Monday Email 02-11-2020

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 been approved by Church Council.

Now, I am reluctant to promote this book, in case it looks as if I am boasting, but this has been included in the Presbytery Newsbeat, and may be in Crosslight, so I thought I would share it in case you say “Why didn’t you tell me?” I am only promoting it because it is a fund raiser. I have attached it to the email.

Now, I was going to leave this closer to the time when we might be able to meet face-to-face (but we are unsure when that will be) so I will mention it now. John Wallace has had some of his poetry printed. If you would like to buy a copy of his book, please phone John on: 0450 923 252. John had hoped he could talk to you about it/show you the book etc after church one day, but that might not happen for awhile.

News: Shirley Edwards is now home. Very tired. Robyn Daley has been an angel, helping to sort out home help services.

Lex Ross: when I spoke to Leora on Friday evening, Lex was being moved to Coronary Care.

Just had an email from Geoff Serpell to say that Margaret Wills is in hospital, due to a fall, resulting in a fractured pelvis. She is expected to be in hospital for a fortnight. She is in South Eastern. I will follow that up later today, and if there is anything further to report, I will send out an email.

Prayers still needed for many others: Alan and Fredrica, Rohini and Jaya, Bruce and Maggie, as well as Shirley , Lex and Leora, and Margaret Wills.