From the Vicar

Dear friends,

I would first like to offer my profound thanks to all who have made us so welcome in Brighton.

The service last Thursday evening was a wonderful occasion, not only for Linda, Gabriella and myself, but for our guests from Hong Kong, New Zealand and regional Victoria. Many people helped to make it a very special occasion, thanks must go to David V, the Wardens, those who assisted with and provided the supper, and we cannot forget Archdeacon Philip who has worked tirelessly for this parish for the past year. A special person thanks from the Joustra Family goes to Dwight and Alice King who have helped us to feel so much at home, not only in the Vicarage (which is looking great) but also in Brighton.

You will notice today that a few changes have been made to the pewsheet to make the Sunday worship more user friendly for any visitors. I hope that you will all find this format helpful. Over the next weeks we will continue to refine the outlay so that we have a pewsheet that anybody can pick up and open for the first time and find their way through the liturgy. If you have any suggestions please feel free to make them.

Fr Jan

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NOTICES
BRICHTON COVENANT CHURCHES - Ecumenical Lenten Study 2012: read more
THE MELBOURNE ANGLICAN for February is now available, collect a copy from the Narthex, Pioneer and Lady Chapel.
SHROVE TUESDAY - Pancake Day. Feast B4 Fasting. Tuesday 21st February, outside St Andrew's Church Hall, St Andrew's Street. 2.00-5.00pm. Pancakes $2.00 each.
LENTEN FISH FRIDAY SUPPERS: read more

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VALE - HARLIN JOHN LASCELLES BUTTERLEY

One of the best known and most loved and respected priests in the Diocese died on Friday 6th January in Hobart, in his 85th year. St Andrew's had the privilege of having him as vicar from 1980 to 1993, a period of huge change and development. It was during his tenure that one of the most distinctive physical features of the Church, the stunning sculpture of the Prodigal Son was put in place and dedicated in 1987.

From Sydney, he attended Moore Theological College where he was awarded the Hey Sharpe Prize for coming first in the National Licentiate of Theology exams in 1950. He was ordained in 1951, and after a short time in parish ministry, he became the Church Missionary Society Secretary in Tasmania (1954-57), and then chaplain to St Stephen's School, Hong Kong, until serving as a chaplain in the British Army in England and Germany. He had earned his Bachelor of Divinity from London University in 1965, and while in England he gain his Diploma of Education from London in 1970.

In 1972 he became Dean of St David’s Hobart, where his funeral was held on Wednesday.  During this time he was also chaplain in the AMF (senior chaplain from 1977), as well as chaplain of Collegiate School.  Subsequently he was appointed Dean Emeritus.  When he came to Hobart he joined Rotary, which became an important part of his life thereafter. 

His arrival at St Andrew’s - the first of four successive incumbents who came from being Dean of a Cathedral - marked a re-energising of the parish, as well as of Brighton Rotary and the West Brighton Club.  He was chair of Firbank Council, and a member of the BGS Council.  All of this earned him a Centennial Medal (along with his good friend Bishop John Wilson), and OBStJ (Officer Brother of the Order of St John of Jerusalem). As many will know better than I, he was a fine preacher, as well as a brilliant after-dinner speaker.

I was privileged to know him, and to be his guest on several occasions at the West Brighton Club.  I had the pleasure of being his Archdeacon during his two year stint at St Silas Albert Park. 

He was loved by many, as the Obituaries and Guest Book notices show.  Perhaps to give the final word to Harlin, who, when asked what he thought of retirement, said:  “Old vicars never die;  they just use their old sermons again.”  And Lawrence Money recalls that when asked about gifts on his 80th birthday, he replied:  “I refer you to the first line of the third verse of Rock of Ages” which read “Nothing in my hand I bring”.  He then said that he hoped that people would not get confused and turn to the third line:  “Naked, I come to thee for dress.”

It would be good to have some stories about him, and they could be put together and distributed to parishioners;  so please send your stories and memories into the office and we will see what we can do!

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Covenant Churches
As part of our commitment to the Covenant of the Brighton Churches we pray for other churches in the covenant on the first Sunday of the month. Church Connect is the Ecumenical Newsletter of the Covenant Churches of Brighton click here for current issue.