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ST JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH DEE WHY
CHRISTMAS 2013
CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Wednesday 18 December, 10.00am
Early Christmas Eucharist
Each year we invite those who may not be able to manage to get to Church
on Christmas Day to come to our Service on the Wednesday before
Christmas at 10.00am. It is especially suitable for the elderly or those who
will be away on Christmas Day. We will be singing Christmas Carols and
having a special Morning Tea afterwards in the Parish Centre.
Transport is available – please contact the Parish Office on 9971 8694.
Saturday 21 December, 6.00pm
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
Join with St John’s Choir in this beautiful traditional Service. Afterwards
come over to the Parish Centre for Fellowship and Supper.
Tuesday 24 December, 5.00pm
Children’s Christmas Eve Service
This is a very popular Service which includes Carols and a dramatic telling of
the Christmas Story, written especially for all the family.
Tuesday 24 December, 11.45pm
Midnight Mass
11.15pm Carol Singing - 11.45pm Midnight Mass with Blessing of the Crib
and Procession.
Join us afterwards for Fellowship and Supper.
Wednesday 25 December - CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES
6.30am Holy Communion Liturgy 8.00am Holy Eucharist
10.00am Family Eucharist and Children’s Ministry
NOON CHRISTMAS COMMUNITY LUNCH Bookings Essential
We are especially encouraging people who would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day and would appreciate pleasant company, good food and warm fellowship. Also, we will need helpers, including guests who will act as table hosts. Donations of money, food, nibbles and other assistance are welcome.
For information and offers to help, please speak with Lynette Johnson.
Dear Friends,
After five decades of service our church pipe organ is finally to receive an upgrade—and what an upgrade it is getting!
Having decided to take the route of a new Hybrid Organ (a comparatively new technology that augments an existing physical pipe organ with digital sounds) we will
be getting an organ which is over ten times the size of the existing organ at less than a tenth of the cost that a new pipe organ, only slightly larger than our present one, would cost. We will also have a beautiful new hand-built organ console that will adorn the church for many decades.
This exciting new project will ensure that St John’s remains at the forefront of Church Music in Sydney, with possibly the best organ on the Northern Beaches. Those who attended the information meeting held on 9 November will realise that this venture will at last enable St John’s to expand its musical tradition with new initiatives such as a Junior Choir, Choral and Organ Scholarships, concerts and recitals for outreach, and many opportunities for enhancing our worship. As part of a wider strategy, it will play its role in the mission of St John’s in bringing people to Christ and proclaiming the gospel.
Many of you have expressed a desire to contribute to the Organ Appeal when it is launched next year, and several parishioners have requested that memorials be accepted towards elements of the new organ. This is a testimony to the value already being placed on this project, and I thank all those who are intending to support the parish in this way.
It is expected that the new organ will be installed before April 2014, in time for Easter, when we expect several adults to receive the Sacrament of Baptism. A series of celebrations and events is being planned to inaugurate the new organ. In the meantime, the preaching, teaching and pastoral mission of St John’s continues unabated.
As we prepare to celebrate the joy of our Saviour’s birth at Christmas, please pray for renewal in your faith and for our parish. We need to seek and rely on God’s help and guidance as we seek to love and serve him, for it is for his glory and for the sake of his kingdom that we undertake all our ventures, and have been given the opportunity to be part of his faithful community at St John’s.
From Sandra, Christopher and me, may God bless you and keep you, and help you to celebrate the Birth of Christ with joy and love.
With every blessing, Fr Steven
NEW ORGANIST AND NEW VISION FOR ST JOHN’S
St John’s was delighted to welcome Tom Edwards as
our new Organist and Director of Music in September
2013 following the retirement of Tim Swales after
eleven years of dedicated service to the choir and to
the church.
Tom was born in England, and was educated at
Bishop’s Stortford College in Hertfordshire, the
Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and the University of
Edinburgh. Following his Master’s degree at Edinburgh, Tom qualified as a
teacher at the University of Worcester, and was successively Acting Head of
Music at the Edinburgh Rudolph Steiner School and Director of Music at
Lucton School in Herefordshire. In addition to teaching, Tom has held
various church posts, the most recent being that of Organist and Master of
the Music at the Abbey Church of St Peter and Paul, Shrewsbury, where he
launched the million-pound Renaissance campaign to renovate the organ,
provide funds for the re-introduction of choristers and the establishment of a
choral scholarship scheme. In England, Tom developed an excellent
reputation as a choir trainer and choral conductor: at Lucton the choir
numbered over one hundred and regularly performed in churches and
cathedrals in the surrounding area. He is currently living in Manly, with his
partner, Merrilyn (who is Australian) and he is completing his PhD in
historical musicology.
New Organ
Shortly before Tom’s appointment the Parish Council began to investigate
the possibility of upgrading the current organ. The present organ was
installed in 1968 by Roger Pogson. At the opening of the church in 1958 the
then Rector, Neville Chynoweth, had the intention of installing a large two
manual instrument, which could support the flourishing music foundation at
St John’s, but unfortunately the funds at the time were unavailable and it
was during the tenure of his successor, the Revd W.E. Weston, that a
significantly smaller two manual extension organ with six ranks was installed
in the church by Pogson at a cost of $6,788.00. The organ was dedicated in
the presence of Sir Roden Cutler, Governor of New South Wales, on 7th July
1968. The organ has given splendid and excellent service for the last forty-
five years, but it always remained limited and inadequate when one
considers the Revd Neville Chynoweth’s original intentions for the organ.
The Parish Council has commissioned a
new hybrid organ from Ian Sell of Virtual
Pipe Organs, Australia. The new hybrid
technology combines the intricacies of
complex organ building with the latest
digital and audio technology. The new
organ will retain the original six ranks of
the Pogson organ, but will be augmented
by sixty-five digital (electronic) stops over three manuals, making the St
John’s organ one of the largest and most impressive instruments on the
Northern Beaches. Such has been the advance in sound technology we defy
anyone to tell that it’s not a real organ! Work has already begun on the
instrument, and it is hoped that the organ will be installed and ready for
Easter Day 2014. An opening Recital and Dedicatory mass is planned for
the first weekend in May to celebrate the installation of an instrument which
finally fulfils Bishop Chynoweth’s original intentions for St John’s.
Developments in Choral Programme
Following Tom’s appointment, he was asked to complete a review of music-
making at St John’s with a view to establishing and supporting a music
foundation which will last for the next fifty years. At the Parish Council
meeting in October Tom presented his report which was accepted. Tom has
two plans for augmenting and supporting our hard working choir: one is the
foundation of a junior choir for boys and girls aged 7–13, who will sing
regularly with the adults; the second plan is the establishment of a choral
scholarship scheme for students aged 14-23. By Christmas you should see
evidence of the beginnings of both plans! It is hoped that under Tom’s
direction St John’s will continue to be noted for the excellent quality of music,
both in and out of worship, but also that St John’s can become a centre for
the training of the next generation of church musicians.
During 2013 we have continued our tradition of hosting classical
concerts performed by “Rising Stars” as well as seasoned musicians.
We intend to continue these programmes in 2014 as well as Organ
Recitals. Placing your name on our subscription list will enable you to
receive advance information of these concerts.
WELCOME DEACON JENNY
We are very happy to welcome a second honorary Deacon
for the Parish - Deacon Jennifer Barry.
Jenny was ordained in Grafton in 2009 and served in
ministry in the Kempsey parish and The Lower Macleay
parish. She also did two placements in Wauchope and Port
Macquarie parishes.
Her passion has always been to minister to the underprivileged, the elderly,
sick and lonely in the community, visiting folk in their homes, the aged care
facilities, and the Kempsey Community hospital.
Jenny saw that there was a deep need for women’s ministry in those
parishes, and formed bible study groups and prayer groups. It was a time of
women coming together, being uplifted and encouraging each other in their
daily walk. She also helped lead two Alpha courses, and found that it was
such a wonderful vehicle for bringing the good news of Jesus Christ to many
who struggled, and were often without hope.
Jenny studied Theology as a distance student with The School of Christian
Studies at Macquarie University, has also completed a CPE course (Clinical
Pastoral Education) and is looking to do more study in the near future. She
also did six months training in the Mid North Coast Corrective Service
Facility, spending time with both men and women inmates.
Jenny and her husband, John, moved back to the Northern Beaches in
2012, to be near their four children and nine grandchildren, and in July 2013
became a parishioner at St John’s.
FAREWELL FOR TIM
On Saturday October 26, many parishioners gathered to
show their appreciation for the 11 years’ dedication Tim
has given to the parish as Director of Music. He has
enhanced the Liturgy with his music. We wish him well
in his retirement.
ST JOHN’S SUSTAINABLE LIVING PROGRAMME
We are very pleased that so many parishioners are continuing to
enthusiastically use the “Recycling Boxes” for candles, corks, batteries,
stamps and ink cartridges. This is a simple way in which we can help the
environment.
Our SOLAR POWER panels are working well and you can see, on the
screen near the office, how much electricity is being generated. So far our
panels have produced over 6699 kWh of electricity, saving about 5,045
tonnes of CO2. Since the introduction in NSW of the gross feed-in tariff of
60c per kWh, we have been able to sell all our sun-powered electricity to
Energy Australia, giving our parish a rebate so far of $5,571 towards our
electric power consumption.
THE FRIENDLY OP SHOP
The Op Shop has continued to thrive with an average of over $2,000 being
raised each month. It is a wonderful outreach to the Community as well as
raising necessary funds for the parish to be able to fulfil its mission.
Our wonderful Storeroom Manager, Ken Eltham, puts in many, many hours
sorting, re-packing and discarding unsaleable items. This way we have far
better quality goods to put out to sell.
We have many wonderful volunteers who put out tables, sort the goods, sell
them and also pack away. However, we can always use more volunteers,
particularly younger people who can do the heavy work.
JUST FOR FUN
Sums up Christmas Three phrases that sum up Christmas are: Peace
on Earth; Goodwill to Men; and Batteries not included.
Christmas in my heart Christmas is in my heart twelve months a year
and, thanks to credit cards, it's on my Visa card statement twelve months a year, also.
Father Christmas You know you are getting old when Father Christmas
starts looking younger.
PINS ‘N’ NEEDLES
Commencing in 2014 our Group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each
month (except December and January), from 9.30am to 12.30pm, in the
Parish Centre Hall.
We knit, crochet, pin, stitch and have fun. New members are always
welcome. A flyer is available in the church foyer, giving more information.
Many thanks to our very generous members, Op Shop donors, ladies of the
parish and friends, whose gifts of love during 2013 have supported – Stewart
House, Dee Why Womens’ Refuge, Newtown Mission, Anglicare Central
West New South Wales and Mothers’ Union Sydney Shop.
Heather Andrews and Pam Fisher.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS HELPED WITH
THE SMOOTH, EFFECTIVE RUNNING OF THE PARISH IN 2013
Thanks go to Father Steven and Deacon Sandra for their leadership and
guidance, the Wardens and Parish Councillors, the leaders and helpers of
all our ministries, the volunteers who worked in the office and café, and
those who agreed to be rostered on all those activities maintaining the
fabric of the church, parish centre and grounds. Our worship has been
enhanced by the assistance of all those serving, reading, intercessing,
greeting, preparing for the services, and not forgetting our organists and
choir members. This is the true nature of the family of St John’s.
SCRIPTURE IN LOCAL SCHOOLS
St John’s provides SRE (Scripture) teachers for Dee Why Public, North Curl
Curl Public and Manly Selective Campus. Thanks to all the teachers who
have done so much training and continue to do so to maintain their
accreditation. We often have comments from schools as to how good our
teachers are, both in their professionalism and the great way they relate to
the children and young people. Thanks to Sally Garman, Deacon Sandra,
Valda Ashover, Father Steven, Katherine Ward and our helper Roz Peterson.
GODLY PLAY
We have had another wonderful year with our Sunday morning children’s
ministry where we get to explore the Scriptures with children from the ages of
three to twelve years. Thanks to Lesley Flood, Katherine Ward, Valda
Ashover and Deacon Sandra for being such great storytellers and our
fantastic “door people” (helpers) Robyn Couch, Bev Bingham, Neridah Byrne,
Gwen Zmijewski and Alma Ondevilla.
YOUTH GROUP
Next year our Youth Group will change from one group to two, catering for
different age groups. The new younger group will focus on young people in
primary school years five, six and seven and will meet on the second and
fourth Fridays of the month. The intention is to continue with the group as
they enter High School years.
An older group, some of whom have been part of our Youth Group for six
years already, will meet once a month and will assist in ministering to these
young people.
Thanks to Father Steven, Deacon Sandra, Adam Roberts, Jess Rynd, Valda
and Mark Ashover for their leadership of the Youth Group over many years
and we ask God to bless them as they begin planning for next year.
Christmas presents
Catching her in the act, I confronted our 3-year-old granddaughter. "Are you opening your little sister’s presents?” I demanded. "No," she innocently replied, "I'm just helping her share."
PLAYTIME
Playtime this year continues to be enjoyed by approximately 45 families of all
different ages from 0-5 years old. It's a place where parents can bring their
children and enjoy a chat
with their friends in a safe
environment while learning
about the Christian Faith
in a loving and supportive
atmosphere. Many come
to catch up and have
some adult conversation,
while others come and
play with their children
because they have to work many other days. For whatever reason they come,
we are happy to provide that opportunity. We have had a few parents who
through coming to Playtime have decided to have their children baptised. We
are grateful for many volunteers who support this ministry in the parish. We
are also grateful for the Playtime parents who support the group and get
involved in the parish. For example,
we had a wonderful combined
Playtime and Caritas evening earlier
in the year and a couple of the mums
decorated and organised our Mad
Hatters Tea Party. They also, as in
many other years, have helped with
the children's stall at the fete. We had
a disco in November and many
children and parents enjoyed this
activity. We may do more in the New
Year. At our Christmas party after our
nativity service we will enjoy a Kindi
Farm as it was a great success last
year. From out of Playtime we have a
group called Singing Mums who get
together every Friday morning to sing.
This December we have three
engagements to sing in the community to which we are looking forward.
If anyone is interested
in joining either group,
please call Lynette on
0408 264 125
CARITAS
Caritas has continued
throughout the year with
various interesting activities.
We started the year with
Pancake Night which was
enjoyed by all who attended; the following month we made palm crosses and
doves for use in the church. We have also enjoyed a recipe night, a film night
and a craft night. Probably the highlight of our year was our Mad Hatters Tea
Party where we joined up with the Playgroup Mums for an entertaining
evening. We will be winding up for the year with a short devotional service
followed by supper. New members are always welcome.
Barbara Emmett
MOTHERS’ UNION
Some of the highlights of this year have been attending the Mothers’ Union
Festival Service at St Andrew’s Cathedral, an outing to North Fort Café, a
great day with Wendy Mayer (now the new Diocesan president) as our guest
speaker, a musical afternoon with Rhonda Speer and watching a fascinating
documentary about C.S. Lewis (The Narnia Code). We also have continued
our close relationship with the MU group at St Faith’s, Narrabeen in which
we support one another’s functions.
Thank you to all our wonderful knitters and sewers (many from St John’s
Pins and Needles group) who have made many garments this year to
support the work of MU through its shop in the city or for the work of the
hospital chaplains and visitors. A special thank you to Joan Bate, whose
beautiful work has raised hundreds of dollars to support MU projects.
Sandra Salmon (President) Margaret Winters (Secretary)
FROM THE TREASURER – DON STEPHENS
We have been blessed as a parish over many years. Owing to past
benefactors, we have been able to establish and maintain some reserve
funds which have been earmarked for the replacement of our second
property which was sold to help finance the building of the Parish Centre.
We have had to borrow from our reserve funds to purchase our new organ
but it is our intention to replenish this use of our reserve funds by an Organ
appeal in early 2014.
The budget for 2014 shows a loss of at least $31,000, after providing for the
running expenses for that year, even if we allow for some increase in
offertories. It is important that our reserves are not used to cover our day-to-
day running expenses. Our offertories have been stagnant for the past three
to four years. After this year, there will be no funds available from the Public
Fund, which provided $60,000 a year since 2007, and covered many small
to medium sized one-off capital expense items, together with maintaining
and cleaning the Parish Centre.
Parish Council was shown a statistical analysis of our giving patterns, both
through direct giving and the envelope system, showing that 80% of our
income was given by only 20% of the congregation. Of course, we are
exceptionally grateful to all those, who by giving their financial support, have
maintained the very existence, by the grace of God, of St John’s operation
and outreach. Could I ask that all of us look at our giving prayerfully, and see
if we can increase our offertories in 2014. We all sometimes forget that as
the cost of living increases, so does the church’s expenses and the amount
you gave 3 years ago does not have the same impact now. Remember, our
expenses are ongoing every week, whether you are at church or not, so we
do need a regular commitment from you, whether through envelopes or
direct debit.
If you wish to commence giving by Direct Debit then all you need to do is to
contact your bank and ask them to direct your monthly giving to “St John’s
Anglican Church, BSB No 032-094, Account number 81-0026”. We can
certainly look forward to a very exciting and blessed year in 2014 with our
updated organ assisting in our worship and our mission outreach
successfully continuing.
Don has announced his retirement from his Treasurer’s role at the end
of this year after nearly two decades of dedication and service. We
thank him sincerely and wish him well.
GOD IN THE ARTS
“Adoration of the Shepherds”, by Georges de la Tour.
Currently housed in The Louvre, in Paris.
Have you ever considered the place of light in
worship? Think about the glory of the sun,
streaming through stained glass windows. Or
the soft warm glow of the Advent candles as
Christmas approaches.
The birth of the Christ-Child is the subject of this
painting. Georges de la Tour lived from 1593 to
1652 in Lorraine, and much of his art shows his fascination with the effects
of candlelight on people’s faces and clothes. After his death his work was
neglected as art lovers preferred the classical refinements of Poussin and
Lorrain, rather than the peasant life portrayed by de la Tour. He is now
regarded as a great 17th century artist, and this painting shows why.
Certainly there is no elegance in his portrayal of the manger scene, but with
his use of light and shadow, he has captured the stillness and serenity of the
birth of Jesus.
We can see Mary, and Joseph who holds the candle. A lamb is nuzzling his
way into the scene, and there is a woman holding a bowl, with two
shepherds, one gazing in rapt attention; the other doffing his hat. The candle
lights up their faces, but more importantly, allows the holy babe, wrapped in
swaddling clothes and lying on a bed of straw, to somehow glow in the quiet
joy of new birth.
We can sense the coldness of the night around, but in the manger scene the
Holy Child is in the limelight for those gathered there. To be in the limelight is
to be at the centre of public attention–like the birth of the Christ-Child we
prepare to welcome this month.
Parish Pump UK 2012
A REFLECTION
Galatians Chapter 4, Verse 4 has the interesting phrase, “When the fullness
of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman ...”. What is “the
fullness of time” which today we mark as 1 AD, even if Jesus may actually
have been born a few years earlier?
During its 1100+ years (753 BC to 410 AD), Rome had gradually conquered
what today we know as Italy and Sicily, expanding also to Africa and
beyond. The real explosion into the whole Mediterranean area and western
and northern Europe only began in earnest in the 100 years or so before
Christ, under brilliant generals like Pompey, Crassus and Sulla, and then
consolidated and expanded further by Julius Caesar.
By the time Christ was born, the broad footprint of the Roman Empire was
fixed. Hence there was a degree of stability–the message of the new religion
was not impeded by massive social or political upheaval. Roman creative
technology had led to the making of quality roads (the foundations of routes
of some still being evident in Britain today), so communicating and spreading
the good news of a risen Christ was much easier than it would have been a
century before.
There was also order in the Empire. Though Roman rule was often hated,
there was firm political regulation and control, sufficient to allow a peace –
“Pax Romana” – in which new ideas (and a new religion) could flourish.
Though opposed by the Jews and several Roman emperors (who
persecuted the Church and created thousands of martyrs), news of
Christianity slowly spread.
There were also many trade routes at that time; overseas commercial links
were encouraged. Transport was available to enable movement of goods –
and people – fairly efficiently. The opportunity to meet in homes was readily
available. By the time of the conversion of Emperor Constantine in 313 AD,
Christianity had reached most, if not all, of the Roman world.
Rome began to fall apart in the 4th century (but the seeds were sown earlier).
The empire imploded into confusion and fighting as the barbarians moved
down from the north. So 1 AD was the perfect time, as is all God’s timing, to
launch the fulfilment of God’s promise to mankind. In the fullness of time,
God did indeed send His Son, and His timing will be no less perfect in the
coming again of His son in power and glory. From the Parish Pump UK December 2012
O COME,O COME ,EMMANUEL
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here,
Until the Son of God appear...
What wonderful words of hope and faith in the
coming of Jesus, our Messiah! You’ve heard
that Advent carol every Christmas-tide of your
entire life. But if it wasn’t for a quiet, High
Anglican English vicar, who was once warden
of an almshouse in East Grinstead, most likely
you would never have heard of it.
John Mason Neale (1818-66) had always loved words. As a child of ten he
had edited his own handwritten family magazine. As a young man he
enjoyed long solitary walks in the English countryside, pausing only to do a
bit of brass-rubbing or to collect the architectural details of the country
churches he discovered.
Neale was something of a scholar: He was captivated by the Middle Ages
and the medieval church, the early church fathers and the lives of the saints.
As one small girl at his almshouse orphanage once observed, Mr Neale
(then in his 40s) “must be very old, to have talked to so many saints and
martyrs”.
John Mason Neale’s place in history was assured when he decided to
translate old hymns into English. He went on to become the greatest of all
translators of hymns from the old Latin, Greek, Russian and Syrian
churches. ‘O Come O Come Emmanuel’ was just one of them; it began as
an old Latin hymn of doubtful date. Today it is loved around the world. The
English Hymnal (1906) contains sixty three of his translated hymns and six
original hymns by Neale. Some other well-known hymns he wrote are “All
Glory Laud and Honour”, “A Great and Mighty Wonder”, “Good Christian
Men Rejoice” and “Good King Wenceslas”.
FACT OR FICTION
“Was the Christmas Star real?”
The story of the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ is one of the most powerful and
enigmatic symbols of Christianity. For centuries, scientists, scholars and
historians have debated about the nature of this biblical light that heralded
an event. Was it purely a divine sign, created miraculously to mark a special
birth? Or was it an astronomical event in its own right?
David Reneke, News Editor of Australia’s Sky and Space Magazine,
believes astronomers may have found the answer, basing his research on
the Gospel according to Matthew. Believed to be one of the first written, the
Gospel places key players together in the same time period. “It’s generally
accepted by most researchers that Christ was born between 3 BC and 1
AD,” says David. With the aid of modern astronomy software programs
astronomers can reproduce the night sky exactly as it was, thousands of
years ago.
“We found out something startling.” said Reneke, “It looks like the ‘Christmas
star’ really did exist!”
Two thousand years ago, astronomy and astrology were considered one and
the same. The motions of the heavenly bodies were used to determine the
events of history, and the fate of people’s lives. Of the various groups of
priests and prophets of this period, those that commanded the most respect
were the Magi. Known as ‘wise men’, we can only assume they were
actually priests who relied on their knowledge of astronomy/astrology.
Assuming the ‘Star of Bethlehem’ was not just a localised event and could
be observed by sky-watchers elsewhere in the world, not just by the Magi,
historical records and modern-day computer simulations indicate a rare
series of planetary groupings, also known as conjunctions, during the years
3 BC and 2 BC. In fact, this was one of the most remarkable periods in terms
of celestial events in the last 3,000 years!
“Like the final pieces of a difficult jigsaw puzzle, our fabled biblical beacon is
starting to reveal itself,” David said. “On 12 August, 3 BC, Jupiter and Venus
appeared very close together just before sunrise, appearing as bright
morning ‘stars.’ It would have been visible in the eastern dawn sky of the
Middle East from about 3:45 to 5:20am.”
The crowning touch, however, came ten months later; on 17 June 2 BC
Venus and Jupiter joined up again in the constellation Leo. This time the two
planets were so close that, without the use of our modern optical aids, they
would have looked like one single, brilliant star. In history, Jupiter was known
as the “planet of Kings” and Saturn as the “Protector of the Jews”. This could
easily have been interpreted as a sign that the Jewish Messiah had been, or
was about to be born. Also, Leo was thought to denote royalty and power.
An interpretation? Perhaps. But do not forget the times in which this
occurred. Astronomy and astrology intermingled.
This whole sequence of events could have been enough for at least three
astrologers to see this as a sign in the heavens and make their way to
Jerusalem.
“Now, this doesn’t mean that
astrology works,” Reneke
said. “We haven’t ruled out
other possibilities for the Star
of Bethlehem, but it does
make our search more
rewarding to find a truly
interesting astronomical
event that happened during
the most likely time for the
Nativity.”
Whatever the Star of Bethlehem was, it has had more impact on humankind
than any star before or since. It is also possible that the mystery of the Star
will never be completely solved. For many of us though, it is the mystery
itself that drives us to find the solution.
Miscellaneous observations on life...
The love of God is broader than the measures of man's mind.
Forget your mistakes but never what you learned from them.
I haven't lost my mind--it's backed up on disk somewhere.
If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.
Some days you are the bug - Some days you are the windshield.
FROM THE PARISH REGISTER
We welcome into our Parish Family those who were Baptised.
Kobi Noel BATE Emily Jane BEKIR
Henry Thomas BOULTON Tahlia Maree MAILE
Carys Lesley ENGLAND Matilda FOREMAN
Scarlet Kate GALE Ruby Caroline GREENIDGE
Finlay Thomas HALLCHURCH Shanti MALEK-LOBASSO
Mia Ruby MOSEDALE Billie Rose MORRISON
Kalani James SMITH Harper WILSON
Jessica WILSON and four others whose names are not included
Funerals taken by Father Steven and Deacon Sandra since the
last newsletter.
Daphne Beryl ARCHER Donald Graham CAMERON
Ursula Anna CRANSWICK Audrey Zena DOUGLAS
Charles David Gwyn EVANS Yvonne Mary GRAY
Lois Clare GREENWOOD Douglas HODGE
Kitty Elizabeth JOHN Fay Rosemary LANG
Debra Ann LAWSON Nina Eveline LODER
Gwendoline LUTHERBURROW Reginald Robert MOULDS
John (Jack) MUSGROVE Hannah (Ann) RITCHIE
Elizabeth Anne RODERICK Vernon Roy ROWLAND
Lynette Ann RUCKENDORFER Noelene Mary SCHULZ
May they rest in Peace, safe in your loving presence, O God
We welcome Josh and Mia PARK who will receive their first Holy
Communion on 29 December 2013.
People are like stained glass windows. We glow and sparkle when it’s
sunny and bright outside. But it is only when the sun goes down that
our true beauty is revealed and then only if there is a light deep within
us – the Light of God.
PARISH DIRECTORY
` Postal Address : PO Box 495
Dee Why 2099
www.stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
Parish Priest : Fr. Steven Salmon SSC
9971 8694 (Office and Rectory)
0417 359 792
: rector@stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
Parish Deacon (Hon) : The Reverend Sandra Salmon
9971 8694 (Office and Rectory)
0409 412 798
deacon@stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
Church Wardens : Robyn Couch 0414 645 338
Bev Bingham 9971 5529
Tony Johnson 0419 225 011
wardens@stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
Director of Music : Tom Edwards 0481 563 258
music@stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
Children’s Ministry : Lynette Johnson 0408 254 125
Dn. Sandra Salmon
pastoral@stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
(Baptism Preparation and Hospital Visits)
Administration : Graeme Couch
: 9971 8694 Fax 9971 8252
9:00am – 2:00pm (Mon-Fri)
office@stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
Parish Heather Andrews Valda Ashover Neridah Byrne
Council Don Fisher Pam Fisher Dudley Johnson
Lynette Johnson Antal Krepler Alma Ondevilla
Denise Soltau Roger Soltau
Have you looked at the new St John’s website? Keep up to date
weekly with what is happening at the Church. Thank you Heidi Tobin,
for all the hard work! www.stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
WEEKLY SERVICES AT ST JOHN’S
St John’s is a place of soul-stirring worship, challenging preaching, beautiful
stained glass and music, warm fellowship and outreach.
We are an Anglican Parish in the Catholic Tradition of Anglicanism which
welcomes everyone and seeks to live the life of Christ in community and to
reach out in love to others to share this life. If you are a baptised
communicant Christian from another Church, you are always welcome to
receive Holy Communion with us, or you may also choose to come forward
to receive a blessing.
The Church and Chapel are open for the whole day, every day, for personal
prayer. Morning and Evening Prayer is normally said each day (except
Tuesdays) at 8.15am and 5.15pm.
MONDAY 12.00noon Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
WEDNESDAY 10.00am Holy Eucharist
With Healing Prayers
THURSDAY 12.00noon Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
FRIDAY 9.00am Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
5.30pm Sacrament of Reconciliation A priest is normally available in the church for
Confessions from 5.30pm to 6.00pm or by
contacting Fr. Steven for other times.
SATURDAY 9.00am Holy Eucharist (Chapel)
SUNDAY 8.00am Holy Eucharist
10.00am Family Eucharist
6.00pm Evensong
(Taize Mass 1st Sunday)