PARISH WEB
October 2014
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
, and to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6.8
Rector
The Reverend Judy Taylor
0411 705 224
Centres of Worship
St James’ Byabarra
St Cuthbert’s Ellenborough
St Matthew’s Wauchope
All Saints’ Pappinbarra
Contact
53 Cameron Street
(PO Box 71)
Wauchope 2446
Office Ph 6585 2019
Rectory Ph 6585 2841
Email [email protected]
Web site
www.stmatthewswauchope.com
Parish Service Times
Wauchope
Sunday Eucharist 8am
Morning Tea
Informal Communion 9.40am
TAIZE 4th Friday 7pm
STAND (Youth) 1st/3rd Sunday 5pm
Wednesday Eucharist and Healing Prayer
10am
Morning Tea
Byabarra
1st Sunday of the month
11.30am
Morning Tea before
Ellenborough
2nd Sunday of the Month
11.30am Informal
Family Service
3rd Sunday of the month
11.30am then Lunch
Pappinbarra
th
4 Sunday of the month 2pm
Afternoon Tea
Bundaleer Nursing Home
1st Friday 11am
Bundaleer Gardens
2nd Friday 10.30am
From the Rector
Recently I underwent a personal review of my ministry within the
context of the promises I made at ordination. I was encouraged to reflect
on my relationship with God, my lifestyle, growth in my professional
ministry, the way in which I equip the people of God to fulfil their ministry
and mission, development of the gifts that God has given me, my
relationship with the structures of the church and my plans for the next
twelve months in ministry. By its very nature this experience was quite
personal and challenging, but the potential for growth was amazing. So
often we continue in ministry without even asking what God is calling us
to be and do and seeing how that might change from time to time. It was
great to reflect on God’s purposes for me and how I am growing into
them, to look at areas where I need to focus my attention, and to affirm
my strengths whilst seeing challenges for the future. I feel passionate
about yearly review and I have committed to this in order to be
accountable to God and to you.
Through baptism each of us is called into mission and ministry in the
world and we are accountable to God and each other for how we go
about this. I want to encourage us to ask ourselves questions about the
opportunities that we have to use our gifts to be part of God’s purposes.
How can I better grow relationships with trust and care? Is my belief in
Jesus reflected in the priorities I chose in my life? What is my relationship
with God really like and how do I experience God’s grace? How well do I
respond to Paul’s words in Thess 5:16-18? Am I able to share a story with
someone else about what God is doing in my life right now? How can I
better show God’s love and forgiveness to others? What new thing is God
calling me to be part of? What skills might I need to undertake this and
how is God equipping me? These are just some of the questions that may
be helpful in regularly assessing our journey as Christians (our mission and
ministry) in the church, with our families and in our local community.
I want to share with you one thing that God is doing in my life right
now. Over the last three months my heart has been breaking for my son’s
wellbeing. At first I was devastated and his circumstances took me back
to a very dark place in my own life. I did everything within my power to
try to make things better for him, but to no avail. I was angry with God
and lamented the injustice of it all. The turning point came for me, when I
realised I had no control over what had happened to him and I
acknowledged my deep need for God, and the prayerful support of God’s
people. As we committed to prayer, not just for my son but for several
others in similar situations, I began to feel an empathy with God as I
imagined God’s heart breaking for us when we fail to love God and others.
During this time my faith and trust in God have been strengthened. I am
starting to recognise God’s peace and see God’s hand at work in my son’s
life. More than that, I am learning (yet again!) what it is to rely on a loving
and gracious God, and that ‘all things work together for good for those
who love God, who are called according to his purpose.’ Romans 8:28
Baptism is a lifelong call and we are never too old to be used by God in
new and exciting ways. You are part of God’s purpose, just discover how!
Blessings
Judy
MU (Mothers Union)
Our September meeting was almost a non event with illness and holidays causing a
low attendance. Nevertheless there were enough members to discuss and make
decisions about the business at hand. It was unanimously decided that the Wauchope
MU Branch Project would be the provision of Emergency Packs to the hospital up to
the value of $300 per year. Our Branch is already regularly providing these packs
which are put together by Pam Dein and given to the Hospital Volunteers when
required. By giving the Emergency Packs the status of a branch project it becomes a
focal point for our connection with the community, along with our involvement in the
Baptism ministry.
It was decided to postpone the much anticipated Nautical Tales talk by Helen Hoare
till our next meeting, so please put the date in your diary – 8 October at 1pm – it is
also our AGM, the regular battle for positions!!! Visitors are very welcome – do come
along to listen to Helen and share afternoon tea with us. Beth Scaysbrook, President
MU International Day of Older People - Wednesday 1 October is the International Day of Older People.
Help us to overlook the limitations that come with age and to see the whole person that God made and loves.
Show respect to the elderly, and honour older people. In this way you show respect for your God. (Leviticus
19:32)
We give thanks for the contribution of so many older people to their community. We praise God for
their knowledge and wisdom. We pray for our members throughout the world, that they may be
strengthened in heart and purpose.
New Kids on the Block!!!
On Sunday 7 September, we welcomed Lorraine
Kirkman to the Sanctuary team. Lorraine has
willingly served in many ways within the Parish
and we know she will honour God’s call to this
new ministry with dignity and commitment.
On the same day another busy and well known
Sanctuary team member began training for a new
role. It is hoped that when the process is
completed, Robert Drysdale will be licensed as a
Lay Minister. Congratulations and blessings to you
both.
Now, young master Bailey! Ruth Currey’s grandson
was last seen training as an accountant in a
previous issue of The Parish Web, but now we
suspect he wants to join the Sanctuary team too!!!
PARISH STREET STALL – 3rd Oct
CHURCH MISSION STALL – 2nd Nov
IGA SUPERSTORE, WAUCHOPE
St Matthew’s Hall after the 8am Service and at
St James, Byabarra
9am to 1pm
Funds raised will be added to the Parish contribution
to Scripture in Schools. Please send along jams,
pickles, cakes, craft items, flowers, plants, books, and
unwanted treasures – any saleable items. There will
be a raffle of a box of fruit and vegetables – goods
from IGA. Come along and support this wonderful
cause and our Parish Scripture teachers.
Funds raised at this stall will be donated to The Church
Army and SPCKA (Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge Australia). Each year we support six very
worthy missions within Australia, each doing their own
unique work in the community.
Once again we request your generous support to make
the stall a success. MU Christmas cards will be on sale.
STRENGTHENING OUR MISSION FOCUS
The Parish Council meetings now begin with a twenty minute Mission and Ministry focus. We are
continuing to review the Diocesan Mission and Ministry Overview Document and ask the questions - how
are we as a ministry unit, living into this document? What more could we do?
This month we looked at the following section
Attending to our Governance
 The lack of policy and procedure for everyday duties and procedures around the church, e.g.
money count, first aid, maintenance, hospitality, job descriptions and the like, was identified and
Parish Council resolved to develop a comprehensive Policy and Procedure Arch File to which
documents can be added as they become available. To this end parishioners are being asked to
draft descriptions of what they do regularly as part of church life. These will provide a starting
point for a working group to develop policies and procedures.
 The need for a Communications Day Book in which the general happenings around the office are
recorded, instructions given, messages relayed, and enquiries and contact details noted, was also
discussed.
 There was a discussion about the increasing administrative demands placed on the parish
infrastructure and the way in which the parish office serves the needs of the Parish and, by
extension, the Diocese. How can Parish Council better support staff in meeting these needs?
 How can we better utilise the parish website to advertise special events and promote the pastoral
care which is available? Is training required in putting material up on the site?
Time of Grief
Sybil Odd
Freda Howe
Our condolences and prayers for the families of Sybil Odd
and Freda Howe who died recently.
National Ultreya will be held on 2426 October, 2014, at Coffs Harbour.
For registration & information go to
www.coffsharbouranglicanchurch.or
g/cursillo-2014-national-gathering/
or
Email:
[email protected]
What an amazing week in the Women’s Correctional Centre at Kempsey! Rae Layton from
Port Macquarie led an inside team of twenty four committed Christian women who were
supported by an equally committed outside team of eleven men and women including our
own Hilary Ellis. We came together to share a five day short course in Christian living with
eighteen participants. This is the first time a Women’s Kairos team has been allowed into
Kempsey and it was a very powerful time of sharing and witnessing to God’s forgiveness and
grace. Lives have been changed by people experiencing Jesus’ unconditional love for them
for the first time. This love was powerfully expressed in the encouraging letters and the gifts
of biscuits received from so many of you. Although physically imprisoned, some have come
to understand that they can be spiritually set free. It has been an incredible privilege for me
to have served as a spiritual advisor on the team, and to have met some very courageous
women. I ask you to continue your prayers for them as they seek to live out Christian lives in
a predominantly unchristian environment. I praise God for the work of the Holy Spirit
through this special ministry. Thankyou for releasing me from the parish to be part of it. I
went thinking I would be ministering to prisoners. They ministered to me!
Rev Judy
Treatment of Asylum Seekers
At the recent Synod of the Diocese of Grafton, the following motion was passed after an energetic debate
over whether th Church had the right to speak publically on political issues. While some argued the risk of
the Church becoming a political lobby group, others wholeheartedly expressed the view that the Church
was called to be God’s voice for justice in the world. It is interesting that at no time was the issue of
injustice or the biblical imperative for caring for the alien in the land, questioned or challenged.
R39/14: That this Synod, while recognising that the policy in regard to asylum seekers is morally, and
practically, complex, expresses its grave concern regarding the inhumane treatment of asylum
seekers, and calls on the Australian Government to change the present policy in the following ways:
To discontinue the use of the term "illegal" in relation to asylum seekers (Article 31 UN
Refugee Convention 1954, to which Australia is a signatory, states "...it is incorrect to
refer to asylum seekers who arrive without authorisation as illegal..."
2. To prioritise the release of children from detention centres and to ensure that there are
community groups willing to care for them (such detention being in contravention of the
UN Charter on the Rights of the Child which came into effect on 2nd September 1991
and which Australia ratified).
3. Increase resources to facilitate processing of asylum seekers' applications, recognising
that periods of detention greater than three months put detainees at clear risk of serious
mental illness.
4. Make transparent the processing of asylum seekers, both in Australia and in overseas
detention centres, as they apply for protection as refugees (Article 31 of the Refugee
Convention 1954 'This article recognises that refugees have a lawful right to enter a
country for the purpose of seeking asylum, regardless of how they arrive or whether they
hold valid travel or identity documents").
5. Abandon plans to relocate asylum seekers to PNG, Nauru, Cambodia or another country
against their will.
6. Increase the number of asylum seekers who can be resettled into Australia.
7. Recognise it is inappropriate to hand over asylum seekers to the authorities of the
country from which they have fled.
1.
The Synod requests the Registrar to write to the Prime Minister and Minister of Immigration and
Border Protection to convey the contents of this resolution and to report back to the next session of
Synod.
The Synod also endorses the efforts of Ministry Units and Anglicare North Coast in publicising this
issue and providing practical assistance for refugees. Synod requests Bishop-in-Council to form a
working group to resource Ministry Units on this issue and to continue to respond to this issue on
behalf of the diocese.
PARISH COUNCILLOR PROFILE - Robert Drysdale, Warden
Born in Balmain, I moved to Putney when I was nine years old. My parents owned
a holiday home at Long Jetty were we spent school holidays and a lot of weekends
during my school years. I started school at Rozelle and then continued at Putney
and then Meadowbank Boys High. When I finished school, I started work at
Cockatoo Island where I did my trade, and went to work at sea as an Electrician.
During this time I trained as a Marine Engineer. For thirty five years I remained at
sea. This included twenty two years in the Offshore Oil Industry. In 2005 I had a
small accident which stopped me from returning to work so I retired.
I Met Frances on the Central Coast when we were quite young and became close friends. We married and
had four children. We are now the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren. We bought our first house
at Killarney Vale in 1969 and then our farm at Rollands Plains in 1991.
I was raised as a Baptist and Frances, an Anglican. I was baptised and confirmed in an Anglican Church as
an adult and have attended church at The Entrance, Bateau Bay and Wauchope. After I retired, I was
elected to the Parish Council at Wauchope in 2006, took a couple of years off and went back on in 2010.
This year is my second year as a Warden.
Sport and Interests – Well, I started swimming very young and, as a member of Ryde ASC, did my Bronze
Medallion. I also played water polo, took up diving with Frances, sailed in VJs and 16 footers, played
tennis, soccer, Ruby League football, and boxed with Parramatta Police Boys Club. I had a few fights in
Jimmy Sharman’s and Roy Bell’s fight tents. I took up motor bike riding and got my Private Pilots’ Licence
and flew light planes. Now I enjoy the outdoors and playing around with our Red Poll Cattle.
Robert
Bishop Sarah’s inaugural address to Synod
Bishop Sarah began by referring to the results of
the Discernment Synod in which the people of
the Diocese described the Diocese as
‘theologically diverse’ and ‘in trouble financially,
numerically and in (its) reputation’. She noted
that ‘the financial crisis precipitated by
uncontrolled debt and the shame and distress
that followed the revelations about inadequate
response to victims of abuse’ …. ‘had left
members of the Diocese shocked and uncertain.
This combined with ageing congregations,
demographic shifts and a rapid changing society,
contributed to an awareness of a need to change
but uncertainty about how to go about that
change.’
She affirmed the ‘good ministries’ that are
happening and the ‘many connections made
with people outside the church’, but reminded
us that the challenge we had identified and live
with, is that these are ‘not leading into vibrant
communities of faith’.
“We believe that we have the words of life, we
drink from the living water, we know Jesus. How
do we communicate this? How do we offer this
to others in ways which will touch them and lead
them to God?’ The challenge, she said, was a
dual one – first, working out how to ‘do church
in the 21st century’, and, secondly, operating
from a central administration which is ‘efficient,
transparent and responsive’.
Bishop Sarah encouraged us by reminding us that
the answers lay in our confidence in God’s
faithfulness, our prayerfulness and an ability to
listen to God’s leading, our willingness to change,
our generosity, and, finally, an acknowledgement
that ‘perhaps our way is not the only way, or even
the best way’. She emphasised resources that we
already have at our disposal and she noted that in
the future there would be many and varied
expressions of Anglican community, ‘some of
which we cannot even imagine at the moment’. In
speaking of the journey through change, Bishop
Sarah pointed out that, ‘If we try too hard to
protect and maintain the church as we know it, we
run the risk of stifling the very change that needs
to happen’.
Another aspect of Bishop Sarah’s address to
Synod was her reference to the need for strong
leadership from the parish level onwards, the
key elements of which included, understanding
context, building a shared vision, having clear
values, thinking strategically and working as a
team as ‘we journey with each other and with
God’.
Bishop Sarah concluded her address with the
following. ‘If we, Jesus’ disciples, cannot be
courageous, who can? If we do not step out in
faith, who will? We have nothing to fear: the
victory has been won. We have oil in our lamps.
In the encounter with Jesus, scarcity becomes
abundance, the broken become whole, and the
alienated are brought back into relationship. Our
God goes with us, before us and after us. Let us,
therefore, lead lives worthy of the calling to
which [we] have been called, with all humility
and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one
another
in
love’.
(Ephesians
4:1-2)
It was a delight to welcome Ebony Rose Wallace into God’s family
on Sunday 14 September. Although Ebony was beautifully dressed
for the occasion she was not impressed with Rev Judy messing up her
hairdo! Older brother Beau had already tested the water while Mum,
Joanne, looked on. All was well in the end and Ebony posed for the
group photo with Mum and Dad (Trevor), godparents, Terri-Anne,
Michael, Leonie and Peter, Rev Judy, Parish Sponsor, Helen Hoare, and
MU Sponsor Beth Scaysbrook.
OPEN 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, except Public Holidays
Congratulations to a team of exceptionally hard working volunteers who
have supervised the biannual ‘change of season’ turnover. As a result we
have plenty of women’s summer gear but are running a little short on
men’s wear. Are you able to help? Please ensure the garments are in good
repair and freshly laundered. This helps lighten the load no end and ensures
the goods are immediately presentable for sale.
Parish Web
Don’t forget all publications of the Parish Web can now be found in glorious colour on the Parish web site
www.stmatthewswauchope.com. Please visit this site to see the great work that is going into this evolving
means of communication for the Parish. Should anyone wish to have a copy of the Parish Web in colour, this
will cost $5 per copy because of the expense of colour printing.
St Matthew’s Community Lunch
When? Tuesdays
Time? 12.30-1.30pm
Where? Church Hall
What do we need?
 Bread
 Soup
 Helpers
Who’s in charge?
Frances and Robert
Phone - 6585 8022
The first few weeks of this new initiative have seen around 16-18
guests enjoying a wonderful variety of tasty nutritious home-made
soups, bread rolls and desert. We have been joined by members of our
congregation along with people living alone, families, and passers-by,
as well as those who appreciate one less meal to have to find when
times are a bit tough. Even then, several have wanted to contribute
towards the cost of their meal.
Not only have our guests enjoyed each other’s company over lunch,
but the volunteers have commented on what a great experience it has
been for them, getting to know members of our wider community and
providing a welcoming and friendly atmosphere in which people can
relax and feel safe. Rev Judy has also been available at this time for
people to chat with or discuss matters of concern.
Thankyou to all who are contributing in so many ways to this outreach
ministry. Please tell your friends – they might like to help in some way.
Encouragement and Faith
Deuteronomy 31:6
Be strong and of good courage,
do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the Lord your God, He is the
One who goes with you.
He will not leave you
nor forsake you.
Read 1Samuel 3
Hebrews 11:32-34
Samuel loved God and obeyed
without question. His integrity
prevented him from taking
advantage of his authority. His
first loyalty was to God,
regardless of what the people
or king thought of him.
From the Rector
....Go mice!!!!!
While the cat’s away!
Rev Judy will be at Ministry
School from 13-15 Oct. LLM
Frankie Gatenby will cover
the
services
involved.
Should you have a pastoral
need or require a Clergy
person during this time
please ring the Rector’s
Warden, Frances Drysdale 65858022
Fund Raising
Our Window’ Correspondence Cards
@ $2 each
Good quality pens in attractive
metallic colours with our Parish
details @ $4 each
A Message from Our CEO
Good Morning, I am God.
Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If
the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it.
SaKindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. It will be addressed in MY time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed in the box, do not hold onto it or remove it. Holding on or removal
will delay the resolution to your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling,
* please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution.
Because I do not sleep, nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose sleep. Rest my child; if
you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away. Never be afraid to try something new. Remember
that amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic.
Have a blessed day, Love God
NB ‘Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all ways
acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.’ Proverbs 3:5-6
Next Issue – articles to be submitted by October 15, 2014 by hand, post or email to
[email protected]. Plenty of photos with your article please.
Rector’s Warden – Frances
Drysdale 6585 8022
People’s Wardens
Robert Drysdale 6585 8022
Val Fraser 6585 9234
Byabarra – Helen Kentish
0418 422 516
Ellenborough – N/A
Pappinbarra –
Jeannette Rainbow 6585 1895
Pastoral Care Coordinator
Robert Drysdale
Telecare Ministry
Beryl Guthrie 6586 4896
Home Communions
Frankie Gatenby 6585 332
MU Beth Scaysbrook
6585 3213
OP Shop Ruth Currey
65852160
Make your views known to Parish Council
In this Month’s Suggestion Box
Nil
October 2014
Monday
Rector’s
Day Off
6
13
20
27
9.30am Bible
Study
Ellenborough
9.30am Bible St
Ellenborough
9.30am Bible
Study
Ellenborough
9.30am Bible
Study
Ellenborough
Ministry School
(Rev Judy)
Tuesday
7
14
21
28
7.30 pm Bible
Study (Rectory)
Ministry School
(Rev Judy)
7.30pm Bible
Study (Rectory)
7.30pm Bible
Study (Rectory)
29
No Bible Study
Wednesday
1
8
15
22
Rev Judy away
10am Eucharist
Ministry School
(Rev Judy)
10am Eucharist
10am Eucharist
1pm MU AGM
10am Eucharist
6.30 LEO
The Tavern
Thursday
2
9
16
23
Rev Judy away
Rev Judy @ BIC
Grafton
2pm Bible
Study (Oxley
Centre)
MU Celebration
Day & AGM
Grafton
2pm Bible
Study (Oxley
Centre)
4pm Parish
Council
2pm Bible
Study (Oxley
Centre)
3
10
17
24
Rev Judy away
Rev Judy @
Presentation
Board, Grafton
National
Cursillo Ultreya
Coffs Harbour
10.30am
Bundaleer
Hostel
7pm Taize
11am
Bundaleer NH
4
11
2pm Bible
Study (Oxley
Centre)
Friday
9am-1pm
Street Stall
Saturday
Parish Web
articles due
18
25
9am EfM
National
Cursillo Ultreya
Coffs Harbour
30
31
1 Nov
2pm EfM
Sunday
See front cover
for all service
times and
Pew Sheets for
variations
5
12
19
26
2 Nov
(Byabarra)
(Ellenborough
Informal Family
Service)
9.40am
Baptism
National
Cursillo Ultreya
Coffs Harbour
Anglicare
Sunday
Church Mission
Stall
(Ellenborough)
5pm STAND
(Pappinbarra)
5pm STAND
(Byabarra)
UPCOMING: 2 Nov - Anglicare Sunday, Church Mission Stall; 15 Nov – Diocesan Ultreya, Grafton, EfM
Mentor Training, Grafton; 30 Nov – (time tba) Masonic Service