Many years ago an organist told me that when she made a mistake in a service (like playing "amen" at the wrong time or cutting the minister off by starting a hymn too soon) most people were very understanding and tolerant. But there were a few who came out of church and made a point of drawing her attention to the mistake. "Why do they do that?" she asked. "I know right away when I've made a mistake. Why do they need to tell me?"

Swedenborg reflects on this in the work Spiritual Experiences. "A certain chiding spirit came to me. He brought forth the things which he discovered in my memory, and chided me on account of them. He was one of those who in their lifetime were chiders of their fellow-men, though doing it in a subtle manner. When I remarked that it was not angelic to search only into a person's evils to the neglect of his goods, and without an attempt to excuse his evils, he still insisted that he did what he did for the sake of reformation, and therefore that it was good" SE 1675.

"He was one of those who in their lifetime were chiders of their fellow-men." He made a point of letting others know that they had done something wrong. He did it in a subtle manner, making it seem that he was being kind and helpful. In fact, he had a great excuse for pointing out someone's faults. "I do it to help them be better," he said. But that wasn't the real reason. He did it because he liked to find fault - it gave him pleasure to point out others' faults. Note that Swedenborg said that such people don't try to excuse the evils of another, and they pay no attention to the other person's good points. They get their kicks out of criticizing.

I'm sure the people who pointed out the organist's faults would say, "I'm just helping her by making sure she doesn't do it again." But did they tell her how good an organist she is, or how seldom she made mistakes, or how lovely her interludes are?

The Writings tell us that the angels never look at a person's faults and they always see his or her goods. If the faults present themselves they "put a good interpretation on them." (AC 1079).

I've thought at times that this is asking a bit much of us ordinary mortals on earth. We will probably find it pretty hard to see only the good in others. So what can we do to restrain the "chiding" disposition - the enjoyment of noticing someone else's mistakes and telling that person or others about them, while pretending that we do it for their own good?

The Writings have an intermediate step. Someone was talking to Swedenborg and finding fault without understanding the situation properly. The Writings add: "It was given to add that it is not angelic to seek for the evils with a person unless we seek for his goods at the same time" AC 10381. That's a simple, practical step away from mere criticism. Look at the whole person. Discuss his good characteristics at the same time as you discuss a weakness which he has.

Now we can do this the wrong way. "He's a great guy but...." "I know she has a good heart but...." "He tries so hard but....." It sounds like we're giving him or her credit for good qualities. But the only things that matter in sentences like this is what follows the word "but."

On the other hand, the right way is to see the person as a whole. Looking at her good qualities "at the same time" makes her a real person with wishes and hopes and aspirations. If we are honest in looking at her strengths, then we can look at a weakness in the light of those strengths.

We might not be the kind of "chiding spirit" who likes only to point out a person's weaknesses without acknowledging his strengths. But that mood comes on us all at times. We might not be angelic enough yet to see only a person's strengths and "put a good interpretation" on his weaknesses at all times. But there's an intermediate stage on the way to becoming an angel. Whenever we feel the wish to criticize - especially in anger or frustration - force ourselves to look carefully at the good points of the person we are criticizing. Think of the entire person, and his loves and the things he cares about. This will soften the criticism and perhaps enable us to be really helpful, not only apparently so.

If, like me, you love poetry, and I'm sure you do, you find a special pleasure in reading the Psalms, for they contain the finest poetry of all. Some people, who know nothing of their spiritual meaning, admire the unique style of writing, the balancing of phrases, the comparisons, which perhaps they assume to be just metaphor, knowing nothing about correspondences.

The first Psalm is about the way to heaven; shun evils, read the Lord's Word with delight, meditate. The person who lives rightly is like a tree that bears good fruit, there being an exact correspondence between the growth of a tree and that of man; the seed, trunk, branches, leaves; then the blossoms that are like the pleasure we get from the prospect of a use to come while training, then the fruit, the uses we actually perform.

Psalm 22 is a grim one, telling of the Lord's suffering bitterly in temptations from attacks by the hells, even to the brutal crucifixion. This is followed though by the beautiful and much loved No 23. It speaks of the Lord's providential care for us, with generous gifts of good and truth, the green pastures and still waters. He supports us, even when, a frightening prospect, we may have to "walk through the valley of the shadow of death", as He did Himself. His Providence never deserts us, we are comforted knowing that He is the Good Shepherd with rod and staff. His good and truth giving always sure protection.

"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil." This means to be gifted with charity and love. (see AC 51203)

The Lord knows that evil spirits will continue their attacks; they don't want to let us go, but if we faithfully follow Him, He will always give the spiritual nourishment we need. Finally, as we reflect that His goodness and mercy have been with us throughout life, we may view the delightful prospect of heavenly happiness.

Psalm 19, one of Helen Keller's favourites, is again a roadmap to peace and heavenly life. It begins with those magnificent words, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament shows His handiwork." Further, there are some of those balanced phrases:

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.
The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.

And later,

The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yes than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Some people think if they were rich they'd be happy, and then discover, perhaps after a big lottery win that happiness is something else.

The Psalm then assures us that rich spiritual rewards follow keeping His precepts and ends with a fine sentence we could well repeat to ourselves each day. "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord my Rock and my Redeemer."

And that's Poetry.

They are called the Psalms of David, but we read that David as king attributed them to himself though they are the Lord's words.

The Psalms are songs, originally in Hebrew, and no doubt the English translations do not match the former melodious flow of language, though the heavenly meaning is not lost.

Swedenborg tells of being with some spirits from Abyssinia who were listening to the singing of a Psalm from a place of worship in the world, and the Abyssinians were so affected with delight that they sang along with them. Presently, he writes, their ears were closed, but then they were filled with even greater delight; and at the same time with intelligence, because that Psalm treats of the Lord and redemption. The reason for the greater delight was that communication was given them with that society in Heaven that was in conjunction with those singers in the world. (see S108)

As mentioned in the September Newsletter we are continuing to give our readers historical information of the Hurstville Society in a follow up to our 100th Anniversary in July, This will be in the form of excepts from New Church Life (NCL). Last month we found the little group being led by Richard Morse and meeting in various locations to worship and study. We read about the authorisation of Richard Morse in 1913 to preach and administer the Sacraments of the Church, pending ordination and of how that ordination happened on October 12th 1919. Richard Morse had travelled to Bryn Athyn USA for this special occasion. We take up reading about how the group managed while Mr Morse was absent. Remember there were no planes flying across the Pacific in those days. NCL 1920 - May SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. During our Pastor's three months' absence on his visit to Bryn Athyn, the services, Wednesday night doctrinal class, and Sunday School, were conducted by Mr. Charles H. Morgan. . . . Since June, 1919, a hall has been rented at Hurstville - a suburb, about nine miles south of Sydney - to hold Sunday School in. The School was held fortnightly, but arrangement have now been made to have it every Sunday. The results are very promising; the older children especially show so much interest in their lessons. There are sixteen names on the roll, twelve of these being the children of New Church parents, the remaining four belonging to strangers who have come without request. In the future, we hope to enlarge the Sunday School by missionary efforts among the people of Hurstville. M. M. W. [Mora White] NCL 1920 - September SYDNEY, N. S. W. - The Rev. Richard Morse writes: "For nearly five months during the past year the Society has been deprived of my services; three (Sept., Oct., Nov., 1919) On account of my visit to Bryn Athyn, and two (April and May, 1920) owing to an attack of typhoid. . . . Here I will add, with warm appreciation, that Mr. Charles H. Morgan conducted the Sunday morning services and Wednesday evening doctrinal classes during my absence at Bryn Athyn, and, during my illness, took charge of the Sunday School and doctrinal class at Hurstville." NCL 1920 - October There is talk of the possibility of moving to another place of worship. The idea is to be more public, with the hope of increasing our numbers from outside. Some think it wise to keep the services in the city; others think it best to move to the suburb of Hurstville, where the Sunday School is held, as, counting the children, most of the people live there. It is thought that we would be able to erect a small building if we went to the latter place, which it would not be possible for us to do in the city. The exponents of this idea point to the fact that all the children but two reside at Hurstville . . . M. M. W. NCL 1921 - February SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. On July 10th, the founding of the Society, July 11th, 1905, was celebrated for the first time, by a social gathering held after the annual business meeting. And on July 31st the second anniversary of the Sunday School was remembered by an afternoon picnic of the Sunday School scholars and adults. I am glad to be able to say that progress has been made towards the acquiring of a building for worship and Sunday School at Hurstville, a matter which was referred to in my last report. At an informal meeting, November 15th, all were agreeable that the Society purchase a block of land which has been made available to us, and to erect a small building upon it. It will of necessity be humble; but how thankful we will feel to have, at last, a House dedicated to the worship of the Lord in His Divine Human. M. M. W. NCL 1921 - July/August It is proposed to lay the foundation stone of our church building on July 10th. The structure is to be of wood and fibro-cement on a stone foundation. We are looking forward to all sorts of lovely things when we have our own little building. After worshiping in a private house so long, it will be to us what the Cathedral is to our friends in Bryn Athyn. May it stand for internal as well as external progress in our Society! M. M. W.

NCL 1921 - October The laying of the corner stone at Dudley Street, Hurstville, took place on the 16th anniversary of the founding of the society. As it was a Sunday afternoon, the Sunday School exercises were somewhat shortened, and then all walked to the site of the new building. The Pastor opened the ceremony by reading from the Word. This was followed by the singing of Hymn 100 from the Liturgy, after which all joined in the Lord's Prayer. The Pastor then delivered an instructive address, giving the spiritual significance of the ceremony, and showing that the corner stone represented the Divine Human of the Lord, this being the foundation of all true theology. The stone itself is inscribed with the words, "Holiness to the Lord," in Hebrew, and the date, "10-7-21," and was laid by the Pastor, assisted by Messrs. Morgan, Ferran, and Kirschstein. Without a beginning, nothing is ever accomplished; but once begun, great may the possibilities of growth become. And it is our hope that, with the possession of a place of worship in Hurstville, the wants of the children will be better attended to, and that the spiritual usefulness of the society will be increased in many other ways. M. M. W.

NCL 1922 - February/March

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA. Our little church building is an accomplished fact. Thanks to our Pastor, who designed it and superintended its erection, we have a substantial and artistic structure of fibro-cement, with a base of mahogany, and a red tile roof. It stands on stone piers, and is capable of seating sixty people comfortably.

The chancel is of simple design, in Western Australian jarrah, which, when oiled, has a rich red tone. There are three steps from the floor of the church to the Altar for the Word, which is in the middle of the chancel towards the east. Immediately above, there are two lead-light windows of flame-colored glass, with purple and gold border. When the sun shines directly through these windows, it creates a most beautiful effect by illuminating the Word and the middle of the chancel with a glow like that of sunrise. The Holy Supper Altar is to the right of the Altar for the Word, and the Baptismal Altar to the left, both toward the front. Then the lectern and pulpit are to the left and right respectively, but still nearer the chancel rail.

On Sunday morning, November 27th [1921], the building was dedicated to the worship of the Lord Jesus Christ in His Divine Human . . .

The Sunday School is now held in the new building, and all the social and other meetings will also be held there. A curtain has been provided to divide the chancel from the rest of the building, so as to keep it as sacred as possible.

Church Group in front of new church building. Ossian Heldon, Richard Morse, Annie Taylor, G Guthrie, Elise Norris, Stella Taylor, Viva Heldon and Tom Taylor (Snr)

While the church was being built, our friend, Mr. C. H. Morgan, who was our Secretary-Treasurer, was removed from our midst, passing away very suddenly from heart failure on September the 4th. His loss was felt very much by all of us, and it placed more work and responsibility on our already overworked Pastor. The society has elected Mr. M. A. Ferran, as Treasurer, and Mr. A. H. A. Kirschstein Secretary, in Mr. Morgan's place. M. M. W. NCL 1923 - May Our Pastor, the Rev. Richard Morse, is now devoting all his time and energy to church work, having ceased his secular duties at the end of the year [1922].

If you would like to contribute to Theta Alpha Guild it would be much appreciated.

We are a Chapter of Theta Alpha International and our uses here in the Hurstville Society are:

1. Providing General Church children in Australia with a gift on New Church Day.
2. Sending greeting cards (eg. Get Well cards) to church members and friends
3. Supporting the Hurstville Society Sunday School.
4. Housekeeping of the church's multi purpose building "Baringa".

If you would like to help please send your donations to:

Patricia Walsh (Treasurer)
157 Faraday Road
PADSTOW NSW 2211

The ladies of Theta Alpha Guild thank you for your assistance.

At the Theta Alpha Guild meeting on Sunday 18th September it was decided to resume the Baringa Book Club the activities of which had been on hold since our last discussion in March.

The book chosen to begin reading is "Light in My Darkness" by Helen Keller. The bookroom has a good supply of these, recently purchased and is offering them for sale to the Book Club for the very reasonable price of $10. This is a revised edition by Ray Silverman of Helen Keller's 1927 book which she called "My Religion". Silverman's edition (2000) is attractively laid out with many illustrations throughout with an interesting foreword by Dorothy Herrmann, Helen Keller's biographer. One of our members, Huiling Sun, has previously translated this book into Chinese and her experience with doing this will no doubt add to our discussion.

Stay tuned for a date to be announced for this discussion. All ladies are welcome to participate. Please direct any queries to Margaret Heldon, President, TAG.

The Hurstville New Church now has a page on the General Church web site (in addition to the Australian New Church web site). You can find it at: http://www.newchurch.org/societies/hurstville

This page has the same look and feel as the main General Church website and the Bryn Athyn website. Many thanks to Murray Heldon for organising this.

During the month I received a brief email telling me there was a New Church website for Teens called http://www.nexus.ws. The email gave no real clue as to what I might find but I checked it out anyway out of duty as stand-in Newsletter editor.

I was amazed at what I found. This web site is very professional and looks stunning. There is a host of multi-media content, short movies (you must see these but don't try these antics at home), music, quizzes and some fantastic artwork, all done by New Church young people. There are forums, news, issues and some great advice from Rev Barry Halterman who goes under the name of b.halt. New participants are encouraged.

Check it out.

Please make a note now about an important Society meeting on November 6th after church. By that time Bishop Buss will be in a position to discuss plans for the Society's future.

Our News Notes this month reads like a doctor's casebook. There is some good news and some not so good.

Norm Heldon spent a week in hospital followed by two weeks confined to home as a result of a skin graft following removal of skin cancer on his leg. As you can imagine, being "grounded" for that length of time was hard for a very active 88 year old but he has now been given the all clear by his surgeon.

Margaret Ward and Mike Lockhart both suffered from an attack of shingles during the past month. They now report they have both recovered which is good news.

Shirley Taylor has been having trouble with her knees which is a worry to her as most of her time is spent looking after her husband Tom. We wish her all the best in finding a solution to this problem.

Naomi Heldon has cut short her world tour and returned from Mexico for health reasons. She is now undergoing tests.

Sadly Dot Heldon is still in hospital. She receives regular visits from family and friends. She has good days and bad days. Our thoughts are with her in this difficult time.

Those lucky enough to be on the mailing list have been getting a running commentary on Sam and Kristen's world tour. At last report they were in Spain after having visited some of the major sites in Italy. Kristen always mentions the shopping so we are wondering if they will need a plane to themselves when they return home in mid October.

Bishop Peter and Lisa Buss were welcomed back to Hurstville at a Pot Luck lunch following church on Sunday 11th September. It is certainly good to have them back with us again. During their time here they will also visit Brisbane, New Zealnd and Perth where Peter will give the service on 2nd October.

"So things are going really well for me back at home...life is crazy, but good. It took me a while to readjust to my life back here after leaving Hurstville. I wish it wasn't so far away and that I could come visit more often. Although when I am needing a little bit of Australia in my life I just pop over to the boys dorm and say Hello to Jeffrey. He seems to be doing well and adjusting to life in Bryn Athyn nicely. They have a program where they "adopt" the dorm students into families in the community so that they all feel included. My family "adopted" him and I am hoping that will allow him to get to know my family and give me a way to give him a similar experience in Bryn Athyn as I was given in Hurstville."

Angela is an RA (Resident Assistant) in Glenn Hall (the high school dorm). She is also a teacher's assistant at an alternative school for kids with behavioural challenges.

Happy Birthday to Vera Buck (8th), Stuart Heldon (10th), Laurel Walsh (10th), Audrey Favell (12th), Murray Heldon (13th), Alyssa Wende (14th), Darren Kermond (20th), Cameron Walsh (20th), Sonia Hicks (22nd), Shirley Taylor (27th)

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	Oct 2nd	10 00 a.m. Worship (Lay Service) (Bishop Buss in Perth)
Friday	Oct 7th	7 00 p.m. Dinner & Class (Bishop Buss)
Sunday	Oct 9th	10 00 a.m. Worship (Holy Supper)
Friday	Oct 14th	6 00 p.m. Young People (at Roseville) 8.00 p.m. Sons Meeting (home of Robert Cooper)
Sunday	Oct 16th	10 00 a.m. Worship followed by Property Trust Mtg
Friday	Oct 21st	7 30 p.m. Doctrinal Class (Bishop Buss)
Sunday	Oct 23rd	10 00 a.m. Worship
Friday	Oct 28th	7 30 p.m. Young People
Sunday	Oct 30th	10 00 a.m. Worship