ST PETERS CAVERSHAM ANGLICAN/EPISCOPAL CHURCH. JULY 2009

The Rock Benedict of Nursia Benedict of Nursia (Italian: San (επιεικεια, epieikeia), Benedetto da Norcia) (480 ‐ 547) was a and this persuaded Contents saint from Italy, the founder of Western most religious com‐ From the Vicar 2 Christian monasticism, and a rule‐giver munities founded Anglican World 3 for cenobitic monks. His purpose may throughout the Middle AAW 6 be gleaned from his Rule, namely that Ages to adopt it. As a CWS 3 "Christ ... may bring us all together to result, the Rule of Diocesan News 4 life eternal." Benedict was canonized by Benedict became one Editorial 5 Pope Honorius III in the year 1220. of the most influential The Ladies Guild 3 Missions 3 Benedict founded twelve communities religious rules in Parish Calendar 8 for monks, the best known of which is Western Christendom. For this reason Bene‐ Parish Directory 8 his first monastery, at Monte Cassino in Vicar’s Blog 3 dict is often called the the mountains of southern Italy. There Wardens’ Warble 6 founder of western is no evidence that he intended to Christian monasticism. found a religious order. The Order of St Of Special Interest Benedict is of modern origin and, Many scholars agree Benedict of Nursia 1 moreover, not an "order" as commonly that Anglican forms of Camperdown 7 understood but merely a confederation worship are greatly Back to Church Sunday 5 of autonomous congregations. influenced by Benedic‐ Warden’s Warble 6 tine practice. Benedict's main achievement is Published by The Anglican/ Episcopal Parish of St Peter, his "Rule", containing pre‐ Caversham, Dunedin NZ. cepts for his monks. It is heav‐ Editor Ray Sisley ily influenced by the writings 36 Glenross Street Dunedin 9011 of John Cassian, and shows New Zealand

strong affinity with the Rule of Phone: 03 476 7589 the Master. But it also has a Email: [email protected] unique spirit of balance, mod‐ eration and reasonableness

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The Vicar Writes

In the western Church the Son of God, a and so on - at least while the expe- Feast of the Transfigura- member of the Di- rience lasts. In 1653 the great tion, which we will cele- vine Trinity, was French scientist and philosopher, brate near the beginning taking on himself a Blaise Pascal, had just this experi- of August, has been complete human ence for two hours on November treated like a liturgical nature - and not night. St Paul on the Damascus afterthought until very just for time, but for Road was transformed in his ideas recently, while in the eternity. and in his understanding of the eastern Church it is one meaning of life by it. Many since of the twelve Great The Eastern Ortho- have had the same experience. Feasts, and a prime ex- dox, however, tak- ample of some of the ing the divinity of There is a further consequence of most cherished teaching Christ for granted in this ‘essence/energies’ teaching, of Eastern Orthodoxy. way that we could and it is to be found in the concept envy, are almost of epektasis as first expressed in the It occurs somewhat out of context in more interested in fourth century by another Gregory, the ecclesiastical year near the be- the divinity of the Light which St Gregory of Nyssa. The Light is ginning of August - right out of con- radiates from him. This Light is infinite, and we will never see all of it text, really, since it would better ap- the Holy Spirit. It is not a light either in time or eternity. Thus we pear during Lent, when in fact it is created by God with which he will never exhaust the mystery of also commemorated in the Eastern can manifest himself to us. This God. So life after death will not be Churches as (very belatedly) in ours Light is God himself! Futher- static, but we will grow and develop as well. more, the Orthodox insist, when and enter evermore deeply into the someone sees this Light (as in a wonders of God for all eternity. No This out-of-context quality, however, so-called Near Death Experi- mere plucking of harps! seems not at all inappropriate, since ence) they are actually seeing the original event itself had just that the uncreated God! The Crucified and Risen God bless characteristic for those who wit- you! nessed it. Indeed, it showed that the However, there are a few qualifi- Lord’s ‘context’ was very different cations and elucidations to be Fr CARL from that of his disciples. made! One is that as well as existing in Three Persons, God ************************* Orthodoxy calls the Transfiguration a also exists in his essence and in theophany, a manifestation of God. his energies without being in any NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS And we might be inclined simply to way divided between them. He see that manifestation in the voice of remains one God. Nothing other NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS the Father saying “This is my be- than God himself can ever know loved Son.” We might even add the God in his essence. That would Holy Spirit showing himself in the be to know him as he knows The Telegraph (London) reports himself - and for that you would divine radiance. But these alone will how some parishes have at- not do. Christ also is as much God have to be God too! But in his tempted to attract men to as the Father and the Spirit - no energies, such as love, beauty, more and no less. So the the- power and goodness, he fills the church on Fathers' Day. At St whole creation. One of these ophany is one of the whole Trinity of Stephen's church in Barbourne, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit: one energies is light. As with the God in three distinct but indivisible other energies, we mostly cannot Worcester, for example, chil- Persons. detect it - only its very much less real created copies such as the dren will give men bottles of Thus we need to recognise that the light of the sun or the stars. beer during the service. The most important thing about Jesus of Worcester argues that Christ is that he was and is God However, said St Gregory Pala- himself. His humanity - though mas in the fourteenth century, the free beer is symbolic of the we can be enabled by the power much stressed at the present time - generosity of God. is important because it is God’s hu- of God to see the Divine Light manity. When we are conceived, a sometimes, not only spiritually (Wow! We could do but with our eyes, and this is the new person comes into being; but at this on ‘Back to the conception of Christ in his basis of much mystical experi- Church Sunday.’ Ed) mother’s womb there was no new ence in all religions. When we person at all, but rather the eternal see the Light we are transformed

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Ladies Guild THE VICAR’S BLOG Our June meeting was held at the Home of St Barnabas. Fr Carl cele- What is a BLOG. It is a written ac- brated the Eucharist. After a deli- count of a person’s thoughts and cious meal Fr Carl told us of the musings that are posted on the origins of the Book of Common internet so that others may read them and make comment. Prayer and why it came into being Our ‘tekkalojikal’ vicar has joined 460 years ago. An enlightening talk. the ranks of bloggers and his blog Our next meeting is on Tuesday 14 may be accessed at this address. July at 2 pm in the parish lounge, when we will discuss busi- http://gallicananglican.blogspot. ness. com/

Our website also provides a link. Mary Barton, Secretary

THIS MONTH’S SPECIAL OFFER: 50% off Tithing. Get in quickly because an offer like this will not last.

French government decision on CWS condemns NZAID an- pressure its Sri Lankan counter- Moruroa workers unfair nouncement parts to negotiate an end to the quarter century conflict. Former workers and widows of Christian World Service has con- Morurua workers failed in their bid demned Foreign Affairs Minister Visiting Pakistan experts warn for compensation from the effects Murray McCully’s announcement of growing humanitarian disas- of nuclear testing from the French that NZAID will be absorbed into ter government. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Fighting between government Plea to New Zealanders to help forces and Taliban in northern Pakistani women in crisis New Zealand urged to support Pakistan has created a rapidly es- Sri Lanka solution calating humanitarian crisis, say A Pakistani aid worker is pleading the heads of a Pakistan relief for New Zealanders to help women New Zealand-based overseas aid agency visiting New Zealand. forced from their homes and living agency Christian World Service in fear. has called on the government to

Sri Lankan Refugee Casualties. The Anglican Diocese of Kurunagala in North Western Sri Lanka are doing all they can to provide assistance to the injured and displaced ci- vilians that have been evacuated from hospitals in the north as a result of the recent violent conflict. They need your help

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DIOCESAN NEWS

Receiving Communion. The Bishop has advised “ Please do not use intinction until further notice. Those who receive communion under one kind receive the whole sacrament. On the theology of communion in one kind, it is enough to say that while the symbolism of our participation in the “If we ELECTORAL SYNOD Eucharist is impaired by receiving in one kind only, the fullness and substance of Pray, we 9-10-11 October 2009 what we receive is not. Christ is Believe; Information has been sent always present in either kind. If we St Peters Patch to parishes. Synod members +George.” will now be busy finding suit- Believe, we able candidates for nomination. Love; 7 Primary Schools Meetings are be held in Archdeacon- ries to give church members the opportu- If we Love, we nity to express their views about the sorts Serve”. 1 Intermediate School of attributes that a new bishop will need to pos- 2 High Schools sess to successfully A Prayer for the election of a new Bishop move the Eternal God, shepherd and guide, diocese in your mercy give your Church in this diocese 6 Rest Homes forward. a shepherd after your own heart who will walk in your ways, 4 Kindergartens and with loving care watch over your people. Grant us a leader of vision and a teacher of your truth. 4 Childcare Centres So your Church may be built up and your name glorified; 8 Care Centres through Jesus Christ our Lord.

From A Prayer Book for Australia 4 Shopping Centres

VESTRY IN BRIEF Hullo, will you come to the Heather is enjoying a visit to the so no report from the pictures with me. last vestry meeting was available at the time ‘The That was easy. Rock’ went to print. Hullo will you come to church with me. Not so easy....why? A sign outside a church in the USA (where else) Have confidence in: reads “Salvation Guaranteed or your sins re- * who we are. * what we have to funded”. offer.

BEQUESTS “I GIVE TO THE DUNEDIN DIOCESAN TRUST BOARD, 1A HOWDEN STREET, GREEN ISLAND, DUNEDIN, PO BOX 13 170, GREEN ISLAND, DUNEDIN 9052. (% OF MY ESTATE, OR THE RESIDUE OF MY ESTATE, OR A SUM OF MONEY, OR DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY AND/OR ASSETS) FOR THE GENERAL PURPOSE (OR FOR A SPECIFIC PUR‐ POSE) OF ST PETERS PARISH, CAVERSHAM, FOR WHICH THE RECEIPT OF THE SECRETARY OR OTHER PROPER OFFICER SHALL BE FULL AND SUFFICIENT DISCHARGE TO MY TRUSTEES/EXECUTORS.

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THE ANGLICAN WORLD And there are returns. A Editorial children’s choir for example Investment has become a dirty would bring with it the children’s word. Not surprising considering families and their friends and the losses suffered by investors. supporters and so the wider But investment is not just about church community grows. Oh! I profits or even money. know ‘Where are the children?’ Archbishop of We all can and do invest in many Well seven primary schools and one intermediate school seem Canterbury calls for commitment things like our children’s education or in a wildlife like good places to start. But to sustainable peace in Sudan sanctuary or in social services or then nothing would be the same The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr in a sports club. We invest time would it. So...... Oh well. Rowan Williams, has issued a and money in such things not for Ray Sisley statement in support of today’s our own personal gain but for the benefit of others and our wider ‘Sudan Day of Action’ which calls BACK TO CHURCH community. for a renewed commitment to sus‐ SUNDAY IN NZ Our parish, having been blest 13 SEPTEMBER 2009 tainable peace in Sudan. The Su‐ with many resources, can choose dan Day of Action, organised by to use those resources to sit back Why Back to Church Sunday. Baroness Cox and the Sudan Ac‐ and enjoy a comfortable, do little It's an amazing outreach - sort of existence or it can choose from the 44 parishes in the tion Group, aims to raise aware‐ Diocese of Wellington that something different and exciting ness for the desperate plight of participated last year they about being Christ’s presence in had 834 people come back to the people of Sudan. our community. church. How often does a We could choose to invest in : parish get 20 new people through their doors? ‐ New Primus for the A community garden The challenge is to feel con- Scottish Episcopal Church fident that the welcome to A children’s choir the new faces is warm and Education via the Web sincere. Parishioners are given cards An adult choir like that shown below to give Visiting the house-bound to neighbours and friends. Six Anglican Dioceses in NZ Feeding the hungry and 17 in Australia will all be The Rt Rev David Chillingworth Supporting Christian art involved in 2009. The theme is ‘Come as you was elected Primus of the Scottish Caring for refugees are’.... Episcopal Church at an Episcopal Spiritual direction Synod held during the annual LET US ALL GET BEHIND Worship workshops THIS! meeting of the General Synod of Theological the Scottish Episcopal Church. workshops Bishop David was the single nomi‐ Etc Etc Etc nation and his election was sup‐ Etc Etc Etc ported by all other six . Only our Bishop David has been Bishop of attitudes limit St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dun‐ the scale and variety of blane since 2005 and succeeds the ministries that St Peters Caversham, Hillside Road. Most Rev Dr , Bishop of we could invest 8.00am or 10.30am Glasgow & Galloway who stepped in. Both time down as Primus. and money.

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WARDENS’ WARBLE Excuse me this month, for writing about a subject place, along with the non contact visiting area, punish‐ with little apparent relationship to St Pe‐ ment area where non‐conforming prisoners may be ter’s but late last month Averil and I had housed until they are prepared to conform to the required the opportunity to have a conducted tour standards. In this area, prisoners are locked in their cells through the Otago Corrections Facility for 23 hours and are allowed out into the small exercise near Milburn, often referred to as the "Milton area, attached to the cell for 1 hour per day, food is passed Hilton". Let me first of all make it quite clear that there is to them through a small flap. The normal routine for pris‐ no way in our minds that this facility should be thought of oners is that their cells are unlocked at about 8.30 am and as a "Five Star plus" hotel. Sure, they may have under floor they are then locked in their cells at 4.30pm till the follow‐ heating, that is if they have a cell on the ground floor, ing morning. It is between 8.30 and 4.30 that they have (simply the most economic method to heat such a com‐ their exercise, may attend training courses or some low plex) We actually found the temperature inside rather cool risk ones may travel into Milton or the surrounding area to and yes, they may have a TV, supplied by themselves or work. Having seen this facility for myself, there is no way family, not by the prison but in any event, is that unrea‐ that I’ll agree with the comment so often heard that the sonable as a means of preventing boredom and it’s ac‐ prisoners are there on one big holiday. companying problems from setting in during the sixteen hours when locked in their cell at night, many of them, One of the staff explaining the backgrounds of some of through no fault of their own are not even able to read a the prisoners spoke with obvious pride in the programmes book. They can purchase a newspaper but it will be a day running at Milburn, which is seen as the Jewel in Crown of old when they receive it. the Corrections Department, spoke of the prisoner who had been in the prison system for twenty years and being First requirement was to apply for Authorisation to Visit. there during the past two years had been taught to read Once this had been approved you front up at the Recep‐ and write! This, to the prisoner was a major achievement tion Area, first thing to happen is that you have a tag ap‐ and may mean that he was possibly on the way to a better plied to your wrist, you then proceed to the area where way of life. your photo ID is checked, then each person is checked by a "sniffing drug dog" before passing through a metal detec‐ Sr Veronica Casey, one of the Prison Chaplains spoke of tor similar to what is used at the airport, if you happen to the work the chaplains do in assisting and preparing pris‐ set that alarm off (as I did) you are then checked by a oners for their eventual release from prison and talked of wand until the security team are satisfied that you do not the need for more volunteers to assist with this work. pose a security risk. The two main problems in any of this Some of the prisoners may never receive a visitor in all the countries prisons are cell phones and drugs and particular time that they are there, perhaps some of St Peter’s pa‐ care is taken to ensure these items cannot be passed to rishioners may see this as an area in which they could as‐ prisoners. We then entered the prison proper and al‐ sist. Food for thought! though the prisoners were in "lock down" mode we were still able to see and hear them in their cells and were in‐ I’d be happy to supply contact de‐ structed that not matter what may be said, we were not to tails to anyone who may be inter‐ interact with them. ested.

We were shown the various sections where visits take Tubby Hopkins, Vicar’s Warden AAW The June meeting of St. Peters by the many items she talked about other church groups and members AAW Fellowship was held on and displayed. of our own parish to join with us Saturday afternoon 27th. We wel- for this meeting to listen to David comed 19 members together with Next month our meeting will again speak about and play our church guest Marion Caffell who brought be held on Saturday afternoon, organ. th along examples of her talents as an 25 July at 2pm. David Hoskins embroiderer. We were all greatly will be our guest speaker . We are Ronda Tatnell taking this opportunity to invite impressed, enchanted and inspired Coordinator.

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WHAT IS AN OBLATE OF SAINT BENEDICT?

Oblates of St. Benedict are Christian people word oblate) for the service of God and who have associated themselves with a neighbour to the best of their ability. Benedictine Community in order to enrich their Christian way of life. Oblates shape their Should you feel caed to this way of life and lives by living the wisdom of Christ as inter- spirituality then please contact the vicar. A num- preted by St. Benedict. Oblates seek God by serving him in their chosen way of life. By in- ber of St Peters parishioners are already oblates tegrating their prayer and work, they endeav- associated with the community at Camperdown our to show Christ's presence clearly in soci- in Australia. ety.

St. Paul tells us that each member of the Do you know that these body of Christ, the Church, has a special institutions are all Anglican. function to perform. Many are called to the The Home of St Barnabas married state and the raising of a family. • Some are called to the single life in the world • Leslie Groves Home and others to the single life in Monastic or • Leslie Groves Hospital Religious Communities of men and women. The role of Oblates is to live in the world, to • St Hildas Collegiate School seek God’s holiness in the world, to do what • Selwyn College they can to bring the world to God by being witnesses of Christ by word and example to • The Family Care Centre those around them. • St Pauls Cathedral • Parata Home Gore Oblates concern themselves with striving to be what they are, people of God and temples • Takitimu Home Invercargill of the Holy Spirit. Their prayer life will flow • South Centre Invercargill from this awareness, as will their willingness to offer themselves (that is the meaning of the • St Lukes Cottages Oamaru

THANK YOU to everyone that contributed to the Patronal festival and our last parish service with Bishop George and his wife Noni.

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ST PETERS CAVERSHAM ANGLICAN/EPISCOPAL CHURCH. JULY 2009

CALENDAR WORSHIP SERVICES Pot Luck Lunch JULY All Sundays: Sun 12 +TRINITY 5 Ordinary 15 Mon 10 Monday Club Pot Luck Lunch 8am Eucharist. 7pm Compline by Candle Tue 11 Later Learning 10.30am Solemn Eucha- light 7.30pm in the Vicarage rist. Mon 13 Monday Club 10am in the Thu 13 Meditation Group Hall Sun 16 +ASSUMPTION OF OUR Tue 14 Ladies’ Guild 2pm in the LADY Sundays of the calendar Lounge 7pm Evensong and month at 5 pm: Later Learning 7.30pm in Benediction 1st, 3rd and 5th Compline the Vicarage and Exposition Wed 15 Vestry 7.30pm in the Lounge Thu 16 Meditation Group after the 2nd and 4th Sung Even- Eucharist song and Benediction. Games Night 7pm in the Hall Sun 19 + TRINITY 6 Ordinary 16 First and third Tuesdays of 7pm Evensong and the month: 11am Eucharist Benediction at St Barnabas' Home. Mon 20 Monday Club Tue 22 MARY MAGDALEN Later Learning All Wednesdays and Fri- 7.30pm in the Vicar We’re on the Web! days (except when the age See us at: Vicar is away): 8am Eucha- Thu 24 Meditation Group rist. Games Night www.stpeterscaversham.org.nz Sat 25 JAMES Sun 26 +TRINITY 7 Ordi All Thursdays: 10am nary 17 Eucharist. 7pm Compline by Baptisms, Weddings, House Candlelight Blessings, Mon 27 Monday Club Tue 28 Later Learning Burials and 7.30pm in the Vic arage Confessions by Thu 30 Meditation Group arrangement with the Vicar Games Night AUGUST Sun 2 +TRINITY 8 Ordi nary 18 Parish Directory 7pm Evensong and Benediction Parish Priest: Director of Music: Material for the August Father Carl Somers-Edgar David Hoskins Magazine is due today The Vicarage, 57 Baker Churchwardens: Vicar’s Warden: Mon 3 Monday Club Street Tue 4 Later Learning Caversham, Dunedin Tubby Hopkins 7.30pm in the Vicar People’s Warden: age Telephone: (03) 455 3961 Thu 6 Meditation Group Email: [email protected] Joy Henderson Games Night Internet: Vestry secretary: Sun 9 + TRANSFIGURA Heather Brooks TION OF OUR www.stpeterscaversham.org.nz LORD 7pm Compline by Candlelight

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