Christmas Eve Crib Service 2024 – Mice in the Manger
The Christmas Eve Crib Service was a delightful affair, enjoyed by adults and children alike. The story of Jesus’ birth was re-imagined from the perspective of the mice living in the stable, and written by Tracy and Zach Woodsford. Woody read the story aloud in three parts, interspersed with traditional carols and prayers. The animals in the stable – mice, donkey, ox, sheep, lambs, and later, camels – were among the very first sentient beings to see Jesus, reminding us that all creation is important – not only the humans!
On arrival, we were all given hand-made mouse masks, again created by Tracy and Zach. We are some of the “mice”, privileged and overawed by being in the presence of Jesus. The manger was enormous and wonderfully made; and a Nativity scene was placed in front of the manger. As we left, each person received a booklet containing the story, and a series of outlined figures to colour in and make into a visual representation of the story. Lastly, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus, and shared birthday cake to celebrate.
Steve’s Baptism 22 December 2024
At the combined parish service on 22 December, Steve was baptised. Steve and Sarah have become part of our parish family for several months now. They were married at St John’s and have returned to the church with happy memories of that day. Woody guided Steve through the process leading to baptism and we were delighted to be part of Steve’s special service. Afterwards, a sumptuous morning tea was served; there were cards to sign and some beautifully made momentos enjoyed to mark the occasion, including a wooden boat representing the boat on the Sea of Gallilee, and wooden fish to place in the boat. And of course, another cake! Congratulations, Steve!
Parish Tea 24 November – the last for 2024
The last parish tea for the year was an enjoyable evening of fellowship and food. As has become tradition, Woody spoke between courses with an entertaining account of why we should not judge a book by its cover – or rather, a person by their appearance!
Festival of Christ the King – 24 November 2024
Beautiful yellow and white flowers adorned the church at St John’s for the festival of Christ the King – thankyou Diane. This Sunday was the last in the Church’s year, with our new year, Advent 1, next Sunday 1 December. Woody preached about the trial of Jesus before Pilate – please listen to his sermon on SoundCloud under the Sermons tab.
All Saints service 3 November 2024
A special celebration of All Saints Day was a memorable occasion at both parish churches. Instead of candles, Woody gave our Welcomers pebbles to give one to each person as they arrived. A plate of sand was placed near the front of the church. Woody asked us to warm our pebbles in our hands during the Old Testament reading and Psalm. Then, in an act of remembrance instead of the New Testament reading and second hymn, each person brought their pebble and placed it in the sand. A meaningful, poignant and peaceful action to remember those dear to us.
Happy 70th Birthday to Michael McCormack
The place to be on Saturday October 12 was our dear friend Michael McCormack’s 70th birthday celebration in the parish hall. The hall was magnificently decorated and filled with Michael’s parish friends and special guests sharing a wonderful afternoon of anecdotes and laughter. A superb catering team served a sumptuous afternoon tea – thankyou – and we all managed to spend some time with Michael outside in the garden where it was a little quieter to talk. Thanks to David Poole for his speech to the guest of honour, and to Michael and Cath for inviting us to join them for a very special occasion – the Festival of Michael!
Woody’s Masters presentation 10 October 2024
A representation from Coro Valley Anglican came along to support Woody and hear his Masters presentation as part of the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology (part of the University of Divinity) Research Gathering.
Woody’s presentation is titled, So you didn’t quit…., or in more academic terms: The practical and supernatural experiences that support Paul’s perseverance.
Other speakers were:
Dr Henry Novello – Our lament joined to Jesus’ lament: intensification of relationship with God
Dr Greg Macdonald – Christians and Muslims: why don’t we talk?
Dr Rosemary Dewerse – Healing intergenerational trauma and family violence: profiling the work of Maori practitioners.
Below, L to R: Rosemary, Woody, Greg and Henry. Thanks to the Uniting College for Leadership and Theology for their welcome and hospitality, and to the researchers who presented their work.
Parish Tea 29 September 2024
The penultimate parish tea for 2024 capped off a busy day on 29 September. Woody entertained us between courses with a review of some books he is studying as part of his Masters degree. For some, read two shopping bags full of books – and that’s just a sample. We are blessed to have a priest who is learned but not at all lofty! Woody’s study of St Paul is particularly engaging with its strong faith in practice emphasis.
Thanks to the setting up and serving team, and all who helped clear away afterwards. A very enjoyable way to end a Sunday.
Animal Blessing service 29 September 2024
On September 29th in a lead up to St Francis of Assisi Day, Woody held a ‘Blessing of Animals Service’ for pets in the grounds of the parish hall behind St John’s church. Ten dogs of a variety of sizes and breeds and two Miniature Therapy Horses from Nolton Park Horses Healing Hearts, together with all their owners assembled on the lawns for a very meaningful service, followed by afternoon tea in the Parish Hall.
The significance of animals and pets in our lives and our responsibility to appreciate and care for them were emphasised throughout the readings and prayers, and at seemingly appropriate times, the barking of dogs indicated their agreement.
Blessing of the animals
Animals, may you be blessed in the Name of God, the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, and may you and your human companions enjoy life together and find joy with the God who created you. Amen
Our thanks to Woody for offering us this delightful opportunity to enjoy each other’s pets and celebrate the role of animals as part of God’s wonderful creation.
Visit to St John’s Church by Coromandel Valley Primary School Year 1 Students
On Wednesday the 25th of September, three year 1 classes from Coromandel Valley Primary School visited St John’s Church for their Local History project. Each of the classes participated in a session of approximately 45 minutes.
Woody explained some history of church buildings and specifically St John’s. He also explained the use and meaning of objects and symbols in the church and answered questions from the students.
Two parishioners assisted by talking about details and stories of the beautiful stained glass windows, as well as giving information about the workings of the pipe organ.
In the afternoon class, a piano student agreed to play the organ. He amazed and entertained us with a very competent performance of a selection from Bach which he ended with a flourish of a ‘seamless slide’ across the keyboard! His fellow students had been dancing in the aisle and when he had finished, they rushed towards him, applauding and greeting him with high fives and hugs.
The students were very respectful, interested and enthusiastic in asking and answering questions. The manner in which they conducted themselves in their visit to our church was a credit to their teachers and their families.
We are very grateful for the students’ generous donations to our food collection for the Magdalene Centre and we continue to value opportunities to further develop our relationship with Coromandel Primary School.
Church Missionary Society (CMS) On-line Dinner 24 July 2024
Eighteen parishioners, including hosts Viv and Martin Bleby, attended the CMS 2024 on-line dinner with the theme, Tell a Better Story. Our event was held in the parish hall, and we enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Viv. During the evening we heard from CMS missionaries about their work in several locations in Asia, South America, Middle East, South Africa and northern Australia. CMS Director of Training and Development David Williams was the speaker for the evening. David spoke about the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at the well, illustrating how the power in a story can reach across cultures and into hearts to bring the message of Jesus to others.
Our parish supports CMS as part of our quarterly giving. For more information, to connect or partner with CMS, visit cms.org.au
Photos below by Martin Bleby and Rachel Westcott
Triple celebration on 21 July 2024
Sunday 21 July 2024 was a special day for Coro Valley Anglican for three reasons: (1) Archbishop Geoff Smith visited and took services and preached in both churches (2) Woody celebrated his 60th birthday (3) Mary celebrated her 101st birthday! An excellent morning tea followed both services. At St John’s, Woody was presented with a very nice Shiraz and four of his favourite treats – sausage rolls from the National-best-sausage roll award-winning Banana Boogie bakery at Belair. A fabulous birthday cake took centre stage at All Hallows’ morning tea to mark 161 years for Woody and Mary.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY WOODY and MARY!
And thankyou Archbishop Geoff – his sermon can be found on the sermons page or here.
(Photos: Ray Pittman and Martin Bleby)
Woody’s birthday celebrations
In anticipation of Woody’s 60th birthday on Sunday 21 July, the Thursday morning service this week had a ‘pre birthday’ morning tea after the 10.00 service . A delicious spread was provided by Wendy Newson and others, and a good time was had by us all!
Easter Day 2024
Happy Easter! The parish of Coromandel Valley began Easter morning celebrations at 6.00 am, gathering outdoors next to the parish hall, in the warm (17 degrees) pre-dawn darkness. The joyous morning Eucharist was accompanied by warbling magpies, laughing kookaurras, screeching lapwings and a ringtail possum scrunching the drying glory vine leaves as it scampered along the fenceline between the church and the school next door. Parched dry ground and leaves meant no real fire this year, but Woody and parishioner Craig devised a fabulous substitute with “pretend” fire in the fire pit, and flickering electronic candles, which were very effective. The candles in their timber holder spelt the word LOVE. The service concluded with the assembly spontaneously singing Alleluia, Alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord, Alleluia, Alleluia, give praise to His name. Breakfast followed in the hall, with a welcome hot drink as the air had chilled a little as sunrise approached.
A similarly vibrant occasion was enjoyed at the 10.00 am service at All Hallows’, with the church very well filled with parishioners, guests and visitors.
Woody’s Easter sermon is from the 8.00 am service at St John’s. Photos below are by Wardens Vivien Bleby (6.00 am service) and Ray Pittman (10.00 am at All Hallows’), and Elizabeth Parker.
Good Friday 2024 – Seeing the Tree for the Woods
The horror and confusion of that first Good Friday is substantially eased by the fact that we know the end of the story! Nevertheless, our Good Friday service in All Hallows’ church expressed both the crushing dread of Jesus’ crucifixion, and the almost unfathomable concept of total forgiveness for all the mistakes and wrongs in our lives. The things we wish we had not done, the things we omitted to do and the inadvertent, unknowing things that have hurt others. The things that are hard to forget, the things of which we are ashamed. This was tangibly symbolised by individual small bottles of murky water, we received on arrival, and of clean water acquired later in the service. The murky water represented all our failings and wrong-doings. Approaching the cross in single file, we emptied our murky bottles into a larger container at the foot of the Cross, leaving the old bottle behind, exchanging it for a new clean bottle of clear water. We are all forgiven, made new – made clean – by the death of Jesus, and by his wounds we are healed. There is no need to hold on to the murky self – that’s been relinquished for ever.
The Seeing the Tree for the Woods theme in the church was eerily comforting and peaceful, but at the same time conveyed the unbearable cruelty leading up to, and of, the crucifixion, and the inexpressible grief of Jesus’ followers and family. Moving readings, poetry and music throughout the service completed the picture. We know the end of the story. Soon – on Sunday – we will rejoice as with Mary Magdalene when she cried, I have seen the Lord!
Parish Tea 17 March 2024
Tea in the parish hall on St Patrick’s Day was, as usual, a thoroughly enjoyable occasion. There was plenty of delicious food to share, with enough for “seconds” for some. During the interval between courses we were treated to a presentation from Rev Martin Bleby about his and Viv’s 2023 tour, In the Steps of the Apostles, in Turkiye and Greece. Thankyou Martin for sharing this fascinating story with us.
The next parish tea is yet to be announced, so watch the Coming Events page for dates. Take a night off preparing dinner and come along at 5.00 pm.
Photos below: (L) and centre: Rev Martin Bleby presents In the Steps of the Apostles; (R) John B dressed for St Patrick’s Day
Shrove Tuesday 2024
Shrove Tuesday pancake supper was a delicious success! Thankyou to everyone who contributed in so many ways. It was great to get together with our Holy Innocents friends to share good food, happy conversations and even birthday cake for Alex’s 16th!
Christmas 2023
Christmas 2023 was a vibrant time in our parish, following an Advent of expectation and anticipation leading to the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Woody chose to use the lighting of the Advent candles to highlight the women in Jesus’ lineage: Mary, Elizabeth, Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba, the wife of Uriah. Matthew’s Gospel uses this list to portray Jesus as the Saviour of all nations, by including Jewish and non-Jewish Christians.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day sermons can be found on the Sermons page, here.
Wreath making with Coromandel Valley Primary School
Another successful wreath making activity with the Coromandel Valley Primary School.
Sixty odd students once again enjoyed coming to the parish hall, hearing a little about Christmas, how to make a wreath, and then had the joy of creating their own Christmas wreath to take home. The students were ably assisted by the following fabulous helpers: Julie Carter, Jen Dickenson. Di Furness, Fran Harris, Anne Massey, Helen Miller, Elizabeth Parker, Jenni Poole, Joan Roper, Lyn Wells, Shirley Williams and Woody.
Thank you also to the contributions by the parish of the Christmas decorations. So, overall a great success, thanks to everyone!
From Cath Hall.
Corowood Choir
The Corowood Choir delighted all present with a repertoire of carols and Christmas songs in St John’s Church in Coromandel Valley on Sunday 3 December 2023. Jen Dickenson ably trained and conducted the choir with her usual enthusiasm and delight in encouraging members to sing for joy. This is a church and community choir and new members are always welcome, regardless of ability!
Parish tea 26 November 2023
Parish tea on 26 November 2023 was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Daphne, Jenni and all who assisted with set-up and clean-up, and to everyone who contributed delicious food.
As has become a tradition at our parish teas, Woody spoke between courses. This time he shared some images he likes and finds meaningful, beginning with a photo of a rock in the River Zarqa (a tributary of the River Jordan, and the Biblical River Jabbok, where Esau met Jacob) and finishing with the contemporary sculpture of The Angel of the North in Gateshead, UK.
Watch the Coming Events page for the first parish tea in 2024, and please join us then. All welcome!
Jen and Bill Dickenson offered a delightful duet to conclude worship at All Hallows on Sunday 8th October 2023 – concentrating hard!
If you, or someone you know, would like a home Communion, give Woody a call on
0423 019 340. There is a regular time slot for home Communion on Fridays after 3.00 pm, or if this time isn’t convenient, an alternative time can be arranged.
The 150th Anniversary of St John’s church on Sunday 2 July was a joyous celebration. The church was full with current and past parishioners and special guests.
Below is a short account of the afternoon, written by Jan and Rob Sidford.
St John’s was blessed with fine weather when its 150th anniversary was celebrated on Sunday, 2 July 2023. Around 100 were in attendance for the commemorative service held in the church. Attendees included former priests of St John’s and clergy from different denominations in Coromandel Valley and Blackwood, together with a sizeable number of former parishioners, many of whom had travelled a considerable distance to take part in the celebration. Local Federal Member for Mayo, Rebekha Sharkie, also attended.
The service was led by Rev Martyn Woodsford and included reminiscences from Joan Roper and Cathy Chapman, a description of the church’s splendid windows from Jenni Poole, a scripture reading by Rachel Westcott, the history of music at St John’s by Warren Bourne, and prayers led by John Bone.
The Corowood Choir contributed two beautiful hymns, accompanied by Warren Bourne on the pipe organ. The stunning flower arrangements in the church were provided by Maureen Nicholls.
Following the service, a team of parishioners led by Daphne Bone supplied a lavish afternoon tea in the parish hall, and Hilary Thomas, wife of the late Rev Owen Thomas, cut a cake that was provided in honour of the occasion.
Comments in the visitors’ book indicate the event was enjoyed by all who attended, with many expressions of gratitude for the work of St John’s and fond wishes for the continued success of its mission in future.
News from the Guardian
The archbishop said reconciliation is a Christian obligation.
What now for reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the wake of the referendum to enshrine a voice to Parliament in the constitution?, Archbishop of Adelaide and Primate of Australia Geoff Smith asks in his address to the Adelaide Synod.
“Over the past two weeks we have seen political leaders both state and federal, quickly walking away from commitments they made prior to the referendum to pursue constitutional recognition for the first people of this nation in different ways if the referendum was lost, or introduce voices or treaties on a state basis,” Archbishop Smith notes.
The Adelaide synod in 2022 passed a resolution backing a Yes vote in the referendum. It also acknowledged the Uluru Statement, which encourages all Australians to walk alongside First Nations peoples in a movement for a better future.
Please visit the Guardian link below for the full article.
Equipping clergy and church workers to better understand the role everyone can play in preventing and responding to domestic violence is the aim of an upcoming event planned by the Domestic and Family Violence Working Group for the Diocese of Adelaide in partnership with White Ribbon Australia.
The ‘You Can Ask That’ panel event will raise awareness about gender-based violence and highlight ways to build safer communities this November during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.
Please visit the link to the Guardian below for the full article.