want to make the church more accessible and relevant to the modern world, members said. This means that clergy are now officially allowed to lead services in casual clothing such as jeans and trainers. During a debate on the motion members said they had been concerned that the new freedoms could mean clergy were pressured into "foolishness". But clauses which specified that clothing must be "suitable for a minister of the Church of England ministering divine service" had allayed concerns. Another member, Bill Braviner, a Stockton-based vicar, implored clergy to consider the needs of congregants who would prefer to see their priest in robes. "I would just make a plea for clergy who prefer not to robe to be open to robing when it is best for the mission of the church," he said. Brit Synod allows suicides to be buried in Church Daily Telegraph 10 July 2017 The General Synod of the Church of England has decided that people who die by suicide would now be allowed to have a full Christian burial service. Under official rules they had previously been denied the standard funeral set out in the Book of Common Prayer, but a long-awaited plan to change the law has now been given final assent, in a move hailed as "compassionate" by synod members, who backed it almost unanimously with just one member of the laity voting against. Clergy will be allowed to opt out using a conscience clause if they choose to do so in cases such as a death by assisted suicide or where a person was avowedly not a Christian Mosque renaming a grand gesture Anglicans Online 17 June 2017 Gulf News (Abu Dhabi) reports that Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed ordered the name of a mosque in the capital to be changed to Mariam Umm Eisa or Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque. It is just steps away from St Andrew’s church, where Canon Andrew Thompson hailed the renaming as a lovely gesture. Things you didn’t know about the Book of Common Prayer From “All things made new: Writings on the Reformation “by Diarmid McCulloch A heroic work of chronological listings published by Archdeacon Davis Griffiths in 2002 found about 4800 (yes,

4800!) editions of the BCP or other liturgies stemming from its Scottish and American derivatives; around 1200 of them are in 199 other languages, ranging from the Acholi of Uganda to Zulu. Around 1000 editions still appeared in the 20th century. Sydney church to ban yoga classes because of ties to Buddhism Anglicans Online 13 June 2017 Yahoo News Australia reports that the Erskineville Anglican Church in the Diocese of Sydney has banned yoga classes (by instruction from the bishop) because 'Church officials believe some of the chants used in yoga may lead to "spiritual confusion".' North Dakota bishop raises Maori flag as emblem of Anglican, Episcopal support for indigenous people Episcopal News (USA) July 12, 2017 This Maori Anglican flag hangs in the

biggest wifebashers are Christian men who “sporadically” attend church. The report quoted advocates claiming “the church is not just failing to sufficiently address domestic violence, it is both enabling and concealing it”. Critics of Julia Baird and Paige Mackenzie's report broadcast on Wednesday night [19/7/17] say it failed to reveal that the US research it relied upon showed in fact that the more Christian men attended church, the less likely it was that they would abuse their spouses. The Catholic Archbishop of Melbourne, Denis Hart, told The Australian: “It’s unfortunate but absolutely real that the ABC is taking a distinctly anti-Christian line. Week after week we are seeing many of the very good things the Christian churches are doing being minimised, so it’s important they are called to account as they are simply not treating us at all fairly.” In the report, Baird said “in many quarters of the church, females aren’t allowed to preach or take on significant leadership roles … as long as women’s voices are denied within the church, domestic violence will continue”. But The Australian has established that the Anglican Church’s most senior female official, Archdeacon for Women Kara Hartley, granted the ABC an extensive interview for the program but none office of North Dakota Bishop Michael of it was broadcast. Smith, a gift to Smith from a Maori A source said: “I find it ironic that we bishop in 2003. Aotearoa is the Maori were bashed over the issue of ordination word for New Zealand, meaning “land of women, and our most senior ordained of the long white cloud.” Te Pihopatan- woman, who is on our domestic violence ga” is the Maori for Diocese. taskforce and who is fully up-to-date on Bishop Smith has carried with him for these issues, was ignored.” 14 years a tale of two flags and a piece Christians Re-examine Safety of River of New Zealand’s indigenous history Baptisms that he hopes will live on after he is Fredrick Nzwili Religion News gone. The flag is a gift he received in Service Thursday, July 20, 2017 2003 when he was a member of an It’s a rite that dates to the time of Jesus, American delegation attending a meetwho was dunked in the River Jordan by ing of the Anglican Indigenous Network John the Baptist. But Christians in East in Rotorua, New Zealand. Africa are now taking stock of their Christchurch citizenry believe future faith’s central rite after one such ritual of the cathedral is too important to be turned tragic in northern Tanzania. left to the church Two Christian farmers, aged 30 and 47, Anglicans Online 13 June 2017 died as their pastors attempted to baptize The Press (NZ) reports the results of a them in the fast-moving current of the survey taken by the Diocese of ChristUngwasi River in Rombo District in the church, which revealed that 59% of the Kilimanjaro region. respondents believe that decisions about The ritual was organized by Shalom the future of the diocesan cathedral are Church, a charismatic group in the too important to be left to the church. country. Churches hit back at ‘selective’ ABC “Following the incident, we have agreed show on some measures that will ensure the The Australian 21 July 2017 safety of our followers during baptism”. Church leaders have accused the ABC of “selective”, “inaccurate” and “anti-Christian” journalism in a report on its TV program 7.30 that claimed the

(For MP and family)

For you to colour

RIDDLES

Answers on page 2

1.What is a crocodile’s favourite game? 2.What is a koala’s favourite drink? 3.What do you call a boomerang that doesn’t come back? 4.What do you get when you cross a kangaroo with a sheep? 5.What animal can jump higher than the Sydney Harbour Bridge? 6.Why do kangaroo mums hate bad weather? 7.How do you fix a broken tomato?

8.Why was the tomato blushing? 9.What has to be broken before you can use it? 10.What gets wetter as it dries? 11.What starts with the letter ‘t’ is filled with ‘t’ and ends in ‘t’? 12.A house has four walls. All of the walls face south. A bear is circling the house. What colour is the bear? 13.Where was Solomon’s temple located? 14.How does Moses make his coffee? 15.What animal could Noah not trust?

16.What kind of man was Boaz before he married?

WORDSEARCH Names in The Bible. J

A `M E

All the words below are in the puzzle—left, right, up, down or diagonally. Answers on page

Aaron, Adam Cain Esau Gabriel James Jesus Jonah Joshua Luke Micah Noah Rachel Salome Stephen Timothy

Abraham Angels Elijah Esther Isaac Jared Jethro Jonathon Judah Malachi Moses Obadiah Rueben Samuel Tabitha Vashti

Absalom Benjamin Elisha Ezekiel Jacob Jesse Joel Joseph Lucas Mathew Naomi Phillip Ruth Seth Tamar Zilpah

Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cnr High & Pakington Streets, Kew P.O. Box 37, Kew, Vic 3101 www.holytrinitykew.org.au email: office@holytrinitykew.org.au

Vicar The Reverend Robert Newton Ph: 9855 0630 0408 012 165 email vicar@holytrinitykew.org.au

Associate Clergy The Reverend Rick Cheung The Reverend Helen Granowski The Reverend Robert Holland

Parish Chaplain Pam Hughes Ph: 0418 328 313

Theological Student Leonie Bird

Church Office Mrs Brenda Forman P.O. Box 37, Kew, 3101 Telephone: 9853 7158 Monday to Friday 9—12

Churchwardens David Harkin Ph: 0433 446 183 Alan Wilson Ph: 0414 470 460 Marcus Pandy Ph: 9817 2163

Treasurer Dinesh Warnakulasuriya Contact through church office

Director of Music & Organist Stephen Kerr

Authorised Lay Ministers Leonie Bird Jane Sullivan Andrea Sherko Michael Wong

All the above persons can be contacted through the Parish Office.

If undeliverable, return to: Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cnr. High & Pakington Streets, Kew, 3101

POSTAGE PAID AUSTRALIA

MAY BE OPENED

Services at Holy Trinity WEDNESDAY 11.00am—Eucharist

SUNDAY 8.00am—Eucharist SUNDAY 10.00am—Sung Eucharist 10.00am—Family Minis try in church

At Trinity Grammar School Chapel: SUNDAY 10.30am Bilingual Service

This item is the last thing I have to write as editor of Trinity Times. I have enjoyed the last 22 years and have learned a lot in that time. Through all those years I have had wonderful support from—  All members of the clergy.  My husband Blake, as contributor, holder of the fort and shoulder to cry on.  The loyal crew led by Rosemary Nairn, and formerly by Cynthia Hogg, who fold, label and sort the copies, including Anne Loughlin, and Val Batson with some help from Dorothy Soley & Carol Fraser.  Proof-readers —initially my daughter Katy, then Joyce Leigh and now Nancy Sturgess.  Contributors.—I won’t name them because there are so many and I would

hate to omit any one. You have been generous of your time and efforts and also very helpful at finding useful ‘fillers’.  The readers who thanked me and told me what they enjoyed.  The readers who gave me an occasional rocket—in one edition as the result of the thoughtless placement next to the Vicar’s letter of a cartoon that was inappropriate in the context.  Leonie Bird, who has been a regular contributor and personal support for me, and is to take over as editor. My great wish is that Trinity Times goes from strength to strength so please support Leonie, as you have supported me. Irene Shorthouse

The green thing Author unknown—via the Internet In the line at the supermarket the cashier told an older woman that she should bring her own grocery bags because plastic bags weren't good for the environment. The woman apologized and explained, "We didn't have the green thing back in my day." The cashier responded, " That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment." She was right—our generation didn't have the green thing back then. We returned milk bottles and beer bottles and they were sent them back to the plant to be washed, sterilised and refilled, so the same bottles could be used over and over. So they really were recycled. But we didn't have the green thing back in our day. But she was right. We didn't have the green thing in our day. Back then, we washed the baby's nappies because we didn't have the throw-away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy

gobbling machine—wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that cashier is right; we didn't have the green thing back in our day. Back then, we had one TV or radio in the house—not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Victoria. In the kitchen, we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us. When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded-up newspaper to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap. Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn petrol just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power. We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she's right; we didn't have the green thing back then. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the green thing back then. Back then, people took the tram or train or bus and children rode their bikes to school, or walked, instead of turning their mothers into a 24-hour taxi service. We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances and we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint. But isn't it sad, the current generation laments, how wasteful we older folks were, just because we didn't have the green thing back then?