Easter is an important and special time. This year it was extra special as we were honoured to have an Episcopal visit from Bishop Brian Keith and his wife Gretchen. Brian is the Assistant to Bishop Tom Kline who was unable to visit us at this time. After spending several days with the Perth Circle over the Palm Sunday weekend they flew to Sydney on Tuesday 18th March for a week which included Easter.

Brian and Gretchen's introduction to many of the Hurstville Society people was in an unforeseen way. On their first day they attended the Memorial Service in our church of Tom Taylor which was led by Rev Julian Duckworth from the Roseville New Church. (See articles on this occasion elsewhere in this Newsletter.) That evening, Wednesday, they joined our final week of The Journey. This program has proved to be very successful and was led in turn over the eight-week period very capably by Rev Alain Nicolier, Kerry Lockhart and Michelle Heldon.

On Good Friday the bishop administered the Holy Supper and gave an address The Lord Bearing Our Sins providing the New Church understanding of the Easter Story. Sunday's Easter service was on the subject of Peace summing up the Lord's work on this earth. Both talks are available on request from Owen Heldon (02) 9545 3823.

After church on Easter Sunday we all joined together for a delicious luncheon to formally thank and farewell Brian and Gretchen. Gifts were exchanged: a Field Guide of Australian Birds was presented to Brian; Gretchen was given an Australian Aboriginal children's book and a plate with a Crimson Rosella design. Our Society received some useful resource material from the General Church Office of Education for whom Gretchen works. Following this there was a meeting with Bishop Keith on some of the recent developments in the General Church that might affect the Hurstville Society. One of these is a new program for the Theological School which will enable it to better support students and candidates (see March Newsletter) as well as giving them better hands on experience in their training. Although not definite this could lead to a theolog coming to Australia for a few months over their summer break (our winter) to assist with the running of the society.

There was some sightseeing for our guests on our beautiful Sydney Harbour and a scenic trip down the south coast. It was a pleasure to have Gretchen join those who attended Kristen Johnson's Baby Shower on Easter Monday. Mutually it was a delightful visit and the Keiths are looking forward to returning in the future.

We do not know the name of that convicted robber. We sense something of his character as he rebukes the other robber saying, "Do you not even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong."

Then he made his plea to Jesus. The crown was made of thorns, but this individual sensed the presence of majesty and knew he was addressing a true King.

Just take in the scene as he says these words, "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom." Jesus had said, " I have overcome the world." Jesus had said He had power to lay down His life, and power to take it again (John 10). Jesus had said that in being lifted up He would draw all people to Himself (John 12). And Jesus had from the beginning proclaimed His kingdom. He proclaimed it even to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate. "My Kingdom is not of this world." The word "kingdom" caught Pilate's attention. "Are you a king then?"

Listen to this stirring reply. "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears my voice."

Bewildered, Pilate mumbled, "What is truth?" But had the encounter pierced some of Pilate's scepticism? Quite deliberately he provided the inscription for the cross. In three languages the inscription announced that here was a king. People protested. No, Pilate, do not write that he is a king! Pilate's implacable answer: "What I have written, I have written." (John 19)

For Jesus the kingdom was about blessing others. "I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand" (John 10). With assurance and with joy He could say to the thief on the cross, "Today you shall be with Me in paradise."

These words relate to an historic shift in Christian thinking. In the 1700's, most Christians believed that those who die will not come to conscious life until some judgment day in the future when they will resume their bodies in this physical world. They had their scriptural reasons for this but theologian Emanuel Swedenborg maintained that the awakening is soon after death, and this in another realm. Among the Scriptures to which he invited attention was this saying of Jesus. Today in paradise.

When our Lord preached in Judea and Galilee, He proclaimed that "the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Indeed his message was called "the Gospel (or good news) of the kingdom" (Mark 1:14)

Our plight may not be anything like that of the man on the cross, the man who pleaded through his anguish and pain, "Remember me."

We pray, "Thy kingdom come." Above our pain and above our distractions and above the storm let us focus on that. "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you."

We ask that He not forget us, but that He shall remember us in His kingdom. In so doing we are open to the assurance vouchsafed to a nameless dying man. Yes, you will be with me in paradise.

Tom's association with the Hurstville Society goes way back to the early 1920s when he was a child and his parents, Thomas and Stella, moved to 28 Dudley Street. In 1921 the Society itself had moved their place of worship and built a church up the street at number 24. Tom and his sister Nellie joined the Sunday School and it wasn't long before the whole family became involved with the uses of the church. They were all baptised by Rev Richard Morse on 20th March 1927. The following articles highlight Tom's long and useful life in this world.

This is a celebration of life for our friend Tom Taylor. Life, we're told in our church's teachings, is based on love. Love is our life. Love is supreme. And of course love is experienced by us in many ways but it is also one abiding thing from the Lord who is Divine love. I have chosen this opening reading from John chapter 15 which talks about love and seems very appropriate for today's memorial service.

"As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends. You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another."

So, here we are celebrating this good man Tom. And how good it is to be doing that here in the Hurstville New Church which was a place where Tom and Shirley came - not recently because of circumstances - but they came over many years to confess their love for the Lord, explore their faith, be in friendship and community with the folks here, and identify with the New Church. Thank you for joining us and just being part of the celebration. That is very much appreciated by Shirley and the whole family.

I want to share a few things on what I'm calling Life, Death and Eternity. We can helpfully think of life as a school although you have to watch that because not everybody has the best associations with school. But even so, it is. Like school, you can try things out in this life in relative safety and the world doesn't crash. You generally find yourself, come to appreciate what really matters, and as I look around at those people who have become nicely elderly here, there is a graciousness in them.

And we're told that the point of this carefully managed existence here is to form and shape our basic love, our life's delight, and what we gravitate towards. And what we will naturally and inevitably gravitate towards in eternity. If it's in our heart, it will come out into the open. If it was put on us by heredity and upbringing and circumstances, well then it will get put aside, pretty quickly.

So death is the continuation of life as we've chosen it and as our heart dictates. That's a pretty good reason to try and make sure that our heart is making the best kind of preferences. Jesus said, "By their fruits you will know them". That is often how it works here. Decent person - decent life.

And being spiritual, being human beings with a sense of vibes and pretty accurate antennae, we can usually tell and we're usually right. I link that with Tom and Shirley and all their family.

And then that awesome idea of eternity and living for ever. Don't overdo the timeline because that could seem daunting. Think of it as a never ending movie with frame after frame, moment after moment, each to be lived and enjoyed. But not alone. No. With those we have and those we love, the Lord's amazing gift. Love, which I introduced earlier, works on the point that it is. You can't eradicate it, you can only reapply it. So, in this baffling experience of separation through passing on, the love is the constant, and the love is the bringer back together. And down the track, at some point in eternity, we'll smile and say all is well, all is indeed well, and everything is where and how it should be. It will be as clear as that.

Thomas Douglas Taylor (also known as 'Pa' to his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren) was born on 15th December, 1919 and lived on the corner of Hillcrest Avenue and Landsdowne Street, Hurstville. The family moved to Dudley Street, Penshurst in the early 1920's. Being born and bred in the St George area accounts for Dad's love of the St George Dragons.

Dad was the youngest of three children, born to Thomas (Snr) and Stella Taylor. He had a sister Nellie, and a brother Edward, both deceased. Dad went to 'South Hurstville Public School', three years at the 'New Church School' in Dudley Street, and then to 'Canterbury Boys High' where he completed his 'Intermediate Exam'.

After leaving school, he did some work with his father as a tile layer and then worked at 'Klipper Bros' as a tie cutter. During this time he did a correspondence course in Marine Wireless Operations.

In 1939, War broke out. Dad was initially not accepted by the Air Force because he lacked qualifications. He instead joined the Army with his life long friend, Norm Heldon, but before being sent overseas with the Army's 2nd/20th Reinforcement, Dad was called up by the Air Force as a Communications Operator.

He was posted with the Air Force to Melbourne where he met Shirley, his future wife. Dad had a chequered career in the Air Force, serving in Geraldton, Darwin, Alice Springs, and other places. Dad reached the 'dizzy' heights of Sergeant on three separate occasions. This was because of Dad's larrikin nature and love of having a good time.

On one trip back to Melbourne he arrived with an orphaned baby kangaroo. Dad had become so attached to the joey, he called him 'Butch', and had a flying jacket made for Butch with his name on it.

Dad and Mum were married on 10th April, 1945 and would have been happily married for 63 years next month. A few months after being married, Dad was demobbed from the Air Force. Dad and Mum lived with his parents in Dudley St for two years, then in 1948 bought a house in Swan Street, Revesby. During this period of time, they had three sons - Ian, Peter and Ross. In 1973 they moved to the current family home in Ellesmere Street, Panania. In both these locations they have been blessed with exceptionally good neighbours and friends.

After leaving the Air Force, Dad worked with his Dad for a few months and then as an Iron Worker at Sydney Steel, Sydenham. After this, Dad worked with Norm Heldon who taught him all about Carpet Laying. He worked at several leading carpet companies as a carpet layer and a planner / estimator.

In 1981, Dad had a major operation (5 by-passes) and several other operations in the following years. In September, 2002 he spent five months in hospital after having his right leg amputated. (Although Dad was not a big drinker, this was not the first time he had been legless!!!) Mum looked after Dad at home for five years before he was admitted to 'Beechwood Retirement Village' in July, 2007.

Dad loved his family. He loved Mum like you would not believe. It was a joy to see them so happy. He would especially light up when he saw any of his grandchildren. He made them feel "special" and they loved being with him.

Dad always had a good sense of humour (especially after a few drinks). He was a very easy-going, quietly spoken, gentle and caring person and non judgemental. Always there when we needed him, always ready to help. He enjoyed the company of friends. He made you feel at ease. I don't think anyone who ever knew Dad, did not enjoy his company. If you were a friend of Dad's, you were a friend for life.

Mum and all of the family would like to thank everyone who attended today, and a special thankyou to all their friends, neighbours and staff at Beechwood for all their love, help, care and support particularly in Dad's later years.

The world will be a sadder place for the loss of Dad, but his memory will put a smile on our faces forever.

 My Pa was a great man. He was someone I always looked up to, and I knew, no matter what, he loved me and was proud of me.

Pa was probably the most gentle and patient man I've ever known. Although he was quiet, he had a wicked sense of humour! And this was something I really loved and admired about him. He could always make me laugh - especially when he would make fun of Gran!

He made up words when we were young - busterflies (instead of butterflies); and caterpiggles - and we always thought he was hilarious!

Among Pa's many talents, he did amazing tapestries and cross stitches. He was also a wonderful cook - his Tuna Mornay recipe was my favourite, and now, every time I make it, I will think of my Pa.

Pa was a sweet and loving man, and loved his family very much. And he loved when we all together. He also loved Glen Fiddich - his favourite Whiskey!!!

Pa, I'm sorry I wasn't able to give you a big hug and kiss goodbye, but I know that you were so proud of me, for making my dream of being an Au Pair and living overseas come true. So I know you'll forgive me.

My Pa was a truly great man and a wonderful, funny, caring and loving Grandfather. I loved him very much and he will live on in my heart always. I'll miss you Pa.

Tom, pal of my youthful, carefree, laughing days, of tennis, surfing, camping on beaches, cycling along those country ways. Time was forever.

And forever reminds me that in many languages there are words that mean "Till we meet again". For instance:

The French	"Au revoir"	"To the seeing again"
Italian:	"Arrivederci"	"Till we meet again, farewell"
German	"Auf wieder sehen"	"Until the seeing again"
Spanish	"Hasta la vista"	"See you later"

Then there's the thought, "May God be with you" as in the French "Adieu", the Spanish "Adios", the Portuguese "Adeus". And the same thought even in the English "Goodbye."

And yes, God and angels were with Tom to welcome him to the new life beginning for him. So, "Be seeing you mate".

We will always remember our visits with Tom and Shirley when we visited them in their uniquely welcoming home on our visits to Sydney over the last few years. It was ever full of humour, reminiscences, affection and yummy refreshments, while Tom was characteristically coping bravely with his difficult handicap, and Shirley encouraging him with loving attention.

In our home we have such special reminders of our friendship with you both - beautiful art works by Tom of Australian wildflowers, birds, and a special country historic home, all done in counted cross-stitch.

Tom will indeed be missed for his whimsical sense of humour and his genial presence. - especially at the Sons' meetings.

We send big hugs for Shirley, and happy thoughts of Tom healthily enjoying his new heavenly surroundings and his family and friends.

Our August Newsletter last year reported the passing of Hugh J Keal into the spiritual world. Now it is his wife, Doreen's turn. On 28th February, at the age of 89, she quietly left to join her husband. Doreen was a very active member of the Hurstville Society from 1961 until more than twenty years later in 1983 she and Hugh headed across the Tasman to live in New Zealand. Together with the many uses she performed Doreen continuously held office (she had a turn at all of them) in either the Theta Alpha or Women's Guild and for several years was President of both!

In celebration of her life we include a Eulogy by Rev Dick Keyworth was delivered at her Resurrection Service in Auckland, New Zealand and some thoughts to the family by Doreen's dear friends, Rev Doug and Christine Taylor.

Doreen was born in 1918 in Durban South Africa. In her 89 years she saw many great scientific advances which were in stark contrast with her early days growing up on a small farm, having to fetch water as there was no hot or cold plumbing. Those times must have been a great learning period, honing skills that made Doreen a great home maker. She was a devoted mother and wife.

Doreen was noted for her cooking, sewing and knitting. For those of us fortunate enough to try them, we can vouch for the quality of the jams and pickles she made.

Such was the standard they were a very popular fund raiser and one always looked forward to the jars of Doreen's wares appearing on the table in the church hall.

Doreen firmly believed that life was about being of use which was a central teaching of her New Christian Church faith. It was not just a mental acknowledgement but a central part of her life. This, and a calm level headedness which she possessed found an outlet during the Second World War when she worked as a nurse aid on trains transporting army casualties.

After the war Doreen worked for the railways and was head of the typing pool when she met Hugh. Hugh wanted to meet her outside of work to which she agreed but it had to be at her church. So began their courtship which no one at work knew about until they were engaged. They were married 1948 and had four sons John, Hugh, Ian and Denis. To these have been added 16 grand children and 9 great grand children.

Doreen was a sports person and with Hugh played tennis and bowls. In her earlier days she played in state championships. Later in life, when Hugh retired, Doreen took up painting becoming a member of the Titirangi Painters and the NZ Fellowship of Artists.

When the family migrated to Sydney in 1961 Doreen continued to serve the church in a number of key uses. She played the organ for the Hurstville Society, taught Sunday School and was a leading figure for the Theta Alpha group and the Women's Guild. Her skill as a mother were further extended when she looked after the Rev Doug Taylor's children when his wife Christine was sick for a time. Doreen took it all in her stride.

Doreen and Hugh moved to Auckland in 1983 to be with Hugh and Denis and their families. Once more Doreen served the church in an official capacity as the secretary of the Auckland Circle of the General Church of the New Jerusalem. They lived at Derwent Crescent Titirangi for 23 years, the longest they had been in any other house. In 2006 the difficult decision was made to move to Crestwood. Age and health became an inhibiting factor for both of them. It was a contrast for a couple who were noted travellers, who had driven around and explored Australia, and who visited family in the USA until health reasons prevented it.

Doreen had had heart problems for some years and in the end her heart just gave up. However, she was happy that she was able to keep going and look after Hugh as his health declined. Now they are reunited, unhampered by physical frailties and returning to the springtime of life.

It has been a privilege to know Doreen and to enter into the sphere of her life. She was a very caring person, quiet and gentle but strong, resourceful and reliable. She was supportive and compassionate and I shall miss that little chuckle of hers. "Well done thou good and faithful servant."

In everything she did for the Church, Doreen was at all times a quiet influence for good and an inspiration to other members. Whether teaching in the Sunday School, where the children loved her; or keeping the Sermon Circuit running, or taking her turn at cleaning the buildings, or providing food for refreshments, or welcoming visitors, or visiting the sick and house-bound, Doreen's smiling presence and attention to detail came from a spontaneous love of being a helper.

Memories abound of times working together with Doreen on church projects, such as Doug's weekly radio programs, entertaining visitors, Sunday School picnics and Theta Alpha projects. How our church "clean-up workdays" came to life when the six Keals arrived in force! And those countless Sunday afternoons of joyful and relentless activity at Sydney's favourite parks, followed by tea, fruit juice and, inevitably, Doreen's "boiled fruit cake"!

Australia, New Zealand, and USA have become home links to both families. We feel we have been blessed in our relationship with the Keals.

And now how we rejoice to think of Doreen and Hugh being together in Heaven! I feel sure Doreen will be singing in those Heavenly Choirs - we will never forget her beautiful soprano voice.

All who in various ways were blessed by her life, say a heartfelt "thank you" to Doreen.

Karen Lockhart has returned from the UK. She is delighted to be home, but has required antibiotics since her return to assist the healing process following her last surgery in London. She is planning to return to work in early April with her previous company, and is loving being back in contact with old friends, but missing her boyfriend Mike, left behind in the UK for a couple more months.

March was a busy month for Kerry and Mike Lockhart, with a visit from Whitney (daughter of Mike's brother, Peter) with her husband Chad and three small daughters. Mike and Kerry want to thank Society friends for the loan of their baby furniture for the visit. It was generous and most appreciated.

Kathryn Kennedy recently announced her engagement. A marriage later this year is planned. Congratulations Kathryn.

Lib Heldon, wife of the late Sydney Heldon (brother of Norman) passed into the spiritual world March 8th in Bryn Athyn Pennsylvania.

Stuart Heldon has moved to Melbourne for about six months to set up another branch of his water tank company.

Last month we whet your appetite about a new location for next year's Summer Camp near Nowra on the New South Wales South Coast. However this is not available and the camp will be held at either Phillip Island in Victoria or once again at Mangrove Mountain, site of this year's camp. More information next newsletter.

This month there is NO Friday Tea and Class. With The Journey program and the bishop's visit we have been busy lately! However something will be planed for May and June.

Note the Society Meeting on Sunday 13th April. This is one of our biannual meetings and will consider amongst other things plans for June 19th

Note however that we are pleased to have a special service on Sunday 6th April led by Rev David Moffat. (See last month's newsletter for more details). Following the service there will be a POT LUCK luncheon so people can meet the Moffat family. Please bring a savoury dish to share.

Happy Birthday: Donna Heldon (5th), Gaye Heldon (15th), Merv Kennedy (17th), Huiling Sun (20th) Kerry Horner (22nd), David Horner (25th)

Note: All events are located at the church at 22 Dudley St, Penshurst 2222 (off Hillcrest Ave) unless otherwise stated. Contact the Hurstville New Church on (02) 9580 1589 for more information or email us at newchurch@optusnet.com.au All are welcome and refreshments are served after church each Sunday.
Sunday	6th April	10 00 a.m. Worship (Rev David Moffat) followed by Pot Luck Luncheon
Friday	11th April	6 00 p.m. Young People (at Roseville)
Sunday	13th April	10.00 a.m. Worship (Lay Service) followed by SOCIETY MEETING
Sunday	20th April	10.00 a.m. Worship (Lay Service)
Sunday	27th April	10.00 a.m. Worship (Lay Service)