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The Journal of Killara Uniting Church Parish “Fiveways” - Corner Arnold Street and Karranga Avenue
www.killara.unitingchurch.org.au
Issue 79 March 2018
1
Lorna’s Farewell
Music has long been important in the worship services at Five Ways, and Lorna Buining’s last Sunday was no exception. Rose-mary Pryor and Gioconda Augimeri, brought their beautiful flute and piano music, and to-gether with Lorna on the organ, interspersed our service with specially chosen pieces which gave much pleasure. Lorna was presented with a
bunch of flowers, and wore the
Church’s main gift – silver chain
to carry a silver medal won by
her mother for music at the age
of 14 in 1916.
A cake to honour Lorna’s service was served at morning tea.
June and Paul Wait have sent some
tantalising views from India
Touring India with the Waits
See more on page 11
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
2
IN THIS ISSUE:
Lorna’s farewell Cover and Page 3
Touring Indian with the Waits Cover and Page 11
From the Editor Page 2
From our Minister: Rev Ian Pearson Page 3
Obituary Allan Thomas Bryant Page 4
Thank you from Janet Bryant Page 5
Youth Activity Page 5
Obituary Michael John McEwen OAM Page 6
Christmas Activities Photos Pages 7 and 9
Jeff Newman gains Award Page 8
Suggestions re visiting person with dementia
Page 10
Do you know your capital cities? Page 11
Celebrating with Peter Bidencope Page 12
SDN Family Christmas Campaign Page 12
Editor:
Julie Sekhon
9498 3817
Connection layout: Linda Brown
From the Editor
This issue contains recognition of significant events in
the life of some of our members, celebrations and news
of one of our mission outreach bodies – SDN Children’s
Services. There is also valuable guidance from Faith
Gibson in visiting sufferers from dementia.
Amongst the articles in this issue, there are special re-
membrances of two loved and valued members – Mike
McEwen and Allan Bryant, and we mourn Lindy
Richardson, who has left us more recently. It is good to
remember and reflect on those who have been part of
our life together – and I believe such remembering is as
much, or more, to do with the heart as with the brain.
That is why a good man or woman can be an influence
in shaping us.
Easter is a time of remembering also. We think of the
pathos of the Last Supper, when Jesus, conscious of the
awful suffering ahead, told his disciples how he had
longed to share the meal with them. This year, Easter
Day – Resurrection Day - will also be a day for
celebrating Holy Communion, when we remember our
Lord’s death for us. We will join the Church worldwide
and of centuries past in our remembering.
Julie Sekhon
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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From our Minister Rev Ian Pearson Phone: 9498 8008
.
Dear Killara Members and Friends, Perhaps it is because we are focusing on dementia in our community that I am becoming more conscious of my forgettery. It feels like a minor triumph when I remember a person’s name or even some salient details about them. It feels a bigger triumph when I remember these things before I finish a conversation with them! When we remember someone, it means we have carried something of who that other per-son is within our very selves. When another person remembers us, it means that we have left some mark of who we are in who they are. In either case remembering summons each other back to mind even though countless years and miles may stand between us. Re-member. We make each other present, members of our community again, when we and our needs and joys might otherwise have been forgotten. It means that if we ever meet again, we will know each other. It means that even after we die, others can still see our face, hear our voice, speak to us in their hearts. For as long as we remember each other, we are never entirely lost. When I am feeling most distressed, it is your remembering me in prayer or casseroles that helps remind me that I valuably exist.
When I am feeling sad, your remembering of me is my consolation. When I’m feeling happy, your remembering is part of why I feel that way. Our Christian faith and community is a journey of memory over forgetting. Especially re- membering the non-memorable vulnerable ones. Those who will appear in no history books. Those who are barely noticed on the mean streets of life. Those who are barely recognised in the rolls of humanity. Jesus’ struggle through the re-membered events of Holy Week make those events pre-sent for us in a way which has the capacity to change us. So that we will re-member those who are disbarred who suffer injustice, class differentiation, hunger, thirst, imprisonment. Those at risk of being unmemorably forgotten. ‘Jesus, re-member me when you come into your kingdom,’ the good thief said from his cross. (Lk 23. 42) There are perhaps no more human words in all of Scripture. No prayer we can pray so well. Warm regards,
Ian
Re-membering
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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Allan Thomas Bryant
19th October 1926 – 30th December 2017
One word which springs to mind when
speaking of Allan Bryant is faithfulness:
faithful in supporting the church and faith-
ful in serving with his financial expertise.
Allan was born and spent his early child-
hood in working class Newcastle. His
mother died when he was just a baby, and
his childhood was hard. Early experiences
left an indelible impression of the worth
of fairness and duty. He trained as an
accountant and worked for many years at
Caltex, but after retirement worked in the
Uniting Church Synod, bringing positive
changes to their financial procedures. He
enjoyed this period.
He was also Treasurer of the various
churches he attended – in Tasmania, and at
Lindfield Tryon Road. At Killara he was a
member of the Finance Committee. Many
will remember his delight in pointing out to
the counters of the church collection that they had made a mistake! (perhaps only
cents!) He had a dry sense of humour and loved to tease.
Allan was utterly reliable, honest and faithful in carrying out his duties. In serving his
Lord in this way he has been a ’living stone’ in building up the Church.
Allan married Janet, and theirs was a loving partnership of 65 years. They brought up
their three children, Anne. Peter and Richard in a caring and stable home, forming a firm
foundation for the significant careers they subsequently achieved.
Allan had an uncomplicated yet deep faith. The 23rd psalm quoted at his funeral is a fit-
ting expression of his faith;
Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life and afterwards I
will live with you forever in your home.
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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Thank you! from Janet Bryant
At the service of thanksgiving and celebration of Allan’s life I was moved and
felt blessed.
Allan would have been thrilled with the service led by Ian and Chris, with so
many friends there to say goodbye. He loved the church and all of his many
co-worshippers.
The family and I were deeply touched by the generosity and love expressed by
flowers, cards and shared warm memories. My family – Anne, Peter, Richard,
Phil and Anna, and their families all appreciate your loving support. Allan’s
sister, Dorothy and husband Ted completed the family circle.
The family is deeply appreciative of the continuing care and love of the carers,
especially Jan and Bill.
Allan has gone to join his family and friends who have gone before him.
Janet Bryant and family.
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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Michael John McEwen OAM
16/7/36 -11/12/2017
Mike McEwen was born in humble circum-
stances in South Africa. That we remember
him as a man of mature faith, grace and high
ability is a testimony to the grit and fortitude
with which he surmounted early problems.
Once he had surmounted these difficult times,
Mike worked hard, becoming a successful
businessman, whose company Eagle Furniture
Industries came to be awarded South Africa’s
Exporter of the Year. Mike also worked to
establish a pension fund for the workers: this
was an outcome of the strong social
conscience which never left him.
Mike and Liz, his wife and lifelong help and supporter, together with their
daughter,
migrated to Australia in 1991. (Their son was already here). Their
church family was initially Gordon Uniting Church, and later, Killara Unit-
ing Church. They have become beloved members of our church and have
enriched our fellowship.
The same social conscience that Mike displayed in South Africa, he
brought to benefit his adopted country, Australia. In the Australia Day
honours, 2016, Mike was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for
his voluntary work with a number of Associations, in particular the Living
Kidney donor Program.
We knew him as a man of integrity and commitment: commitment to his
God and to furthering the welfare of others. John Sanders, a long-time
friend quoted Eleanor Roosevelt in saying of Mike:
‘Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will
leave footprints in your heart’.
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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Christmas Activities
Some photos from the Christmas lunch and
Christmas Service
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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Jeff Newman was recently recognised by the Phila-
telic Association of N.S.W. which bestowed on him
the above award.
Jeff works as a volunteer with the Association and
willingly helps people left with a legacy of old
stamps to obtain value for the collection. He also
provides advice to the Synod Stamp Committee.
Jeff writes:
I have collected stamps continuously since I was 8
and am currently a member of various Stamp Clubs
in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, & London.
My collecting interests are Peninsular Malaya (1854-1956) & Siam (Thailand)-(1880-1949).
People ask:
What do I do with my old stamp album or surplus Australian decimal stamps?
Many people have such items, which they wish to sell, and we at the Association will give
opinions as to value. (phone on Tuesday or Saturday between 9.30 & 3.30 on 9264 8301 or
visit 17 Brisbane Street, Sydney)
If you live in the Upper North Shore area a visit may be arranged.
Note that Australian decimal stamps (after 1966) are of little value and if mint (unused) they
are best used for postage as the market value is only 50% of the original cost.
As stamps have been issued since 1840 there are 1000s of different stamps & the present
market value depends on scarcity (rarity), condition, and demand (popularity).
Don’t throw them away without seeking an opinion.
Jeff Newman
(Ph. 9498 3762 or email <[email protected]>)
Jeff Newman gains Award for Meritorious Service to Philately
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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With thanks and gratitude to the lovely
church photos that Keith Smithers takes
through the year
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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Some Suggestions about Visiting a Person with Dementia
Plan in advance if possible – don’t rely on spur of the moment offers so that family carers can make the best use of precious ‘time off’. Whatever you commit to, be sure to deliver.
Think of something you and the person with dementia might both enjoy. Past interests may give you a clue but don’t always work. ‘Doing’ is easier than relying solely on conversation which may quickly run into embarrassing silences. Cut down on the questions and don’t feel you have to be talking all the time. Relax, go with the flow, learn to join the world of the person with dementia and hang around there with them.
Find out what music the person prefers, download it on to your mobile phone and take it with you. Maybe it’s Abba; maybe the Beatles; maybe the Old Rugged Cross or Bach or Mozart.
Discover what the person used to like to do and maybe might still enjoy but be prepared to try something new – the possibilities are endless. Go for a walk, a swim, a paddle. Listen to music, read a poem, look through a magazine. Do some gardening, sweep up the leaves, pull up some weeds, polish the silver or wash the car. Do a gentle hand rub with a favourite hand lotion. Take an illustrated recipe book with you, and talk about food - its smell, its preparation, shopping and favorite family meals. Familiar sweets from childhood – jelly babies, snakes, licorice, conversation lozenges, and freddo frogs may be more appreciated than fancy boxes of chocolates.
Adult colouring-in books are very popular and a few coloured pencils, crayons, pens and paper are all worth having. Some simple knitting, darning, sewing or sorting buttons are sometimes worth a try. Some people respond to family photos and other cherished memorabilia providing these things are used as hooks on which to hang a conversation and not as a test of memory. Sharing time together and having fun is what counts.
Go for a coffee, a cup of tea, a walk in the park, see the sea or feel the sand. On such outings, fading social skills and old learning often dramatically re-emerge. A change of scene decreases boredom – a terrible enemy for people with dementia whose days are all too often only filled by ‘busy doing nothing’. If you are going out to-gether, make sure this is agreeable to all concerned, that you can cope with any physical disabilities and be sure you know where to find the toilets. Consider having another person to accompany you but guard against the person with dementia feeling excluded.
Remember that what worked this visit may not work next time. Be imaginative, be creative, be patient, be unhurried, and above all – don’t give up – even if or when the person no longer seems to know who you are.
Faith Gibson
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
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A local Quiz—Can you recognise
these Australian State Capitals?
Touring India with the Waits
(cont)
June and Paul Wait have sent some tantalising views from
India – scenes from the amazing ruined city of Hampi, of
Paul being greeted by a new friend, and of the magnificent
white tiger of Bengal, which they were lucky enough to see
at close range.
March 2018 Killara CONNECTION
12
Celebrating with Peter Bidencope
Peter Bidencope, the quiet behind-the-scenes worker, cele-brated his 90th birthday on 5th February. The congregation joined around a special morning tea to congratulate him on reaching this milestone.
In his response Peter acknowl-
edged God’s grace in enabling him
to savour life over so many years.
SDN’s Families Helping Families Christmas campaign a success!
SDN Family Services ‘Families Helping Families’ 2017 Christmas initiative invited families to thank the educators in their child’s centre by making a donation to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scholarships. SDN staff were thrilled with the idea and were happy to forgo a present to themselves. These scholarships reduce the financial barriers that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families face in accessing early education and care. The initiative was a great success, with over $7,580 raised, which is more than enough for one scholarship. Thank you to the following centres and their families who chose to participate: SDN Crookwell, SDN Glebe, SDN Linthorpe Street, SDN Paddington, SDN Riverwood and SDN Woolloomooloo.
Thank you also to our suppliers, Nicholas Carpentry and Tony Lux-ford (SDN’s handyman), who on hearing about this initiative also made gener-ous donations. We’re look-ing forward to running this again this year! Like Killara Uniting Church donors, this campaign is a form of collective giving which engages people in a common goal to support a common purpose.
