GRAPEVINE - Online Service - Holy Name of Jesus Anglican ... · Recently I found a book, The Lamb's Supper - The Mass as heaven on Earth (2 ).The author, Scott Hahn, who is an American

474 Burwood Highway Vermont South

PH: 9803 9898

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REGULAR SERVICES

Sunday: 8.30am Holy Communion

10.00am Holy Communion & Sunday School

Wednesday: 10.00am Holy Communion followed by Brunch

GRAPEVINE THE MAGAZINE OF THE ANGLICAN PARISH

OF

THE HOLY NAME OF JESUS

VERMONT SOUTH

AUGUST - OCTOber 2019

Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Holy Name Fete

Saturday

12th October 2019

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Who’s Who at Holy Name

Priest-in-Charge: The Rev. Victor Fan PH: 9803 9898 [email protected] Website: www.holynameanglicanchurch.com

GRAPEVINE EDITOR: Norm Amos

Choir meets for practice at 7.30pm on the

1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays. New members

most welcome - come and try.

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F R O M T H E V I C A R

Liturgy, Eucharist, and Signing a Cross in the Worship

What’s the meaning of different parts in our Eucharist Service? Why do some Anglicans cross themselves in the worship and others don’t?

I have found some scattered answers for some parts in the liturgy. There is an article, Holy Communion: A Rookie Anglican Guide to the Eucharist (1), written by Joshua Steele, which explains every part of the Eucharist by connecting with the Bible. But still, some questions remain. How and when did the liturgy be com-piled? Are there benefits for our spiritual life and faith? Why do some of us sign the cross? Why do we have the Eucharist every Sunday (or in every service)? There is no answer from this article.

Recently I found a book, The Lamb's Supper - The Mass as heaven on Earth (2 ).The author, Scott Hahn, who is an American Roman Catholic theologian, graduated from Gordon–Conwell Theological Seminary, and was a former Calvinist and a former Presbyterian minister. Although he is using the term “Mass” which is a Catholic term (and I don’t agree with the theology behind that term), and since the liturgy we are using is very similar to that of the Catholics, I do find that it gives me a much more and deeper understanding of the liturgy and the Eucharist.

Hahn believes that the liturgy was a combination of Apostles’ teachings and the liturgy of Jewish worship. The early form of the liturgy was part of the teachings of the Apostles, which was compiled during the years A.D.50-110, and it was deeply rooted in the rites and Scripture of ancient Israel, and even some parts of the liturgy were taken from the liturgy of Jewish worship, Jesus instituted the Eucharist during the feast of Passover.

He also claims that the whole liturgy is not just a routine or habit for many churchgoers, it is a routine to make life more peaceful, efficient, and effective. The life of earlier Christians can help us to understand it. The Eucharist service was the representation of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, it “was the most identifiable element of Christian life and worship”, even though they were facing the charge of “cannibalism” and “human sacrifice”.

Moreover, we don’t just hear the Gospel, “Liturgy engages the whole person: body, soul, and spirit,” and “in the liturgy, we hear, see, smell and taste it.”. After his first experience of a Eucharist service, Hahn said:” Now I know why God gave me a body: to worship the Lord with His people in liturgy.”

However, I have been deeply touched by the meaning of signing the cross. I don’t have the tradition of signing the cross, and I knew very little about it before reading this book. The only reason I accepted it is because I was told that it means our faith is not just knowledge and stays in our hearts, we need to understand it in our hearts, and then we need to live it out in our daily life. While it is still true, it is not just a gesture as a Christian. It was taught by early Church fathers, with a few meanings. (3)

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First, it is an expression of the faith: Trinity, Incarnation and Redemption, and “the entire creed flashes in that brief moment.” In the East, the gesture is even richer. Eastern Christians trace the sign holding the first three finger together, represent the union of the Trinity, and the other two fingers together represent the union of Christ’s two natures, fully human and also fully divine.

Second, it reminds us that we are children of God, since the relationships of three persons in Trinity reflects the inner life and eternal communion, and by the baptism oath we are bound to this relationship.

Thirdly, we also renew the solemn oaths of our baptism. The gesture “is like swearing on the Bible in the court”, and we promise to offer our testimony in worship.

It is a simple gesture; however, it reminds us of our faith, our paths, our identity. During the worship, it also reminds us, “we are not spectators in worship; we are active participants, witnesses, and we swear to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth. So help us, God.”

One question remains. Should we sign the cross to ourselves? Well, it helps us to re-member our identity, our relationship with God, our belief, and our oaths. However, it doesn’t mean every Christian must do it. St Paul says, “whatever you do, do every-thing for the glory of God.”(1 Cor. 10:31)

So help us, God! In Christ, Victor.

A Boy asked his Father “ Dad what is the size of GOD?” Then the Father looked up and saw a Plane and asked “What is the size of that Plane?” The Boy replied “ it is very small. I can hardly see it.” The father then took him to the airport and as they approached a plane, he asked: “Now, my Son, how big is this Plane? “ The boy replied “Wow dad, it's huge! “ Then the father told him “GOD's size depends on how close or far away you are to him. The closer you are to him, the Greater he will be in your life!” Thanks Marise

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Little Treasures in Regional Victoria Isn’t it amazing what you find unexpectantly when away from Melbourne? Recently Jill and I were on a trip with friends for a short stay at Paynesville on the

Gippsland Lakes and, on an excursion through Bairnsdale, two of our friends (devout Roman Catholics) said “you must visit the local church”. What a surprise! The current St Mary’s Church has served the Bairnsdale community for over 100 years. The locals are rightly proud of its history. The current church was begun in 1913, replacing an earlier brick church of 1883 and is heritage listed. Completed in 1936, it looks

like a lot of other church buildings of the era from the outside, constructed of red brick, with a slate roof, and a small copper dome on a predominant 42 metre high bell tower. When you enter you soon see why it is regarded as being so significant. The interior decoration is of murals depicting the apostles, numerous saints, imaginings of purgatory, heaven and hell, and numerous seraphims and cherubims. The murals were painted by a migrant Italian who had

studied painting at the Academy of Arts in Turin. He arrived in Melbourne in 1928 but during the depression he was forced into itinerant farm work around Bairnsdale. In 1931 he approached the local priest for work which resulted in a commission for a comprehensive decorative scheme for the church using his skills. The murals are in a stylised manner, inspired by Renaissance religious art. St Mary's Church is listed by the Heritage Council of Victoria as being of architectural, historical, aesthetic and social significance to the State of Victoria.

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St Mary's Church is not only a beautiful place of worship but is also of significance as a landmark church in Gippsland and is a tourist attraction visited by thousands each year to view the Floreani murals – well worth the visit and, to me, reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. Norm Amos

Multicultural Sunday

Well we did it! On Sunday, 9 June 2019 we, at Holy Name, celebrated our first Multicultural Sunday. What a day it was.

All our national flags were up in the narthex, our service had the readings and Gospel in the native language of the reader and what a noise we made when we all delivered the Lord’s Prayer in our native tongue. Everyone enjoyed the service and, as is typical of Holy Name, we were then treated to an array of delightful dishes at our shared lunch following the service.

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Treasurer’s Report

A sub-committee of the Parish Council is currently reviewing and updating our mission plan. To plan for the future we need to know what resources we have avail-able, this includes our financial resources.

Holy Name is 100% funded by the donations and efforts of our parishioners, we do not receive any financial assistance from the Diocese. The challenge we face is our costs are higher than our current giving. Our monthly costs are on average $3,000 more than our giving.

The good news is that our giving has improved over the past 3 months however the challenge still remains to increase our giving.

Please prayerfully consider what you can do to support the finances of our church.

There are different methods to give financially to our church.

We encourage regular giving via the Anglican Development Fund (ADF) electronic giving service. ADF processes donations anonymously (both regular and one-off donations) and provides giving certificates to put in the offertory plate each week. Giving instructions can be easily amended at any time.

Alternatively you can make a donation via Direct Debit, our bank details are: Account Name: Holy Name Anglican Church BSB:703-122 Acct No.: 05009046

There are also giving envelopes available on the table in the narthex to give cash in the offertory plate.

Please contact Jayde Taylor (Treasurer) if you have any questions.

**********

“Our church welcomes all denominations,” began the local priest, but the treasurer said, “but mainly we prefer tens and twenties.”

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Catacoombe Anglican

Church, Coober Pedy

The Altar

Sunday School Banner

Church in National trust

village of Newcastle

Waters (still sometimes

used)

Rev John Flynn

Memorial Church

(founder of the

Flying Doctor

service ) Alice

Springs Rebuilt Anglican Cathedral

Darwin, incorporating what was

left after Cyclone Tracy

I have just returned from a trip up north, here is a selection of churches that I visited but not necessarily worshipped at. Shanna

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John & Barbara’s Super Holiday.

(well, perhaps just a holiday without bone breakage or a fall, which to us is pretty special ! )

On 25th April this year we flew to Brisbane to spend a week with my brother and sister-in-law. We met up with John’s sister and brother-in-law too and had a lunch near to where they live in Caloundra. Most of the week was spent relaxing, catching up and doing the “do you remember when?” thing. From Brisbane we caught the Spirit of Queensland Train (with Railbed) to Cairns, very scenic way to see more of Queensland than planes allow, we travelled through Mackay, Proserpine, Townsville & Tully to Cairns.

In Cairns we stayed overnight in a posh hostel which was quite near the Wharf. Trinity Wharf is where our 7 day “Coral Expedition 2” Great Barrier Reef Cruise commenced. We began cruising to Sudbury Reef, followed by Nathan Reef (plenty of time for swimming, snorkelling etc. not for feint hearted Barbara but John gave it a go.) Also plenty of “Glass Bottomed Boat” cruises off the ship. The Hinchinbrook Channel was next, then to Fitzroy Island where we visited the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre, then off to Dunk Island where we enjoyed a leisurely walk from Muggy Muggy Beach, through tropical vegetation to the main beach, passing the old resort. “old” meaning badly damaged by a cyclone a few years back. Undine Reef and Escape Reef were next with more swimming, snorkelling etc. Also Undine Reef has a sand cay (apparently made by fragments of shells, coral, fish doo doos and bird droppings rising up from the sea and if you didn’t think about it too much you could enjoy the lovely brunch which we had there. From there it was on to Cooktown where we saw all things named for Captain James Cook, a street, a monument, a statue etc. The best thing ever was the National Trust James Cook Museum, home to the Endeavour’s Anchor and Cannon (especially because it was air conditioned and it was a hot day.) The building was originally a convent school built in 1889. Time now to head back to Cairns and our flight home.

After reading this, imagine it all happening with only 17 people on board for the 3 day first leg of the cruise and then only 6 people for the 4 day second leg of the cruise, never been so pampered in our lives. The ship carries about 40 maximum, Brilliant !

John says it wasn’t really my fault for telling people I broke my arm on a Coral Seas Cruise in rooly, rooly stormy seas when we went to Tasmania that kept the numbers down, but who knows ? John & Barbara Anthony

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Thurs. 1st 7.30pm Singing Group

Sat. 3rd 8.00am Holy Rollers meet at Wantirna Park

Tues. 6th 10.45am Victoria Grange Service

Wed. 7th Set-up for Book Sale VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Thurs. 8th 10.30am Livingstone Gardens Service

Sat. 10th 3rd Book Sale—Your help will be needed

Mon 12th 7.30pm Friendship and Fellowship in Faith (with

prayers)

Thurs. 15th 7.30pm Singing Group

Sat. 17th 8.00am Holy Rollers meet at Wantirna Park


Thurs. 22nd 7.00pm Parish Council

Sat. 24th 8.00am Holy Rollers meet at Waverley Baseball Field


prayers)


Sat. 31st 8.00am Holy Rollers meet at Wantirna Park

WHAT’S ON IN August

For your diary

Start saving now—good condition fiction needed

IT’S ON

AGAIN !!!

MONSTER 2nd HAND BOOK SALE

Only one more Date in 2019

Saturday 10 August

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Tues. 3rd 10.45am Victoria Grange Service




prayers)




Thurs. 19th 3.30pm Vermont Village Service

7.30pm Singing Group

Sat. 21st 8.00am Holy Rollers meet at Waverley Baseball Field

Mon 23rd 7.30pm Friendship and Fellowship in Faith (with

prayers)


Thurs. 26th 7.00pm Parish Council


WHAT’S ON IN September

For Your Diary

Bring your books

to the church as

soon as possible

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WHAT’S ON IN October

Tues. !st 10.45am Victoria Grange Service

Thurs. 3rd 7.30pm Singing Group


Sun. 6th DAYLIGHT SAVING STARTS TODAY AT 2am

Wed. 9th to

Fri. 11th

Set-up for FETE


Sat. 12th FETE Volunteers needed - - see Martin


prayers)




Thurs. 24th 7.00pm Parish Council



prayers)


Thurs. 31st 7.30pm Singing Group

Quotes from Winston Churchill

“Diplomacy is the art of telling people to go to hell in such a way that they ask for directions”

“You will never reach your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks”

“Fear is reaction. Courage is a decision.”

“ However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.”

“In the course of my life, I have often had to eat my words, and I must confess that I have always found it a wholesome diet.”

“One man with conviction will overwhelm a hundred who only have opinions.”

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Holy Rollers July 2019

The Holy Rollers have been out and about in the early weeks of winter and thanks to all who have braved the cold so far!

Safety is paramount on our rides and it is important to be aware of your surroundings all the time. Riding a bicycle is not that different from driving – when you see a bicycle riding towards you think of the actions that rider may take and be mentally prepared for that situation - what if they veer to my side of the pathway, where would I pull over to? What if the rider suddenly turns in front of me without signalling - what are my options? Always be thinking about what others could do that may impact your ride and think of actions you could take and by being prepared you will be better prepared from a safety point of view.

When riding in a group it is important to let others know what is happening - if you are up the front and a rider approaches call out “bike up”, similarly if a bike is approaching from behind and is going to pass you warn the group by calling out “bike back”. If you are slowing or stopping calling out either “stopping” or “slowing” gives an indication to others and makes all safer.

These basics are important protocols we use on our rides and of course, the most important rule is to stay on the left of the pathway you are riding on.

If you want to know more about the Holy Rollers just ask Frank or Graham

Safe Riding! Graham Bryant

__________

An Autumn Holiday in Southern Queensland

(or Holy Rollers out and about)

For the last 17 years Joe and I have met with a group of 16 friends for a few days of bike riding in the early Autumn. Each year the country town and rides were planned by someone in the group and we have explored many areas in Victoria as a result. This year one of the couples who now live in Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast , invited us to head north. Ready for new horizons and adventures, we left Vermont South

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on May 2 and started the journey north! Taking our time, we stopped overnight in Wagga Wagga, Gulgong ( a hidden “gem” and well worth a few days to explore) , and Armidale, a lovely town with 2 cathedrals, Anglican and Catholic, both imposing and impressive. Armidale is also a university town. It was graduation day and the pubs were buzzing with excited graduates, many wearing cap and gown. The Autumn leaves were glorious. We continued north-east to Byron Bay where we met a long-standing friend who took us down to the shore to watch the sunset. We were on a small headland and the sky was as vividly colourful as any to be seen in the outback, yet here we were on the east coast where I did not expect to see much of a sunset at all!

We met up with our bike riding friends in Kingscliff, for our first ride on bike trails south to Pottsville. Our group then re-located to Bongaree, on Bribie Island for two more days of riding and exploring this quiet island. Most of the island is State Forest. It is also a holiday destination and a popular area for retirees. Our group then moved north to Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast for 3 more days of riding on the excellent coastal bike track which runs from Caloundra to Teewantin. This track is mostly off road, and great for riding and walking. Our group dispersed and we moved to a rental house at Mudjimba, just north of the Maroochy River, where we stayed for 3 weeks. Our house was close to the beach and we did lots of beach walking. Alt-hough the beach was patrolled every day we are not surf swimmers. However, I could not resist a swim at the main beach in Noosa on my birthday.

Our trip home was equally leisurely, with stops in Goondiwindi, Dubbo, West Wyalong (to visit a friend) and Wangaratta. We were away 6 weeks and had a wonderful time. Betty Clifford and Joe Slaney

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Score Line :-_Holy Rollers 0 - Church Breakfast 1

Isn’t it funny the way the best laid plans can go astray? On Saturday 4 May it was arranged that those able to do so would meet at Bayswater Park to meet up with the Holy Rollers and all enjoy a lovely cooked bacon, eggs and sausages Parish Breakfast.

After 4 months of little or no rain – it happened! The ride was cancelled but with a quick change of venue to the church, the breakfast was assured. Then, oh dear! the church BBQ is damaged beyond repair. As a resilient group by this stage we

were ready for whatever might come next. Then there was rescue by the vicar and everybody swung into the vicarage backyard and family room and the vicar’s BBQ was put to good use.

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What a wonderful social oc-casion.

Our noise disturbed at least one of the vicarage teens and Michael joined in with we “oldies” for breakfast.

Even better, during discussions in the men’s group (around the BBQ of course), Martin decided that he had a spare BBQ to replace the wrecked one. Roll on the next Parish Breakfast.

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Prayers

Each week we pray for specific people in need as outlined in our pew bulletin. I recently saw an article which made me stop and think about how I pray and who I pray for. The article was too long to reproduce but here is the essence of it.

We petition God with deep concern for those in crisis by naming them individually, but have we been praying for them protectively, strategically, specifically and with discernment during their time before they were enveloped by their current need for prayer? This article said that we need to recognize the absolute necessity of praying protectively for one another and bearing one an-other’s burdens, we must not excuse ourselves by saying, “How can I pray for them when they do not tell me their needs?”

Others’ needs are often similar to our own. As we think of their needs, God’s word and his Spirit will lead us in prayer. Pray that the person or group of persons for whom we are interceding … will realize their present exalted position in Christ. … will present themselves as a living sacrifice. … will be filled with the Holy Spirit. … will be a regular and systematic worshiper and live by God’s Word … will grow daily in Christian maturity. … will have a servant’s heart. … will reach out to the unsaved in their community and will remain healthy in body and mind to achieve this.

It certainly made me think – especially the article’s exhortation at the end

“Accept your Responsibility! Norm Amos

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Women inside - of course Michael smelt the sausages

Little Johnny's new baby brother was screaming up a storm. Johnny asked his mother “Where’d he come from?” “He came from heaven, Johnny.” Johnny responded: “Wow! and I now know why they threw him out!”

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Dementia Information Evening

Wow! What and evening. On Tuesday, 28th May more than 60 parishioners, their families and neighbours and interested local Vermont South residents gathered in the church to be treated to an information evening at the church on Dementia. The presenter, Laurel Gourlay from Dementia Australia, delivered an introduction to Dementia which gave everyone a great insight into the disease. Her presentation was too detailed to be reviewed in detail in this article but this writer came away much better informed than when he arrived. The key parts for me were: Alzheimer’s disease is not the same as Dementia. Dementia is the umbrella term for a range of illnesses. Dementia is the term used to describe a range of disorders of the brain. It is not one specific disease. There are many different forms of dementia and each has its own causes. Some of the most common types of dementia are Alzheimer's disease, Vascular dementia (e.g. stroke damage to blood vessels in the brain), Dementia with Lewy bodies (abnormal clumps of protein in the nerve cells in the brain), Frontal/Temporal Lobe Degeneration, Alcohol related dementia and many others Dementia can happen to anybody, but it is more common after the age of 65 years. People in their 40s and 50s can also have dementia. Most people with dementia are older, but it is important to remember that not all older people get dementia. It is not a normal part of ageing. What are the early signs of dementia?

The early signs of dementia are very subtle and vague and may not be immediately obvious. Some common symptoms may include:

Progressive and frequent memory loss

Confusion

Personality change

Apathy and withdrawal Loss of ability to perform everyday tasks. Impairment may occur in attention, planning, inhibition, learning, memory, language, visual perception, spatial skills, social skills or other cognitive functions. Myths Myth 1: "Dementia is a natural part of ageing" Dementia is not a natural part of ageing. It is caused by disease and not everyone suffers from it. Myth 2: "Dementia is untreatable and cannot be slowed down"

There is no cure for dementia, but early symptoms can be managed through a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Myth 3: “I’m not able to support someone with dementia.”

General practitioners, general practice nurses and other primary health care professionals play a crucial role in assisting patients to find specialised care, support,

https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia-and-memory-loss/about-dementia/types-of-dementia

https://www.dementia.org.au/about-dementia-and-memory-loss/about-dementia/types-of-dementia

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counselling and information. Support from families and loved ones is also crucial to ongoing management. Myth 4: "Early diagnosis is not beneficial"

By recognising and understanding the symptoms of dementia, general practitioners, general practice nurses and their primary care teams are in a critical position to empower their patients. Early diagnosis is important to determine appropriate treatment needs and to help sufferers plan for their future. Furthermore, a timely diagnosis provides the opportunity to learn about the condition, understand changes as they occur and better plan for the range of day to day issues associated with having a cognitive impairment. Families and loved ones can support people living with dementia to achieve better clinical outcomes and a better quality of life. Dementia affects thinking, behaviour and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Brain function is affected enough to interfere with the person’s normal social or working life and they need help in these areas. Is it dementia? Laurel talked about a number of conditions that produce symptoms similar to dementia but emphasized that just forgetting what you went into another room to do is just a symptom of old age not Dementia. It is essential that a medical diagnosis is obtained at an early stage when symptoms first appear, to ensure that a person who has a treatable condition is diagnosed and treated correctly. If the symptoms are caused by dementia, an early diagnosis will mean early access to support, information, and medication should it be available. Can dementia be inherited?

This will depend on the cause of the dementia, so it is important to have a firm medical diagnosis. Most cases of dementia are not inherited. What can be done to help?

At present there is no prevention or cure for most forms of dementia. However, some medications have been found to reduce some symptoms. Support is vital for people with dementia. The help of families, friends and carers can make a positive difference to managing the condition. I filled out the feedback survey at the end of the session. It was designed to help the presenter but I found that it let me know also just how much I had learned from the session and I found out by talking to others that they felt the same way. Thank you Laurel and thank you Stewart for arranging the night and thank you to the Holy Name parishioners who helped with the publicity and the wonderful supper on the evening Norm Amos

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Youth Sunday

Another first! On Sunday 30 June, our scheduled Café Church was, on this occasion, celebrated as a Youth Service at which our young ones (I dare not call all of them “Youth”) led the service in wonderful fashion. The young orchestra, the singing during communion, the serving, the readings and, of course, the service and prayers lead by Darrell all combined to make the morning a celebration in Christ with the young voices making old hearts glad once again as we listened and participated.

The Rev. Andrew Livingstone from the Church Missionary Society challenged us all in his address. He challenged us to become missionaries in our daily lives. His question for us to briefly discuss the people we knew who were non-Christians but knew that we were and how we related resulted in some very animated discussion and interesting answers.

Christianity under Attack Jill and I were hit between the eyes by the following letter to the editor in the Herald Sun the very next day, 1 July. It was headed “CHRISTIAN BELIEF GENUINE” “David …., in discussing the much-churned Israel Folau topic, says: “Everyone should be free to express wacky religious views”. Calling Folau’s post “wacky” is offensive, and plain wrong. Folau did nothing more than directly quote the Bible. I think that David, along with a number of other commentators, fails to give due respect to Folau’s genuinely and sincerely held Christian beliefs. Anyone paying just a brief visit to our South Pacific island neighbours cannot help but be impressed by the strong Christian beliefs and morality of these people. Converted to Christianity by European missionaries just 200 or 300 years ago, these nations continue to hold to a strict, fundamentalist interpretation of Christianity. And who is to say they are not right? Is our present-day, secular, drug riddled, violent, politically correct society so terrific? Is our moral compass really that perfect? If the day has come that we cannot speak forthrightly on the religion that framed the whole fabric of our society, and brought us to where we are, we are indeed in a dark place.” What brought us to a standstill is that the person who wrote it is a personal friend and a non-Christian and the very person we had talked about at our table on Sunday. It set me to thinking about the range of other attacks on the Christian community in recent times and

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whether those who lead the attack (or who claim to be non-believers) really realise how much they owe to the teachings of Christ and the Bible as our friend has often acknowledged – even as a non-believer. Christianity is central to our western culture, especially its political and legal systems, and to our democratic values such as the rule of law, the sanctity of human life, commitment to the common good and freedom of speech, debate, conscience and religion. My argument is that such values are derived from our Judaeo-Christian foundations espoused in the bible and are fundamental to our way of life. Christianity played a significant role in the history of what are now well-established principles and doctrines relied upon in our courts. Our “rights” (taken for granted by many) are denied in totalitarian regimes, leading to a situation, as noted by English judge Lord Denning, where “the rulers are not under God and the law. They are a law unto themselves. All law, all courts are simply part of the state machine. The freedom of the individual, as we know it, no longer exists.” Our own Australian Anglican Education Commission argues that “Our justice, government, education, health and general welfare systems are all established on the Judaeo-Christian foundation of this civilisation.” In other words, we have moved on from the “might is right” era and the tribal observances which dictated that whims, wishes, foibles and fancies of the moment of the chief/king/tsar etc. which prevailed before Christianity to one where all are presumed to be equal as preached by Christ. Unfortunately, it appears to me that the unique contribution of Christianity to the development of Western civilization has been deliberately obscured in more recent times. Today’s Western societies are largely viewed as “secular‟, and the general per-ception appears to suggest that Christian philosophy should have no bearing on the law or what is viewed as “normal” in society. As a result, our Christian heritage is almost never mentioned, much less promoted, in political and social discussions and is often the subject of criticism or contempt. This undeniable anti-religion sentiment has now evolved to a point where it is currently used to downgrade the long-established Christian background of “Western” countries. Many westerners are now convinced that there should be no relationship between religious values and their countries’ legal systems and ethical values. This pro-secular move is leading not just to the rejection of our Christian heritage but also to the suppression of opinion based on religious beliefs, which would then be anything but authentic democracy. Thomas Jefferson, renowned American author of the American Declaration of Independence, said “How can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed their only secure basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God?” I rest my case and thank my friend and the Rev. Andrew for rattling my senses. Norm Amos

Those who jump off a bridge in Paris are in Seine . A hangover is the wrath of grapes. Shotgun wedding - a case of wife or death. Reading while sunbathing makes you well red.

Thanks to Odette King

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Grapevine is published by the Vicar and Wardens of the Anglican Church of

the Holy Name of Jesus, Vermont South

12 OCTOBER 2019 Books Garden stall

Craft Toys

Cakes, Jams, Pickles

Trash & Treasure BBQ

Devonshire Tea White Elephant

And Lots, Lots, More

Your help is needed: We will be asking for donations to stock these

stalls and helpers to staff them: Think about what you can do to help and let the

Fete Co-ordinator, Martin Haines, know.

Documents

GRAPEVINE - Online Service - Holy Name of Jesus Anglican ... · Recently I found a book, The Lamb's Supper - The Mass as heaven on Earth (2 ).The author, Scott Hahn, who is an American