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Hello Faith Pals, We rejoice that some of the Covid-19 restrictions have lifted.  It is still uncertain when we will be able to meet for worship on Sundays, but when we are able, we will let everyone know. Happy Monday!  I started writing this now, because I was intending to wash the bed linen but one cat is still asleep on the bed (Janet Soo will understand this dilemma!) so I thought I would send out my email while I wait.  I then looked at my Edward Hays, book and on November 8, he lists it as ‘New Soap Day.’! How appropriate, I thought, as I wait to do a load of laundry. So…let me tell you about new soap day.  Apparently back in 1890 a new soap appeared , but no one was interested in it.  It had been invented by a German chemist named Krafft.  He had discovered if you mixed certain chemicals with alcohol, it made a lather-like soap from fat.  Then came World War 1 (and yes, this is another of those inventions due to war).  When the Allies blockaded Germany, no one was able to obtain natural fats (used for soap) but two men remembered Krafft’s invention, and produced a German wartime substitute for soap, a synthetic detergent that left no scum.  In 1946 this synthetic detergent was manufactured under the name Tide. So…soap…as we know it today-born from conflict, tension and the passion to find a wartime soap substitute.  Another useful product that has come out of war. Now, Edward Hays writes that we can learn a spiritual lesson from detergent (he even suggests that we might put a bottle of detergent next to our Bible, or near where we pray!) The Latin detergere means ‘to wipe away.’  Hays writes: ‘It is divine to deterge a friend, spouse or stranger’s sin as soon as it happens.  Without waiting to be asked to pardon whatever mess the offense might have created, deterge it, wipe it up at once with a love-soaked sponge.  Deterging is difficult even when someone asks you to do it, and is really amazing when you do it before being asked.  Yet life becomes more harmonious and full of grace the faster you go to work on deterging the spills, spots and stains others make in your life.’ So…soap.  Are you going to look at it differently now? ‘Have mercy on me, O God …blot out my transgressions. wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin, …Purge me with hyssop, and i shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.’ -Psalm 51, vss1, 2, 7 ‘let us approach with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.’ -Hebrews 10: 22 News: Jack came through surgery, but there is still a long way to go regarding healing/recovery.  Please keep Elv, Martin, Noy and Jack in your prayers, please. This is a big week for Alan and Fredrica: blood tests and appointments today, and chemotherapy on Wednesday.  Please keep them in your prayers, as well as Rohini and Jaya, Shirley Edwards, Margaret Wills.  Also Lex and Leora.  Lex  went home on Thursday, and is doing very well, but again, a long road to recovery after open-heart surgery. Really-put ALL of the church family in your prayers! Plus our military, and those who have served in war.  It is Remembrance Day on Wednesday, so let us remember those who were willing to sacrifice their lives for freedom: ‘On 11 November 1918, the guns of the Western Front fell silent after four years of continuous warfare. With their armies retreating and close to collapse, German leaders signed an Armistice, bringing to an end the First World War. From the summer of 1918, the five divisions of the Australian Corps had been at the forefront of the allied advance to victory. Beginning with their stunning success at the battle of Hamel in July, they helped to turn the tide of the war at Amiens in August, followed by the capture of Mont St Quentin and Pèronne, and the breaching of German defences at the Hindenburg Line in September. By early October the exhausted Australians were withdrawn from battle. They had achieved a fighting reputation out of proportion to their numbers, but victory had come at a heavy cost. They suffered almost 48,000 casualties during 1918, including more than 12,000 dead. In the four years of the war more than 330,000 Australians had served overseas, and more than 60,000 of them had died. The social effects of these losses cast a long shadow over the postwar decades.’ It is also NAIDOC Week; so let us celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.  This reflection is from our Synod website: Always was, Always will be Always was Always will be The Lands I walk on And the Lands that walk within me To know the history of First Peoples Is to know the importance of place, To know what being on country is, Is to know and feel the connection To want to hear the stories and feel the stories is our call to all, To want to know and hear the Lands as a gift, to our being and knowing, To know and hear from First Peoples, is how we as First and Second Peoples are called to the growing To know the significance and compass that abounds us, as First Peoples through place, is to know our links to the Land surpasses all time and space But in knowing that connection Is to know and reflect on, dispossession and its true realisation, To hear the Land relation, is a call to know and reflect on the impacts of invasion and colonisation What is country, what is milaythina ningee (Mother Earth) in the now and in the forever time for First Peoples? Stolen lands, At the colonisers

Hello Faith Pals, This week’s sermon does not follow the lectionary.  I thought about the church service opportunities that have been missed due to lockdown.  One of these was Harvest Thanksgiving. This service, a regular feature in the country, is also celebrated in cities.  I thought it would be good to base the service/sermon around it, as I am sure that during lockdown we have become more aware/mindful of the many blessings we have received from God, and being thankful/grateful is our response back to the Divine Giver.  ‘Give thanks for unknown blessings already on their way.’ -Native American proverb. Or, as the 13th century theologian/mystic Meister Eckhart once wrote: ‘If the only prayer you said was “Thank you” that would be enough.’ A bit more on Meister Eckhart: Meister Eckhart (1260- 1327) was a Germany mystic, theologian and philosopher. Eckhart taught a radical religious philosophy of seeing God in all. His mystical experiences and practical spiritual philosophy gained him a popular following, but it also caused him to be tried for heresy by a local inquisition. Despite having writings condemned as heretical, he remains an important source of mystical experience within the Christian tradition. As his popularity grew, some senior church figures were worried his teachings were heretical. In 1326, Eckhart was formally charged with heresy, and in 1326 the Archbishop of Cologne ordered an inquisitorial process. In February 1327, Eckhart made a passionate defence of his beliefs. He denied he had done anything wrong and made a public protestation of his innocence. Eckhart claimed that his sermons were designed to encourage ordinary people and monks to aspire to do good and develop an unselfish love of God. He may have used unorthodox language, but his intentions were noble and designed to make people appreciate the most important spiritual concepts of Christ’s teachings. I have been meaning to send you this poem by Pam Ayres for ages!  Some of you have read it already, but for those who haven’t, I hope you will have a chuckle.  I like Pam Ayres; I have seen her on tour several times, and she comes across as a normal, ordinary person.  I know Jan Serpell is a huge fan, too. PAM AYRES – Poem about the coronavirus  I’m normally a social girl I love to meet my mates But lately with the virus here we can’t go out the gates. You see, we are the ‘oldies’ now We need to stay inside If they haven’t seen us for a while They’ll think we’ve upped and died. They’ll never know the things we did Before we got this old There wasn’t any FaceBook So not everything was told. We may seem sweet old ladies Who would never be uncouth, But we grew up in the 60s – If you only knew the truth! There was sex and drugs and rock ‘n roll The pill and miniskirts We smoked, we drank, we partied And were quite outrageous flirts. Then we settled down, got married And turned into someone’s mum, Somebody’s wife, then nana, Who on earth did we become? We didn’t mind the change of pace Because our lives were full But to bury us before we’re dead Is like red rag to a bull! So here you find me stuck inside For 4 weeks, maybe more I finally found myself again Then I had to close the door! It didn’t really bother me I’d while away the hour I’d bake for all the family But I’ve got no flaming flour! Now Netflix is just wonderful I like a gutsy thriller I’m swooning over Idris Or some random sexy killer. At least I’ve got a stash of booze For when I’m being idle There’s wine and whisky, even gin If I’m feeling suicidal! So, let’s all drink to lockdown To recovery and health And hope this awful virus Doesn’t decimate our wealth. We’ll all get through the crisis And be back to join or mates Just hoping I’m not far too wide To fit through the flaming gates!                  * Are you smiling? ‘Happiness never decreases by being shared.’-Buddhist teaching News: please keep Alan and Fredrica, Rohini and Jaya, Shirley Edwards, Margaret Wills, Lex and Leora, Jack, Martin, Noy and Elv in your prayers.  Jack is having his operation today. Alan is having blood tests on Monday, and his last chemotherapy treatment on Wednesday. Lex was meant to come home yesterday.  I am not sure if that happened, but will check over the weekend (I will leave them to rest today). I want to include this story.  I shared it with several of you earlier in the week, so you folk can skip it, or re-read it.  You may need a tissue: A Glass of Milk by Author Unknown One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door. Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk. He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?” “You don’t owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.” He said….. “Then I thank you from my heart.” As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit. Year’s later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease. Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light

Hello Faith Pals, It is ‘All Soul’s Day’ today.  A day to remember those who have died, and the legacy they have left us.  As it follows on from All Saint’s Day, it has been a couple of days with (hopefully) happy memories, as well as a time to remember those heroes of faith.  October 31 was Reformer’s Day, so you have had plenty to think about!  May your gratitude have been included in prayer. I know not everyone has fond family memories.  I always say though, that even if you don’t have happy memories of your parents, you can at least give thanks that they created you and gave birth to you. Now, I have this story that comes via Peter Campbell from Heatherton-Dingley.  It is from a rabbi, but plenty in it for we Christians  to think about too.  Some explanations first: Jews do not mention God’s name, so that is why there is G-d, or HaShem (‘the name’; another way of referring to God). Noach = Noah.  L’Chaim is a blessing, meaning ‘to life.’ I was reflecting on Noach this morning and his behaviour after leaving the ark. The world as he knew it had been decimated and he had spent an entire year in lockdown. It was isolation for him in that ark together with his family and the animals he brought along. The Torah commentators tell us G-d was displeased with Noach for planting a vineyard as the first activity after departing the boat. This action had led to the incident of his drunkenness. (Yes, I am sure we can all relate to him feeling the need to have a drink after that ordeal but G-d was not impressed). We understand the drunk behaviour was inappropriate but what was his initial error and why was Hashem displeased with the planting of the vineyard? Some explain that Noach’s issue was that of his priorities. Instead of focusing on rebuilding the world so to speak, he chose a task which was once again all about himself. His direct immediate pleasure. This was reminiscent of the generation that had just been wiped off the face of the earth. HaShem had hoped that after a year in quarantine, Noach would have ensured the way forward would be different. He was hoping the ways of the world before the flood would look different to the ones after. Noach’s initial actions did not give Hashem confidence that this would happen. In a sense I feel like here in Victoria we are about to get off the Ark as well. Fortunately Covid numbers are staying low and there seems to be light at the end of this Corona tunnel. It appears we can soon send out our “dove” and it won’t return, signifying it is safe to leave the ark . The question is, however, how has this experience changed us? Do we “step off the boat” and resume life as it was before? Do we forget the crucial messages these past months have taught us? Do we immediately plant a vineyard? It was heartwarming to see so much care and concern people showed each other during this time. We had come to notice and acknowledge the value in so many aspects of life that were wrongfully ignored beforehand. The treatment and respect for others has been a real focus of this time. I get a sense, unfortunately, that we are slowly shifting back to before Covid ways. We are seemingly preparing to plant the vineyard. Let’s not make Noach’s mistake. Let’s step off the ark and create a world of which we can all be proud. A world where even though we may disagree with another’s view , we still show respect and dignity. A world where we continue to care for our most vulnerable. A world where we show appreciation and give thanks to those who make our lives a little easier or better. A world where we continuously ask how can I help another? And then, and only then, can we say Lchaim! So there is much in this story for us to ponder.  What will we hold on to after we are back to the ‘new normal’?  If you have enjoyed the slower pace of life, how can you hold on to this?  What have you enjoyed?  It might be getting out for your walks, concentrating on the beauty in your 5kms; discovering your own neighbourhood and its gardens and parks. What did you do that was different?  Did you learn a new skill/new recipe?  Maybe some of you took up a new language or hobby.  Maybe the knowledge came from how you act under pressure?  Perhaps the things you were going to do (ie cleaning out cupboards) didn’t seem important as the time went on.  Enthusiasm in the early days gave way to either despondency or a type of acceptance.  Don’t feel that you didn’t use your time well if you didn’t do anything new/clean and sort etc.  These have been difficult and challenging times, and this crisis has played havoc on our mental wellbeing, and our physical stamina.  Just be glad of who you are, and how you have coped. God has never left us; God still operates within and outside the 25 km of steel! Maybe during this time you have thought about the church (oh I know you have!  We are missing face to face worship and fellowship).  BUT we have been ‘church’ in a myriad of different ways. During the past 10 months or so, have there been ideas about the church that you would like to implement/see put into practice when we return?  A group you might like to start up, or assist in starting up (such as a book group/movie night)?  Ideas for worship?  For meditation?  If you have ideas/thoughts, would you be able to email them to me over the next month, and I will compile them for Heeyoung Lim for when she commences in early December.  This has

Hello Faith Pals, I don’t think I have shared this story before. Well, if I have, then I have forgotten…and you probably have too! Adversity in our lives affects everyone in different ways. While some people may act a certain way in a situation, another individual may react to the same situation. Through these times of trials and hardships, people can either grown and become stronger or they can become depressed and fall into a pit of despair. The short story  gives us a great illustration of the kinds of people that not only deal with life’s difficulties and hardships, but also, of what they can become. A certain daughter complained to her father about her life and how things have been so hard for her. She did not how she was going to make it and she wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed that just as one problem was solved another arose. Her father, a chef, took her to the kitchen, filled three pots with water and placed the fire on high. Soon the three pots came to a boil. In one he placed carrots, in the other he placed eggs, and the last he placed ground coffee beans. He let them sit and boil, without saying a word. The daughter sucked her teeth and impatiently wondered what he was trying to do. She had problems, and he was making this strange concoction. A half hour later he walked over to the oven and turned down the fire. He pulled the carrots out and placed them in the bowl. He pulled the eggs out and placed them in the bowl. Then he ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her he asked. “Darling what do you see?” Smartly, she replied. “Carrots, eggs, and coffee.” He brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they were soft. He then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, he asked her to sip the coffee. Her face frowned from the strength of the coffee. Humbly, she asked. “What does it mean Father?” He explained. Each of them faced the same adversity, 212 degrees of boiling water. However each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard, and unrelenting. But after going through boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg was fragile. A thin outer shell protected a liquid center. But after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The coffee beans are unique however. After they were in the boiling water, it became stronger and richer. “Which are you?” he asked his daughter. When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? Are you the carrot that seems hard, but with the smallest amount of pain, adversity or heat, you wilt and become soft with no strength. Are you the egg, which starts off with a malleable heart? A fluid spirit. But after a breakup, a divorce, a layoff you became hardened and stiff. Your shell looks the same, but you are so bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and heart, internally. Or are you like the coffee bean? The bean does not get its peak flavor and robust until it reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit. When the water gets the hottest, it just tastes better. When things are at their worst, you get better. When the hour is the darkest, you rise to another level. How do you handle adversity? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean? https://mygoodtimestories.com/2014/03/30/the-story-of-the-carrots-eggs-and-coffee So, when you eat today, look at your food and what you are drinking, and remember this story.  It can apply to other food/drink items.  Are you weak, like your tea, or do you stay in a situation for longer and become stronger (ie leave the tea bag in to stew). Are you like bread, starting to come apart or crumble?  Or are you as strong as a nut-tough, or firm? (Or are you like a block of milk or white chocolate-always sweet?  If I hadn’t put ‘milk or white’ one of you might have emailed me and said you were like dark chocolate-bitter!  BUT that would have been spam mail because you are ALL LOVELY!) ‘My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.’-Psalm 73:26 ‘Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his presence continually.’ -1 Chronicles 16:11 News: we continue to pray for Alan and Fredrica, Rohini and Jaya, Bruce and Maggie, Rob Weir’s Aunt Elv and Martin, Noy and Jack, Shirley Edwards, Lex and Leora. I spoke to Shirley Edwards yesterday, and she is hoping to come home today. I spoke to Leora.  Lex has come through his open heart surgery.  If Lex is moved out of Intensive Care today, Leora will be able to visit him.  If there is more news, I will send out an email. To close with a short prayer by Martin Luther, as we prepare for All Saint’s Day, and Reformation Day: Good advice! Blessings and love Barbara

Hello Faith Pals, As I watch the wind tossing the leaves outside (writing that reminds me of the Australian Christmas carol: ‘The north wind is tossing the leaves, the red dust is over the town…’)  I think back to the reflection in With Love To The World, which was set for yesterday.  It was about Psalm 1: ‘Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked. or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of the scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. The wicked are not so. but are like chaff that the wind drives away.’ -Psalm 1: 1-4 We learn a lot from modern takes of this psalm.  In James Taylor’s (NOT the American singer) Everyday Psalms, this Canadian writer: ‘They stand like trees growing by a lake. Their roots go down deep, drawing strength from the whole history of human experience, waters that will never dry up. They blossom in spring and bear fruit in the fall. They will not wither in tough times. The drifters are not like that; their roots are as shallow as tumbleweeds. In the heat of the summer, they blow away in the wind. They have nothing to hold them upright. They cannot hold on when storms howl.’ In the late Bruce Prewer’s book, Australian Psalms, he give us a more familiar Australian mage : ‘Such people are like great red gums growing by the riverside; Flowering every season, defying drought, and constantly putting forth new growth. Not so unloving people; they are like grass in a willy-willy. When pressure is on they can’t take it, nor can they stand the company of good folk. Those who love have their tap-roots in God; the unloving are rootless.’ So my question to you is: what sort of tree/bush/shrub are you?  A tall gum?  If you are feeling burdened at present, perhaps you are more like a weeping willow?  A gentle silver birch (with a  strong network of roots!), a lavender bush?  A Japanese maple?  We have 3 in our garden.  One is very small, and I thought it had died but no!  It has finally announced itself with bright red leaves. Have a think about it.  The writer of Sunday’s reflection, Rev Charissa Suli, ended her piece with these words: ‘Today, let us reflect on which parts of our lives are flourishing like a tree planted by streams of water, and which parts are withering and in need of nourishment.’ News: a reminder that Lex Ross will be going into Epworth hospital on Wednesday for open heart surgery.  I hope to update you regarding his progress, probably on Friday evening after speaking to Leora.  Lex will be in ICU for several days, and Leora will be unable to visit him until he is on the cardiac ward.  We hold them in our prayers, in our hearts, with love. We continue to pray for Bruce and Maggie, Alan and Fredrica, Rohini and Jaya, Shirley Edwards, Ed Bahn, Marj Brownjohn, and Joan Addinsall. We have a new prayer request, from Rob Weir.  You may remember that back in July Rob’s Uncle Kev died, and we prayed for Rob’s Aunty Elv.  We continue to hold her in our prayers, and now include her son, Martin who returns to Thailand on Tuesday, to be reunited with his wife Noy and son Jack. They run a backpacker’s resort on the island of Koh Phangan.  We pray for safe travel, and also for an easing in Covid 19 so that their business gets back on track.  We also pray for Jack, who is facing surgery early in the new year. There is a Church Council meeting tonight, so we include the members of Church Council in our prayers, aware of all the work they are doing behind the scenes, during this difficult time. Here is a beautiful song/prayer which was in a Presbytery email last week.  Robin Mann is so gifted, and a humble man: Because we bear your name Robin Mann Lord Jesus, we belong to you,  you live in us, we live in you;  we live and work for you — because we bear your name. Help us receive each other, Lord,  for you receive the least of us  and come to us in them  because we bear your name.  Keep us from missing out on life;  give hands that help,  and single sight,  and feet that walk your way —  because we bear your name.  Hear the whole song online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGCoJy5fwFQ Well, that is probably enough to keep you going!  I have concluded this email with a beautiful story that Lex Ross sent to me. Blessings and love Barbara       The Cab Ride   I arrived at the address and honked the horn. After waiting a few minutes, I walked to the door and knocked.. ‘Just a minute’, answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 90’s stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940’s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. ‘Would you carry my bag out to the car?’ she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness. ‘It’s nothing’, I told her.. ‘I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother to be treated.’

Hello Faith Pals, I thought today was the public holiday for the Grand Final.  I am behind the times; it has been changed to ‘Thank you’ Day. Well, I am not sure what I think of that; I think we could be more thankful for those in positions of power, those with medical knowledge, who are trying to keep us safe, and advising us on what to do.  I know the measures are unpopular, and people are getting sick of being in lockdown, but we have to remember we are sailing through uncharted waters.  We will get through this, and one day, all will be well.  I don’t think we need a day to pat ourselves on the back.  We are just trying to do the right thing. Besides, if we transfer being thankful from ourselves, to others, then our gratitude for others should extend beyond a designated public holiday.  Let us thank God for the many people in our lives for whom we are thankful, present day and through the years. Now, about the Grand Final.  You don’t know everything about me, so you may not know that I am not a sports fan (I don’t have a competitive bone in my body!)  The best grand final was about 12 years ago when it was a draw!  Both teams should have got a trophy. For me, it isn’t about winning-it is about doing your best and having fun.  Sometimes these sports players do not look as if they are enjoying themselves, and then become very upset if they lose.  I think that is why I enjoy watching the Paralympics (which began in 1948) or the Invictus games: they are winners being there, overcoming disability and injury.  They are heroes.  Here is the story of the beginnings of the Invictus Games: Most of us will never know the full horrors of combat. Many Servicemen and women suffer life-changing injuries, visible or otherwise, whilst serving their country. How do these men and women find the motivation to move on and not be defined by their injuries? On a trip to the Warrior Games in the USA in 2013, HRH The Duke of Sussex saw first-hand how the power of sport can help physically, psychologically and socially those suffering from injuries and illness. He was inspired by his visit and the Invictus Games was born. The word ‘invictus’ means ‘unconquered’. It embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick Service personnel and personifies what these tenacious men and women can achieve post injury. The Games harness the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for those who serve their country. The Invictus Games is about much more than just sport – it captures hearts, challenges minds and changes lives. “We have a new chance at life, which is not necessarily worse than the old one. I do many things now without my legs that I didn’t do when I had legs.” Competitor, Italian Team https://invictusgamesfoundation.org/foundation/story/ Well, that is probably enough about sport, BUT another lesson from sport is that of not giving up.  Who remembers reading Dr Seuss?  Perhaps The Cat In The Hat? (what a naughty cat!)  or O The Places You’ll Go! (a lovely title for post lock down!)  This was the last book to be published before he died-we could say that the book that was about exciting journeys may have been a foretaste of his final one, the unending journey, to eternal life. Seuss did not give up.  His first book was rejected 27 times, but he persevered. Theodor Geisel (Dr Seuss) persisted in his style of creativity which he called ‘logical insanity.’  For a cat wearing a hat and wrecking havoc, from green eggs and ham, a fish that outgrew its bowl, to an elephant sitting on a tree in order to hatch an egg- these all speak of ‘logical insanity’.  They also speak of possibilities, or ‘why not?’ Think of our faith; the Son of God living in this world, around ordinary people.  The creation of the planet for us to enjoy and delight in.  The miracle of birth.  Jesus’ resurrection from the dead!  An empty tomb!  The healing of Lazarus…the feeding of 5,000…the curing of the sick…why not? We worship an awe inspiring God. News: please keep Alan and Fredrica in your thoughts and prayers.  Alan’s blood results were not the best this week, his psa had gone up 32 points.  The good news is that his other blood tests were fine.  What this means is that the next 3 weeks is critical.  We will know more on November 11, which is meant to be the last bout of chemotherapy for Alan.   If his psa continues to rise, then Alan will be sent for a detailed body and bone scan (which would be after Nov 11). Please keep Bruce and Maggie in your prayers.  Maggie was saying that they have found a really interesting website that not only talks about Bruce’s condition, but gives positive ways to improve the prognosis/general health.  One of the things that is encouraged is prayer and positive thinking, and a good , wholefood diet.  This is very much inline with what Alan Kingbury’s integrative physician told Alan and Fredrica.  Prayer is very important, and is part of the treatment. This is what Maggie wrote in her email: ‘The website we found in the US is: http://healingals.org It has given us hope for the future as we have been able to connect with others dealing with ALS/MND. We are learning about how many are not only experiencing remission but reversal of symptoms and a life that returns more to normal. One of the main components in reversals is the healing power of prayer and positive thinking — using the mind to help heal the body. We are praying everyday asking God for His healing power for Bruce — and expecting God’s love to and mercy to heal. We also know that

Hello Faith Pals, Welcome to another week.  Now, for those of you who are craving some different forms of exercise, here is a link to free dance classes from other countries.  This comes via Margaret Eoe.  The website gives you some idea of the work that Margaret  is involved in at the Southern Migrant & Refugee Centre: https://smrc.org.au/dance-up-australia or https://smrc.org.au This clip comes from Peter Byrne.  The singer is Audrey Assad.  This is a beautiful rendition of Holy, holy, holy, with gorgeous nature photography.  You could continue through her other beautiful hymns and songs all day! https://youtu.be/AgHrNNM23p8 <https://youtu.be/AgHrNNM23p8> Home work!  Geoff and Jan, I think you get gold stars for getting together some sayings: SAYINGS from Jan and Geoff Serpell During a brainstorming session: 14 October 2020 Don’t judge a book by its cover Grass is greener on the other side One day at a time A bird in hand is better than two in the bush To the world you are one person, but to one person you are the world Don’t put all your eggs in one basket The early bird gets the worm Look before you leap The golden rule..Do unto others..” Make hay while the sun shines We are like ships passing in the night It is what it is Don’t let the sun set on anger Too many cooks spoil the broth Many hands make light work The saying ‘it is what it is’ elicits many responses!  Some positive, some negative.  What do you think? I like the saying ‘it is better to give than to receive.’  BUT it is interesting thinking back to sayings or behaviours that we grew up with, and that perhaps governed us at times.  I remember that we were not a ‘dunking’ family.  Biscuits were not dunked in tea.  When I eventually did this at about the age of 25, in my own house, I thought a lightning bolt would strike me…BUT WHAT HAD I BEEN MISSING OUT ON!  Scientific testing proves that dunking a biscuit makes it taste better (to do with the molecules and heat).  If you dunk a chocolate ripple biscuit in a cup of tea-it tastes like a fudgy brownie.  Probably about 1/8 of the calories too!  Now…closer to getting out of lockdown.  But before rushing to do this, consider your house/unit/flat/living space.  It has been your constant friend to you over the last 7 months, and, of course, before that.  Everyone’s dwelling is different, and should reflect something of the occupant.  What does your living space say about you?  Do you have photos on display?  Ornaments (my husband calls them ‘dust collectors’ but I beg to differ)  If someone walked into your home for the first time, what could they sense about you?  Are you a reader?  Is there a piano?  Are there dog beds on the floor?  I am a bit of a clutter-duck.  I am a visual person-like seeing things out-I don’t use filing cabinets in an orderly fashion-but this works for me.  I remember my first year at university, sitting in a professor’s office.  All that was on his long desk was a notepad and a pen (well, that is all I remember).  He said that a tidy desk meant an orderly mind.  I remember thinking ‘How boring, what does he look at all day? ‘ (it did not face a window, just a blank wall, and this was before personal computer days).  Other people would find my study and my desk (gosh, even the way I file documents on the computer) a little different from their way of doing things.   And that is fine, because God created us to work differently, to be given different gifts and skills.  We need each other, don’t we? We are all different.  We are also so fortunate and blessed that we have housing.  Much of the world is homeless. Around 16 million people live in inadequate housing with dirt floors, tin roofs, and mud walls (Habitat, 2019). One third of the population of Mexico are adolescents and roughly half of these, 21 million, live in poverty (Humanium, 2017). In a 2017 report, it is estimated that 1 in 200 people in Australia are homeless. Perhaps we could pretend for the final weeks of lockdown that we have been living in our own hermitage, cut off from the world, but close to God.  St Anthony was one of the desert fathers, and he lived in a cell type dwelling.  When  St. Anthony, was sent by God to meet St. Paul the Hermit of Thebes, (thought to be the first Christian hermit) the raven that brought Paul his daily half loaf of bread showed up that day with a whole loaf, to accommodate the illustrious guest. A raven brought St Paul of Thebes bread until the end of Paul’s life. Legend or fact?  News: I spoke to Shirley Edwards yesterday, and she is still quite unwell. I told her we are praying for her, and that we love her very much. Brenda Stampe has stepped down from being on our pastoral carer list.  I have already written to Brenda to express our appreciation for all she has done, not only as a pastoral carer, but also as the coordinator.  We thank her for caring for the church family, and serving God through serving others.  You are such a loving community. ” src=”blob:https://www.leighmoorunitingchurch.org.au/2ad54085-1503-4318-9b53-8dd3c27ac118″ alt=”” class=”Apple-web-attachment Singleton”> Well, if I don’t send this now, you won’t receive it until tomorrow.  I have lots more to say-Geoff-think lavender-Peter B think Football. I will send it out on Thursday evening, because some of you may be preoccupied with other matters on Friday. Blessings and love Barbara  

Hello Faith Pals, Welcome to Friday!  Half way through October! We may be in lock down, but the days still seems to pass quickly (well, they do for me).  Are you singing while in lock down? I seem to have a ‘hymn or two in my head most days. At the moment it seems to be ‘Blessed be the name of the Lord…’ or ‘ who would true valour see…’ Today we could praise an ‘unsung’ monk: Guido of Arezzo, an Italian music theorist.  Guido of Arezzo was a monk who lived during the Middle Ages, and may be considered as one of the most influential figures in the history of modern music. During the Middle Ages, the monastery was one of the most important European institutions. The worship of God was of paramount importance in the life of a medieval monk, and one of the ways this worship was rendered was through the chanting of sacred music. Guido of Arezzo sought to rectify one of the problems that plagued these chants.  At that time, it was impossible for composers to record their exact musical works in manuscript. As a result, the melody of sacred music had to be memorized, and was passed down orally from one generation to the next. The way these pieces were chanted, however, changed over time, as a result of memory errors or differences in taste (think of the game ‘Chinese whispers’!) He was born in the 990s, and became a monk in the Benedictine monastery of Pomposa. He is credited as the inventor of the staff notation system.  If you look at a piece of music, those straight black lines are his invention, plus the intervals between them-before that the notes had just floated on white space!   Another well-known innovation by Guido is the use of syllables to teach musical notes. He  introduced the first six notes , still in use in Italy and France ‘ut–re–mi–fa–sol–la’ (our ‘do-re-mi-fa-so-la’). It is thanks to Guido that we have the ‘do-re-mi’ today.   Finally, Guido is believed to have invented the ‘Guidonian hand’, another memory device that was used in the teaching of music: (if I could decipher this, it might improve my piano playing!  Perhaps getting the piano tuned and taking everything off it and allowing it to be a piano and not an extra shelf would help too!  After covid!) He created many other things that revolutionized music, but what I want to point out is-he wasn’t a popular man!  At the Benedictine monastery, Guido said that he had invented a new form of education;  what would normally take 10 years of learning, could be done in five months!  (wouldn’t that be wonderful!) Although a musical genius, sadly jealousy and envy saw him leave that monastery. Let us give thanks to Guido of Arezzo, for helping us to enjoy music today.  Now, what about animals? I read an interesting article on-line about animals and their singing, looking at various animals and their singing as being like musical instruments in an orchestra.  Here is a summary: elephants: bass.  Elephants may be best known for their raucous trumpeting, but they also make the ground vibrate with “infrasound,” sounds too low for the human ear but that can travel up to six miles away. bats: soprano. For a long time, it was believed that bats only made sounds either to echolocate, or to identify their young in colonies. However, it’s now known that some species guard territories and court females with songs too high for humans to pick up.  Bat songs are two to four times higher than humans can hear, but when slowed down, they sound a lot like chirping songbirds. mosquitoes: the duet. The whine of a mosquito’s wings is irritating to us but it is part of their courting ritual.  Female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes whine at 400 hertz, while males whine at 600 hertz.  However, when they meet, both mosquitoes alter their wingbeats so that their harmonics match. woodpeckers: drum.  They don’t sing. They can chirp, but they don’t have a long, complex song to attract mates. Instead, to communicate, they drum.  Both male and female woodpeckers drum. club-singed manakin: the strings: these small, colourful birds native to Central and South America have strange feathers, including a club-shaped “scraper” and a ridged “comb.” The male manakin vibrates its wings, and the scraper rubs across the ridges of the comb, vibrating all the bird’s primaries and making a tone like a violin. Anna’s hummingbird: woodwind. Some hummingbirds, such as Anna’s hummingbirds, dive out of the sky, as part of their courtship ritual.  When these birds dive, they produce a loud squeak or whistle, made by its tail. Specialized feathers on the edges of the hummingbird’s tail catch the wind, and vibrate. And, lastly the brass section, this time performed by the elk. Human beings have a “descended” larynx, a voice box that lies down in the throat (in males, this shows as the “Adam’s apple.”)  The only other land animals to have this feature are elk and red deer. Not only do these deer have Adam’s apples, but they can actually lower their voice boxes even further, all the way into their chests which makes very loud bugling. https://blogs.sierraclub.org/explore/2012/12/7-amazing-animal-musicians.html If you want to listen to the animals, there are links on that page. Well…let us all go forward this week making a ‘joyful noise!’. News: Please keep Margaret Knott’s niece, Ros, in your thoughts and prayers as she continues to live with and battle through her brain tumour.  Please pray for her family too. Please keep Lex and Leora Ross in your prayers.  Lex is having heart surgery on October 28th. Please keep Alan and Fredrica in your prayers, especially for the coming week, which is a week of blood tests and chemotherapy. We continue to pray for Rohini and Jaya. Shirley Edwards is still in Rehab, and finding it hard.  Please keep her in our prayers. Also please pray for Joan Addinsall, Marj Brownjohn and Ed

Hello Faith Pals, Welcome to a day of glorious sunshine-the gardens are happy, our Vitamin D levels goes up, and we feel happier too, don’t we. I was thinking about your faith maps- you know, the ones you are all working on. I then wondered about the notes or script you could write on your map.  What are some of the sayings that are part of you and your family?  They may include ‘If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.’ or ‘Never judge another until you have walked a full moon in his moccasins.’  Perhaps it is similar to the one I had on a poster on my bedroom wall as a teenager: ‘The sole purpose in life is to serve mankind.’  They could be ones you heard your mother say as you rushed out the door ‘Always wear clean underwear in case you are hit by a bus.’ (as a former nurse-no one in the Emergency Department cares-so this saying is irrelevant!) So…what family sayings do you still carry with you/discarded/added to?  I know I asked about favourite Bible passages/verses some time back, but this is a little bit different. I have a book on my shelf called Words of Wisdom.   It is a book about the best advice people ever received.  It was compiled by three children in the early 1980s, via letters they sent to famous people. They used their royalties to help several charities.  Part of the Foreword is worth quoting: ‘The aim of this book is to help other people who are less fortunate than ourselves. The idea was sprung on the three of us by Mum just before the Summer Holiday in 1981.  She said we had nothing better to do and so we started writing to famous people asking them for the best piece of advice that had been given in their life and by whom.  Dad also thought it was a good idea as it got us up early to check the mail.’ Well!  What could be achieved during lockdown? On the cover is the Archbishop of Canterbury’s advice: ‘Do one thing each day which you would rather not do.’  Pam Ayres’s advice is also on the cover: ‘Always keep a hundred miles between you and your relations.’ One reply, from Sir Robert Mark: ‘The best piece of advice I can recall was given me as a child in Sunday School.  It is from Chapter 6 of St Paul’s Epistle to the Galatians and it reads: ‘Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.’ As you grow older you will gradually begin to understand what a simple, admirable philosophy that is, and how much better a world it would be if all men followed it.’ One of my favourite pieces of advice (from the Bible) is ‘love one another.’ What will church look like when we resume?  I re-read this item in a book, and thought I would type it up.  You may have seen it before in this format or with slightly different wording over the years.  This is an American one, so some of the terms in it we would change (ie ‘bed’ for ‘cot’): No Excuse Sunday ‘To make it possible for everyone to attend church next Sunday, we are going to have a special “No Excuse Sunday.” Cots will be placed in the foyer for those who say, “Sunday is my only day to sleep in.” There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard.  Eyedrops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night.  We will have steel helmets for those who say, “The roof would cave in if I ever came to church.” Blankets will be furnished for those who think the church is too cold and fans for those who say it is too hot.  Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present.  Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can’t go to church and cook dinner, too.  We will distribute “Stamp Out Stewardship” buttons for those who feel that the church is always asking for money. One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature.  Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday.  The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never have seen the church without them.  We will provide hearing aids for those who can’t hear the preacher and cotton for those who can.’-Anon (from the Joyful Noiseletter, re printed in Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul.) Blessings and love, Barbara Virus-free. www.avg.com

Hello Faith Pals, Or should I call you ‘pilgrims?’ I have been reading about ancient cartographers-mapmakers-for some research I am doing. I love these medieval maps peppered with pictures of dragons, basilisks, griffins and sea monsters.  Many of these strange animals were depicted as a warning to travelers.  We might think these maps had the warning ‘here be dragons’ but that only happened on two globes- the rest of the time dragons were depicted in pictures. Some of these map makers were monks or priests-trying to make sense of God’s world.  Adam and Eve and the Garden of Paradise were of uttermost importance on these maps, before more scientific discoveries influenced geography a little differently. Maps.  Got me thinking about ‘faith maps.’  Some of us have read Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress (I did many years ago).  In the story Christian makes his way towards the Celestial City.  Over the years book covers have depicted the map in different ways, the most common being the path as a spiral-his outward journey going inwards, to the Celestial City.  That echoes our spiritual formation too, doesn’t it-we talk about going ‘inwards’ or ‘the inner journey’ towards God. ‘ What about the book itself?  The Pilgrim’s Progress from This World to That Which Is To Come (1678) is a Christian allegory, and one of the most significant work of religious/theological fiction in English literature.  It has been translated in more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print.  It is also cited as the fist novel to written in English. Bunyan began his work while in prison (imprisoned for holding church services outside the jurisdiction of the Church of England).  He was jailed on a number of occasions, and it was thought he began the work during his long period of confinement-1660-1672. The book is about the journey from the ‘City of Destruction’ (this world) to the Celestial City (Heaven).  The main character, Christian, is helped and hindered along the way.  Some of the characters include Evangelist, Obstinate, Pliable, Help, Mr Worldly Wiseman, Goodwill, The Interpreter (the Holy Spirit), Discretion, Charity, Hypocrisy, and Wanton. Places include the Slough of Despair, Wicket Gate (the entry point of the straight and narrow way to the Celestial City), Valley of Humiliation, House Beautiful, and the River of the Water of Life. There is also the Valley of the Shadow of Death. As he enters the fearful Valley of the Shadow of Death one evening, amid the gloom and terror, he hears the word of the 23rd Psalm, spoken by his friend Faithful: ‘Yea, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.’ When he leaves the valley, the sun rises on a new day, a new beginning. This book has influenced many, including C.S Lewis, who wrote a book called The Pilgrim’s Regress, about his own journey from a religious childhood to a non-religious adulthood and then his rediscovery of God.  The book has influenced many: from Charles Dickens, to William Thackeray,  from Mark Twain to Alcott’s Little Women, from John Steinbeck to Enid Blyton (her book The Land of Far Beyond (1942) is a children’s version of The Pilgrim’s Progress), plus radio plays, musicals and video games. How would you draw your faith journey?  Would it be linear, in a straight line?  What would you plot on it?  Learning about Jesus from the stories your grandmother told you when you were young, sitting on her lap?  Attending Sunday School?  Experiences or crises that shook your faith, such as a death of a child, loss of employment, divorce, illness (so these may appear as piles of rocks on your path,  or a pit, or take you off the path for awhile).  Then the experiences that nourished you-birth of a child, marriage, a special holiday, the church family, baptism…how would you draw these?  As a fountain of water on-route, as a flowering bush?  So how would you draw your faith map?  Or how would you picture it in your mind?  Then bring all these experiences to God, these blessings that have molded and shaped you.  What characters would you name and thank? This is a copy of one of the maps of The Pilgrim’s Progress.  Some editions had it as a fold out map at the back of the book.  Here is another one, the circular movement of which I spoke earlier: Well, that seems to be enough!   I will close with the only hymn Bunyan wrote.  In some versions (I notice this on Songs of Praise), Hobgoblin nor foul fiend’,  has been sanitised, removed!  I am glad our hymn book, Together In Song, kept them in! 1 Who would  true valour see, let them come hither; those here will constant be, come wind, come weather. There’s no discouragement shall make them once relent each from a vowed intent to be a pilgrim. 2 Those who beset them round with dismal stories cannot the brave confound: their strength the more is. No lion can them fright, they’ll with a giant fight, but each will have a right to be a pilgrim. 3 Hobgoblin nor foul fiend can daunt their spirit: they know they at the end shall life inherit. Then fancies fly away; they’ll scorn what people say, and each work night and day to be a pilgrim. (John Bunyan) News: Shirley Edwards is slowly improving.  I told her that she was in our thoughts and prayers. Now to close with this very special youtube clip: https://www.youtube.com/embed/moBvLFbFdJ4?rel=0&autoplay=1 Thank you Margaret Knott.  This is truly beautiful.  The photography, the words of wisdom.  Truly moving. And a prompt for after watching the clip: what questions would YOU ask God in an interview?  You don’t need to wait to interview God because we can pray, right now, and put those questions to our Loving God. Blessings and love Barbara Virus-free. www.avg.com