TRINITY TIMES HOLY TRINITY KEW Anglican Church of Australia
EASTER 2019
TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019
FROM THE VICAR Dear Readers,
A month later, the inspector returns to the apartment of the two pipe smokers to see if they have come up with any new ideas. Dupin asks nonchalantly how much of a reward the inspector would offer for the recovery of the letter. He blurts out the sum of 50,000 francs. With that offer on the table, the brilliant detective replies to the effect that he would like that amount in a cheque! Astonished, the inspector writes a cheque for 50,000 francs. Dupin then unlocks a drawer and hands the precious letter to the inspector. At first, the inspector is speechless, but then he stumbles out the door in what Poe calls, “perfect agony of joy.” Dupin’s friend is as astounded as the inspector. Dupin then explains that he knew the character of the letter thief and suspected what he had done with the letter. Under the pretence of a social call, Dupin had gone to his apartment. He had hired a man to fire off a musket at an agreed upon time. When the letter thief ran to the window to see what the commotion was about, Dupin retrieved the stolen letter, replacing it with a facsimile. The letter was where Dupin had spied it on a previous visit: right out in plain sight. The thief had marked the letter up a bit, torn the envelope, put a few smudges on it, so that it looked like an ordinary letter to the unobservant eye. Dupin recognized that the letter looked too worn, too dirty, compared with the other articles in the plain card rack where the thief had kept the letter. The letter had been there the whole time, but the inspector didn’t have eyes to see it.
How much do we miss when we don’t really look? Edgar Allan Poe explores that question in his short story, The Purloined Letter. As the story begins, two men are sitting in an apartment in Paris smoking their pipes and enjoying each other’s company. They are not much for conversation; they go for an hour at a time without saying anything. One of the two men is the brilliant detective, Auguste Dupin, who had earlier solved the Rue Morgue murders. A police inspector drops by. Clearly agitated and anxious he confides in the two pipe smokers and seeks their help. A thief has stolen a letter from an aristocratic woman. The letter contains information that the woman must keep secret. If the thief were to expose the contents of the letter, the woman would be ruined. She knows who stole the letter because the thief took it right in front of her. She could not stop him because the person from whom she most wanted the contents of the letter hidden was also in the room when the thief pirated the letter. The woman has reported the incident to the police inspector and charged him with retrieving the letter without attracting too much attention. In desperation, the inspector has come to Dupin and his friend, the narrator of the story, to ask advice. The two men try to help, but the inspector has tried every suggestion they offer. He knows that the thief has hidden the letter somewhere in his own apartment. The inspector has the proper tools to enter the apartment when the thief is away. The methods of the inspector are meticulous. He has examined every brick in the yard of the man’s apartment. He has poked needles into the upholstery. He has examined every stick of furniture with a microscope to look for the tiniest clue that indicates the letter might be hidden in a hollowed-out chair back. He has looked behind mirrors and under carpets. He has turned each page of every book in the thief’s private library. The inspector knows that the thief is playing with him, going out of the apartment frequently to give the inspector another chance to experience frustration. Despite looking in every possible hiding place, the inspector has come away empty-handed. Finally, Dupin and his friend have exhausted every suggestion. The inspector leaves with his shoulders drooping.
Do Peter, James, and John have eyes to see God right in front of them? Peter, James, and John are the three insiders among Jesus’ disciples. They were three of the first four whom Jesus called. The way Matthew portrays it; they didn’t hesitate to follow Jesus when he called (Matthew 4:18-22). All three were busy in the fishing industry when Jesus called, but all three dropped what they were doing to follow when Jesus called, seemingly out of the blue. They have seen and heard enough by this point that maybe the interruption in their careers has been worth the sacrifice. What they see now surpasses all of it. Jesus leads the three of them up a high mountain. Just from making the climb they know something is about to happen. Surely, they were not prepared for what they saw. Jesus’ face shown like the sun and his clothes
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TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019 turned dazzling white. Moses and Elijah show up. God’s power and presence we will not receive one. We Everything added up for Peter, James, and John. They must build our faith on the evidence of God’s presence may have been terrified, but everything added up. that we have. We must look for God the way Dupin Jesus’ face shone just as Moses’ face had shone when looked for the purloined letter. We must look for he ascended Mount Sinai and spoke with God (Exodus God’s presence in what appears to be something 34). Moses and Elijah appearing on the mountain with ordinary, in plain sight. If we cannot understand how Jesus meant that the law and the prophets were God is present in a world full of violence, maybe we represented. Everyone expected Elijah to come back; can see God in the people of quiet courage who try to he had been taken up into heaven. Even the cloud that make peace in the midst of war, gang violence, and surrounded the three startled disciples was a sign of genocide. If we cannot find God in a world with God’s presence. Here on this mountain, as terrified as hurricanes and tsunamis, maybe we can see God in the they were, the three disciples saw all the evidence they people who reach out in love to those who have lost needed that God was working through Jesus. God’s everything. If we cannot find God in a world where presence could not have been more obvious. God’s children die of cancer, maybe we can see God in the presence is anything but obvious for most of us. Where courage those children often show. If we cannot find is God in the brutality of war, or the corruption God in a world of competing religions, maybe we can everywhere we look? Where is God when hurricanes see God in those who choose dialogue to find wisdom and tsunamis wipe out hundreds of lives overnight? in other faith traditions. If we cannot see God because Where is God with all of the competing religions, each of our own individual pain, maybe we can find God in claiming to hold the truth? Where is God in the those who care for us and keep our hopes up. These everyday dreariness of life? Where is God in our experiences are not clear and unmistakable evidence of personal grief that never makes it to the headlines? God among us, yet they can be a kind of transfiguration for us. In these experiences we can see With all the things that seem to deny God’s existence, God’s grace and power shining through the darkness or at least our ability to see God, we might wish we of the world. could have an experience like Peter, James, and John had. If only God would appear to us in an Let all of us pray that our Church can become a kind unmistakable way, leaving no doubt that God was of transfiguration. We hope that in our worship, in our behind the experience. Even if this vision of God service to the world, in our care for one another, we terrified us, it would be worth it, just to know God was can reveal God more clearly to a world that is searching there. It didn’t work that way for Peter, James, and for God. Poe’s inspector had nearly given up looking John. This experience on the mountain did not take for the stolen letter. Just so, many have nearly given up away the ambition of James and John. They and their hope of finding God. May this church reveal God to mother wanted a special place in Jesus’ glory (Matthew them. For those who cannot see God through the fog 20:20). Having seen Jesus all aglow didn’t satisfy them. of their pain, may this church reveal God. For those It didn’t take away their hunger for recognition. We who have known only a distorted view of God as too know about Peter. Even the transfiguration itself didn’t judgmental, too punitive, may this church reveal God. heal his doubt. He cowered in denial at Jesus’ arrest as For those who think they have no need of God, who though he had seen nothing (Matthew 26:69-74). For think they can get by without God, may this church all its dramatic power, the transfiguration didn’t reveal God. Let us reveal enough of God for people to redeem either the ambition of James and John, or the begin their journey of faith. Let us go out into the cowardice of Peter. Even the sight of the resurrected world and be the transfiguration for others. Jesus was not a foolproof experience for some of Jesus’ followers. Matthew tells us that some of the eleven Easter Blessings, disciples doubted, even on the mountain where Jesus spoke to them after the resurrection (Matthew 28:17). Father Robert Newton The transfiguration was a kind of sneak preview of Jesus’ resurrection power. Only three of Jesus’ disciples saw the transfiguration. Even that viewing did not solve all of their problems, remove all of their doubts, or heal the insecurities that lead to ambition. As much as we might wish for a dramatic display of
Vicar Holy Trinity Kew
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TRINITY GRAMMAR SCHOOL CHAPEL MINISTRY UPDATE The Rev’d Rick Cheung It is with thanksgiving to God that the ministry at the Trinity Chapel has been given a new lease of life since last October, when Pastor Joseph Teo agreed to join our ministry team to be a co-worker to develop our ministry together. Formerly a paediatrician in Singapore, Pastor Joseph Teo trained at the Moore College of the Sydney Diocese. He was appointed as a Uniting Church minister in 2007 until his recent retirement in 2017. In the last two years, he was attending St Mary’s in Camberwell. He has been recently received as an Anglican. Many of those attending the Trinity Chapel were formerly from the Uniting Church. It is hoped that these attendees will be received into the Anglican Church when Bishop Genieve visits our Parish next time. The average attendance and offering figures for the past five months have been very encouraging indeed: we now average $750 per week in giving and 50 in attendance, including about 9 children in the Sunday school! The Trinity Grammar Chapel ministry was first started by the Rev’d Jessica Cheung upon the invitation of the then HTK Vicar, the former Principal and Senior Chaplain of Trinity Grammar about seven years ago. The Mandarin-speaking wing of the bi-lingual congregation has since grown and moved out to St James, Ivanhoe, when Jessica was later officially appointed as the Associate Priest there and she reluctantly decided to leave the Trinity Chapel ministry about three years ago.
Dr Michael Wong and a dozen English speakers decided to stay on to keep the ministry going. Dr Michael Wong, a dentist trained in Singapore and now practising in North Balwyn part-time, was first licensed as the Authorised Lay Minister by our Vicar Fr Robert. Michael currently also serves as a member of HTK’s Parish Council. The Rev’d Rick Cheung, husband to Jessica, has been a regular guest preacher at the Trinity Chapel for the past six years; he was first invited to assist Michael to pastorally care for the Englishspeaking members about 2 years ago. He was officially licensed by the Archbishop at HTK last year upon the nomination of the Vicar. Rick, a native from Hong Kong, was first trained as a pharmacist before his ordination in this Diocese back in 1986. He currently chairs the Advisory Committee on Chinese ministries as a Board Director of the Melbourne School of Theology. Appointed as an Associate Priest at St Paul’s Cathedral in charge of the Chinese ministry almost four years ago, he and Jessica now run a Mandarin-speaking worship service at the Cathedral each Saturday morning. Rick still keeps up his professional practice as a relieving pharmacist! Joseph has already been nominated by the Vicar to be licenced by the Archbishop as the Authorised Lay Minister. Both Rick and Joseph will share the preaching ministry when Rick will celebrate the Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month. Currently, the Advisory Committee of the Trinity Chapel ministry
composes of Rick, Michael, Joseph and Wei Tak. (Mr Wei Tak Ch’ng was a founding member of the Trinity Chapel Ministry more than seven years ago.) This Committee is answerable to the Vicar in matters of doctrines and practices. The current plan is to consolidate the present congregation so that we may plan to expand our ministry once we move back to the new Parish Centre. It is hoped that we shall have a joint Sunday school with the main traditional congregation. The features of this separate congregation will be using a simplified liturgy in worship with contemporary hymns and songs., There will be the emphasis on biblical preaching and teaching. It is hoped that this worship style will attract people who are not used to the traditional Anglican liturgy. Our aim is to complement the traditional liturgical strength of HTK, so that more outsiders will be introduced to hear the Gospel and to respond to the love of God in our Lord Jesus Christ. This English-speaking contemporary congregation is part of the outreach of the Holy Trinity Kew Parish as a whole. We plan to have many activities to bring the different congregations of HKT together, so that we are becoming truly the Body of Christ in practice. By the grace of God, our neighbours in the Kew community will come to know that we are the disciples of our Lord Jesus by our loving one another when we live out our unity in Christ. To God be the glory, Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019
PRAISE SERVICE CELEBRATES IRISH HYMN WRITER CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER ON HER 200TH ANNIVERSARY
Rebekah Clingan dressed as Mrs Cecil Frances Alexander during a praise service in St Macartin’s Cathedral, Enniskillen, to mark the hymn writer’s 200th anniversary. Photo Credit: Clogher Diocese
The 200th anniversary of the birth of Anglican hymn writer Cecil Frances Alexander was celebrated with a themed praise evening in Enniskillen, Northern Ireland, on Sunday (10 March). During her lifetime, she wrote almost 400 popular hymns, including All Things Bright and Beautiful, There Is a Green Hill Far Away, Once in Royal David's City, and I bind unto myself today (Saint Patrick’s Breastplate). Mrs Alexander was born in April 1818. She married an Anglican priest, William Alexander, who later became Bishop of Derry and Raphoe and then, after then death of Mrs Alexander, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. Sunday’s service took place in Clogher diocese’s St Macartin’s Cathedral in Enniskillen. The evening of praise was the culmination of a weekend of commemorations in the cathedral, which included an exhibition organised by the diocese’s Board of Religious Education. The exhibition included items on loan from St Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry and St Bestius’ Parish Church, Killeter. They covered Mrs Alexander’s life from her birth in Dublin until her death in Derry in October 1895 at the age of 77. The exhibition featured letters, manuscripts and photographs of family members and places where the Alexanders lived during their life together serving in the Church of Ireland. The exhibition attracted people from all over Ireland including some distant descendants of the Alexanders. The praise evening included narration of Mrs Alexander’s life story interspersed with the singing of almost a dozen of her well-known hymns. During one section of the story, Rebekah Clingan dressed as Mrs Alexander and walked along the aisle to show people how she would have dressed in the 1800s. Taking part in the service were members of St Macartin’s Cathedral Choir as well as the GFS (Girl’s Friendly Society) Clogher Diocesan choir, which included the GFS All-Ireland President, Alison Jackson. Anglican Communion News Service March 2019
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TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019
PRELIMINARY CATHEDRAL REINSTATEMENT WORKS UNDERWAY AS CHRISTCHURCH GREETS NEW BISHOP Bishop Peter Carrell described his new role as “a privilege and an honour”, adding: “I am grateful for all the support, prayer and aroha I have been receiving and that no doubt will continue. I am excited and yearn for the Diocese to move forward and thrive.” Work on the cathedral’s re-instatement is gathering place. Last month, giant cranes removed the steel frame which has supported the west end of the cathedral and its large rose window for most of this decade. Stonemasons have removed what was left of the window and have begun gathering and recoding historic glass and carvings from the rubble. Workers have recovered large pieces of the rose window about the size of car engines, along with smaller pieces the size of a can of beans, the Stuff news website reports.
A small section of hand-painted stained glass, depicting a fleurde-lis, has been found amongst the rubble of New Zealand’s Christchurch Cathedral, which was severely damaged in the June 2011 earthquake. Photo Credit: Stuff / The Press (used with permission) The new bishop of Christchurch in New Zealand, Dr Peter Carrell, was consecrated and installed on Saturday 9th February as efforts to reconstruct the earthquake damaged cathedral have begun. The cathedral was all-but destroyed in the June 2011 earthquake. Years of dispute and legal wrangling over its future came to an end in September 2017 when the diocese agreed to rebuild the cathedral, with funding support from national and local government. “Christchurch began with a special relationship to Anglicanism, with our founding forebears bringing their faith-based approach to life with them when building the city”, the Dean of Christchurch, Lawrence Kimberley, said. “This unique event will be a joyful combination of different aspects of Anglicanism. Its inclusiveness demonstrates love for friends and neighbours including welcoming those who are hard to love. It extends to work colleagues, visitors from far and near, and our tūrangawaewae, the places we are connected to and belong.”
Christ Church Cathedral in May 2011 after a steel frame had been erected to protect the still intact rose window. The frame was removed last month as efforts begin to prepare the building for reinstatement. Photo: Stuff / The Press (used with permission) The work taking place now will enable further explorations to take place so that an effective plan for its reinstatement can be drawn up. The restoration, once it gets underway, is expected to last 10 years. Government sources estimate the cost at $105 million NZD, although the exact cost is not yet known. It will be partly funded by the $42 million insurance payout received by the diocese’s property trustees, a $10m Christchurch City Council grant, a $10m Crown cash contribution, and a $15m Government loan that will not have to be paid back if certain conditions are met. The cathedral congregation have been meeting in a transitional “cardboard” cathedral a short distance from the historic site.
The Bishop-elect of Christchurch, the Ven Dr Peter Carrell, with his wife Teresa. Photo: Mandy Caldwell Photography
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IS HEAVEN LOCATED IN BENDIGO? Bob Athey I have recently undertaken some relief work with Bendigo Health. As part of my duties I have supervised some trainee psychiatrists. One man has impressed me greatly. He came from Pakistan about nine years ago, initially as a tourist. He applied for work with Bendigo health, was accepted and commenced postgraduate training in Mental Health. He is married and has two daughters. He told me this was likely to be a barrier to further study in his home country as he has not had a son. He is nearing the end of his training and is very competent, and a very warm friendly human being.
At our last meeting I reassured him that I too had been blessed with two daughters. He relaxed, put his arms around me and thanked me for helping him see the value of his daughters. He commented: “I think that I have found Heaven in Bendigo. I have never felt so safe, appreciated and happy. I am now an Australian citizen and proud of it. You have made me feel proud of my daughters.” To me, he represents the best of the human race. He is an asset to Australia, and a loss to Pakistan. But is Bendigo really Heaven?
I found him very easy to work with, very competent and a thoroughly nice person. His outlook on life was very similar to mine, even though he is of the Muslim faith. We agreed to respect each other’s faith and I realised we had a lot in common.
NO BEEPS HERE Irene Shorthouse Last year Blake and I visited Russia. I came of age in England during the Cold War and had learned to fear Russia. The fear had lessened over the years since, but it had never totally disappeared. When we returned I was telling a friend about the glories of Moscow and St Petersburg and how different the country was from what I had expected – much more modern and prosperous looking. Indeed, looking at the shops in the GUM shopping centre in Moscow it was obvious that some Russians are very rich indeed. She asked me what had surprised me most. I thought for a moment and said, “In all our time in Russia, I only once heard a car horn”. That beep had been occasioned by a man stepping off the pavement and was only a gentle ‘Be careful’ warning. One day in St Petersburg our bus turned into a side street and the way was blocked by cars double and triple parked (it happens all over the city – there is nowhere else to park). There was room for cars to pass, but not for a bus. Our driver got out and went to the car causing the problem. He opened the car door and picked up a piece of paper. He took out his mobile and called the phone number on the paper. Very soon a man came out of a nearby building and shuffled his car so the bus could pass. It all passed off pleasantly, no yelling or
shouting, just friendly banter between the bus driver and the car driver. Looking behind the bus as it began to move we realised that there was a queue of several cars waiting to turn behind us. No driver had used the horn. It was amazing. What a cacophony this would have occasioned in Melbourne. As we cruised the Volga from St Petersburg to Moscow we had a talk each day from Ludmilla Selezneva, Professor of History at Rostov State University. She spoke of the History of Russia and of life in Russia. Professor Selezneva was born into Soviet Russia. She grew up with her family of four living in one room of a four-roomed flat. Two other families lived in the same flat and the three families shared the kitchen. You learned not to hear what was being said around you, but you could not block out knowledge of the others’ lives. Because of the great physical proximity, you learned to get along with others – there was no alternative if life was to be bearable. The result is that, as she explained, Russians see themselves most importantly as being part of a community – their flat, the block of flats, the town and, most importantly, Mother Russia. They are prepared to put up with things that might not suit them individually when they see that is good for the community in general.
ENTRY Deirdre Baker
Jerusalem or Zion? I stopped to gaze, to wonder, to be amazed. History surged into my mind Just to be here –first outside then inside its old stone gateway Athrong with tourists, with locals touting for trade Tempting with rides on their camels gaudy and jingling. ‘Photo, mam? Here’s my camel, just climb up and then Click you have a photo!’ I was lost - my tour group herded by a stocky solemn Jewish guide Swallowed up in the narrow cobble-paved, shady streets of old Jerusalem. The city of David. A kind stall holder pointed out the way: ‘Straight on, turn left, keep going. You’ll find the church in front of you.’
held his khaki sun hat aloft on his stick. Peremptorily, ‘Keep up or get lost!’ he barked. But we, like most in that crowded cramped space, were lost in our own dreams, our expectations, our hopes. The ancient city entices, draws one back. One short visit but a glimpse of so much history, dating back to that mysterious priest Melchizedek to whom Abraham paid tribute thousands of years ago. No land of milk or honey for us, but the Via Dolorosa and the sepulchre (some say) where Jesus lay. He rose before dawn and so did we, walking through mediaeval lanes fitfully lit where only feline eyes watched us from shadowing arches. Arriving early, we four women and one priest filled out the rock-cut tomb. We fitted in neatly and breathed quietly, our thoughts flowing back some two thousand years. A silence disturbed only by the gentle crunching noise of a plastic bag swung by an ecstatic Caribbean woman. The Mass began. We stood listening, seeking the real presence of our Risen Lord, feeling with those long-gone faithful women, sharing their grief, their love, their dashed hopes.
Ah, there it is. Once inside the holy place I found my group, identified it by one family of smiling happy African pilgrims. I joined my sister with relief.
Later, near David’s tomb, sat a group of white shirted school boys along a low wall, kicking their feet, scanning us sceptically with shining faces – a mini modern Sanhedrin perhaps? ‘You believe Jesus was God’s son’, one sneered. ‘Indeed’, I thought. But sadly I said nothing, only prayed for them. At least - for good manners if nothing else.
Now our guide was in his element. Other groups had pink balloons or yellow sunflowers, but our small man
Cyprus, 1998
‘Thank you’ I murmured and plunged into the shaded lanes, trying to remember.
TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019
FUNERAL OF CANON GRAEME JAMES WINTERTON Homily - Fr Robert Newton 29/03/2019 Vicar Holy Trinity Kew
God hath in store for those whom he loves.” (I Corinthians 2:9)
We give thanks for the life of Graeme James Winterton 25th May 1939- 21st March 2019 and I offer my condolences and the condolences of the Parish to his family and friends. Graeme has been a friend and mentor to me since my arrival at Holy Trinity Kew as Vicar. His involvement at Holy Trinity started as a Curate in 1971 and his interest has never waned. His help as Locum Vicar during the last interregnum in 2014 and during my Long Service Leave in 2016 was invaluable and fruitful. I give thanks for his wise words and friendliness gained through many a chat and lengthy phone call. Graeme equally loved all the many parishes and placements he served in and now we commend him to God’s eternal care and eventually place his ashes in Holy Trinity Kew’s Memorial Garden. I should also like to welcome Bp Paul Barker Assistant Bishop in Melbourne representing the Archbishop today.
So today lets us not so much mourn Graeme’s death as celebrate his homecoming, with thanks to God for his life, for the example his faith gives us, for the lessons we learned from him about living well and dying well. May Graeme’s soul rest contentedly today in the happiness of God’s home. Our consolation today comes from gratitude for Graeme, for God in him, for God in his priesthood. Christ seen through him. But our real consolation comes in as the poet Wordsworth (1) described it as “the faith that looks through death” in the hope that gathers us here, the hope that as Graeme shared in Christ’s way of life, and now shares his death, so he will also belong with Christ in his new life. We cannot understand that hope and yet we can have it. We cannot always explain that faith and yet it makes sense to our hearts today. We cannot put words on that love of God and yet when we have seen it in a person’s life and death, we too are able to recognise it, and to say a deeper and more grateful “yes” to God.
Those of us who have been raised since childhood in Christianity become perhaps over-accustomed to the truth of this faith. Over the years we develop an inadvertence to one remarkable belief in Christianity. It is a belief not found with the same emphasis and clarity in any other world religion or social ideology for that matter. It is the unique importance and value Christianity attaches to the individual person; that he or she is known and loved for himself, for herself by God from all eternity. This immensity and exclusivity of God’s love for each one of us, no matter how imperfect we are, this is something beyond our natural ability to grasp. So strong is this belief in the intrinsic worth of the individual, so strong is this Christian conviction, that it carries over into belief that somehow his or her value endures beyond this earthly life. Each person is so valuable in the sight of God that he or she is destined to enjoy permanence which we call “everlasting life”. We can understand very little about this; very little, but enough for it to be the raw material for faith to work on. It is Jesus Christ who enlightens this basic, and often dim enough, appreciation of the absolute value of the individual person. Through the teaching of Christ, through his own life, death and resurrection, the modest but sure hope for the future is opened up to us. In this hope we pray for Graeme, that he may enjoy eternal life. St Paul writing to the Corinthians all those may years ago sums it up beautifully: “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive what
I have a message for anyone here today who may be wondering about the priesthood. I know Graeme would expect me to tell you today, “It’s worth it all!” There is a story Graeme used to tell about when he was Padre to the Engineers. The Engineers were out on an exercise to blow up an old bridge across a creek. The Engineers chopped a log to put over the creek, so they could get back after blowing the bridge up. Some of the Engineers on the way back trying to walk over the log fell in the water. Graeme as Padre was last to attempt to cross and he said all eyes were on him as he made the attempt, but he just sailed across it (having been a good gymnast in his early years his balance was still good). He heard one of the Engineers call out " Well waadda you know, the Padre walks on water." Graeme, our prayer for you now is that you will soon understand in more ways, than you ever could in this life, just how worth it, your priesthood was. We also hope you will be able to understand exactly what you meant to us especially for the times we could never find the right words to adequately tell you. Every time you went to the Altar to celebrate Holy Communion. It was worth it! Every time you came to this pulpit of Holy Trinity Kew and many others to strengthen our faith. It was worth it! Every time you showed us the way back to our true home through your ministry of reconciliation. It was worth it! Every time you helped
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TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019 somebody in need. It was worth it! Every time you offered us a word of encouragement, admonished us, laughed with us, wept with us, and gave us hope. Graeme, it was worth it! We hope and trust that our Heavenly Father will mercifully receive you and look upon all of the worthy things you did serving our Nation, the State of Victoria, for the Anglican Church of Australia, the Province of Victoria, the Diocese of Melbourne and even further abroad, because of your priesthood, and give you more than enough joy to last an eternity. Amen. 1) William Wordsworth [1770–1850], “Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood”, 536 Ode, The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900, Arthur Quiller-Couch ed. 1919.)
ECUMENICAL SERVICES IN KEW Elizabeth Cook
During March I attended two ecumenical services in Kew: The first on 1st March World Day of Prayer at St. Paul’s. East Kew, and the second on 17th March (St. Patrick’s Day) Chapel service and Garden Party at the Carmelite Monastery in Stevenson Street, Kew.
and the theme of the service was ‘Come – everything is ready, A good number of HTK parishioners and the Vicar attended the service followed by morning tea. The Carmelite Sisters open their beautiful Chapel and gardens annually for an ecumenical service, led by the Melbourne Ladies’ Choir. It is a very popular event with the congregation spilling out into the gardens, and the extensive procession of the Kew clergy taking some time to process into the Chapel. Father Robert read the first lesson and Rabbi Jonothan Keren-Brack delivered the address preceded by two minutes silence for the Christchurch NZ massacre. His message emphasised that we, as a society, must not tolerate violence of any kind, and must recognise global warming as a scientific fact. In perfect weather conditions the delicious afternoon tea prepared by the Sisters was enjoyed by a huge number of people with other people who live and worship in Kew.
World Day of Prayer is celebrated annually on the first Friday in March, and this year’s service, composed by Slovenia, was hosted by St. Paul’s. Towards the end of 2018 Convenor, Betty Shelton, met with representatives of the participating Kew churches to organise the service, and we met at QPO Café where our waitress overheard us talking about Slovenia and couldn’t resist telling us that she was from Slovenia, and that there was a Slovenian church in Kew (news to us all, and also our Vicar!!), resulting in Stan and Mary giving first-hand information about their native country and displaying a number of their treasured artefacts. The flag of Slovenia decorated the church,
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TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019
CLERICAL VESTMENTS IN THE ANGLICAN CHURCH Fr Robert Newton
great period of trial; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb” (7:14). In the same way, the priest must offer the Eucharist with purity of body and soul, and with the dignity befitting Christ’s priesthood. The former vesting prayer was “Make me white, O Lord, and purify my heart so that being made white in the Blood of the Lamb, I may deserve an eternal reward.” Albs are simple ankle length robes, usually worn by clergy with a Stole and Cincture around the waist. The Alb is typically worn as the base vestment with other special garments over the top, although it is often worn by itself. Albs are especially used during Eucharistic celebrations (Holy Communion). Lay people who act as servers and many who are Lay readers may also wear an Alb.
AMICE The amice is a piece of white linen, rectangular in shape, with two long cloth ribbons. The priest places it around his neck, covering the clerical collar, and then ties it by crisscrossing the ribbons in his front (to form a St. Andrew’s cross), bringing them around the back, around the waist and tying them in a bow. The practical purpose of the amice is to conceal the normal clerical clothing of a priest, and to absorb any perspiration from the head and neck. Modern albs cover the neck so an amice is not always necessary. In the GraecoRoman world, the amice was a head covering, oftentimes worn underneath the helmets of the Roman soldiers to absorb sweat, thereby preventing it from flowing into their eyes. The spiritual purpose is to remind the priest CINCTURE of St. Paul’s admonition: “Take The cincture is a long, thick the helmet of salvation and the cord with tassels at the ends sword of the spirit, the Word which secures the alb around Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby of God” (Ephesians the waist and secures the Stole 6:17). The former vesting prayer was “Place, O Lord, with knot in the middle. It may be white or may be the the helmet of salvation on my head to resist the attacks same liturgical colour as the other vestments. In the of the devil.” Lay people who act as servers and many Graeco-Roman world, the cincture was like a who are Lay readers may also wear an amice. belt. Spiritually, the cincture reminds the priest of the admonition of St. Peter: “So gird the loins of your ALB understanding; live soberly; set all your hope on the gift The Alb originated from the white tunic worn by to be conferred on you when Jesus Christ appears. As Romans in the first century and was largely worn as an obedient sons, do not yield to the desires that once undergarment. It was adopted by the early church for shaped you in your ignorance. Rather, become holy liturgical use. Its name is derived from the Latin yourselves in every aspect of your conduct, after the “Albus”, meaning white. Some modern style albs have likeness of the holy One who called you” (I Peter 1:13collars which preclude the necessity for an amice. The 15). The former vesting prayer was “Gird me, O Lord, spiritual purpose reminds the priest of his baptism, with the cincture of purity and extinguish in my heart when he was clothed in white to signify his freedom the fire of concupiscence so that, the virtue of from sin, purity of new life, and Christian continence and chastity always abiding in my heart, I dignity. Moreover, the Book of Revelation describes may better serve Thee.” The Cincture is different to the saints who stand around the altar of the Lamb in the girdle worn by Lay people who act as servers who Heaven as “These are the ones who have survived the wear it to one side.
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TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019 CASSOCK TIPPET A Cassock is a plain black ankle length robe with long A large black scarf worn by clergy over surplice and sleeves. Technically the Cassock is a clerical garment cassock at the Daily Offices and often at Funerals. It and not a vestment and usually have no particular resembles a stole and is worn around the neck with the theological emphasis attached to them. It is also ends hanging down the front. It has also been known derived from the Greco-Roman Tunic simply meaning as the “Preaching Scarf” as it is often worn at various "ankle length" in Latin. Cassocks are typically worn services by the one designated at the Preacher. under the Surplice or Cotta. Laity and clergy can wear the Cassock and it is often, but not always, tied around MANUPILE the waist with a Cincture, lay people that wear Rarely used by clergy since the 1960’s and worn on the Cassocks are often Choir members, Lay readers and left arm, originally the maniple was likely a piece of sometimes Servers. linen which clerics used to wipe their faces and hands and has been described as being akin to a handkerchief. For much of church history until the 20th century the It appears to have been used since at least the 6th Cassock was the street wear / uniform of the clergy. century. The maniple can vary widely in size, shape, When combined with a Surplice and black English and degree of ornamentation. Common symbolic stole called either a “Tippet” or “Preaching Scarf” and comments refer to the maniple's likeness to the rope sometimes accompanied with the academic hood is by which Christ was led and the chains which bound often designated being dressed in “Choir Office” as his hands. It has also become known as an emblem of the norm for clergy at services of Morning and the tears of penance, the burden of sin, and the fatigue Evensong as those have traditionally been known in of the priestly office. In the Anglican church the the Church as the Choir offices. The cassock worn so maniple is described as a symbol of being a servant to is highly distinctive of Anglicanism. Traditionally the servants of God. Anglican Cassocks are double breasted, buttoning on the shoulders and waist. Roman Catholic Cassocks STOLE typically have 33 buttons directly down the middle of The Stole is a scarf-like vestment that hangs around the the garment. An Anglican variant of the Roman neck and reaches to the wearer’s knees, each side Cassock exists with 39 buttons (reflecting the 39 sitting parallel. Usually ornately decorated in liturgical Articles of Religion or the 39 lashes of Christ). Other colours, with Christian symbols on each end. The Stole types of the typical black Cassock include variations is worn over the Alb or the Surplice. Stoles like many with red piping worn by Canons and Deans. Bishops vestments went out of favour in the English typically wear purple Cassocks. Reformation but saw a revival in the 19th century. Only Clergy may wear a Stole. Deacons wear them on SURPLICE/COTTA their left shoulder crossed diagonally over the chest A full white vestment with wide sleeves. It has an and Priests and Bishops wear them over the neck, each opening for the head at the top and typically reaches to end hanging parallel. The stole reminds the priest not the knees or beyond. The term is from the Latin only of his authority and dignity as a priest, but also of superpelliceum, meaning "over a fur garment." It was his duty to preach the Word the God with courage and an oversized alb that was worn as a choir vestment conviction (“Indeed, God’s word is living and over a fur coat in the drafty and cold churches of effective, sharper than any two-edged sword.” northern Europe. It is usually worn over a cassock by Hebrews 4:12) and to serve the needs of the clergy. It may also be worn by lay people with particular faithful. The former vesting prayer was “Restore unto liturgical ministries at worship such as lectors or choir me, O Lord, the Stole of immortality which I lost members. The academic dress of clergy may include through the sin of my first parents and, although cassock, surplice, and tippet, with or without an unworthy to approach Thy sacred Mystery, may I academic hood. The Surplice and stole may also be nevertheless attain to joy eternal.” worn by the clergy who presides at a Eucharist or baptism. It came to be widely accepted with the Tippet, CHASUBLE and sometimes with the academic hood as the standard A highly decorative Eucharistic vestment, the vestment for officiating/assisting at the Offices of Chasuble is a round/oval piece of fabric with a hole Morning and Evening Prayer. A shorter version of the for the wearers head and are usually ornately Surplice is called the Cotta with short sleeves and decorated. Derived from the 'Casula' of ancient Rome usually pleats, particularly worn by Anglo-Catholics which was an outer traveling garment, similar to a from the middle of the 19th Century. poncho. It is a highly formal liturgical vestment worn almost exclusively during the Eucharist, denoting
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TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019 solemnity. Chasubles are always worn as the top layer stole) He carried; and the seamless garment (the of vestments, with the Alb and Stole underneath. chasuble) for which the soldiers rolled dice. The other Chasubles fall into two main categories- Gothic or popular interpretation focused on the vestments in Roman. Gothic vestments with the Y on the front and their Roman military origins and viewed them as back of the chasuble or at least in poncho style with symbols of the priest as the soldier of Christ doing pillar orphrey are the most common vestment in the battle against sin and Satan. Moreover, the vestments Anglican Church, reflecting our ancient Celtic history. inspire the priest and all of the faithful to meditate on Only clergy may wear Chasubles. Chasubles match the their rich symbolism. colour of the liturgical calendar. In Church history Chasubles saw a revival in the 19th century Oxford THE COPE movement after being banned in the 16th century The Cope is a large cape worn traditionally by bishops, Reformation. Spiritually, the chasuble reminds the deans, canons, archdeacons and incumbents although priest of the charity of Christ: “Over all these virtues can be worn by all ranks of clergy when appropriate. put on love, which binds the rest together and makes Originally a 'cappa' in Latin meaning cape. Copes are a them perfect” (Colossians, 3:14). The former vesting very formal, ceremonial vestment. The Cope is used prayer was “O Lord, Who hast said, ‘My yoke is sweet both during and outside Holy Communion. Copes are and My burden light,’ grant that I may so carry it as to typically highly decorated and joined at the breast by a merit Thy grace.” In the Middle Ages, two popular clasp or band of fabric. They can be in any liturgical interpretations of the meaning of the vestments colour. There is no particular theological connection to arose. The most prevalent one interpreted the the cope. A rule of thumb for the wearing of a cope. If vestments as symbols of Jesus’ passion: the blindfold the Bishop wears a cope in your parish, clergy can wear (the amice) and the garment (the alb) as He was a cope as well. If the Bishop is not wearing a cope the mocked and beaten; the ropes and fetters (the cincture) normal rule is that clergy do not wear a cope in his/her which bound Him during the scourging; the cross (the presence.
TRINITY TIMES GETS NEW EDITOR Biography of Rick Kelly, new Editor of the Trinity Times -
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I was born into a Christian family. Added to that were sermons delivered - and lived by – some great Christian priest/theologians, so that I can say quite truly that the Christian faith has always seemed to me to be an incomparable way for fulfilment of living. The figure of Jesus – heroic, courageous, gentle – whose gospel of redemption and promise of everlasting life was surely without parallel. After graduation, I married Margaret and lived happily ever after, but before that, I was born about a wellstruck 3-iron from the Richmond Cricket Ground. My swaddling clothes were Yellow and Black. (Heredity Tiger Lineage) Baptised at St. Stephen’s, Richmond. Educated at Yarra Park State School and University High School. Graduated in Medicine and Surgery University of Melbourne 1958. Three children (one deceased). Eight grandchildren. Three years Hospital Residency. Five years in a group general practice, followed by thirty-three years as a solo practitioner. Hobbies include reading, bushwalking and music (world’s worst pianist).
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TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019
THE CRUCIFIX OF SAN DAMIANO Janine Flavelle-Smith
There is much artistic and symbolic detail in the Crucifix of San Damiano. Large figures of the Virgin Mary and St Peter the Evangelist are on the left-hand side of the cross. On the right side are Mary Magdalene, Mary, mother of James, and the centurion who in Matthew’s gospel asks Jesus to heal his son. These people were all witnesses to the crucifixion.
In September last year, Chris and I were lucky enough to travel to Assisi, home of St Francis and the Poor Clares. We were enchanted by the beauty of the rolling Italian hills and gorgeous sun-drenched landscapes. We were also pleased that although Assisi is a drawcard for the inevitable bustling tourists, there was a quiet reverence and gentleness about the place that drew us in to its many mysteries.
At the foot of the cross are smaller figures of Longinus, the soldier who drove the spear into Christ’s side and Stephaton, who raised the cloth of vinegar wine to Christ’s lips. At the very bottom of the cross the artist depicted several saints. Their images have been damaged over time and are now sadly unrecognisable.
One such surprise was finding the magnificent Romanesque Crucifix of San Damiano in the Basilica di Santa Chiara. It is surprisingly large and hangs as a rood cross above the altar. We both found ourselves transfixed by the artistic detail and majesty of this magnificent iconographic crucifix.
An array of chattering angels fills the crossbar, clearly excited at the events they are witnessing and at the top of the crucifix, there is a representation of a fully-clothed Christ bearing a golden cross like a sceptre, ascending into heaven. God’s hand extends downwards, welcoming his Son with a blessing.
There is a small copy of the Crucifix of San Damiano hanging on the wall close to our choir stalls in Holy Trinity, Kew. It is certainly worth a closer look. The imagery helps us reflect on the story of the Passion and reflect on our faith at Easter-time.
Two tiny details that appeal to me are the rooster near Christ’s knees, probably symbolising the cock that crowed three times at Peter’s denial. There is also a small cat or fox, an animal that calls to my mind our secret insecurities and fears, signifying that none of us should take the strength of our faith for granted.
The Crucifix of San Damiano was fashioned in about 1100 by an unknown artist, possibly a Syrian monk, as its style is somewhat similar to that found in Croatia and Montenegro. The crucifix shows Christ as a regal, upright figure who commands our attention, who is very much a living God and a strong, compassionate figure who is clearly willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of humankind.
The Crucifix of San Damiano is telling me that Jesus’s unfathomable, complete and undeniable love for all humanity will triumph over all our failings, sins and weaknesses, no matter how big or small.
It is said that St Francis, in his early years, received his calling while praying in front of the Crucifix of San Damiano. God said to him “Heal my house which is falling into ruin”. St Francis took this very literally at first and did much to reconstruct the church buildings in the immediate area but as God sent him helpers with different skills, St Francis began the order which would later be renowned for its vows of poverty, chastity and good charitable works in the community.
I conclude with the prayer of St Francis before the Cross at San Damiano: “Most High glorious God, bring light to the darkness of my heart. Give me right faith, certain hope and perfect charity, insight and wisdom, so I can always observe Thy holy and true command. Amen.”
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POETRY AND GOD SAID ... The Spirit of God moved like the touch of dawn across the dark waters of the black void And the Lord God said, ‘Let there be light’ and light was born.
released from Egypt's bond to wander in the wilderness, released to seek the land of promise, to build the city of the King to be God's people redeemed and free.
The arm of God bent His great bow of light into a rainbow prism vaulting the green earth saying, ‘Remember my mercy sign in the world’s sight’.
"Take this and eat", Jesus said. They heard and wondered in their hearts. Where was the manna in the wilderness? Where the promise? Where the freedom? And where oh where the King?"
The hand of God set a dry bush aflame, burning in glory on the barren mount and the Lord said, ‘Make my people free who fear my name!’ The eye of God - great star that wise men see aglow in the heavens o’er eastern lands! proclaimed, ‘Let all earth’s nations come and worship Me’. The voice of God, making Christ’s robes to shine, declared His Son, high on that mountain top saying, ‘Let all who have ears listen for He is mine’. The heart of God, still loving the Belovéd, raised Him from the depths of that cold tomb. Bright angels said, ‘Seek not the Living One amongst the dead!’ The breath of God on that first Pentecost came as a living flame in the upper room, saying, ‘Believe! - then go and speak my Word to all the lost”. The glorious presence and Creator’s might shall fill the heavenly City of the King. There will His ransomed praise His holy name, in uncreated Light. Deirdre Baker 31/3/97 COMMUNION When Jesus took unleavened bread, breaking it in his hands, his twelve apostles heard the words: "Take this and eat!" Their thoughts were compassed by their race's history a thousand and five hundred years -
“Take this and eat", they heard. They saw five thousand eager folk, farmers and fishermen, and families scattered abroad on the wide hills of Galilee. The twelve remembered how those strong hands had blessed and broken five small loaves and the hungry crowd was fed. Now they were just thirteen! "Take this and eat - this is my body", their master said, in the quiet upper room, in the worshipping city, the city of the King. Silent and wondering they asked themselves "Can this be the promise?" The twelve looked at the figure of their Master his eyes, his hands, his body, there with them. "Take this and eat… This is my body, broken ..." Broken, they thought, like this proud city of Jerusalem, broken beneath the Roman rod. Their hearts protested, their eyes aglance with fear. "Broken - for you", Jesus said. "This is my body broken for you". In their wilderness of heart and mind, eleven of the twelve gladly heard His words. Stretching out their work-worn hands, they took the bread, they grasped the promise and so we became a people of the King, evermore redeemed and free… "Lord, I take this bread indeed – for your body broke for me..." Deirdre Baker June 1996
DARK AND LIGHT Dark places ... Is that far light a will o' the wisp? Or a steadfast lantern held by our Lord, the man who called himself the Light of the world? We may walk in our own darkness treading through night while leaves and branches clutter our path, scattering their shadows, confusing our eyes, as did the ancient olives trees of Gethsemane
seek to hide from the avid seekers the One who was the Light. Let me not like Judas find my way just to betray. Let me go faithfully by day or by night, knowing the one who ever walks with us, is the Lord, our friend, our Day Star bright. Deirdre Baker 14.4.92
FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC Stephen Kerr Thank you to all involved in music making at Holy Trinity throughout 2018 and for the support given to the music program from the wider congregation. The annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols was a great success, with choristers from Holy Trinity joined by friends from the wider community for a large choir in full voice heralding the arrival of the Christmas season.
urgent need of a new rehearsal piano for the space, with the old one becoming unusable with age. If you have a young but unneeded piano or would like to contribute to the replacement of this instrument, please let the office or Vicar know.
On March 11 at 5pm, the Kew Philharmonic Chamber Choir presented a choral evensong at Holy Trinity, led by Rev’d Robert Holland. On Christmas Eve, Music was by HTK Head Chorister Installation 2018 the choral sound was Tomkins and provided by an augmented choir of HTK and visiting Humfrey. It is hoped that the Kew Philharmonic Choir choristers. will join the HTK choir later in the year for a sung mass during the 10am Sunday service. The choir continues to perform at a high level and we are always keen to welcome new members, especially sopranos/trebles! This year we have seen the introduction of the Holy Trinity Choral Scholar position, which has been awarded to George Bland for 2019. David Huang has become the Trinity Head Chorister, joining Maddison McLeod and Darcey Newton in their Head Chorister leadership roles. The choir will soon be returning to the choir vestry for rehearsals and as a robing space. Currently we are in
A series of concerts, including one by the Kew Philharmonic choir, is planned for June, to celebrate the opening of our new parish centre. This will be a great opportunity to experience one of the new possibilities of the church with the new centre space. I will be attending a professional development course run by the RSCM in Sydney in June, with leaders including Stephen Cleobury (King’s College Cambridge), David Hill and Barry Rose. I look forward to sharing the inspirations from this with you all!
PARISH CENTRE DEVELOPMENT
Views of the street frontage of the new Parish Centre, set to open soon.
TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019
The Parish Green, before and after the installation of new lawn and trees.
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Services for Holy Week and Easter - 2019
April 14, PALM SUNDAY
8am: Eucharist 10am: Blessing of The Palms and Procession with Sung Eucharist 1pm March to the Kew Cenotaph from RSL and 2pm Anzac Service at HTK
April 16, Holy Tuesday:
6:30pm: Eucharist in Memorial Chapel
April 17, Holy Wednesday: 11am: Eucharist in Memorial Chapel April 18, Maundy Thursday: 7:30pm*: Eucharist and Foot washing. April 19, GOOD FRIDAY:
10am*: Service of the Day at HTK 3.00pm: Stations of the Cross at HTK
April 20, EASTER EVE:
6:30pm: Lighting of Easter Candle and Renewal of Baptismal vows.
April 21, EASTER DAY:
8am: Eucharist. 10am: Choral Eucharist. 10:30am: Cross-cultural service at TGS (in Asian English) * NOTE NEW TIME FOR GOOD FRIDAY and MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICES
TRINITY TIMES | EASTER 2019
TRINITY TIMES Editor this edition: Fr Robert Newton Editor designate: Rick Kelly Sub-Editor: Stephen Kerr
POSTAGE PAID IN AUSTRALIA Holy Trinity Anglican Church P.O. Box 37
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
SERVICES AT HOLY TRINITY KEW
On 2nd Sunday of the month, incense will be used at the 10am service
Wednesday: 11am – Holy Eucharist
SUNDAY: 8am – Holy Eucharist 10am – Choral Eucharist
Family ministry: Sunday 10am in chapel (in church on 1st Sun)
Healing Service: 4th Wednesday of the month following the 11am service in the Memorial Chapel- unless advised.
At Trinity Grammar School Chapel: Sunday 週日中英文 10.30am – English Service
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Vicar The Reverend Robert Newton 0408 012 165 Ph: 9855 0630 email vicar@holytrinitykew.org.au Associate Clergy The Reverend Rick Cheung The Reverend Robert Holland Parish Chaplain Pam Hughes, 9855 8279 Church Office Brenda Forman Telephone: 9853 7158 P.O. Box 37, Kew, 3101 Monday to Friday, 9—12 Churchwardens Napier Thomson Ph. 0408 576 737 Robert Buckmaster. Ph. 0437 014 090 Alan Wilson . Ph. 0414 470 460 Director of Music: Stephen Kerr, 0422 524 574
If undeliverable, return to:
Kew, 3101