A meeting between representatives of the National Trust and All Souls’ Parish was held on Wednesday 8th January. Revd Julia, Ali Brookman and Sue Crees met with Dr Darren Peacock to discuss the Appeal’s progress and begin planning for the future.
It was pleasing to note that, to date, $10,270 has been donated to the Appeal. We look forward to giving updates on giving, fund raising activities and plans for beginning work.
THANK YOU to 10 willing workers who braved the dust (note Julia’s fashionable face-mask) and disorder in the shed behind Coles Hall to discover:
Items that could be removed from the shed were identified as things to be kept, for Parish use or for sale, or sent to the dump. 3 table-tennis tables, a piano and a number of trestle tables needed some effort to move, however it was decided that a church pew and multiple kneelers could remain where they were.
A break for afternoon tea washed the dust from throats and gave the opportunity to chat before everything was returned – tidily – to the shed.
Despite the quite hard and dusty work, it was a very enjoyable afternoon with a very satisfying result. The next Sorting Day will turn attention to Kay Hall.
Cambelltown City Band is presenting a concert in All Souls’ Church on Sunday 2nd February, starting at 2.00 pm. The concert will be followed by afternoon tea in Coles Hall. Proceeds will go to the Athelstone CFS.
We are privileged to host this talented brass band in our church and anticipate a big audience to support the wonderful work of our CFS volunteers.
Please invite friends and family to come along and enjoy an afternoon of music and fellowship.
Entry fee of $10 per person includes afternoon tea.
A significant team of people is required to create worship opportunities, so grateful thanks are due to all those involved in preparing, leading and participating in services, including floral artists, the parish secretary, parish council, sacristan, musicians, lay assistants, servers, worship leaders, readers, sidespeople, money counters and cleaners.
Artist and Evangelist, Edmund Jagamarra Wanganeen, shared something of his journey to faith on the fourth Sunday of Advent.
Now a preacher and teacher, he shared how God sought him out and brought him to faith through other people. He also talked about his artistic gift and showed some paintings in rich earth colours, that celebrate God’s creation.
On the third Sunday of Advent, we welcomed a member of the congregation as guest speaker: Mano De Mel shared something of her experience of God’s activity bringing joy in her life.
She and her husband Nish conducted the Advent candle lighting and prayer ritual at the start of the service which included the traditional pink candle to remember Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Sacristan Julie Almond beautified the church with additional pink flowers and candles and Organist Brenton Brockhouse provided a recording of the Magnificat sung by the choir of Winchester Cathedral for congregants to enjoy.
On the second Sunday of Advent, 8 December 2019, we welcomed Volunteers from Compassion Australia. This is an organisation that helps improve the lives of children around the world e.g. Africa, South America and the Middle East, by directing donor funds through local churches to cover recipients’ educational, medical and other needs. It is an example of the Love of God in action through the work of God’s people and God’s church.
Nigel and Cherie Cooper and their family have sponsored children for many years and the couple now volunteers for the organisation.
Guest speaker for the first Sunday of Advent, Owen Crees, spoke about his experience of bringing Hope to his Angel Flight passengers.
Angel Flight volunteer pilots provide transportation for people who need to attend medical appointments in Australia’s major centres but cannot access or afford transportation from remote communities. This service is offered free of charge to the passenger and their carer and is funded entirely by community donation.
To read Owen’s story follow this link.
Further information can be found at https://www.angelflight.org.au
On Thursday 28th November, approximately 80 people came to All Souls’ Church to listen to Michele Hill’s presentation about William Morris and to learn about the wonderful stained glass windows of All Souls. Morning Tea was enjoyed in Coles Hall and thanks to the generous contributions of parishioners, and the REAL coffee, many expressed their thanks for the impressive spread.
Michele Hill brought some of her William Morris-inspired quilts to be displayed in the church. The effect was stunning and complimented the morning’s presentations. Following Michele’s talk, Sue Crees explained the history of the Parish, the church and our famous windows.
The morning earned the Parish more than $1000 which will be added to fund raising efforts to restore the church building and preserve the windows.
Similar events will be held in 2020.
For more than a month we have enjoyed the visit of the Rev’d Grant Brockhouse from Peterborough in the UK, while he stayed with his brother, Brenton, the Church Organist, and Nola.
Grant generously shared his musical gifts with the 9.30am congregation by playing the organ for several services, including the patronal festival.
Grant returned to the UK in time for Advent Sunday – goodbye Grant, and thank you!
