Rev’d Julia has set the scene for meditation and prayer in preparation for Good Friday contemplation. 

She has provided the following  Guideline for good Friday  as we move towards the celebration of  Easter in isolation rather than as a gathering of a faith community. 

Palm Sunday 2020 was the first Sunday when we were unable to worship as a faith community in our Parish church.  The need to reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 means that although we must pray and meditate in physical isolation, we can remain joined together in prayer. 

Julia blessed palm crosses in the congregation’s absence and her Palm Sunday Sermon asks questions that help us, as individuals, to reflect on the events leading up to Good Friday. 

Despite the necessity of closing churches from 23rd March to help contain the spread of Covid-19, the congregation practiced social distancing  and shared a very special service of communion on Sunday 22nd March.  The spirit of defiance in the face of the unseen virus was present as the congregation sang “Guide Me Oh Thou Great Jehovah” with greater than usual fervor.  

The Annual Vestry Meeting which followed was well attended.  Ann Peisley retired from Parish Council after a commendable term of 12 years as Parish Secretary.  Alison Brookman also stepped down from Parish Council.  Mano De Mel and Emma Robinson were welcomed as new members to join Colin McLeay, Sara Blunt and Sue Crees.  

Reports were received and some questions asked but under the exceptional circumstances, it was acknowledged that Parish activities will be curtailed until further notice.  

The congregation made a special presentation to Ann in acknowledgement of her dedication to the Parish in many ways.  Warden Colin McLeay presented Ann with a bouquet of lovely flowers as a token of the Parish’s appreciation for her work.  

As we prepared to close the doors to the church building,  as a precaution against spreading the Covid-19 virus, parishioners showed respectful social-distancing during the annual Vestry Meeting.  Discussions and questions showed that parishioners care for our community and support efforts to ensure that the parish will remain active while we cannot meet in prayer. 

We also celebrated the dedicated service to the Parish by Ann Peisley.  Ann has been Parish Secretary for many years as well as the driving force behind many activities.  A bouquet of flowers was presented to Ann as a gesture of appreciation for her support.  A collection of financial appreciation was also offered, but Ann generously requested that the money be directed towards the efforts to restore the church and hall.  THANK YOU ANN.  

Churchwarden Colin presented Ann with a bouquet of flowers. 

Sunday 1st March was the first Sunday in Lent and All Souls’ Parish “celebrated” with a visit from Archbishop Geoff and his wife Lynn.  The Archbishop’s sermon can be read with THIS LINK.  

Following the service, the Parish welcomed the Archbishop and Lynn with a gathering in Coles Hall where fellowship and morning tea were enjoyed.

The wedding of Jess Gale and Jon Olsen took place at All Souls’ on 3rd  January.  Jess was the third generation of women from her family to be married at All Souls’ and wore her mother’s dress from the 1980s that had been altered to reflect the style of the 2020s.

Jon came from the United States after they met on line. He is a specialist carpenter and Jess is an early childhood educator.

We wish John and Jess every happiness in their life together.

On Sunday 2nd February, the rafters of All Souls’ Church rang to the sounds of a rousing brass band concert presented by the Cambelltown City Band.  The afternoon was a musical feast of Songs of Praise for the estimated 100 audience members, while the afternoon tea which followed in Coles Hall satisfied the other appetite.  

In recognition of the wonderful efforts of local CFS groups who have worked selflessly during the fire emergencies, the Cambelltown City Band donated the entire takings for the afternoon to the Athelstone CFS.

Brenton Brockhouse, tuba and organ player extraordinaire, sent the following message
“Campbelltown City Band would like to thank everyone at All Souls’ for their wonderful efforts in supporting the concert last Sunday.

As usual, the afternoon tea was spectacular and the tireless work by the team in the kitchen was much appreciated.

There was also a lot of work in setting up the church for the band and anticipated audience with extra chairs being brought from the hall. We hope the church is back to normal after we left. $1,569.75 was raised for the Athelstone CFS who have expressed their thanks and amazement at this figure.”

All Souls members have, for many years, collected surplus baked goods from St Peters Bakehouse at the end of the day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On Wednesday or Friday morning they take these to AnglicareSA’s Magdalene Centre in Gilbert Street, Adelaide. AnglicareSA offers a range of meal assistance/food support including through On the Way Café, an economical café in Elizabeth.

Thank you to St Peters Bakehouse and to Ali, Didy, Kym, Tiffany, Colin and Carolyn for their commitment to this service – the love of God in action. 

All Souls marked Australia Day with prayers, flags and floral tributes, as well as Lamingtons and Vegemite biscuits.