October – November 2021 Newsletter

We Are There by God’s Grace!

We should thank God for being and walking with us during the last hundred plus days of very strict COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions. With each passing day we all were getting more anxious and agitated with the limited things we could do, let alone not being able to come together to worship on Sundays.

We should be glad we were able to survive this difficult time, which was very hard for us, not being to move around freely, getting out of our local area, not seeing our dear ones, who live in a different household. We missed birthdays, anniversary celebrations, being able to meet with a friend at a coffee shop or a restaurant to have a meal together and chat. We also missed travelling, be it in our state, interstate or overseas. We have survived all the restrictions of wearing masks almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors, with foggy glasses, not being able to do shopping, even window shopping. We were only allowed to shop for our groceries. We were not able to have a decent haircut, enjoy a musical concert, go to the movies, go to gym, or any kind of entertainment and fun.

We are glad that now we have reached the 75% and almost 80% target of full vaccination, which helps our government to ease the restrictions further in the coming few weeks and give more freedom to the fully vaccinated, with the anticipation that by the 1^st of December all vaccinated or unvaccinated will have the same rules and accept to live with COVID and let life go on.

Looking carefully into the Roadmap to get out of the COVID’s dark tunnel and into the advice given to us from the Uniting Church NSW/ACT Synod, we have decided not to rush and open our church doors for Worship Services or run our programs until 21 November, just to see how people will handle these few weeks with so much agitation, tension and anxiety going around us. I am grateful to each and every member of our congregation and adherents for their patience and abiding with all the rules and restrictions. But most of all for the willingness to be fully vaccinated.

Dear sisters and brothers, yes, indeed we had a difficult time during this round of COVID pandemic. We were not this much anxious and agitated in mid-March 2020, when the COVID virus began to spread in Australia. Even we were a little proud that we were doing much better here than other countries, as we handled it well, even opened up in the second half of 2020. But sadly, we went into this lockdown in late June this year and with each passing day we thought this will never end. But it did and it will and we are at the end of the tunnel and hopefully we will never get back into another lockdown.

We should thank our political leaders, chief health officer, governments and all responsible parties who worked hard and provided the leadership we needed, even if we were not happy with their extreme decisions and hard rules. But they did all they could to provide us a safe environment to continue our life and look forward with hope and anticipation for much better days. Now we are almost at the other side of the pandemic.

As we look back to the hundred and plus days of hard lockdown, all we could see is turbulence and disruption, which impacted on all of us causing pain and discomfort. I am sure that in the midst of this chaos we were able to feel the presence of the Almighty and in some way we cared for each other and the people around us in our community, showing our love and prayerful support, dropping “Thinking of You” notes in the mailboxes of our neighbourhood on two occasions and communicating with each other.

Now, we are hopeful that we are at the end of the tunnel and soon we will reopen our doors and celebrate, for God is great and good and He has been with us, as He has always been with His people and His church, which include us, our small, but faithful and committed congregation at St. Andrew’s.

So, let’s give thanks to God and look forward to better days on the other side. Sometime ago we asked the question: “Are we there yet?”  and the answer was “No”. I believe now is the time to say: “Yes, we are there, and God is with us.”

Praise be to God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Rev. Dr. Krikor Youmshajekian

CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT

At long last, after more than 100 days, we are out of lockdown! It is interesting to reflect that this is the first time that this generation has been asked to make a personal sacrifice for the common good.

Thankfully all regular church members have confirmed that they are double vaccinated. However, church council decided that we will not open our doors for Sunday worship until November 21. We considered that a couple more weeks of church at home in October would be advisable, as Krikor is taking a couple of weeks of much needed annual leave in the first weeks of November. Krikor will advise what arrangements will be in place while he is absent.

On Sunday November 28 we will celebrate St. Andrew’s Day, but not with the traditional lunch and haggis. Instead, we will invite the local neighbours to a free Sausage Sizzle.

We plan to have a Movie and Pizza Night on Tuesday December 14 so please come along and enjoy an evening of hospitality and friendship. There will be no movie on November 2 as Krikor will be on leave.

Local council elections are still on track for December 4. Bridget Kennedy, who is standing for election in Central Ward for the first time, has agreed to meet with us at 10:00 am on Wednesday November 10. Everyone is welcome so please invite your local friends to come along and bring their questions.

Market Morning and Lane Cove Music have had to reschedule – Virginia and Chris have provided the details below.

We are very grateful to Krikor for providing church at home for all of us each Sunday and for Mark’s musical suggestions.

We are a little short of our total of $3000 to support the Demirchian family in Artsakh, but it is not too late to make your donation. The total raised is $2650. The family consists of the mother and 9 children, the father was killed in the war.

Thank you for depositing money into the church bank account by EFT. If convenient for you, you are welcome to continue. We bank with Westpac BSB 032 085, a/c 810147.

^{Penny Goodley}

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

While sorting through old papers I came across this poem titled

‘Welcome to 2018’.

Our Phones are Wireless

Our Cooking is Fireless,

Our Cars are Keyless,

Our Food is Fatless,

Our Dresses are Sleeveless,

Our Relationships are Meaningless,

Our Attitudes are Careless

Our Feelings are Heartless,

Our Babies are Fatherless,

Our Children are Mannerless,

Our Education is Valueless,

Our Youth are Jobless,

Our Country is Godless,

Our Leaders are Shameless,

Our Politicians are Worthless,

Our Government is Clueless!

We are speechless.

So back to 2021 – what has changed in three years!

FATHER’S DAY

Thank you Krikor for providing special gifts for all the fathers. Brian was the lucky father who received something extra special.

A recent quote from Sunday Life: My movie research tells me that dads are supposed to be protective but silly and fun. A little angry sometimes, but mostly a bit tired.

OUR NATIVE BEEHIVE

On Monday 27 September Judy Friedlander and her team came to split the hive. We keep half and the other half went to a local primary school. They were overjoyed to see the hive when it was split, they had never seen so many little bees. We have done an excellent job of looking after them. The whole exercise was fascinating, it is great that we are helping the environment in this way. The inner wooden hives have been made by refugees with funding from Australian Ethical. When we arrived at the hive the little lavender bush was covered in small black creatures which Chris thought should be sprayed, as pests. No spraying occurred as these little guys turned out to be the boys that had been evicted from the hive. The queen and the girls stay behind and this is the reason for the splitting of the hive. Sadly, there is no jar of honey to share, we dipped our little finger in the hive and had a taste, but all available honey had to be kept as food for the girls.

The native plants have had a tip prune and Krikor has kindly provided new stakes.

MARKET MORNING

It was very sad when once again I had to cancel notices of Market Morning. One reference was already printed in the ‘Lane Cove Connections’. Having chatted with Krikor, we agreed St. Andrew’s Day might be another opportunity – that is 28^th November. We will have a few goods for sale to go with the FREE SAUSAGES.

We will also have a Sale Table at the Local Government Election which will be Saturday 4^th December and our Hall will as usual be a Polling Place. Advise people to ‘bring their money with them’ when they come to vote.

The next FULL MARKET MORNING will be Saturday 6^th August 2022.

PUT THE DATE IN YOUR DIARY. Stay well.

^{Virginia Knowles}

LANE COVE MUSIC

We are looking forward to our final concert for the year, our annual Sydney Eisteddfod Pollard Awards, at 7:00 pm on Tuesday 7 December in Lane Cove Mowbray Anglican Church, Rosenthal Ave. Lane Cove. Ticket booking is essential and will be available online from 20 November.

Any enquiries, please phone Chris on  9428 4287  www.lanecovemusic.org.au

LOCAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS – Saturday 4 December

As usual our War Memorial Hall will be a polling station. We will have jams, cakes and books for sale at a small stall.

Bridget Kennedy is standing for election in Central Ward for the first time, as an independent. Bridget was Lane Cove’s Citizen of the Year in 2018. We have invited her to come to our Hall for a Q&A on Wednesday 10 November, at 10:00 am. Everyone is welcome to come along, please bring questions.

LIFE AND WITNESS CONSULTATION

We are one of five congregations in the lower north shore taking part in this consultation, organized by presbytery. The whole process will take place during October and November. Initially it will be church council members who will take part and we have a meeting with the facilitators on Wednesday October 13. At this meeting we will explain our outreach activities and answer the important question – if your congregation disappeared what would people in your community complain about losing? All members will have a chance to express their opinions in our path going forward. More news will be available in coming weeks.

TIME 4 U

Unfortunately, this is still on hold, because of COVID. Sadly, Hazel Dawes died, at Kamilaroi, following a short stay in RNS Hospital. She was very proud to tell us that she was a descendant of Lieutenant Dawes, who arrived on board the First Fleet, and after whom Dawes Point is named. Lieutenant Dawes was tasked with recording temperature and rainfall events in the first few years to try and ascertain what crops could be grown in the new colony. There was a family only service at the crematorium. Hazel was fondly remembered as aunt to 18 nephews and nieces. 

Sadly, also we remember Margaret Duncan who died on 1 September at St. Columba’s at the age of 99. A life-long royalist, she had been looking forward to her letter from the Queen. Margaret was sixth of the nine Nowra Duncans, with two surviving siblings and numerous nephews and nieces.

Margaret had been a faithful member of Lane Cove Music until last year and particularly enjoyed Scrabble mornings at Time 4U.

Jill Lamond is still going strong; we hope to see her again soon. Below is news of Margaret Cant.

MOVIE & PIZZA NIGHTS (with Covid rules)

Tuesday 14 December at 6:30 pm Downton Abbey (2019) – Historical drama set in 1927 following the storyline from the series with many of the original cast. Starring Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern (115 mins).

Next Movie Night – Tuesday 1 February at 6:30 pm.

MESSAGE FROM DAVID CANT

As some of you may be aware, Margaret is in respite care, at Elizabeth Jenkins Place, Collaroy, close to the family and our unit at Dee Why.

This is an impressive aged care facility run by the Salvation Army, with a very caring culture, and plenty of stimulating activities in a homely environment. Margaret seems to be quite at home there, helping to look after some of the less able residents!

Under the current Health Directives visits to aged care facilities are restricted even to carers, but hopefully when things ease in the next few weeks more interaction should be possible. Meanwhile I visit several times a week and if you would like to send Margaret any news, cards or messages etc, call or text me on my mobile or send me a note, and I will be happy to pass them on.

My sincere thanks to Krikor and our friends from St. Andrew’s and elsewhere who have been so supportive in recent times.

David

7 Holden Street NSW Northwood 2066

(M) 0417 422 952

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A PRAYER FOR THE SUFFERING CHURCH

Blessing, honour, glory and might belong to You our God.

Before You we bow and accept Your sovereign will.

God our rock,

Be with us in this time of trouble.

Be with our brothers and sisters who are marginalised and despised.

God our comforter,

Be with us in this time of trial.

Be with our brothers and sisters who endure violence and justice.

God our protector,

Be with us in this time of evil.

Be with our brothers and sisters who are persecuted for Christ.

God our healer,

Be with us in this time of sickness.

Be with our brothers and sisters who live with suffering and death.

God our hope,

Be with us all and restore us again

that we may sing Your praises in the house of the Lord.

In the Name of Christ. Amen!

^{by Patrick Sookhdeo 2021 Barnabas Fund}

OCTOBER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Oct      7, Sun    9:30 am         –  Sunday Communion Service (church at home).

Oct    10, Sun      9:30  am        –  John Flynn Service (church at home).

Oct    26, Wed    10:30 am        –  Elders/Church Council Meeting.

NOVEMBER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Nov     2, Tue                            –  Krikor on leave for two weeks till 17 Nov.

Nov     7, Sun    9:30 am         –  Sunday Communion Service (church at home).

                                                     Pastor Rick Johnson share LCU service.

Nov    11, Thur  7:30  pm         –  Lower North Shore Zone Uniting Churches Study Series – Crows Nest Uniting or on Zoom. (See the details on the last page).

Nov    14, Sun     9:30 am         –  With LCU Church service (church at home).

                                                     Bob Minton leading the service..

Nov    18, Thur  7:30  pm         –  Lower North Shore Zone Uniting Churches Study Series.

Nov     21, Sun    9:30 am         –  Church doors open for Service.

Nov     24, Wed   10:30 am       –  Elders/Church Council Meeting.

Nov     25, Thur 7:30  pm         –  Lower North Shore Zone Uniting Churches Study Series.

Nov     28, Sun    9:30 am         –  St. Andrews’ Day Service & the start of Advent  inviting our neighbours to join us. Free Sausage Sizzle from 11:00 am to 12 noon.

DECEMBER DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:

Dec      2, Thur  7:30  pm         –  Lower North Shore Zone Uniting Churches.

   Study Series.

Dec      5, Sun   9:30 am         –  Sunday Communion Service.

Dec       7, Tue     7:00 pm       – Lane Cove Music – at LCM Anglican Church – Sydney Eisteddfod Pollard Awards.

Dec     14, Tue   6:30 pm         –  Pizza/Movie Night ‘Downton Abbey’.

Dec     12, Sun   9:30 am         –  Carols Service

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To contact Krikor call on  0418 417 411

standrewsunite@tpg.com.au

Church Office phone: 9427 4740