The Leaflet No. 1086 Autumn, March 2021
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The Scots’ Church, Melbourne The First Presbyterian Church in Victoria – Founded 1838 Locations The Scots’ Church, Melbourne, 77 Russell St (cnr Collins St), Melbourne Assembly Hall Building, Werner Brodbeck Hall, Grnd Flr, 156 Collins St, Melbourne Assembly Hall Building, Robert White Hall, 1st Flr, 156 Collins St, Melbourne St Stephens Church, Flemington and Kensington, 26 Norwood St, Flemington Worship Sun: 10.00 am Service, St Stephen’s Church 10.30 am Indonesian Service (www.icc-melbourne.org), Werner Brodbeck Hall 11.00 am Traditional Service, The Scots’ Church 5.00 pm Engage City Church Contemp. Service, Robert White Hall (The Sunday school is available during Sunday morning services) Tue: 7.00 pm City Bible Study (CBS), Robert White Hall (Prayer requests may be given to the church office during office hours, or to any duty manager at any service.) Meetings Sun: 9.15 am Choir practice Wed: 10.30 am PWMU (second Wednesday) 7.30 pm Kirk Session (first Wednesday 7.30 pm Board of Management (fourth Wednesday, quarterly) Directory Interim Moderator Rev. P. Court 9650 9903 Minister, Central Business District Minister Pastoral Care Rev. L. Heshusius 9650 9903 Minister, St Stephen’s, Flemington Mr A. Wong 9376 3777 Minister, Indonesian Christian Church Rev. C. Tirtha 9650 9903 Director of Music Mr D. Lawrence AM 9650 9903 Assistant Organist Ms R.A. Polo 9650 9903 Organist Emeritus Dr R. Batterham AO - Session Clerk Miss R. Strother 9650 9903 Deputy Session Clerk Dr R. Fethers 9650 9903 Chair, Scots’ Church Properties Trust Mr P. Kerss 9650 9903 Honorary Treasurer, Board of Management Mr S. Ruddock 9650 9903 Honorary Secretary, Board of Management Dr D. Sherman 9650 9903 Convenor, Pastoral Care Mr D. Gibb 9650 9903 Convener, Planned Giving Mr W. Truong 9650 9903 Convenor, Christian Education Mrs L. Taylor 9650 9903 Superintendent, Sunday School Mrs D. Sherman 9650 9903 Administrator Operations Mr J. North 9650 9903 Administration Assistant Mr M. Chandra 9650 9903 Financial Controller Mr M. Hirst 9650 9903 Administration Secretary Mrs W. Gregory 9650 9903 Building Officer Mr R. Holt 9650 9903 Welcome Desk Attendant Mr K. Bowden 9650 9903 Editor, The Leaflet Miss R. Strother 9650 9903
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 The Scots’ Church Melbourne is a diverse and eclectic body of God’s people who come together each week to worship God in a variety of styles and settings. Beyond our weekly gatherings, we seek to love and serve the Lord by being faithful in our devotion to the Word of God, caring in our fellowship with one another and visitors, and generous in our outreach to the communities in which God has placed us. We would be delighted to meet you at any of our church services or at any of our other public meetings and functions. If you want to know more about the Christian faith, the Presbyterian Church, Scots’ Church or the range of activities and ministries that we’re involved in, please don’t hesitate to contact us: 1st Floor, 156 Collins Street, Melbourne,Vic, 3000 Tel: (03) 9650 9903 / 9650 9904 Fax: (03) 9654 3982 Email: admin@scotschurch.com Web: www.scotschurch.com Cover image: The Scots’ Church Melbourne in 2021 – a view from Russell Street. P A G E C
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 Interim Moderator................................................................................................................1 Every season has its own beauty........................................................................................3 Life is hard, but God is good................................................................................................4 Minutes of Appreciation for Rev. Richard O'Brien............................................................5 New Dunesk - An Initiative of PIM......................................................................................7 Richard O'Brien's Ministry - Some Special Memories......................................................8 Holy Week and Easter at Scots' Church...........................................................................10 The Seasons........................................................................................................................11 Douglas Lawrence's Other Choir......................................................................................14 Bible Places - Chorazin......................................................................................................15 Plants of the Bible - Muskmelon.......................................................................................17 Past and Present - St. Paul's Church, Ballan......................................................................18 Interview - Sirisha and Stallone Joel................................................................................21 Foundation Day Scots' Church 2021...............................................................................23 Scots' Church Craft Group Update...................................................................................24 Rev. William Hamilton........................................................................................................25 Two Australian Bible Gardens...........................................................................................28 Family History - Some Scottish Resources.......................................................................31 Choral Music - A Brief Overview.......................................................................................33 From the History of Scots' Church - Church Organisations...........................................35 Flemington Mission............................................................................................................36 Modern Martyrs - Westminster Abbey...............................................................................37 Esther John - Presbyterian Martyr ....................................................................................39 Pets Corner - Molly Kilmartin............................................................................................40 For the kids.........................................................................................................................41 Crossword...........................................................................................................................42 P A G E D
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 Interim Moderator Already but not yet Rev. Philip Court Dear friends As Christians, we ought to know we live in what is often called “the between-times.” That’s the period of cosmic history between the coming of God the Son in the weakness of our humanity and his return in glory to judge the living and the dead and to usher in the new heavens and the new earth. We live with the tension between the already and the not yet. The age-to-come broke into our real-time universe with the coming of Jesus, his atoning death for our sin and his resurrection to new life. The kingdom of God is already in our midst (Luke 17:21), in and through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the inner being of the believer. But it is not yet fully consummated. Christ has not yet “come with the clouds, when every eye shall see him” (Revelation 1:7) and when “every knee shall bow… and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10,11) At the risk of you thinking me blasphemous, I see certain (but clearly quite limited) similarities between the already but not yet period of salvation history and various chapters in our much more ordinary human history. Perhaps the most recent very public example was the period between the USA’s presidential election of 3 November last year and the inauguration on 20 January this year of Joe Biden as its 46th President. Now that was a between-time of great tension, upheaval and emotion, to say the least! The election had already been won, but the winner was not yet installed in office, and various protocols and procedures were required to be completed before that could happen. Much closer to home, as members and friends of the Scots’ Church, you too are living through a between-time with regard to the office of Senior Minister. A Call to Rev Philip Campbell has already been made at the meeting of congregations on 13 December; the necessary proportion of church members subscribing to the Call (60%) was already exceeded when the deadline of 18 January arrived; the commissioners have already handed the Call to me and I have already forwarded it to our Presbytery; our Presbytery has already sustained the Call and forwarded it to the Presbytery of Brisbane which has already handed it to Phil. For his part, Phil has already accepted the Call. P A G E 1
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 Yet, as I write these words, there are still some things that are not yet. The most important of these is Phil’s formal and official induction into the Charge. In its own way, it’s a form of inauguration; the inauguration of Rev Philip Macleay Campbell as the 14th Minister of the Charge. It’s a ceremony conducted by the presbytery to which the inducted Charge belongs; the Presbytery of Melbourne West. If all goes according to plan, I expect Phil’s induction service to take place at the Scots’ Church on the evening of Friday 19 March. I hope to see many of you there for this critically important milestone in the history of your church. But this is where the analogy with Christ’s return breaks down. I have a specific date in mind for Phil’s induction, but no one knows the hour of our Lord’s return. I hope and pray that Phil’s induction really will actually take place, but as the Lord’s brother warns us,“you do not know what tomorrow will bring.” (James 4:14). Though I cannot have absolute certainty about such human events, I do have absolute certainty of Christ’s return because that is a divine promise, and God’s promises are never broken. And lastly, Christ will come in glory. Phil Campbell will come to you as a humble and fallible servant of his Lord and master, trusting in the grace of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as he takes up the burdens, the challenges, the responsibilities, the heartaches and the joys of the office to which so very many of you have called him. Please pray for Phil Campbell and his wife Louise as they and you prepare to commence the pastoral tie that binds an inducted minister of Christ’s church to the flock Christ gives him to pastor. With every blessing Philip Court A CHANGE TO THE LEAFLET We are moving from bi-monthly to quarterly issues of The Leaflet. At the December 2020 meeting of the Kirk Session, it was decided that there will be four issues each year: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. For more detail, please turn to ‘The Seasons’ on page 11 of this issue. P A G E 2
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 Minister Pastoral Care Rev. Litha Heshusius "Every season has its own beauty" Now that we are entering the autumn season, it doesn't feel like we are already in March. Some people say that March has the most comfortable weather in the year. I like autumn, especially in March, because I find the climate to be similar to that of where I was born. I love autumn because it brings out the magnificent color in the leaves. Albert Camus wrote, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” Eventually, those beautifully colored leaves fall to the ground, and there remain trees with leafless branches to enter the winter. Those unfamiliar with the circumstances of the season may think that the leafless trees look strange, and may believe that they should be cut down. However, blessed are those who know the seasons, for they know what goes on beyond the leafless trees in winter; that the tree is well and alive! The leaves will appear again in the following season, and the tree will also bear fruit. In this beautiful month, God is giving what His Church has been praying for. He has provided a Minister for the Church. Praise the LORD! “Christ is the head of the body, the Church.” Colossians 1:18. The Church is not the building, but the people and His believers are His Body. Christ is the Vine; we are the branches. Every season has its own beauty because God is the creator of all seasons. Let us abide in Christ so that we may bear much fruit in our service to God and our lives. Through the appointed Minister Rev. Philip Campbell and his wife Louise, we will journey together and be shepherded with the Holy Spirit's presence in us and every season of our Church life. “I am the Vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 Shalom Litha P A G E 3
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 Minister, St. Stephen’s Flemington Mr. Andrew Wong Life is hard, but God is good 22 The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV) I am not sure about you, but I want a life full of peace and joy. I don’t like it when things don’t go my way. I don’t like it when I drop a cup on the floor, and it shatters. I don’t like it when I go and do the rubbish but then the rubbish bag breaks, and everything goes on my clothes and my hands stink. I don’t like it when I lose my keys or phone or when the doctor gives me bad news. I don’t like it when bad things happen to me or to my family. The reality is I don’t have control of my life. I can’t control everything. And when things don’t go the way I want, it is very hard to have peace and joy. The reality is, all of us will and do face the uncertainties of the future. We all face the reality of not being in complete control. The book of Lamentations was probably written by Jeremiah, the weeping prophet, after the fall of Jerusalem. It was written poetically following what has happened in 2 Chronicles 36. It records the pain and suffering of the people of God. If you read through the book of Lamentations, you will be able to feel their misery. However, the book reaches a climax in chapter 3. Although life is hard, although there is a lot of pain and suffering, the author of Lamentations can rejoice because of what he writes in verses 22-24. The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is His faithfulness. Whatever situation you are in life right now, remember this truth, God is faithful. His love is never ending. He sent His one and only son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for sinful men.The greatest example of love. The greatest example of God’s faithfulness to His people. Look to Jesus Christ. Look to the cross. Remember His steadfast love and His faithfulness. Life is hard and it will continue to be hard in a sinful and broken world. But there is hope in Jesus Christ. God is good. Andrew Wong P A G E 4
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 MINUTES OF APPRECIATION FOR THE REV. RICHARD O’BRIEN FROM THE KIRK SESSION AND PRESBYTERY OF MELBOURNE WEST Minute of Appreciation, the Kirk Session, The Scots’ Church Melbourne, 3rd February 2021 The Rev Richard O’Brien and his wife Rosemary have made a major contribution to the life and ministry of The Scots’ Church since they joined us eighteen years ago. Richard was ordained to the ministry in 1991, serving firstly at Croydon Hills and then at St Paul’s, Armidale NSW before becoming an assistant minister to Rev Douglas Robertson at Scots’. He was appointed Minister to the Central Business District (CBD) in February 2003, a ministry he carried out until his deteriorating health forced him to withdraw from the work of pastoral ministry in April 2020. In 2010, following the departure of Rev John Diacos, Richard took over responsibility for Sunday evening worship services, which became known as Engage. In the same year he established two new initiatives. One was the Thursday Lunchtime series of Bible talks for business people over lunch, which continued until the COVID-19 lockdown in early 2020 forced the cessation of gathered worship. The other was the City Bible Study (CBS) on Tuesday evenings, an initiative which has survived the lockdown and continues with new leadership. Richard also initiated a midweek early morning discipleship group consisting of men who came together to discuss spiritual issues of relevance before the working day began. For several years until the end of 2011, Richard was also the minister chairing St Stephen’s Flemington’s Board of Management and regularly supplying pulpit there. Following the retirement of Rev Dr Geoffrey Blackburn in 2012, Richard assumed the pastoral care ministry that Geoffrey had been providing, working with the pastoral care team to show the compassion and love of Christ to members of the congregation and their families. Beyond Scots’ Church, Richard served as Presbytery Clerk from 2006 to 2010 and, for many years, he represented the Presbyterian Church of Victoria (PCV) on the St Andrew’s Foundation. As a member of the City of Melbourne’s Collins Street Precinct Group he worked with others to provide a sense of neighbourhood in the city. P A G E 5
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 In all of Richard’s ministry, Rosemary has been a tireless and hard-working partner as well as contributing to church life in many ways in her own right. For example, her music ministry to the Engage service has been outstanding, their daughter Emily also heartily contributing to this ministry for many years. An active member of the Presbyterian Women’s Missionary Union at Scots’, Rosemary served as Assistant Secretary from 2011 onwards, as well as being appointed Vice President from 2013, a position she held until becoming President in 2020. She is currently the Devotions Convenor for the group. Outside of Scots’ Rosemary pioneered the introduction into Victoria of Spiritual Renewal Groups for ministers’ wives. She continues to serve on the PCV’s Health and Community Chaplaincy Committee. Upon his retirement, Richard’s decision to donate his extensive theological library to the Presbyterian Inland Mission well illustrates his selfless and gospel-driven ministry. The Kirk Session thanks God for all that Richard and Rosemary O’Brien have brought to the life and ministry of this Charge and its mission in Melbourne and beyond. May God bless them and keep them as they embark on the next stage of their life and pilgrimage. Rev Philip Court Minute of Appreciation for Rev. Richard O’Brien, the Presbytery of Melbourne West, 18th November 2020 At its meeting of 18 November 2020,the following Minute was approved by acclamation: ‘Having been appointed as a ministerial assistant to the Senior Minister of the Scots’ Church Melbourne in 2003, Rev Richard O’Brien was welcomed into this presbytery at its October 2003 meeting. Prior to his ministry with Scots’ Church, Richard served at Croydon Hills for nine years and St Paul’s Armidale NSW for three years. Richard’s primary responsibility at Scots’ Church was as Minister to the CBD, a ministry he discharged until ill health forced him to step down in April 2020. His retirement from pastoral ministry will take effect in January 2021. Richard has been an active and valued member of this court over many years. He was appointed Convener of a five-year visitation to Gisborne in October 2004 and has since led or participated in many other visitations. In September 2006, he was appointed Clerk of Presbytery, an office he held with distinction until April 2010. He P A G E 6
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 served on presbytery’s Strategy and Growth Committee from February 2012 to July 2018, and as its Convener since 2013. We thank God for the involvement of Rev Richard O’Brien in the work of this presbytery, for his ministry at the Scots’ Church Melbourne, and for his contributions to the wider church. His passion for the gospel and his dedication to the ministry of Word and Sacraments are unquestioned. We pray that, in his measureless grace, God might grant Richard and Rosemary O’Brien the time and opportunities to enjoy the fruits of their labours for the kingdom of their Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.’ NEW DUNESK – AN INITIATIVE OF PIM The Presbyterian Inland Mission (PIM) has recently launched a new venture in western New South Wales. New Dunesk, set on 243 hectares(600 acres) is the homestead of PIM, and is described as a place to come to, and ‘be inspired and equipped to be a part of what God is doing in remote and rural places across our big country’. New Dunesk is located just south of the town of Ardlethan, on the Newell Highway, 489 kilometres west of Sydney and 103 kilometres north of Wagga Wagga. Its location is crucial in encouraging connections between churches in the most populated areas of our nation with the frontline mission activities in rural and outback Australia. Although the official opening of New Dunesk has been postponed due to restrictions imposed by the pandemic, there are still activities proposed for 2021, to be confirmed as the situation is monitored A Nomads’ Network is planned as a continuing program which will begin with a training event, but will continue through the year so that as people travel they will have opportunities to stay connected. Those wishing to join the Nomads’ Network will need their own caravan, trailer or tent. New Dunesk has toilets, showers and a camp kitchen available for those joining in events there, and there is also an open invitation to camp there when passing through the area. Events planned for 2021 include four-day practical ministry training, and outreach event at Beltana, South Australia, and an informal ‘reconnect’ weekend later in the year. Other activities planned for 2021 include a Country Elders Preaching Workshop and a family-oriented Camper Trailer Muster in October, both subject to confirmation. If you are interested in more detail, please check the PIM website, or call Andrew on 0438 868 964. Reference: Presbyterian Inland Mission – New Dunesk. https://pim.org.au/new-dunesk/ P A G E 7
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 RICHARD O’BRIEN’S MINISTRY – SOME SPECIAL MEMORIES P A G E 8
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T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 HOLY WEEK AND EASTER AT SCOTS’ CHURCH 2021 The music for Holy Week and Easter is a little different from earlier years but will still provide inspiration and joy. On the Wednesday of Holy Week Dr Robin Batterham AO, the Scots' Organist Emeritus, will perform one of the greatest works ever composed for The Scots’ choir was able to sing for the Nine Lessons and the organ; The Stations of the Cross by Carols Service on 20th December. the legendary organist of Notre Dame, Marcel Dupré. This massive work describes the last hours of the Lord Jesus' Life in startling and moving detail. Program notes allow the listener to follow the story. This will be the last of nine recitals that will have taken place at 1pm every Wednesday in February and March. At 7.30pm on Good Friday the choir will present The Crucifixion by John Stainer. This work is described by the composer as - A meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer. Scots' people will know the beautiful anthem ‘God so loved the world’. That anthem is from The Crucifixion. There are two main soloists: Oliver Mann - Bass and Christopher Roache - tenor. It is a moving and finally triumphant work. A bonus is that attendees are invited to join with the choir in singing four hymns as an integral part of the performance. On Easter Sunday we will again experience the power and beauty of choir, organ, brass and timpani. This has become a feature of Scots' worship which of course was not heard last year. It will be just great to welcome back the five brass players and timpanist (kettle drums player). Come, join in the celebration as the Easter story unfolds in music. Douglas Lawrence AM Director of Music Danny Reid, with Douglas Lawrence following the Carol Service in which Danny sang ‘Once in Royal David’s City’ . P A G E 1 0
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 THE SEASONS This year issues of The Leaflet will be published at the beginning of March, June, September and December, rather than every second month. This means that each issue will be aligned with the quarterly services of Holy Communion, on the first Sundays in March, June, September and December. These dates also reflect the beginning of our four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, based on Spring wildflowers in the Grampians, Victoria. changes in weather and the number of daylight hours. Our lives are regulated by the calendar seasons of the year. In temperate and polar regions of the Earth,our seasons are marked by changes in the intensity of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface, and by the changing length of days due to the Earth’s axis of rotation being tilted with respect to its orbital plane by an angle of over 23 degrees. The northern and southern hemispheres always experience opposite seasons, with our shortest day occurring about 21st June, when the northern hemisphere has its longest day. Our longest day is about 21st December, the shortest day in the northern hemisphere. The calendar-based four-season model identifies the warmest and coldest seasons, summer and winter, separated by two intermediate seasons, spring and autumn. The four-season European model is used officially almost world-wide, largely as a result of European colonization. However in the tropics it is common to speak of the wet or monsoon season and the dry season. In polar regions there is one period in summer called the ‘polar day’, when the sun never sets, and a winter period, the ‘polar night’, when the sun does not rise above the horizon. The seasons, so familiar to us, are not universally used. For example, the Hindu calendar of tropical and subtropical India Colourful deciduous trees in the Dandenong Ranges has six seasons, and the traditional calendar in the autumn. P A G E 1 1
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 in China has 24 seasons. The northern hemisphere framework of seasons does not sit as easily in the southern hemisphere. Our Australian cycles of natural history and our climatic patterns operate quite differently. In contrast, the Aborigines have indigenous calendars specific to their country and region that reflect The Upper Yarra Valley where the Wurundjeri had seven the interaction of specific species of regular seasons of the year. Credit: Senning Luk, 2012. plants and animals with changing Creative Commons. weather patterns through the year. For example the Naviyu Nambiyu community from the Daly river region have 13 seasons, and the Walmajarri people around the Fitzroy River have three seasons divided into several sub-seasons. Closer to home, the Wurundjeri of the Upper Yarra Valley have seven cyclical seasons and two infrequent but overlapping seasons.These seasons relate to animals, breeding and hibernating cycles, and flowering phases as well as temperature, rainfall, wind, and movements of sun and stars. Changes in the landscape indicate each new season. The European titles for the seasons are: Apple; Dry; Eel; Wombat; Orchid; Tadpole; and Grass Flowering Seasons. For each these there are events taking place that are specific to that time of year. For instance, in the Grass Flowering Season the kangaroo grass and Christmas bush begin to flower, Orion (a star constellation) arrives, and most of the plants from the Orchid Season are at the end of their flowering periods. The two overlapping seasons that may also occur are the Fire Season (approximately every seven years), and the Flooding Season (about every 28 years). Another approach to the year, the liturgical calendar, consists of the cycle of liturgical seasons and is also called the church year or Christian calendar. It includes a series of significant seasons in the yearly Christian cycle, with Christmas and Easter being the most notable. Within the calendar, each period of time has a vital place relative to the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Christ. There are also recommended portions of scripture to be read each Sunday. Our weekly ‘Order of Service’ for worship includes a specific title such as ‘Easter’ or ‘Advent’ which is taken The liturgical year of the western Christian church. Credit: James E. Scarborough, 2014. from the liturgical calendar. Creative Commons. P A G E 1 2
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 Western Christian liturgical calendars were well established in their use by the Roman Catholic Church prior to the Reformation. Following this time Protestant church calendars continued to observe the general cycle of seasons of the church year. All calendars concur that the Lord’s Day is of primary importance and that the Christian year has two central cycles: Easter and Christmas. The Presbyterian Church follows a Protestant calendar, with the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time (after Epiphany), Lent, Easter, and Ordinary Time (after Pentecost).The term ‘Ordinary Time’ is derived from the word ‘ordinal’ as in ‘numbered’, for example, Third Sunday after Pentecost. Other denominations may include feast days, celebration of saints, and distinct liturgical colours associated with each season. Variations in dates may occur between the Eastern and Western Church, usually due to variation in the date of Easter. Generally Protestant churches observe less feasts and festivals than the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. From March each year, the seasons include: Lent: this begins on Ash Wednesday, and concludes on Holy Saturday. It covers forty weekdays and six Sundays, as the church remembers the ministry of Jesus. It includes Palm Sunday followed by Holy Week, including Good Friday. Lent is based on the forty days of temptation faced by Jesus in the wilderness; it includes reflection, prayer, fasting, self-examination and repentance. Easter: commences on Easter Day, and includes eight Sundays to the Day of Pentecost, fifty days later. The season celebrates Christ’s resurrection and ascension, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Easter is the most ancient festival of the Christian church year. Pentecost: celebrates the first descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples, fifty days after the resurrection of Christ. After Pentecost: this period extends from Trinity Sunday through to late November, and is the last part of the cycle The seasons of the church year bear little relation to the calendar seasons, although they concur in a few instances, such as the ‘harvest festival’. Regardless of whether the seasons are based on the weather, changes in landscape, or the liturgical year, they play an integral part in assisting us to live ordered lives. References: ABC Science. ‘Summer Solstice 2020: Planets come out to play at end of longest day’ by Genelle Weule, 21st December 2020. https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2020-12-21/summer-solstice-2020-sunset-seasons-saturn-and-jupiter/12956544 The Victorian Naturalist, Volume 114 (5), October 1997, pp. 246 – 249. ‘Patterns in the Valley of the Christmas Bush: A Seasonal Calendar for the Upper Yarra Valley’ by David Jones, Sharon mackay and Anne-Marie Pisani. Wikipedia: Liturgical year. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liturgical_year Wikipedia: Season. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Season P A G E 1 3
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 DOUGLAS LAWRENCE'S OTHER CHOIR During 2020, the Scots' Church choir and our partner, the Australian Chamber Choir (ACC) were unable to sing together for nine months. During that time, some of us got together in smaller ensembles for online concerts. We are very excited to be allowed to sing together again in 2021.Since the beginning of February, the full Choir has been back in Scots’ on Sunday mornings.To launch its 2021 season, the ACC celebrates with a concert at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Middle Park on Sunday 21 March.The day is Bach's birthday and we're giving Beethoven a belated big birthday bash in a program entitled "Ludwig van we missed your birthday". It’s not every day you celebrate a 250th birthday. We’ll introduce some of Beethoven’s friends and acquaintances via some rarely performed treasures, including a first Australian performance of his Elegy Op.118.We’ve invited a few composers we think Beethoven might enjoy meeting: Bach, Poulenc, Vaughan Williams and Melbourne composer, Gordon Kerry. This will be the celebration where our dreams become reality. On 18 April at 3PM, the ACC sings Fauré's Requiem at Scots'. The performance is dedicated to all those around the world who lost loved ones to COVID-19. We have just a few seats available before the concert is sold out. Enjoy the following live or online: Ludwig van we missed your birthday, ACC8, directed by Douglas Lawrence, Sunday 21 March at 3PM, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Middle Park. More at AusChoir.org/Ludwig-van Fauré Requiem, ACC, directed by Douglas Lawrence, Sunday 18 April at 3PM, The Scots' Church. More at www.AusChoir.org/Faure Elizabeth Anderson P A G E 1 4
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 BIBLE PLACES CHORAZIN Chorazin was an ancient village during the Roman and Byzantine periods of history. It was one of three towns, the so-called ‘evangelical triangle’, where most of Jesus’ teachings and miracles occurred during the years of his ministry. Along with Chorazin, the other two towns of the ‘evangelical triangle’ were Part of the ancient synagogue at Chorazin. Credit: Lev. Tsimbler, 2015. Creative Commons. Bethsaida and Capernaum. The disciples Philip, Andrew and Peter all came from Bethsaida, and Capernaum features many times in Jesus’ ministry. However the three towns were all cursed by Jesus for having rejected his works, with accounts of this in Matthew 11: 20- 24 and Luke 10: 13-14. Apart from these verses, Chorazin is not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible. Located on the Chorazin Plateau in Galilee, on a hill above the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee, Chorazin was about four kilometres distant from Capernaum and not much further from Bethsaida. The town was known for its very early harvest of wheat used in Temple rituals. Although the site has been dated to the first century AD through archaeological evidence, the ruins that remain today are later, probably from the Roman and Byzantine periods. Coins and pottery findings indicate that there were two periods of settlement, with the town expanding considerably after 135 AD when the Jewish people were expelled from Judea after they had rebelled against the Emperor Hadrian. The town was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the fourth century AD. It was gradually repopulated over the next 100 years and it was during this time that the synagogue was rebuilt. Occupation of the town continued until the eighth century, when the population gradually disappeared from the area. The site was resettled in the 13th century with the establishment of an Arab village known as Khirbat Karraza. The small population remained there until the middle of the 20th century, when it was finally abandoned during the 1947 - 48 Civil War in An olive oil press excavated in Chorazin. Credit: Mandatory Palestine. Effibm 2007. Creative Commons. P A G E 1 5
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 Although 19th century explorers visited the area and wrote about the ruins they observed in the region of Chorazin, it was not until 1962 – 1964 that extensive archaeological excavations and a survey of the ruins of Chorazin were carried out. Further work resumed on the site between 1980 and 1987. The ruins of the town are spread over an area of more than ten hectares and are subdivided into five separate areas with an A house in Chorazin. Credit: Lev. Tsimbler, 2015. elaborate synagogue in the centre. A ritual Creative Commons. bath is close by, surrounded by public and residential buildings. The ruins of the impressive synagogue are a striking feature of the town.The structure that remains was built in the late third century, destroyed in the fourth century, and rebuilt in the sixth century. Its dimensions were 21.5 metres by 15 metres and it was located on a hill near the centre of the town with a magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee over 270 metres below. Its design in the shape of a basilica was characteristic of most Galilean synagogues, and it included three hallways separated by rows of pillars.There were three doorways with the central one being the largest, and benches situated around the interior walls. A wide staircase led up to the three entrances to the synagogue, which was built facing south to Jerusalem. The absence of an upper gallery for women suggests that there was not segregation of men and women at the time it was built. A major discovery of a ‘Seat of Moses’ was made at the site in 1926. This was a carved stone block from which the Torah (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) would have been read. Jesus referred to this type of seat in Matthew 23: 2 – 4. The synagogue was built of basalt, an extremely hard volcanic stone, and was decorated with Jewish motifs, geometric designs and patterns incorporating local flowers and animals. A ritual bath was associated with the synagogue, as well as a large cistern, residential dwellings, an olive press and a public square of basalt cobblestones. Excavations on the site are continuing. References: Bible Places: Chorazin. https://www.bibleplaces.com/chorazin/ Land of the Bible: Chorazin. https://www.land-of-the-bible.com/Chorazin See The Holy Land: Chorazin. https://www.seetheholyland.net/chorazin/ The Seat of Moses, carved from basalt, Wikipedia: Khirbat Karraza. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khirbatt_Karraza found in the synagogue at Chorazin. Credit: Davidbena, 2018. Public Domain. P A G E 1 6
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 PLANTS OF THE BIBLE MUSKMELON The only reference to the muskmelon (Cucumis melo) is found in Numbers 11:5-6, where cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic are all mentioned, in relation to the fish that the Israelites had eaten when in Egypt. It is widely accepted that the ‘cucumbers’ of this verse refer to the muskmelon, as cucumbers were Muskmelon. Credit: Seth Vidal, 2006. Creative Commons. unknown in the Middle East in ancient times. The ‘melons’ referred to in this verse are common watermelons. This plant is still widely grown in the Middle East and, although watermelons in biblical times were probably much smaller than our large watermelons of today, they are nevertheless the same species. The muskmelon (together with all other species of Cucumis, except the garden cucumber (Cucumis sativus) which is native to India) is thought by some to have originated in East Africa, although there is not consensus on this, with Persia (Iran), India and Central Asia also being recognised as possibilities. The muskmelon has been developed into many cultivated varieties, some examples being cantaloupe, rockmelon and Persian melon. A trailing annual plant, the muskmelon has roundish or oval shaped leaves between eight and fifteen centimetres in width on long stalks. The plant has tendrils and the yellow flowers are unisex, with male and female varieties occurring on the same vine. The fruit, which varies considerably in size and shape, is usually yellow or light green. The muskmelon is so called because of the pleasant odour of the ripe fruits, with musk being a kind of perfume. The Greeks grew the fruit in the third century BC, and it was grown for food throughout Roman times. It was introduced into Europe in the Middle Ages, then to North America. Although modern cultivars such as cantaloupe are enjoyed today, wild muskmelons can still be found growing in several countries of East Africa. References: Aggie Horticulture. ‘Muskmelons Originated in Persia’ by Martin Anderson. https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/ publications/vegetabletravelers/muskmelon.html Old Dominion University Plant Site – Plants of the Bible. Melon. https://ww2.odu.edu/~lmusselm/plant/bible/melon.php Wikipedia. Muskmelon. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muskmelon Zohary, Michael. Plants of the Bible. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1982. P A G E 1 7
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 VICTORIAN PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES PAST AND PRESENT ST. PAUL’S CHURCH, BALLAN St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church was the third church to establish a presence in Ballan, following the Anglican and Roman Catholic denominations. The township of Ballan is located 70 kilometres north-west of Melbourne, close to the Werribee River and two of its tributaries. The town was surveyed in 1850. As it was situated on the road to the gold diggings at Ballarat, it received considerable trade from passing traffic. During the 1860s the population of Ballan St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in 1974. Credit: more than tripled, and it was in 1866 that the John T. Collins photographer. State Library of Presbyterian Church opened. Although the Victoria. population of Ballan remained fairly stable for much of the 20th century, it doubled in size in the 1980s and 1990s; since then it has continued to grow steadily with the establishment of a range of industries and services. Today it is a lively, thriving rural community. Although no records were located regarding the first services held in the district by Presbyterians, the denomination was well established in Ballan when St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church was officially opened for worship on Sunday 22nd July 1866.The new building was described as the finest in the developing township, and perhaps the most prominent. A detailed account of the opening service exists, with the church being described as full to overflowing for the occasion, many having travelled considerable distances to participate. The service of dedication was led by the Rev. D. Macdonald of Emerald Hill (later South Melbourne) when he preached on the importance and obligation of public worship. In the afternoon the minister of the congregation, the Rev. Joseph Black, continued with another service, the topic being Christ’s kingship over the church. Mr Macdonald preached again in the evening.At the close of each of these services there was a retiring offering in aid of the Building Fund. The celebrations continued with a soiree on the following Tuesday evening. St. Paul’s is built in the modern Gothic architectural style. It is constructed of bluestone with freestone dressing, and stands on a base 60 centimetres high. The outer walls are supported by 20 abutments of freestone, which is also used to frame the windows. In addition to the large triple window at the front of the building there P A G E 1 8
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 are 11 other windows. The spire rises to a considerable height. Constructed of bluestone and freestone, the lower section is in the form of a square with an octagonal tower above containing eight windows, this forming the bell tower. Immediately above this is a circle of freestone moulding designed for a clock. The top section of the spire is made of corrugated iron. A vestry is attached to the building. The whole construction is of an extremely high standard with great attention to detail. It is recorded that the grounds were handsomely fenced, with well-chosen trees planted in the surrounding area. Although the fence is no longer in evidence, the mature trees in the grounds are delightful. The porch and spire of St. Paul’s today. The vestry at the rear of the church can also be seen in this The interior of the church was also furnished image. with great care. The windows were installed with stained glass manufactured by Ferguson and Urie of North Melbourne (who were also the makers of the two largest windows in Scots’ Church – The Teachings of Christ above the gallery and The Last Supper in the south transept). The large triple window at the front of St. Paul’s was the gift of three ladies of the congregation: Mrs Dugald MacPherson of Bungeeltap; Mrs Peter Inglis of Ingliston; and Mrs John Edols of Mount Dariwell.The red cedar pulpit was elaborately carved and the church was illuminated by two bronze chandeliers each bearing four large lights and suspended from the lofty arched ceiling. The acoustic properties of the church were described as perfect. Very limited information was located about the continuing story of St. Paul’s following the initial account of the opening of the church. The Presbytery of Gisborne, formed in 1866, included Ballan. The Rev. D. Rattray followed the Rev. J. Black as minister in 1869, and he demitted in 1876. He was followed by the Rev. W. Thom MA whose death was recorded the following year. The Rev. D.S. Brunton was appointed to the charge in 1878 and St. Paul’s Uniting Church, showing the large was followed by the Rev. J. Matthews MA in 1887. triple window at the front of the church building. P A G E 1 9
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 An honour roll made of polished blackwood with an ornate design commemorates 22 people from the church who served in the First World War. It was unveiled in June 1917, with additional names being added at a later date. The St. Paul’s congregation voted to become ‘Uniting’ at the time of Church Union in 1977. The church continues to serve the community today, with worship services being held on the fourth Sunday of each month.The present minister is the Rev. Jenny Hayes. A visit to St. Paul’s in December 2010 by Ray Brown, who maintains the comprehensive ‘Ferguson and Urie’ website, found that all the windows in the church were of the original Ferguson and Urie stained glass. None appeared to have been repaired or restored since their original installation in the church in 1866. This beautiful church provides evidence of a strong and dedicated Presbyterian congregation at Ballan from at least the early 1860s. References: Australian Church Histories: St. Paul’s Uniting, Ballan. https://www.churchhistories.net.au/church-catalog/ballan-vic-uniting Bacchus Marsh Express, Saturday 28 July 1866, page 2. ‘The opening of the new Presbyterian Church, Ballan’. National Library of Australia. https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/88373471 Ferguson and Urie: St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church, Ballan, Victoria. https://fergusonandurie.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/22-07- 1866-st-pauls-presbyterian-church-ballan-victoria/ Hamilton, Robert. ‘A Jubilee History of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria’. M.L. Hutchinson, 15 Collins Street West, Melbourne, 1888. Monument Australia: Ballan Presbyterian Church Honour Roll. https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/ww1/ display/98142-ballan-presbyterian-church-honour-roll Victorian Heritage Database: Ballan Presbyterian Church Honour Roll (First World War). http://vhd.heritage.vic.gov.au/search/ veterans_result_detail/190806?person_id=65973 Victorian Places: Ballan. https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/ballan Secret Message: Son of Man. P A G E 2 0
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 INTERVIEW SIRISHA AND STALLONE JOEL Sirisha and Stallone Joel both grew up in India. Sirisha was born in the city of Visakhapatnam, which has the only natural harbour on the Eastern coast of India. It has beautiful beaches and is surrounded by hills. Her parents are still in India, and her younger brother Teja lives in Texas, USA. Sirisha’s mother is a homemaker and her father a retired advertisement manager for a daily newspaper. Stallone was born in the Sirisha and Stallone Joel. historical city of Hubli, a famous commercial centre for trade in cotton and iron. The city is also known as ‘Chota Mumbai’, that is ‘Mini Mumbai’. He has a younger sister Susan who was recently married and lives in Hubli. Stallone’s mother is a school teacher and his father, now retired, was an employee with the Central Government. As he was growing up, Stallone’s parents helped him to build a strong foundation of faith. He especially remembers the verse: ‘The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom’ (Proverbs 9;10), and the story of Jesus calming the storm. As a child he felt that it was absolutely God who could command a storm, and each time he heard the story he was astonished at it. Stallone completed his school and pre-university studies in Hubli, and went to live with his grandparents while attending university. He considers this time he was able to spend with his grandparents as one of his most memorable. Sirisha and Stallone both graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication, from the highly regarded Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Kakanada, and Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belgaum, respectively. Sirisha went on to complete post-graduate studies in software engineering while she worked, and wishes to pursue a doctorate in the future. Both Sirisha and Stallone have been working in the software industry for over a decade, with clients spread around the globe. They have had the privilege of working in multiple roles that embrace product engineering, professional services, and operations. Sirisha is currently working as a team leader in one of the ‘big four’ accounting firms, and Stallone is working as a ‘Senior DevOps Engineer’ in an accounting software company.Technology has helped the world in multiple ways and they are happy that God has provided them with an opportunity to provide a service to this field of work. P A G E 2 1
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 During his free time, Stallone enjoys reading books and practical activities including woodworking, gardening and landscaping. Sirisha and Stallone have made a coffee table and console table. They have also constructed decking, a free standing pergola, a raised vegetable patch and more. A television cabinet and dining table are currently in progress. The couple made a permanent move to Melbourne in February 2018. The early days were not easy. Stallone moved here first with $500 in his pocket and took a couple of part time jobs while looking for opportunities in a relevant field and, at the same Malcolm Oscar Joelstein – will be one year time, searching for accommodation. They had a old in June breakthrough in May 2018 when Stallone found employment in his field of work. In October 2018 Sirisha joined him and was able secure a job within a few weeks. They have recently moved into their new home in the western suburbs. They have a puppy (a big one), Malcolm Oscar Joelstein, who will be one year old in June. Sirisha and Stallone are in love with Melbourne,its culture and its people,not forgetting ‘flat white’. They are very interested in exploring Australia, and learning about its history as well as embracing its culture.They took their first step to travelling to various parts of Australia in December 2018, driving from Melbourne to the Grampians, then on to Adelaide, Mount Gambier, and back along the Great Ocean Road to Melbourne; they went on to Kosciuszko National Park and Canberra, and were in Sydney to see the fireworks. They subsequently decided that they had tried to ‘bite off more than they could chew’ as they attempted to accomplish this journey in 14 days! During his early days in Melbourne, Stallone was looking for a church to attend. He searched for churches online, looking up missions and mottos. The statement on the Scots' Church website strongly resonated with him: "We believe that by faith in God through Jesus Christ, and by trying to live in the way God wants us to live, men and women can find strength, purpose and peace." He first attended a Sunday morning service and liked it, then began coming to services every week. After Sirisha arrived they joined the City Bible Study (CBS). They expressed their interest in becoming members of Scots’ and were welcomed in by the Rev. Douglas Robertson at the service on 1st December 2019. The couple have been actively involved in the CBS, especially following the restrictions imposed on Melbourne during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they had P A G E 2 2
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 to move the CBS to an online platform. It gave Sirisha and Stallone an opportunity to help achieve that using their expertise in technology. Sirisha also began hosting virtual weekly coffee catch-ups where people were able to talk, play quizzes, share recipes and more, in an effort to stay connected while restrictions were in place. Both Sirisha and Stallone became members of Board of Management in December 2020, being appointed through the Kirk Session. Sirisha and Stallone have already made a significant contribution to the life of Scots’ Church.We congratulate them on their appointment to the Board of Management and look forward to getting to know them both better as the restrictions ease over time. FOUNDATION DAY – SCOTS’ CHURCH 2021 How pleased we were to be able to celebrate the 183rd Foundation Day of Scots’ Church on Sunday 7th February. The beautiful worship service was conducted by Rev. Michael Raiter with Rev. Philip Court. We welcomed back the full choir for the first time since March 2020. The choral music and singing of the hymns were both greatly enjoyed by the congregation. Twins Oliver Bruce and Zahara Jade Evans, born on 6th January 2020, were baptised at the morning service by Rev. Court. He also baptised Ke Xiangxiang (Stacey) at the 5 pm service, when she was welcomed into the communicant membership of Scots’ Church. P A G E 2 3
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 The delightful items of doll’s clothing made by the Scots’ Church Craft Group for Project KIN in 2020. Well done! SCOTS’ CHURCH CRAFT GROUP UPDATE The Scots’ Church craft group was established through the initiative of Alison Robertson in support of Project KIN. Project KIN was founded in NSW in 2017 with intent to provide packs (hand crafted dolls and literature) to Kids-In- Need affected by poverty, loneliness, abandonment and sadness. During the three years (2017 to 2019) 834 play and learn packs were distributed. In late 2019 Project KIN was closed and in January 2020 Sewing For Charity Australia (SFCA) agreed to adopt KIN as one of their projects with the transfer and hand over process completed. The name has changed to KIN Dolls/KIN Project as it is now under the banner of SFCA. The change has seen it go national and not just NSW focused. A new facebook page has been established through SFCA volunteers group @sewingforcharityau. Scots’ craft group has been operational for over two years, meeting once each month. The group’s focus has been knitted and crocheted items with limited sewing. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the craft group has been unable to meet in person since the beginning of 2020. It is hopeful that this will change during the first half of 2021. However, members of the group have been active during the lockdown period and in December 2020 all completed items were collected and mailed to SFCA Brisbane Headquarters. New members are invited to join and participate in either face to face meetings or work from home and submit items to the group for inclusion in the next mail out. For further information please contact Caroline Allinson or Judith Kilmartin through the Church Office on (03) 9650 9903. Caroline Allinson P A G E 2 4
T H E L E A F L E T --- M a r c h 2 0 2 1 REV. WILLIAM HAMILTON WESTERN DISTRICT PIONEER OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The Rev. William Hamilton is described as the pioneer of Presbyterianism in the Western District of Victoria. Born in Scotland, the son of a minister, he became a Presbyterian minister himself and arrived in Australia in 1837. After some years in Goulbourn, New South Wales, he moved to Kilnoorat, Victoria in 1846. Hamilton retired from active ministry in 1873 and died in Mortlake, Victoria in 1879. He made an immeasurable contribution to the establishment of William Hamilton as a young man. the Presbyterian Church in Western Victoria. Credit: ‘Company of angels’. Born in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland, the son of the Rev. Andrew Hamilton and his wife Janet, at the age of fifteen William Hamilton entered Glasgow University where he spent seven years studying for the ministry, He was licensed to preach the Gospel in 1830. After ministry experience in Dundonald and Greenock he came to Australia in 1837, in response to a call for ministers here. The ship, ‘North Britain’, on which he came also carried the Rev. James Clow and his family to Hobart, with Hamilton continuing on to Sydney. The Presbytery of New South Wales appointed Hamilton to the district of Goulburn, in the Southern Tablelands. This was challenging work to which he responded enthusiastically, taking every opportunity to work towards establishing churches in the area. In 1840 he paid a visit to Melbourne, staying with the Rev. James Clow and his The Rev. James Clow, who conducted the first Presbyterian service in Melbourne in The home of Clow and his family, where Hamilton stayed on his visit to December 1837. Public Domain. Melbourne in 1840. Credit: Watercolour, W.F.E. Liardet. State Library of Victoria. P A G E 2 5
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