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ISSUE 624
DIE KERZE
May we, like a candle, light the darkness for others, especially at Christmas time.
Kerze, du schönes Symbol uns'res Lebens,
CHRISTMAS WISH
A grown-up yearns to be touched again by the magic of Christmas
Liebes Christkind,
Könntest du meinen Namen bitte wieder auf deine Liste schreiben? In den letzten Jahren hat nämlich Weihnachten gar keinen Eindruck mehr gemacht. Und ich möchte doch so gern wieder staunen und mich echt freuen können. Erwachsensein - ja, das hat so seine Probleme.
Ich möchte wieder unbefangen spielen können. Mach' jeden Tag ein Abenteuer, aber nicht so eins für das ich im Voraus mit meiner Kreditkarte zahlen muss.
Ich möchte wieder an dich und an Weihnachten glauben können. Wirklich! Früher wartete ich am Heiligen Abend aufgeregt und voll herrlich prickelnder Erwartung bis die Tür aufging und ich den strahlenden Weihnachtsbaum - und vor allem die wunderbaren Päckchen - zu sehen bekam. Weihnachtslieder, Kerzenlicht, Tannenduft - das berauschte mich, damals.
Du hättest nie aufhören sollen, unser Haus zu besuchen - aber wir machten es dir sehr schwer. Wir hätten nicht erwachsen, und alte Zyniker werden sollen.
Nun ist's nimmer lang bis Weihnachten. Noch x Einkaufstage. Der Baum ist bestellt, Gutsle sind gebacken, Karten geschrieben. Das einzige was mir noch fehlt ist Weihnachtsstimmung - die kann man nicht so leicht besorgen.
Liebes Christkind, hier ist meine Wunschliste, Sie ist ganz kurz: ich möchte wieder vom Wunder der Weihnacht berührt werden.
Based on an idea in 'The Age' of 2.12.95, by Tracey Harvey.
ZUR JAHRESWENDE
Nun schlägt die Stunde Mitternacht.
NEW YEAR, NEW ENERGY FOR GOODWILL
As we head towards the year 2001 and (definitely) into the third millennium, here are some reflections on the new energies so many people are commenting on, and hoping will bring a better outcome for humanity and our planet.
The idea of a New Age is timeless and goes back thousands of years. I don't mean the current New Age movement, which is a very diverse collection of loosely connected ideas, activities and groups with a range of motivations from sincere service to purely profit-making - though parts of the movement tap into the timeless idea. We can see the latter surfacing, for example, in the Messianic expectations, the vision of the New Jerusalem, the Renaissance, the ideal of Communism, Utopia… and it is also contained in our idea -- of the 'Kingdom of God'. In some ways it represents an intuition that a better world where humanity will be guided by an awareness that the unity of spirit and matter, of nature and humanity, of the sacred and the everyday -- is not only possible, but must urgently be worked towards.
It is certain that there will be change. But change is not automatically for the better, and it is humanity's - our - task to be partners in the transformation or metamorphosis that is required. 'The New Age resonates with that part of us (and that part of the cosmos) that looks to what we can become, not just to what we were or what we are now' (p.19 of the book referred to at the end).
The following vision of the New Age by David Spangler is open to change and revision as he learns more about it.
The New Age represents a world in which there is a planetary culture giving expression to our common humanity and the well-being of all the beings that live upon the earth. It is also a world of strong local cultures, honoring and allowing the expression of the unique individual qualities of specific places and bioregions, specific ethnicities and local identities. Such local polities function within a context of global networks of communication, commerce, imagination, and mutual support. Thus both the local and the planetary, the individual and the collective, are supported in synergetic ways. Individuals are taught to be creatively unique and compassionately and responsibly involved with each other.
Humanity is guided by a strong ecological consciousness and land ethic. It also enjoys a strong sense of spirituality and of the spiritual dimensions that share the world with us. Religions are honored and celebrated as paths to the sacred. However, spirituality is seen as a wider human resource and connection with the cosmos that cannot be contained within any particular institution or dogma but which is free to bring grace into all human institutions and endeavors.
Humanity continues its powerful technological development, but in this new civilization, it does so in ways that are in harmony with its spiritual and ecological well-being and which do not obscure the life of the soul within us or within the world.
In my vision of the New Age, humanity has gained tools and skills, insights and knowledge to expand into the frontiers of mutual cooperation and understanding, into a working harmony with the world that ecologically supports us, into the frontiers of space, and into the unexplored realms of the spirit and of that universal love that underlies all being (p.16 f).
For a transformed, harmonious world, our human energy needs to go into imagination and creativity, not into conflict and destruction. The New Age invites us to become advocates for the earth, advocates for an inclusive spirituality, advocates for interconnection and co-creativity. We can and should oppose practices and ideas we believe to be evil or destructive; but we also need to find the common grounds, the deeper spirit, from which cooperation and compassion arise and communication is possible.
Every encounter every day is an opportunity to express a spirit that is not alienated, not hostile, not adversarial, not fearful, not escapist, not selfish, not wounded, not dependent; an opportunity, instead, to express the spirit within our temple, the spirit of love and of our own joyful and confident co-creativity (p. 151).
So our wish or prayer for the new year is, as ever, 'Your kingdom come' , knowing that we have to help create it on earth.
Quotes from David Spangler A Pilgrim in Aquarius, Findhorn Press, 1996.
H.U. Ed.
TEXT FOR THE MONTH - Matt. 5:1-14 Part of the Sermon on the Mount.
You are encouraged to read the whole book..
The following thoughtful German lines, in an obvious allusion to the sayings that start with Blessed are… (the 'Beatitudes' at the beginning of the chapter), speak of caring behaviour that evokes gratitude and blessing.
SELIG SIND …
Selig,
Blessed are those who show understanding when my feet stumble or my hands are clumsy; who are patient when my ears have trouble taking in all that is said to me; who seem to know that my eyes are bleary and my thoughts slow.
Blessed are those who, with a friendly smile, stay a while and talk with me; who are able to call up in me memories of earlier days; who make me feel that I am loved, respected and not left alone.
Blessed are those who, out of the kindness of their hearts, lighten the days left to me.
LOOKING FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
TSA Seminar on top of Mt Buller, 28-29 October
It was a wild and woolly Friday afternoon as we made our way up the windy slopes of Mount Buller. Snow flakes swirled through the air and transformed the landscape into a glorious pattern of white lace, interspersed with the stark green of the snowgums. It was freezing cold and we were glad to escape to the warmth of the Iltis Ski Lodge. Heinz Vollmer, the capable and voluntary chef for the three days of the Seminar, served a variety of piping hot soups and many more scrumptious meal additions.
Seeking the Kingdom of God commenced late Saturday morning with Rolf Beilharz presenting some background information by quoting from several books, including translations of the Templer Handbook and Christoph Hoffmann's Occident & Orient. He and the other speakers, Irene Bouzo and Alfred Klink, further complemented introductions by giving a personal interpretation of the Templer Vision. Together it provided the base and framework for the weekend's discussions.
By the afternoon we numbered some thirty people (and a half, Christine Ruff announced) and the group split up into three teams who then brainstormed the subject matter separately and independently. Each team gradually assembled their own list of interpretations of our challenging topics:
The seriousness of what we were aiming to achieve did not deter anyone from having a good time. Laughter overlayed with clear thinking in the end provided a very good set of guidelines for Templers to live in today's world, a world in which we can effectively apply the teachings of Jesus and practise the principles which make up the Kingdom of God. We achieved gratifying results through very harmonious interaction. Our list of guidelines created a vision for each and everyone's individual and community goals.
Long walks, including a climb to the summit, cleared the heads and sharpened our focus. It even jolted the silent participants to start talking.
Sunday morning Saal in the quaint little Mt Buller chapel was serene and beautiful. The bell pealed out a joyful welcome in the crisp mountain air as we made our way into the church. Invitations for others to join our service had been posted in the Alpine Village well in advance, but no one else came to our little group. Natural rock walls in the chapel contrasted starkly with plush dark-red carpet and the upholstery of gold-framed chairs, but a large, back-lit cross high above the simple altar demanded immediate, attentive silence. Harald Ruff, also one of the organising committee, held the thought provoking service. His theme centred around the topic under discussion and the relativity of good and evil. He even introduced us to a new song which, after two practice runs, we managed quite well.
The afternoon discussion was mainly used to summarise points noted earlier. It was left for Vyrna and Rolf Beilharz to formulate everything said into a full and appropriate statement.
The discussion then drifted into wide ranging Templer topics, and specifically focussed on ways to improve interaction with the wider community. Suggested image builders were:
In conclusion, we, the participants, would like to say to the Mt Buller Seminar committee, as well as to our chef, a huge thank you for a very stimulating, harmonious and wonderful weekend.
Friedrich Sawatzky
ON SUSTAINABILITY
Kurt Beilharz shares his opinion about articles in the October TR
I wonder how prepared human society is to make a change in attitude to our world, our planet. I blame the powers that be for the destruction of the world's forests. They keep their economies strong by manufacturing arms and selling them to the poor countries so that the people there can destroy each other. The buzzword is to increase their gross national income instead of planning to bring it down. In Europe and America they are running out of space for rubbish dumps. They promise work away from the land, where people practised sustainable farming for centuries, only to throw them on the unemployed market. Have they got a plan for a maximum population on our earth?
Would you be prepared to forsake all the greed that seems to be attached to our modern-day living? Bill Mollison evolved a plan some decades ago for people to grow their own food in their suburban backyard - a messiah not crucified by the cross, but by silence. The fuel shortage now artificially created could have been avoided along with other items if inventions made in the last 80 years had not been shelved because the powers that are did not buy them.
Faith, the way it is understood by most people, appears to me to be just a crutch. It is better than nothing but it leads to too many directions of faith. I acknowledge that many people need that crutch. Who are the most religious people? My answer is: babies. After them come those "primitive" people who are fortunate enough to still live off their land. The latter will be the survivors in a world disaster. Faith, trust and love are my religion. St. Paul said that the small things are the things that matter and Chr. Hoffmann talks about this in the debate about the right leaders in religion in his Circular Letter (Sendschreiben). In his speech at the 75th anniversary of the founding of Sarona, Nikolai Schmidt said, in Wilhelma in 1946, that working together in the community, that is religion.
I believe modern man has moved so far away from nature that he wants to impose his perceived spirituality on nature. What rubbish to say it is hard to grow a tree. Why would I want to embrace a tree to give it my "spirituality"? Why did we become so distant from nature rather than try and get our spirit from nature?
Due to the influences of growing up, we become unbalanced. We have many opportunities to talk to our children about religion. But we don't. I am as guilty as anyone. But I think we can do it without referring too much to biblical events and emphasise that there is no mystery. Economic events take over and unless a disaster strikes us earlier, we tend not to think about these things till we are about 35 or older. Then we go looking and if we have a partner who comes from a different denomination, it is even harder to find support which should be in "us" by then. We "find Jesus, Hallelujah"! This is just the proverbial crutch.
Faith built on trust in oneself, in God and a future helps us travel and decide our destiny. My religion lies in the trust of a future in spite of the disastrous situation in the world today. I see my religion in experiencing nature, even to the point of slaughtering an animal for meat, or seeing an animal carcass rot somewhere. Do you know the difference between killing an animal for food or out of mercy? It is all part of life and if you are not comfortable with it you somehow don't belong.
When you recall all the problems in the world or closer to home - vandalism and, still worse, criminality, you see a lot of instability in our human society. On the other hand one has to acknowledge that a few things are starting to move where leaders of society in the world meet to discuss the problems and how to solve them. Once a move has been made as in East Timor, or as it will hopefully come about in Jugoslavia, it is a slow process and will take a lot of patience to work towards sustainability. The world economic forums are a move in the right direction. At the same time, I can sympathise with the demonstrators in Seattle, Melbourne and Prague who fear that our time is running out. It would have been better if they didn't have paid criminals among them.
Love is to me a permanent thing and the statistics prove the non-existence of it in so many people when they say 50% of couples getting married now divorce. But love for other people and the environment will eventually bring a change. We saw it manifested in the Olympic Games. Someone said to me how tightlipped contestants from the eastern block countries still were. Then I saw a recent immigrant from Russia participate in the pole vault and what a smile she presented when she won silver.
The reflection came to me how fortunate we are in this country and that Australia could really become a prime mover in the love permeating throughout the world.
Kurt Beilharz, October 2000
ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR WATSON
Responding to the article 'What do we see? - A matter of focus' in the Oct. TR, a couple from Doncaster sent in this bit of fun.
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, on a camping trip, lay down for the night and went to sleep. Some hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his faithful friend. "Watson, look up! What do you see?"
Watson replied, "I see millions of stars"
"Exactly! And what does it tell you?"
Watson pondered for a minute. "Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. What does it tell YOU?"
Holmes was silent for a minute then spoke "Watson, you idiot, someone has stolen our tent."
INTERNET
We do get e-mails (via Alfred Klink) that respond to the TSA website. Here is one from an appreciative net surfer.
I am in the process of preparing a speech to be given at my parents' Golden Anniversary in November. Since I am living in the US and hardly ever speak German, I had difficulty finding the right words. I turned to the internet and found your website [with the October TR].
Thank you for the printout of "Ich wünsche Dir Zeit". After 50 years of living together, what better present is there than time for two people (my parents) who have shown so much "Lebensfreude" throughout their lives. I also liked the "Gebet eines Senioren" and feel that it is as true for my generation as it might be for seniors. I will try to find a humorous way to include those thoughts in my speech.
With kind regards, Uli Boecker
COMMUNITY BUILDING
It is no secret that the Temple Society Australia, and certainly the Temple Society as a whole, places great value in its community. Our community is the cornerstone of our structure. Without a community of members and friends caring for and sharing with one another we cannot begin to be effective.
Earlier this year many of us came together to grandly commemorate the milestone achievement of the TSA's 50th anniversary, under the theme "celebrating the past and embracing the future". The year 2000 has been significant for other reasons too, e.g. the amalgamation of our aged care facilities and the decision to build a new religious centre in Bayswater.
These events, and others still to emerge or to be moulded, will shape our future and make a major contribution to our Society. Over the last few months the Regional Council has been actively discussing the topic of "community building". With the membership having committed to the new building, the Regional Council has focussed its dialogue on the personal development necessary to supplement the physical construction. These elements - the members and how we interact - of community building are of vital importance to our future.
To this end, we wish to conduct public discussions under the broad theme of "community building", forums in which all members are encouraged to participate and to contribute. We hope to begin these discussions early in the new year. So, what might be discussed at such a forum? The Regional Council has considered, amongst other things, the organisational structure of the TSA, activities for and interaction between all member age groups, the roles and sense of purpose of Community and Society, consolidation, the past -- be it geographically, culturally or language related - and its relevance to today, leadership, member contact and support. These, and obviously many more, elements can form part of the overall discussion topic.
Coupled with the challenges of cooperation and unity necessary for our physical building program, we hope to generate interest, enthusiasm and expectation for the meaning and value of "community building". Please give the topic some thought and discuss it among your friends and relatives. We look forward to your involvement early in 2001.
Renate Beilharz and Mark Herrmann,
for the Regional Council
MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS
Thank you to all members who have made their yearly contribution so promptly. With the additional 10% GST, we have tested your arithmetic skills and most have risen splendidly to the challenge.
Being an annual contribution it is important to be considered regularly, and not be forgotten for a number of years. Should payment have been overlooked or difficult to manage in the past, it is vital that contact be established with me to resolve the issue promptly and with a minimum of fuss. Despite repeated requests and offers of resolution, there remain a number of members in this awkward position. Please help me to assist you!
SUMMER CAMP
Early in 2001 we travel to Phillip Island for a week-long camp of fun and (hopefully) sun. The YWCA Holiday Camp (Smiths Beach) has been booked from Tuesday 9th January to Tuesday 16th January inclusive.
All children eleven years old or older, and not yet confirmed, are invited to attend. A special invitation is extended to children from country areas and from interstate. Friends of Templer children are most welcome.
GST inclusive costs: $220 for one child
$192.50 for other children of the same family
The cost is significantly subsidised by the TSA and includes the cost of the bus, the camp and its facilities. As always, the success and running of the camp is reliant on the willingness and availability of leaders. Please call us if you are prepared and able to help.
For further information and application forms, please contact the TSA Office on (03) 9557 6713,
OFFICE CLOSURE
The TSA Office will not be fully attended during the Christmas and summer holiday period.
We will close on Tuesday 19 December and re-open on Monday 22 January 2001. Messages can be left on the answering machine, but be aware that they may not be responded to immediately.
In emergency situations or matters of need, please contact either:
Mark Herrmann - Business Manager
Dr. Rolf Beilharz - Regional Head or
Helga Anderson - Community Care Worker
P.S. Don't forget TR contributions should be with the Editor by 18th January.
THANK YOU to all those members and friends who do so much, often behind the scenes, for the good of the Templer Community. Your efforts, time, energy and dedication are greatly appreciated!
We wish you all a happy Christmas, a relaxing holiday and renewed energy for an excellent new year.
Mark Herrmann, Business Manager
TEMPLER CENTRE PROGRESS REPORT
The Templer Centre Building Committee is made up of members who expressed an interest in helping to plan the Templer Centre. These members are: Dieter Glenk, Dieter Ruff, Dieter Blaich, Ernst Ruff, Helga Jürgensen, Christine Ruff, Sigi Messner, Ingrid Jürgensen, Harald Ruff and Winfried Beilharz.
This committee has met four times in the past two months to progress the building of the Templer Centre. In that time we have refined the design brief to ensure the centre meets the requirements of the TSA and its members. In our discussion we have:
Over the next few weeks we are discussing the following items:
If you would like more information or would like to give feedback on any items associated with the Templer Centre, please talk with any of the committee members listed above.
Winfried Beilharz, on behalf of the Templer Centre Building Committee
SOCIAL CARE
Dear Friends,
The year 2000 is almost over. Twelve months ago we were full of excitement and expectation about the celebrations and festivities which welcomed in the new century. As we look back and reflect on this first year of the new millennium we see the changes it has brought to our personal lives and to the wider community. There have been many ups and downs. We happily welcomed new members and children into our community and sadly had to farewell a number of our friends and loved ones.
For our community the year has also brought some changes, one very important one being the amalgamation of our two Homes in February. This procedure went relatively smoothly and we are grateful for that. This in turn brought further changes, preparing for and culminating in receiving accreditation in October.
As we look forward to the busy Christmas and holiday season, may I wish you all a Happy Christmas, a peaceful New Year and a safe holiday. We can be contacted in emergencies during the holiday season on the numbers listed under Office Closure, or on the bereavement number (see back page).
Best wishes to our sick and infirm friends, Helga Anderson
AUS DEM GEMEINDELEBEN
GEBURTSTAGE
Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder:
Hugo Wennagel
BIRTH
Benjamin Peter Graze
Parents: Peter & Desirée Graze
The young family will return to Shanghai in January.
Congratulations and our best wishes!
SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to
Dorothea née Hoffmann and Peter Ware on 6. 12. 2000
Dianne née Hayward and Walter Frank on 3. 1. 2001
Monika née Decker and John Maddock on 28. 1. 2001
and our very best wishes for their future.
DANKSAGUNGEN
Für die vielen Grüße und Geschenke zu meinem 91. Geburtstag möchte ich mich ganz herzlich bedanken! Es war für mich ein wunderschöner Tag, da die ganze Familie beieinander war - selbst aus Alaska und München kamen sie angereist! Vor Allem auch herzlichen Dank für die schönen Blumen!
Nella Weller
In den letzten Monaten, seitdem ich weiß, daß ich Darmkrebs habe, habe ich viel tatkräftige Hilfe empfangen dürfen. Für die lieben Grüße und guten Wünsche möchte ich mich bei jedem einzelnen von ganzem Herzen bedanken. Nun liegt die große Operation hinter mir, und es wird mit Gottes Hilfe wieder aufwärts gehen.
In Dankbarkeit, Eure Hulda Wagner
MARRIAGE
Thomas Karl Knaub and Kim Elizabeth (née Opie)
25th November 2000
Parents: Gerda and Heini Knaub; Don and Roma Opie
The picturesque Murray River in Echuca set the scene for the wedding ceremony, which was attended by many family members and friends.
Our best wishes to the young couple
Bereavement
From Germany we hear that Elsa Hasenpflug died, aged 77.
OBITUARY - LUISE DREHER
Born 10.9.1901 in Jaffa, died 2.10.2000 in Tabulam.
Luise Dreher was born in Jaffa, Palestine, as the second child of Immanuel Dreher and Hanna née Bulach. All her 6 siblings - Rudolf, Hildegard (Herrmann), Gerhard, Hulda († as a child), Theo and Heinz - predeceased her. Luise's death at 99 marks the end of an era - quasi ein letzter Eckpfeiler unserer Kolonie Wilhelma ist jetzt gefallen, said Ruth Haar.
Luise's childhood was happy, though punctuated by bouts of malaria. When a teaching position became vacant in the Templer settlement of Wilhelma, her father took it and the family moved there.
In WWI, when the British forces approached from Egypt, the German settlements of Sarona and Wilhelma had to be evacuated. In July 1918 all Germans were sent to Egypt to be interned. Like the other young people, Luise used the opportunity to learn e.g. languages, bookkeeping and stenography from various teachers also interned at Heluan. They were allowed to return in September 1920; it took much effort to restore their war-ravaged homes.
Aged 19, Luise had to help her father, the only teacher. Typhus put her out of action for many months. When her father died in 1925, Luise was employed to help at the school and became the family's breadwinner. She had no formal teacher training, but under Herr Hönig's instruction, she soon improved her teaching skills - the multitude of red roses and other tributes at her memorial service testified to the love, gratitude and esteem of her former pupils. Along with reading, writing, arithmetic, recorder, singing, etc. they absorbed life values, a sense of duty and uprightness. After school Luise taught piano.
When WWII broke out in 1939, Wilhelma became an internment camp surrounded by barbed wire. School was taught in chaotic conditions in various houses until April 1948. Palestine was about to become Israel and all remaining Germans were forced to go, leaving their properties behind. Via a tent camp on the beach of Famagusta in Cyprus, Luise came to Melbourne in February 1949 with a sizeable group of other Templers.
The almost 50-year-old now had to earn her living in a foreign country, among strangers, in a foreign tongue. When two years later her brother Gerhard arrived from Germany, they were able to buy a little house in Bayswater where they lived for 20 years.
What impressed her large 'school family' in particular was Luise's constant, lively interest in them and their spouses and offspring, whose names she would remember. She shared her 'family's' joys and sorrows, earning their deep love and respect in return. For her 80th birthday, Luise's former pupils arranged a huge surprise party.
In 1984, she moved to the Altersheim. Mid-1988 a stroke paralysed her right side, but not her active mind or her strong will; she transferred to Tabulam, remaining as fiercely independent as possible until a week before her peaceful death.
Luise Dreher led a busy life and was never bored. Her contribution to Templer community life is greatly appreciated and many people will miss her.
Based on Mark Herrmann's memorial service for L.D.
Editor
OBITUARY - LISELOTTE THALER née Wagner
* 21.2.1918 in Betlehem in Galiläa, † 22.10.2000 in Erlangen.
Lilo Wagner was the eldest child of Georg Wagner Jnr and Elsa née Aberle; then came Margrit, Theo, Gerhard and Irene (later Ruff). The family lived in Jaffa. Lilo moved to Jerusalem for two year's study at the Templer high school. Then she travelled to Germany to do her Abitur, which she passed with high distinctions. She was back home in Palestine on holidays when WWII broke out. During the internment years at Wilhelma, and later in Tatura, she taught school.
After Tatura, the family moved to Sydney. In spite of difficult and adverse circumstances, Lilo was able to complete an Arts degree at Sydney University and it so happened that she and Gerhard graduated in the same year. (The two paid a nostalgic visit to Sydney Uni in April 1998).
Lilo was a warm, vibrant person interested in many people and things, but especially in languages, German and English literature and music. She had the gift of kindling interest and enthusiasm in others as well, so was a good teacher, fondly remembered by many.
She married Emil Thaler in Dec. 1952 in Sydney. Daughter Dorothee was born in 1956. When Siemens recalled Emil to Germany, they moved to Erlangen in 1957.
Now Lilo became a member of the TGD and would travel regularly to Stuttgart for special occasions or to give talks. She taught at the Volkshochschule (adult education) for 37 years, first English language and literature, then 'just' literature. For her visitors she was a knowledgeable and fascinating tour guide to many cultural centres in Germany, particularly nearby Nürnberg. Her Emil died in 1989, a big blow for the family.
For her 80th birthday in February 1998 she 'escaped' to Australia and caught up with family and many friends. The ladies groups also had the pleasure of hearing her speak (see TR April '98 p. 4). She was able to participate in the golden wedding celebration of her brother Theo and Hulda, before returning home.
Lilo's pride and joy were her daughter Dorothee Thaler, a paediatric neurologist, and her grand-daughter Hanna, now almost 14. (Hanna will be in Australia for a term of schooling from January 2001).
Elisabeth Wagner continues: I can still hear Lilo's voice from when we telephoned last. She expressed her gratitude that she and Gerhard were able to have such a 'golden time' doing things together and exchanging memories of Palestine, Australia, Germany and England a month before she died. We are very grateful to Dorothee for urging Gerhard not to delay coming.
It was a great gift that Dorothee, with whom Lilo stayed for some days, took her mother home when she requested it, allowing her to die peacefully in her own bed. Shortly before, she had been able to attend a school concert in which her grand-daughter played the flute.
Lilo was a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews. Irene and Jörg, James and Jessica are glad that they were able to visit Tante Lilo on 4th October last.
We are grateful that her suffering is over and that she has gained the peace she so longed for.
Elisabeth Wagner & H.U. Ed.
THE PLAYGROUP SHOPPING TOUR
Scented oils, Disney T-shirts, chocolates, kid's clothing, more clothes. "Hurry up those people at the back of the bus, we're losing time" - ahhh, lunch. A quick bowl of pasta, a glass of champagne, some dessert, coffee and back on the bus. Clothes, shoes, (I'm running out of cash, do I really need all these things? There's always the credit card, and I'm sure that extra pair of shoes will be quite handy to have), handbags, the all important Holeproof socks and undies, kitchenware, gifts. Eleven hours later - back home to the little ones. What a day it was for 42 eager shoppers, many of whom left their husbands back at home to entertain the kids.
Quite apart from the shopping frenzy, it was great to have a social day out. Obviously everyone enjoyed themselves and got into the shopping spirit, as we raised over $500 for the Playgroup. Well done!
A big thanks to Kris and Petra for organising everything (and especially for supplying the necessary sugar intake!)
Birgit Verhagen
The Playgroup also had a music morning with Peter Blackwell and his trombone and visited the noisy fire brigade.
TEMPLER EXCHANGE
Stefan Klingbeil arrived on 1st November at around 2 a.m. in the morning. He's stayed with Haerings at Boronia and at Gengenbach/Ruffs in Glen Waverley and has already met many people. He's doing an English course. Ring Christine Ruff (9729 7974) for where to contact him if you'd like to invite him out. See also High Country 4WD in NOTICES.
Zu Allererst möchte ich mich bei denen bedanken, die diesen Austausch ermöglicht haben. Dazu zählt insbesondere auch Christine Ruff, die alles so toll arrangiert hat.
Ich bin nun seit dem 1. November in Australien und wurde herzlich von Christine Ruff, Inky Arndt und Rolf Beilharz am Flughafen empfangen.
Die ersten 2½ Wochen habe ich bei Haerings verbracht, die sich wirklich toll um mich gekümmert haben. Mit ihnen habe ich auch schon manchen Ausflug gemacht, z.B. zum Healesville Sanctuary, zum Lake Eildon zum Fischen und in den Botanischen Garten in Melbourne. Diese Ausflüge haben mir alle ausnahmslos gut gefallen. Ich besuche außerdem einen Englischkurs, um meine Sprachkenntnisse zu verbessern.
Ein weiteres interessantes Erlebnis war mein erster Saal in Boronia und das anschließende Picknick in Bayswater. Bei diesen Gelegenheiten wurde ich von vielen mir neuen und einigen schon bekannten Templern begrüßt, und auch vielfach eingeladen. Dafür schon jetzt ein herzliches Dankeschön.
Ich werde bis Januar in Melbourne bleiben, und danach eine Reise durch Australien starten, deren Route bis jetzt noch nicht ganz festliegt.
Stefan Klingbeil.
CAN YOU HELP?
About 2 weeks before the Sydney Olympics, I was told a documentary on the Templer Settlements in Palestine (Israel) and life in Camp 3 at Tatura was shown on one of the TV Channels. Did anyone see, or maybe tape this documentary? If so could you please contact
Manfred Haering
GERMAN ORGAN RESTORED IN GUATEMALA
News from far away, via Else Herrmann and our Tele-link Group. Based on a German article from Sept. 2000.
Stephan Blaich (29), son of Wolfgang Blaich (who takes the TGD Confirmation classes) was part of a team who spent 5½ weeks in Guatemala restoring a Ludwigsburg-built organ in the Kathedrale Metropolitan. (The original organ was destroyed in an earthquake in 1916).
In 1937, this valuable cargo from Germany was paid for with coffee beans. After the German organist of the time left, lack of trained organists caused the instrument to fall silent and become very dirty.
It took the team 3 weeks to dismantle, clean the 3600 organ pipes (from 5.50 m to 1 cm long) and reassemble them all. Another 2½ weeks were spent tuning the instrument, mainly at night because of the noise of the inner city traffic and planes approaching the airport.
It was wonderful for Stephan and a fellow student of church music on the team that they were able to celebrate the organ's restoration with 5 very successful concerts, which attracted some 4000 people - there is great interest in classical music there. The locals thought it was magic!
Else commented that Stephan's grandparents, Fritz & Irene Blaich, would have been very proud.
SYDNEY
Über 30 Anwesende konnten am 29. Oktober Isolde und Dietrich Ruff begrüssen und ihren Gottesdienst geniessen. Dietrich sprach über Lukas 22, 24 - 27. Ganz kurz zusammen-gefasst: Wer ist der Größte unter euch? Derjenige der am meisten dient. Es war für mich sehr eindrucksvoll, wie Dietrich seine Gedanken darüber ausarbeitete.
Die Beiden überbrachten nicht nur die herzlichsten Grüße der Gebietsleitung, sondern auch noch alle neuen Templer Gesangbücher, welche unserer Gemeinde zugestellt worden sind. Für beides sind wir sehr dankbar, und wollen auf diesem Weg auch allen unseren Verwandten, Freunden und Bekannten unsere eigene Grüße zurückerstatten. Es ist so wichtig, dass unsere Zusammengehörigkeit immer wieder betont wird!
Unser nächstes Treffen ist am Sonntag, den 3. Dezember um 3 Uhr, Gründer Gedenktag, abgehalten von mir.
Dann folgt am Sonntag den 17.12.00 um 4 Uhr unsere Weihnachtsfeier.
Die Calvary Indonesian Baptist Church möchte am Samstag, den 23.12. ihr Weihnachtsfest in unserem Kirchle feiern.
On Sunday 29 October over 30 of us assembled to welcome Isolde and Dietrich Ruff and to enjoy the presentation of their service. The lesson was from Luke 22: 24 - 27, which, very briefly summarised, could mean: Who is the greatest among you? - He who is prepared to serve the most. For me it was very impressive how Dietrich presented his ideas on this subject.
The two of them not only conveyed the warmest greetings to us from our Regional Council, but they also brought our Community's allocation of the new Templer Hymnbooks, for which we are very grateful. We sang four hymns during the service. We would also like to reciprocate by sending our heartiest greetings to all our relatives, friends and acquaintances in Melbourne. It is very important that we acknowledge our unity from time to time.
Our next meeting is on Sunday 3rd December at 3 p.m. - Founder's Day Service held by myself, and on Sunday 17.12. at 4 p.m. is our Christmas service for this year.
The Calvary Indonesian Baptist Church would like to hold their Christmas celebration at our church on Saturday 23.12 in the afternoon.
P. K. Hoffmann
SÜD-AUSTRALIEN GRUPPE
Zu unserem Oktobersaal durften wir 14 Personen willkommen heissen. Besonders freuten wir uns über den Besuch von Heinz und Heidi Vollmer. Heinz hielt den Saal für uns über den Text aus Johannes 6, Verse 1 bis 21, der über die Sättigung der 6000 berichtet und über den Sturm auf dem See Genezaret.
Vieles Unerklärte wurde im Neuen Testament als "Wunder" beschrieben, denn den damaligen Menschen war das wichtig. Aber was ist für uns wichtig? Jesu Lehre gilt für uns heute genau so wie damals. Auch unsere Lebenseinstellung kann verbessert werden. "Liebe deinen Nächsten wie dich selbst" ist wohl das schwerste Gebot. Wie oft nehmen wir uns Zeit um richtig in Ruhe nachzudenken? Wie oft versetzen wir uns in die Lage unserer Nächsten? Unsere "schnelle" Lebensweise verführt zu Abkürzungen, und wir nehmen uns viel zu wenig Zeite um uns mit anderen Menschen zu verständigen. Doch um überleben zu können müssen wir der Menschheit vertrauen.
Der Vortrag wurde durch eine musikalische Einleitung und Lied Nr. 47 'Mir nach!' spricht Christus unser Held umrahmt.
Bei Kaffee und Kuchen wurde anregende Unterhaltung geführt, und wir hoffen, dass unser Treffen eine angenehme Erinnerung für Heinz und Heidi bleiben.
Unser nächster Saal ist am 10. Dezember in Tanunda um 2 Uhr nachmittags.
Die Frauengruppe traf sich im Oktober bei Gertrud Fischer. Im November hatten wir zum Jahresabschluss miteinander Mittagessen in Hahndorf, ehe wir unsere zweimonatigen Ferien begannen um uns fürs nächste Jahr zu "stärken".
We were 14 people at our October gathering with Heinz and Heidi Vollmer. Heinz held Saal for us; some thoughts to reflect on: What is important to us? 'Love your neighbour as yourself' is probably the hardest commandment. How often do we take the time to consider things deeply, or to put ourselves in our 'neighbour's' circumstances?
Animated conversation followed.
Our next Saal is on 10th December at 2 p.m. in Tanunda.
In October the ladies group met at Gertrud Fishers', while in November we had lunch together in Hahndorf, before our 2 months' break.
Rose Asenstorfer
Liebe Freunde,
Der Betrieb hat sich nun wieder beruhigt nach dem Accreditation Besuch, und wir hoffen, dass dadurch auch der Stress für das Personal etwas abgenommen hat.
Im Heim sind alle Plätze belegt mit folgendem Bewohner-Verhältnis: AGWS 45 und TSA 36.
Aus organisatorischen Gründen werden wir zwei Weihnachtsfeiern im Dezember veranstalten, eine für die Pflegeheim-Bewohner und die andere im Altersheim für dessen Bewohner und für die der Units.
Die Neugestaltung des Innenhofes im Altersheim ist fertig und wurde von den Bewohnern sehr begrüßt und wird auch rege benützt. Das Vogelgehege ist allerdings noch nicht ganz fertig-gestellt, wird aber sicher in nächster Zeit wieder in Betrieb genommen.
Unser (kleines) Oktoberfest fand am 17. Oktober statt und wurde von unseren Bewohnern sehr genossen. Wir bedanken uns bei den Mitarbeitern und den Mitwirkenden für den gelungenen Tag.
Die Pläne für den Neubau liegen immer noch bei der Stadtverwaltung. Planungsinserate wurden vor kurzem in der Nähe des Heims angebracht. Wir erwarten jedoch keine Einwände seitens der Anlieger.
Zum Schluss möchte ich noch an die Working Bee im Dezember erinnern, die am Samstag den 2. Dezember um 9 Uhr morgens stattfindet, nicht am 3.12. wie irrtümlicherweise angesagt. Wir hoffen, dass wir and dem Tag zahlreiche Helfer begrüßen können.
Frohe Weihnachten und ein gutes neues Jahr!
Dear Friends,
Things have settled down after the Accreditation Inspection and hopefully the stress level for the staff has gone down a little now.
All places in the Home are occupied and the resident ratio on 8 November was AGWS 45 and TSA 36.
For organisational reasons we'll have two Christmas Parties, one for residents of the Nursing Home and one for the Hostel and Unit residents. This is the arrangement the residents are used to and we thought it a good idea to leave it as it is for the time being.
The renovation of the courtyard at the hostel has been completed and is enjoyed and appreciated by all residents. The aviary will, however, take a bit longer to complete.
The (smaller) Oktoberfest took place on 17 October and was greatly enjoyed by all residents. Thanks go to staff and performers for their dedication and services.
The plans for the building program are still progressing through the Council. Development notices have been placed near the Home. We do not expect any objections to our plans from the public.
Finally a reminder about the Working Bee on Saturday 2nd Dec. beginning at 9 a.m., not the 3rd as mistakenly appeared in the last TR. We hope for a good response on the day.
Wishing you a happy Christmas and a good new year,
Walter Burkhardt
FORTHCOMING SERVICES
Sun 3.12 Syd 15.00 Founder's Day Service
GIPPSLAND TEMPLER GROUP
The next meeting is on Phillip Island on Sunday 4 February.
Details in February Templer Record.
PRESENTATION
Parents wanting their children presented at the service in Bentleigh on 25th February at 10.15 a.m. are asked to contact the Office (Tel. 9557 6713) so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Editor
BE-MO LADIES ADVENT CELEBRATION
A reminder that all ladies and girls are very welcome at our Advent celebration on Sunday 3rd December at 2.30 p.m. in the Bentleigh Hall.
If you are able to donate a cake or cookies (Gutsle) please bring them to the kitchen before the program starts. Any help with serving or cleaning up afterwards will be greatly appreciated.
Most importantly, just come and enjoy yourself and start feeling the Christmas spirit.
Annette, Veronica and Anne
BA-B0 TENNIS CLUB
Our Christmas breakup Sausage Sizzle is on Friday 8th Dec. at 6.30 p.m. Carols by Candlelight follows.
Hope to see you there. Hella Edelmaier (Secretary)
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
Bayswater, Friday 8th Dec. from about 8 p.m.
After the German School break-up and the Tennis Club sausage sizzle.
Outside if fine, otherwise in the hall. B.Y.O. rug to sit on and cheerful voices, also a $5 p.p. donation to cover cost of song sheets, candles and supper, please.
ALL WELCOME!
RSVP to Erika & Paul English.
The Ba-Bo Community Council
BA-BO ADVENT INVITATION TO ALL
Bayswater Hall, Thursday 14 Dec. at 8 p.m.
The month is December, Christmas is drawing near.
Things are getting hectic, boundless invites appear. This one comes from the ladies of the BA-Bo Gemeinde.
We hope you'll be able to join us for our annual Advent celebration
Diana Ulrich-Sutterby & Eleonore Spicer
In this year 2000 when so many new things are happening, the Ba-Bo ladies open their Advent evening to gentlemen who enjoy singing carols and listening to readings by candlelight.
Please bring a small plate of Christmas cookies to share.
This Christmas our presents and donations will go to the Good Shepherd Youth and Family Foundation for under-privileged children; presents - books or toys - for children up to 5 years old, or money are welcome.
The Ba-Bo Ladies Group Committee
BA-BO COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS
We invite you to come along and enjoy the experience of over 30 children presenting The Colours of Christmas on 16th December at 6.00 p.m. in the Bayswater Hall.
Renate Beilharz,
TEMPLER GERMAN SCHOOLS
Bayswater-Boronia
German Teacher wanted
We need a teacher for next year to commence 9th Feb. 2001. The applicant needs to be a qualified teacher or have a love and knowledge of the German language and be willing to do a 10-week methodology course (one night a week) in 2001.
We will provide teaching materials and curriculum support if desired. Anyone who is interested, please contact Irene
Enrolments
We are now taking enrolments for the children's classes for next year. Children should preferably be aged 7, or able to read and write. Classes are held on Fridays from 5.30 to 7 p.m. Cost $180 per annum ($200 non-TSA member).
Classes commence Friday 9th February 2001 (second week of school term).
Venue: Bayswater Hall.
For more information please ring Irene Bouzo,
for the School Management Committee
Bentleigh-Moorabbin
Enrolments
We are now organising classes and accepting enrolments for next year. Children should be at least 6 years old or able to read and write. If you are interested but unsure, we would welcome you and your child to visit and take part in a few lessons early next year with no obligation.
We will be offering the following classes at the Bentleigh Hall during the school term:
Beginners Wednesday, 4.30 - 6.00 p.m.
Juniors Wednesday, 6.00 - 7.30 p.m.
Intermediate/Senior Thursday, 6.30 - 8.00 p.m.
Please note: if we receive sufficient enquiries from senior students, we would be interested in establishing a pre-VCE or VCE support class.
Classes in 2001 will start on Wednesday 7th February for Beginners and Juniors, and Thursday 8th February for the Intermediate group.
For more information contact Ursula Fisher (after hours).
Christmas Concert
Our German School students are now busily preparing their items for the annual concert at the Bentleigh Hall on Sunday 10th December at 6.00 p.m.
They would like to invite their families and friends to join them and enjoy their efforts. The program will include a few Weihnachtslieder, musical performances and short plays, followed by coffee and light refreshments. Naturally Father Christmas will be there again to see what our children have achieved in the past year.
Could parents please organise a small gift for their children (including any younger brothers, sisters and friends who want to meet Father Christmas)? The gifts (wrapped and clearly named) can be left with me or Frau Hennel prior to the concert, but preferably earlier.
We would also appreciate contributions towards the light refreshments - a plate of finger food or cakes would be ideal and would add to the after-concert conviviality.
If you would like more information, please contact me on 9579 3942 (after hours).
Ursula Fisher
NEED CHRISTMAS PRESENTS?
Consider giving The Holy Land Called, a history of the Temple Society by Dr. Paul Sauer - $38.50,
or The Temple Society and its Settlements in the Holy Land, a translation of Part I of Occident and Orient by Christoph Hoffmann - $27.50,
or The Story of the Beilharz Family, which often runs parallel to the story of the Temple Society - $27.50,
or the new Templer Hymnbook - $38.50.
These are available from the Office. The prices include GST, but not postage.
Editor
N.Y.E. CELEBRATION AT BENTLEIGH
After Saal, which starts at 7.30 p.m.
Nibblies and sherries, continental music and videos, a light meal, b.y.o. drinks (tea and coffee provided). Everyone, including families with children, is welcome! Cost - low, depends on numbers. Please book with Wilhelm Imberger or Oskar Krockenberger
See enclosed flyer.
SUMMER CAMP - See FROM THE OFFICE
FAMILY CAMP 26th Dec - 2nd Jan
At the Island View Beach Resort near Narooma.
A wide range of activities are on offer, e.g. swimming, boating, craft shopping, historical sites, 4 wheel driving.
The Island View Resort is set in a park-like atmosphere. The sites we have selected are well shaded, within easy walking distance of an excellent beach, close to amenities and well grassed. The resort offers a wide range of amenities including tennis court, volley ball court, jungle jim, children's playground, swimming pool and an aviary.
We have booked twelve sites and have negotiated a group discount. Quite a few families from Sydney and Melbourne have indicated they will be coming. We would like to confirm the number of attendees as soon as possible, just in case we need to book more sites.
For further information and bookings, please phone me on (03) 9758 5598 or 041 931 9055.
Winfried Beilharz
HIGH COUNTRY 4 WD
We plan to take Stefan Klingbeil four-wheel driving into the Victorian high country in the new year, departing 22nd Jan. and returning 25th Jan.
If other 4WDers would like to join us, call Uli Hoefer for further details.
Uli Hoefer & Heinz Vollmer
BA-BO COMMUNITY WORKING BEE
Our first community working bee is to be on Sunday 18th February 2001 at the Bayswater Hall, commencing at 9.00 a.m.
Everyone is invited to come and spend whatever time they can in getting a number of jobs done in and around our Hall.
Lawn Mowing Roster:
Week ending 10th December Lange, Werner; Loebert, Bob, Herb, Herman.
Week ending 17th December Loebert, Mick, Ray, Willi; Neef, Herbert.
Week ending 4th February Richter, Karl, Ralph; Ruff, Dieter Jnr, Harald.
Week ending 18th February Sawatzky, Wilhelm; Vollmer Heinz Jnr, Weller, Hartmut, Manfred.
Tony Beilharz, for the Ba-Bo Community Council
SOMMERFEST 2001
Sommerfest will be held on Sunday 4 March 2001.
Sub-groups willing to undertake any of the many activities involved are asked to contact Trudi Murray ASAP.
"BA-BO TO-DO" GROUP
The Ba-Bo Community Council is planning a number of exciting new projects requiring significant amounts of 'leg work'. Our Community Council, like most of our sub-group committees, consists of only a small number of people with limitations on time available to devote to these activities.
We are therefore intending to collate a list of tasks with relevant details and are seeking volunteers for a "Ba-Bo To-Do" group who may be willing to offer some of their valuable time and expertise to attend to one or more of these tasks on a regular or one-off basis.
Anyone wishing to register their interest in assisting in this way is asked to contact Tony Beilharz,.
Thanks in anticipation, Manfred Decker, Ba-Bo Community Council
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
Just a few reminders this month: Teenage Group are having a Christmas Party at the Bayswater Hall on 9th December; for more details phone me on 9764 2575. Everyone is welcome! There is a possibility T.G. will go sailing or take part in some surf lifesaving activities in February next year. More information in the Feb. Templer Record.
There will be another "weekend getaway"/camp for the combined 1998 and 2000 Confirmation Groups, their friends and anyone else who would like to join in. This is planned for the Easter holidays (depending on suitability), so I would like to hear from anyone who may be interested. Remember you can also e-mail me.
Have a Merry Christmas and a great holiday.
Susi Blackwell, Youth Coordinator
Hey Everybody,
Yes! Finally! Summer is here at last! I don't know about you guys but I have been waiting for summer to come again since last summer. Don't you just love December? No more school, heaps of presents, warm weather and summer clothes. Soon we can go to the beach again and have some fun, and a perve. Hopefully everyone can relax, now that exams are over, and enjoy the sun. It's also the time to panic if you haven't even started your Chrissie shopping. I know I haven't.
Around Christmas time we think of those people who are less fortunate than us (though we should all year round). Some people this Christmas won't be opening any presents wrapped up in cheerful wrapping paper; they won't be eating left-over turkey from the Christmas dinner for the next week and some won't be able to celebrate this special occasion with family or friends. So this Christmas, just remember how fortunate you are when you open your presents around the Christmas tree with your family and friends, because some people would love to be in your shoes.
Some important dates for December are; 1st - the first official day or summer!! International Volunteers' Day on the 5th, Human Rights Day on the 10th, Christmas Eve on the 24th and Christmas Day on the 25th.
Unfortunately for me (Tania), I will miss out on all the warm weather because I am going on exchange to Germany over Christmas and I will be in freezing cold weather for the next seven weeks. So I leave the writing of the JG section for February in the capable hands of Emma (jeez that's scary). If anyone wants an e-mail from Germany, send me your address and you will promptly be added to my address book.
We would both like to wish every one a very Merry Christmas and an extremely Happy New Year.
Lucky people who celebrate their birthdays in December are Claire Sawatzky on the 8th, Karie Wennagel on the 11th, Sarah Murray on the 13th, Emily Herrmann on the 14th, Luke Steller on the 19th, Jessica Wennagel on the 20th, Adrian Herrmann on the 24th and Belinda Frank on the 31st.
Enjoy Christmas and the New Year.
Till next month, Luv, Tania and Emma; Youth Eds.
Hi Kids and Parents,
Can you believe it? Only how many days till Christmas? Are you counting down the days on your calendars?
It is a very special time of the year. Here is an activity you can do which tells you the story of the first Christmas. Finish each line with a word which rhymes with the line above.
THE FIRST CHRISTMAS
On a weary winter's night,
Moni
BIRTHDAYS
JOKES
Q What did the rug say to the floor? - Don't move, I've got you covered.
Q What do you call a fairy who won't have a bath?- A Stinkerbell.
Q. Why was the computer so tired when it got home? - Because it had a hard-drive.
Q. What are two things you cannot have for breakfast? - Lunch and Dinner
end of December Templer Record
ISSUE 623
DU DARFST ES WISSEN
OUR UNIQUENESS AND ATTITUDES
One of the poems speaks about our unique individuality, the other about our attitude. If our attitude is based on a belief that it is our right or duty to change others, then we feel we have to correct them whenever they are not good or kind enough, tidy enough or spiritual enough, etc, This is hard, frustrating work and makes everyone feel bad. Often not even we ourselves live up to our expectations.
When we change our attitude and stop expecting others to conform to what we think they should be like, and when we focus instead on appreciating their uniqueness as beautiful and exciting (instead of irritating or threatening) then we, and the love in all of us, can grow and blossom.
Think about your verbal exchanges over the last few days. Are you trying to change or improve someone, especially in your family? Or are you enjoying watching their individuality unfold, even if it's not what you would have prescribed or hoped for them? (And isn't it rather arrogant, as well as an enormous burden, to think that you alone know what's best for everyone?)
What attitude is shaping your life? Does it lead to you and your family or associates being happy or miserable? Does it help you and the people around you to be shining 'temples of God'?
H.U. Ed.
TEXT FOR THE MONTH - Matt. 25:1-13
The parable of the ten maidens.
This little story about the five wise girls and the five foolish ones is found among a number of parables telling what the Kingdom of God will be like.
The ten girls are waiting for the bridegroom, the Christ/ Messiah coming with a new, joyful way of being. At the time, many people were expecting that the end of the world and the beginning of the Kingdom of God were about to happen.
Five of the girls are prepared, with 'oil in their lamps'; the other five haven't given it any thought - 'she'll be right, mate'. When the time comes - unexpectedly, at midnight, when they are all dozing - the five whose lamps can shine go in to the abundant feast celebrating the bridegroom. They decline to share their oil/light with the unprepared girls. By the time the latter have obtained oil, the door is shut and they have to remain outside where there is little light.
We're told elsewhere that the Kingdom is within and among us. But do we have eyes to see it? Do we practise the 'love God and your neighbour as yourself' mentality that identifies those 'in the Kingdom'?
Having oil in one's lamp could indicate that one has prepared for the 'Kingdom', for its expanded, more loving and harmonious Christ-like attitude and behaviours, by nurturing one's inner light, one's spirituality. The exclusively pragmatic and material orientation of western society and education do not acknowledge, let alone nurture our inner world (our 'soul and spirit'). So we do need to think about getting 'oil for our lamps', or developing our inner life, so that we are fit to enter the 'Kingdom'. Without this preparation, we don't understand, or are not comfortable with the greater love and service required by the 'bridegroom', and so exclude ourselves from his abundance, like the foolish girls.
You are encouraged to read the text for yourself and contemplate what it means for you. H.U. Ed.
I DON'T WANT THE TEMPLE SOCIETY TO DIE
Edited extracts from a letter to the TSA Office by young Sydney member Ingrid Slip re the Templer Centre.
For me as a Sydney person, a new Templer Centre in Melbourne won't make much difference. But it prompted some thoughts about what else could be done to help the T.S. survive.
Just as vital as building a gorgeous physical 'temple', if not more so, is building the spiritual temple, e.g. through providing opportunities for younger people to gain a thorough education in Templer ideas and theological thought; also training in organisational skills.
To my knowledge, we have nowhere where Templer spirituality and leadership can be formally studied; where prospective elders can learn to hold Saal, to speak in public and to be critiqued and improved; where we Templers can learn where we fit into the modern Australian context and how we compare with other faiths in our country.
I am not alone in believing it is urgent that we facilitate a more open community to encourage new people in. How can we promote our wonderful, liberal religious ideas so that ordinary Australians, including our own young people, can relate to and embrace them?
Confirmation is just the beginning. We need to develop structures or pathways that potential Elders can follow to gain a deeper religious education and counselling skills and become aware facililators.
Particularly in Sydney, house prices are very high. Very few people can afford not to be paid for their work. To read, research and mull over thoughtful material and then create something worth passing on takes time and concentration. We should not take for granted that Elders will continue to be able to do this work for free. Perhaps Templers need to look at a way to offer some payment to the people who serve them, if they don't want to lose them.
To sum up:
By all means continue to build up social care.
Build the religious centre, but be prepared to balance this by putting in as much effort and money into training and supporting the people who help us to be living, spiritual temples.
Ingrid will be marrying Mark Turner in December. Our best wishes to them for their future together.
RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE
Enclosed with this month's Templer Record, members will find a copy of the above-named publication. The booklet - a statement of the Temple Society's identity, faith and practical concerns - is the result of a joint initiative between the Elders of both regions, here in Australia and in Germany, under the guidance of our president, Dieter Ruff. The Tempelgesellschaft in Deutschland has naturally produced its version of the booklet in the German language.
As Dieter writes in the preface: "The statement is intended to serve as an agreed frame of reference and clear guide for our own members, and also as a useful point of departure for discussions and for exchanges of view with adherents of other Christian denominations or of other faiths. In addition, it is meant to provide a focus for the pastoral work of Templer Elders, and a sound base for the preparation of more detailed guidelines relating to specific aspects of their services to our communities and beyond."
Through regional collaboration and compromise, this final version deliberately expresses the relevant issues of our belief structure in concise, rather than exhaustive, terms. It thus allows personal interpretation within an established framework. The statement has been created as a "living document" inviting review at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner.
Members are encouraged to use the publication to gain a deeper understanding of the Temple Society, and how they relate to it. The publication also serves to explain to others, particularly those less familiar with us, who we are and what we believe and seek to achieve. I know Dieter and the Elders are very pleased to see the realisation of the statement, and they hope that it performs a useful function in the Society's future.
Further copies of the publication are available from the TSA Office at any time.
TEMPLER HYMNBOOKS
A limited number (about 200) of the new hymnbooks is available for private purchase from the TSA Office.
The price is $35 plus $3.50 (10%) GST = $38.50.
Each Temple Society Community/facility has been allocated sufficient copies of the hymnbook for its general requirements. These books can be readily identified by the TSA adhesive label affixed to the inside front cover.
WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES
Distributed with the Templer Record is this brochure, offering guidelines for responding to a bereavement. The brochure was produced through the efforts of the Community Care Worker, the Community Care Reference Group and the Elders.
It is intended to be a guide to assist at the difficult and painful time when a loved one dies, and includes information on contacting a funeral director, liaison with the Elders through the Office and the funeral service. To facilitate contact with the TSA Office, an auxiliary telephone number [(03) 9557 9695] has been organised for the express purpose of notifying a bereavement outside of office hours. At such times (evenings and weekends) the number will divert to an Elder, enabling personal contact to be made. Assistance is therefore only a telephone call away at any time.
Please take the time to read the brochure, discuss it with your next-of-kin and keep it in a safe place along with other important records. Further copies are available from the TSA Office at any time.
Mark Herrmann
Business Manager
TSA ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY - 10/09/2000 BENTLEIGH
This is a condensed report. Members wishing to read the detailed minutes can ring the Office for a copy.
Chairman: Dr Rolf Beilharz - Regional Head of the TSA
The Regional Head conducted a short period of contemplation prior to the formalities of the assembly, then welcomed all present, particularly Dr Martin Schreiber, CEO of Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged.
Presence: In person 91, by proxy 23, a total of 114 members.
Apologies: 24 were received.
With the meeting having been duly convened and the members present exceeding the required quorum (50), the assembly was able to deal with the agenda.
1. RECEIPT AND ADOPTION OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL'S REPORT
ON ACTIVITIES
The Regional Council's report was sent to all members with Templer Record No. 621 of September 2000 and can be taken as read.
The assembly's attention was drawn to the following highlights:
1. Scope and Outlook. It was remarked that the TSA is in its 50th year and changes are still going on in society around us. We must continue to try to understand how these changes affect our religion and what we must do to remain relevant for young people of today, without discarding the fundamental wisdom set out for us by our founders.
2.3 - 8 members and 9 friends of the TSA passed away during the year. A minute's silence was observed to honour their memory.
3.5 - Dieter Ruff was reappointed President of the Temple Society until April next year. After receiving many nominations for Peter Lange as the next TS President, both Regional Councils (of Australia and Germany) have unanimously endorsed his nomination. See item 3.1 below.
4.1 -The way the amalgamation of our two aged care facilities is now working is very pleasing, thanks largely to the revised amalgamation plan drawn up by Dr Schreiber.
Attention was drawn to Otto Löbert's achievements in presiding over the activities of Tabulam Nursing Home for 20 years and for contributing greatly to achieving the successful amalgamation of the two Homes. Another member who deserves thanks for 20 years' service to older members at Tabulam is Theo Doh. Both there and as a Director of the Central Fund, Theo has done wonderful, thorough work, very quietly and often behind the scenes. Both gentlemen's contributions were acknowledged by acclamation.
4.3 - The last units in the Templer Village in Bayswater will soon be completed. This is another TSA achievement of which we can all be proud.
4.4 - Templer Centre. - We are now in a position to proceed, as the uncertainties about how amalgamation would affect our financial position have been removed. See item 7 below.
5.3 - Archives - We now have a working reality, although Renate Beilharz and her helpers are still working on making the material to be preserved more readily available to people interested in our history.
6.7 - The Regional Council is happy with the way our Country Templer groups are developing. Perhaps more such groups can be stimulated to take over some of the activities which seem to be contracting somewhat in the original 'distant communities' of Sydney and South Australia.
6.12 - Another activity of which we can be justly proud is the production of the new hymnbook for the TSA. Conceived and initiated by the late Morna Kortschak, the work was carried on by Sonia Glenk and at times quite a large group of helpers. This work has been rewarded by an outstanding result. All involved deserve our thanks.
6.13 - At last year's AGA we discussed changes for our youth activities. Susi Blackwell has become our youth coordinator. Early impressions are very promising. Susi deserves our support and our thanks for taking on this role.
In answer to a question, Herta Uhlherr indicated that presentations and photographs from the 50th anniversary celebration were being collated and prepared for a booklet.
The activity report was unanimously accepted.
2. FINANCIAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE TSA OFFICE
The balance sheet, income and expenditure statement and proposed budget for 2000/2001 for the Melbourne Office were sent to members with Templer Record No. 621 of September 2000 and can be taken as read.
The Business Manager, Mark Herrmann, stressed we rely on an annual injection of funds from the Central Fund to the Office accounts and hope that most membership contribution arrears can be paid. The financial statements for 1999/2000 were unanimously adopted. The same contribution rates as last year are proposed, plus the impost to members of a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Under the New Tax System, fresh applications as an Income Tax Exempt Charity (ITEC) and Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) were made. Endorsement of the TSA as an ITEC was notified, but the DGR application was not successful. The budget document was also unanimously adopted.
The auditor, Helmut Eppinger, indicated all checks had been made and that he was well satisfied with the accuracy of the TSA books of account. The auditor's report was unanimously accepted and Helmut was warmly thanked for his efficient work.
3. ELECTIONS
3.1 TS President. The Regional Councils of Australia and Germany have unanimously endorsed Peter Lange. Dr Rolf Beilharz proposed approval of Peter Lange as the new TS President from April 2001. The proposal was unanimously accepted.
While Dieter Ruff will continue to be President until the first half of 2001, it is not too early to acknowledge the very important work that he has done for the two regions of the Temple Society. His latest initiative, a joint statement about the faith of the Temple Society, agreed to by both regions, has just been published in English. It will help members explain to friends outside the Temple Society what Templers are about. Dieter has, in his quiet way, been a strong force in keeping the whole Temple Society true to its aim while it is adapting to the changing world both in Australia and in Germany. The assembly joined the chairman in thanking Dieter with acclamation for the important job he has done. Isolde Ruff was also thanked for her contribution to and support of her husband.
3.2 Regional Council. Helmut Ruff has resigned his position on Regional Council. He was duly thanked for his many years of outstanding service to the Temple Society going back to the Verbindungsausschuss between the TSA and TGD before Dr Richard Hoffmann was elected as the first post-war President of the TS in 1970.
The three Regional Council positions open were filled by Renate Beilharz, Harald Ruff and Gisela Schmidt. Ralph Richter was thanked for his contribution to the Regional Council, initially in his capacity as head of the Bayswater-Boronia Community and then later as its representative. Those elected were congratulated and thanked for their willingness to stay involved.
3.3 TTHA For the six TSA positions on the Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Committee of Management, six written nominations were received and accepted: Dieter Blaich, Walter Burkhardt, Theo Doh, Traude Glenk, Mark Herrmann and Ernst Ruff.
4. Election of Auditor for 2000/2001
The motion to retain Helmut Eppinger as auditor of the TSA Office books was unanimously endorsed. Helmut has indicated that a replacement auditor will need to be found beyond the 2000/2001 reporting period.
5. Changes to the TSA Constitution
Most of the proposed changes reflect changed practices. We are adjusting the Constitution to the actual reality, identifying changed circumstances in aged care and our youth structure. We are also redefining what an associate member is. The chairman drew the assembly's attention to a misprint in the proposed changes under 3.01 - delete the second "comprise".
There was some concern expressed about the extended definition of associate member and perpetuation of the myth that marriage is the only way of joining the TSA. It was explained that the extended definition recognises the fact that children and non-member spouses are associated with a member of the TSA and that this move of acceptance is made in good faith.
Motion of amendment: In 1.07 and 1.08 change references to "associate members" to "associates". - Motion carried by a simple majority. As required by the Constitution, a two-thirds majority approved the adoption of the changes.
For many years now, Otto Löbert has been an ex-officio member of the Regional Council as President of the Tabulam Nursing Home Inc Committee of Management. Officially, the incorporated association continued to exist until its formal dissolution in a Special General Meeting last week. As a result of the constitutional changes just passed, Otto's former position on Regional Council no longer exists. Otto has been involved in the running of the TSA from early in its life. With Helmut Ruff he comprised the Australian group keeping up the liaison between the TSA and TGD until Dr Hoffmann was elected TS President. For many years Otto and Helmut were Deputy Regional Heads, and their dependability, trustworthiness and support has been outstanding. The assembly joined the chairman in thanking Otto for what is really a lifetime's contribution to the TSA. The retirements of Otto and Helmut truly mark the end of an era in the TSA.
6. Membership contributions
Mark Herrmann explained that the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has ruled that TSA membership contributions attract a 10% GST since a service is provided and there is an expectation and obligation that payment be made, as evidenced by the wording in the Constitution and Application for Membership form. Given the uncertainties associated with relying solely on donations, Mark suggested retaining the current membership contribution system with the addition of the GST. After a number of members expressed opinions, it was felt that suggested contribution rates could be frozen and members asked for additional donations, which, although not tax deductible, would not attract a GST.
7. Templer Religious Centre
The chairman advised that last year's assembly gave support for proceeding with the building, provided the Regional Council found members' support to be sufficient.
At its September meeting, the Regional Council agreed that the level of support it received in response to its survey is sufficient and now wishes to proceed with building.
Dietmar Jürgensen reported on behalf of the Facilities and Property Taskforce: the architect has completed the application to be lodged with the City of Knox. There were no objections received to the 65 certified mail letters sent out to addresses surrounding the Bayswater Hall property. Town planning approval is expected to be given shortly. The architect is ready to commence the next stage, being detailed design and consulting engineering, which will result in the production of the documentation required to apply for a building permit, as well as to obtain quotes from building contractors.
Construction could realistically start in April 2001, with completion in about November 2001.
The latest budget estimate from the architect has put the religious centre cost at $757000. This includes all fixtures, fittings and external works but not furniture and curtains. For the financing plan, we believe that a total of $800000 can be identified, without significantly affecting the income of the Central Fund, as follows:
Edward Street subdivision $300000 (previously sold)
Wadi Street vacant land $150000 (to be sold)
Land and infrastructure components of remaining five units in Elizabeth Street (Templer Village) development $250000
Donations already specifically pledged $75000
Expected additional donations (unspecified amount) $25000
Total: $800000
It is now time for the taskforce to hand over the reins to the soon-to-be-formed building sub-committee, under the leadership of Dieter Glenk. We expect that a number of members who are keen to contribute their talents to this project will take advantage of this great opportunity to be involved with the construction of the new Templer Religious Centre.
In answer to a question about alternative designs, Winfried Beilharz explained that the architect had planned his concept according to the taskforce's design brief. This has been accepted by the committee and given many forums for discussion and comment. He suggested members who had not already done so view existing buildings with similar design features to properly appreciate the architect's vision. There are potential cost savings through arranging the sub-contracting and coordinating the project ourselves and through member assistance. The design caters for seating any number between 10 and 120 without adversely affecting the feel and character. There is also capacity to expand and open up for increased seating and standing.
There was some member concern expressed about future maintenance and security, and the hope for a greater level of financial contributions (the money could be spent on other initiatives like the youth coordinator). Maintenance is an issue for all Templer facilities.
Harald Ruff spoke positively about the project from the point of view of a younger member with a family and as an Elder conducting services. He suggested the respondents to the survey were those whose opinion counts. Other members, generally supporting the concept, also presented their opinions. Dieter Ruff described it as the starting point for our future, adding that the TGD had been greatly enthusiastic about the project when he was last in Germany some two years ago.
The chairman sought and obtained the assembly's confirmation of support for the project (55 in favour, 20 against and some abstentions). He thanked the taskforce for their efforts, Dietmar and Winfried for their presentation and the assembly as a whole.
8. Literature
The realisation of the new hymnbook was again acknowledged. Herta Uhlherr, as editor, together with co-editors and all the support workers, were thanked for their efforts in producing the monthly Templer Record.
Certain members expressed the benefits of the internet, although one cautioned against personal information being published and possibly subject to misuse. The chairman explained that all personal details were removed from the circular prior to publishing it on the internet.
9. Reports
All reports from the various groups and sub-organisations were published in the September Templer Record and taken as read. These groups and sub-organisations make valuable contributions to the life of our Society and the efforts of all involved in their running are greatly appreciated.
Winfried Beilharz has not renominated for the Kids' Club committee. Apart from being on the committee since inception, Winfried was instrumental in the establishment of the Kids' Club through the TS2000 group. Winfried's efforts were suitably acknowledged.
Alysha Murray presented a bilingual report on her exchange visit to Germany, mostly covered by her report in the August 2000 Templer Record. The assembly appreciated her demonstration of the German she had learnt.
Christine Ruff advised that Stefan Klingbeil was arriving from Germany in early November. Haerings and Glenks are hosting him. He will be studying an English course until Christmas, before attending Junior Camp, visiting Sydney members and relatives and returning home. Christine asked that members consider supporting the host families at every opportunity. Christine was thanked for her coordinating of the program.
Helga Anderson, as the Community Care Worker, asked that members with ideas, suggestions and needs should convey them to her. Christine Ruff led appreciation for Helga's outstanding work.
For the Elders, Dr Rolf Beilharz spoke about the upcoming publication for members (the joint statement), worked on by Dieter Ruff and the Elders in both regions.
Walter Burkhardt reported that last year's annual meetings served as a catalyst for the situation we now have in aged care. The marrying of the two facilities has been largely successful, although difficulties exist. A great deal of thanks is owed to Dr Schreiber. A large building program is envisaged, with plans to be lodged with Knox Council next week and the demolition of old units (1-6) starting in February 2001. Walter concluded by seeking the continued support of Templers - the facility and its residents deserve it.
Uli Hoefer appealed for working bees at the aged care facility to recommence. Apart from engendering community spirit, they also serve to lessen the maintenance burden.
The chairman commented on the two former entities - Tabulam Nursing Home Inc and Templer Home for the Aged Inc - making the decision to dissolve last week, (2. 9. 2000). This brings to an end the efforts of two hard-working committees and they were duly thanked by the assembly with acclamation.
Dr Gerhard Wagner suggested Brigitte Kneher from the TGD be invited to our archive so we can draw on her experience and expertise.
10. General Business
Trudi Murray mentioned she could arrange copies of Palestine and settlement maps for personal use. She also reminded members that bookings are still being accepted for an amateur theatre production of "Jesus Christ Superstar".
Mark Herrmann enquired how many members would likely be attending this year's remembrance service in Tatura in November, where there will be no Templer speaker or choir participation this time. About 6-8 people expressed an intention to attend. This will assist the planning arrangements.
There being no further general business the chairman closed the meeting thanking all for their attendance. He particularly thanked the members of the Regional Council for their work.
Meeting closed: 3:15 pm
SOCIAL CARE
Dear Friends,
Buxton Outing. On 28 September a cheerful busload of people set out for Buxton near Eildon. Wenn Engel reisen, dann lacht der Himmel. We could not have picked a better day. The weather was perfect. After an early start from the Templer Home we stopped at the Lilydale Lakes for morning tea, efficiently set up by our driver. Then along the Maroondah Highway to the Highlander Deer Farm. It was a delight driving through the countryside, the fields covered in a vivid green carpet. Rarely have I seen the fields so beautiful.
We were welcomed at the deer farm and taken on a tour while being given an informative lesson on deer husbandry. They also breed emus on the farm. Then we enjoyed a delicious lunch of venison sausages, hamburgers and salads followed by fruit salad and cream.
There was time to browse and buy at the shop which offered by-products of the deer and emu industry.
Then it was all aboard for Buxton Zoo, small and privately owned. There we enjoyed afternoon tea while the lady of the house gave us a detailed description of her unique and fascinating hobby, painting on spider webs. She is completely self taught. We saw one of her pictures as well as many photos of her works (which have all been sold). After this most stimulating talk it was, alas, time for the home journey. Tired but happy we arrived safely back.
There will be a bus leaving the Templer Home for the Adventsfeier in Bentleigh on Sunday 3 December at 1.30 p.m. Those wishing to use the bus, please write your name on the list on the notice board at the TTHA.
We are still collecting stamps and telephone cards. Collection boxes are in the Halls and the Home.
Best wishes to our sick and infirm friends, Helga Anderson, Care Worker
AUS DEM GEMEINDELEBEN
GEBURTSTAGE
Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder
DANKSAGUNG
Über die vielen Glück- und Segenswünsche zu unserer Goldenen Hochzeit von der Gesellschaft, von lieben Freunden und Verwandten haben wir uns sehr gefreut und möchten Allen auf diesem Wege recht herzlichen Dank sagen!
Gerda und Werner Struve
WE ARE GETTING MARRIED
Bernd Vollmer & Melissa Cohen on Saturday 4 Nov
PRESENTATION
Three children presented before God and the community by our Elder Renate Beilharz on 8 October, in a very well attended service at Bayswater were:
Great-uncle Walter Burkhardt read the passage on love from 1.Cor.13 and Cousin Claire Sawatzky read a story, which was also projected on to the stage wall, about how much the characters loved each other. The Choir sang beautifully.
We congratulate all the families and wish them very well.
Editor
BIRTHS
Charlotte Hun & Kelilah Phoenix Breisch
Parents: Jon & Phuong Breisch
Benjamin Andrew Geoffrey Blaich
Brother for Nicholas & Stephanie
Parents: Dieter & Judith Blaich
Rebecca Tamara Roberts
Sister for Sam and Victoria
Parents: Mark Roberts & Michelle née Spieth
Alexander Finley Glenk
Brother for Danyon and Lachlan
Parents: Rolf Glenk & Sonia née Street
Our congratulations and best wishes to all these couples.
BEREAVEMENTS
Liselotte (Lilo) Thaler née Wagner died on 22nd October at home in Erlangen, aged 82.
Gerhard Wagner, for the family.
On Monday 2nd October 2000 Erhard Baldenhofer, aged 94, passed away peacefully in Sydney after a short illness.
Fondly remembered by his son Klaus, his daughter Ilse Blumor and her husband Michael, his son-in-law Ernst and his grandchildren Lisa and Karl.
In Sydney ist unser lieber Vater, Großvater und Urgroßvater Walter Christian Jung
im Alter von 93 Jahren gestorben.
Papa, Dein Leben war lang und ereignisreich, und wir werden Dein Andenken in unseren Herzen aufbewahren.
In Trauer, Traude, Gisela und Eckhart mit Familien
Unser Leben währet siebzig Jahre
Am Nachmittag des 2. Oktober 2000 hat unsere liebe Schwägerin, Tante, Großtante und Base, sowie unsere verehrte frühere Lehrerin Luise Dreher
in Frieden von dieser Welt Abschied genommen. Ein reiches Leben, das der Sorge für Andere galt, hat seinen Abschluss gefunden.
Mit uns trauern die Familie, die Verwandten, Freunde und Bekannten in Australien, Deutschland und den USA. Wir gedenken unserer Luise in Dankbarkeit und Liebe.
Am 6. Oktober 2000 haben wir von ihr Abschied genommen und sie auf ihrem letzten Weg begleitet.
Wir möchten Mark Herrmann für seine schöne Trauerrede und Würdigung von Luises Leben von Herzen danken. Unser Dank gilt auch all ihren früheren Schülerinnen und Schülern für den so schönen Blumenschmuck, von Anna Eppinger liebevoll arrangiert. Auch möchten wir Irene Blaich für die feierliche Choralbegleitung danken, sowie allen lieben Verwandten und Freunden für die so tatkräftige Hilfe und allen Beistand. Allerherzlichsten Dank der ganzen Gemeinde für die grosse Teilnahme, die schönen Blumen und die großzügigen Geldspenden fürs Tabulam und Altersheim.
Unser Dank gilt nicht zuletzt der Leitung und dem Personal vom Tabulam für die liebevolle Betreuung von Luise über dreizehn Jahre hinweg.
Im Namen der Hinterbliebenen, Sigrid Dreher
Our sympathy to all bereaved families.
COUNTRY TEMPLERS
GIPPSLAND GROUP On a bright, sunny day in the September school holidays, just under 100(!) people of all ages met at the Hillcrest Christian College in Nyora on 24 September. Even the mini bus returning from Confirmation Camp was there. And yes, some of those present were 'Gippslanders'.
The charming old chapel was overflowing as Dieter Ruff spoke on Luke 9:25 - What does one gain by winning the whole world at the cost of destroying oneself (or 'losing one's soul')? He focused on progress by way of seeking true happiness, while Renate Weber's angle was: how can we sustain our spirits?
We sang from the new hymnbook. Jonathon Paton ended the service with a rousing postlude on the trumpet. Afterwards some people from the congregation contributed ideas. The substantial collection went to the College.
Then lunch materialised in the kitchen and the large rotunda, people sharing what they had brought. A first-time participant expressed her appreciation of how well it all worked. Conversations ensued, often with people one rarely meets; walks in the pleasant spring countryside (bellbirds, flowers, frogs, fungi), and the kids canoed on the lake. It was good to see how teenager Jevan Bouzo looked after the younger ones and made sure they wore life jackets.
A big thankyou to Marie-Anne Beilharz for organizing the lovely venue and for her hard work on the day. It was a happy, relaxed community meeting.
CENTRAL VIC GROUP By contrast, 15 October was a cold, showery day when a small group met in Creswick. Herta Uhlherr spoke on the theme of service: 'I have come to serve, not to be served'. The new hymn book was used for hymns, the Lord's Prayer and the blessing, said together. Comments and thoughts from the listeners followed naturally.
All were able to fit around the table for a shared lunch and more conversation.
Thank you to Dot, Peter and Chris Ware for hosting this companionable meeting and greetings to those distant Templers who are not able to attend such gatherings.
H.U. Ed
CONFIRMATION CAMP 2000
From a very young participant, Anja Ruff, aged 2.
Neither Teddy nor I can say "Confirmation" yet, let alone spell it, but we were both lucky enough to be invited along on the Confirmation Camp. Teddy wasted most of his time sleeping in the car or in the tent, but I made sure that I had a good time (and kept everyone busy looking after me.)
Some of the things I enjoyed were: singing in the back of the bus with Amy, Tania, Kirsten and Emma (but I wish they'd have concentrated more on "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and less on Spice Girls); helping to wash dishes at Bournda (the kids, especially Robert, needed it - his dishes were always everywhere); listening to Peter espouse the qualities of… not much really (other than how things are done at his place); watching Tyson walk around with a wicker basket on his head; waiting for 'Uncle' Winnie to thaw out again after swimming for too long and generally keeping Mum and Dad busy by being angelic until they weren't paying attention.
I had a really good time being with the Confirmands and watching their behaviour (I wonder if I'll turn out like that one day? Why have Mum and Dad suddenly gone strangely quiet??), learning their (rather odd) language and picking up some of their sophisticated culinary skills. Although I appreciated the cooking efforts the kids put in, I still would have been happy with Rice Bubbles for dinner every night.
Because I didn't share a tent with and went to bed before the Confirmands, I don't know what they got up to every night (they probably went to bed quietly and fell asleep straight away), but instead I got the bonus of being able to sleep to the gentle sounds of Dad and Uncle Winnie snoring in my ear all night. (My Mum does not snore).
I learnt lots of things during camp, especially:
how to trap a possum in a trailer,
However, the highlights of the week away were definitely:
watching the Confirmands set up a JG auto-tent,
Teddy and I had a fantastic week and want to thank all the Confirmands for letting us come along and looking after us so well. You were all great!! I just hope that there'll still be a Confirmation Camp when it's my turn to go (and I wonder if I'll still be able to take Teddy along?).
Thanks also to Uncle Winnie for sharing our tent with us. I hope he joins in our morning singing next time.
Anja Ruff, daughter of Harald and Christine Ruff
SYDNEY 2000
Beate Kuerschner writes about the Olympics from the point of view of a volunteer.
"Why would you want to do that?" "Give up your holidays and work for nothing?"
The Olympic games in Sydney - could we Australians do it? Would those inflatable kangaroos be waltzing around the Opening ceremony? Would the already overburdened transport system create traffic jams the size of Texas and trains that derailed so much they were hardly on their tracks??
Thankfully it was a raging success, with critics from around the world bursting with Australia's praises.
The whole games appeared to be a monumental organizational task, even in just my small section of physiotherapists within the medical team. My application to volunteer went in around eighteen months ago; I then received at least ten or so letters to organize my orientation - training, uniforms, ID, etc. etc. I was lucky enough to be working several of my shifts in the Athletes' Village, as this was where the main polyclinic was located. It had state of the art equipment and a full complement of medical staff, most of whom were volunteers: doctors, dentists, nurses, podiatrists, masseurs, radiologists and the list goes on. We treated anyone who came through the door, athletes or officials from nations all over the world. Bigger, well-funded teams had their own medical personnel, so that left us seeing people from smaller nations, or nations where medical facilities were not so good. I treated some runners, basketballers from Senegal and Togo in Africa, and also countries like Mexico and Pakistan. They were all very friendly and happy to be receiving such good medical treatment. I didn't meet or treat anyone famous, but I did get to watch some basketball, handball and badminton from the sidelines and the bench. And you can't buy tickets for that.
I also met many other volunteers who were extremely dedicated. Some were drivers of the teams and got to meet many of the athletes. You can't buy tickets for that. I traveled on the trains all around Sydney for free, as did all the Olympic ticket holders. The trains ran on time, on their tracks and often. We didn't need to buy any tickets for that!
The other memories that I have are of meeting people from all walks of life who were involved in their respective ways. People really proud to be Australian, united in their love of sports, and showing their support with their green and gold faces, or their Aussie flags. It was amazing even to watch the events on the big screens set up in various locations around Sydney. After the Perkins/Hackett race, where the whole crowd was cheering, we were amazed to see everyone stand and sing the national anthem. It really was spectacular, and made me feel proud to be an Aussie, too.
I think some of these sentiments were transmitted over the television, but I guess the reason why it was so special was because it was quite unexpected. Before the games, friends of mine who live in Sydney were sick of all the build up and hype, and I think many people left town for that reason. But once the Games began, there was a real buzz in the air; people in Sydney streets were actually happy, and talking to one another!! And you definitely can't buy tickets for that!!
So thankyou Sydneysiders, who had to put up with the hype, the construction and the hold ups. Sorry to all the people who left town, you really did miss out on something special, the like of which I never experienced while growing up in Sydney. But let's really try and show how proud we are of the great place that we've got here and the great things that you can do when you want to. Let's try to encourage rather than knock others - we do tend to be a nation of "knockers". Don't cut down those tall poppies; let them stand up for all the other lowly poppies to aspire to.
So no, I didn't get paid for my small part; I actually would have even bought a ticket, if it had been available. But SOCOG didn't release those tickets, because you can't buy such great memories.
Beate Kuerschner
SYDNEY
Unser Saal am 24. September war leider nur spärlich besucht. Um es Harry Slip zu erleichtern dem Vortrag zu folgen, hielt ich die Ansprache auf English. Ich las einen Artikel von Rev. Phillip Paulus vor, übersetzt und gedruckt in Schenectady, N.Y. 1896, mit dem Titel: Have We The True Gospel? The Unmaimed Gospel.
Ich halte es nämlich für wichtig, dass wir uns ab und zu mit den Gründen befassen, die unsere Vorfahren dazu bewogen, nach Palästina auszuwandern.
Am Samstag den 18. November ab 12 Uhr findet unser Weihnachtsbasar statt.
Our meeting on 24 September was rather poorly attended. To enable Harry Slip to better follow proceedings, I conducted the sermon in English by reading an article by Rev. Phillip Paulus, translated and printed in Schenectady. N.Y. in 1896, entitled: Have We The True Gospel? The Unmaimed Gospel.
I happen to consider it necessary that we familiarize ourselves from time to time with the reasons that compelled our ancestors to settle in Palestine.
Our Christmas bazaar will be happening on Saturday 18 November from 12 noon.
Peter K. Hoffmann
HEIM NACHRICHTEN -- HOME NEWS
Liebe Freunde,
Am 9. Oktober empfing die Heimleitung die lang erwartete Accreditations Kommission, bestehend aus drei Damen. Nach einem kurzen Orientierungs Gespräch fand eine Tour durch das Heim statt, nach der dann die Arbeit des Accreditation Teams begann.
Vier sogenannte Standards mit insgesamt 49 Spezialgebieten standen zur Prüfung an. Personal sowie Bewohner und deren Angehörige wurden individuell über ihre Erfahrungen im Heim befragt. Außerdem wurden Dokumente geprüft und begutachtet.
Am Mittwoch den 11.10 wurden dann um die Mittagszeit die verantwortlichen Mitarbeiter zu einem Abschluss Gespräch eingeladen, wo dann endlich die Spannung und der Stress in Erleichterung umschlugen, da der Bericht ausgesprochen positiv ausfiel. Allen unseren Mitarbeitern vielen Dank für ihren Einsatz unter der Leitung von Dr. Schreiber, und wir gratulieren zum Erfolg. Besonderen Dank an DON Gabriele Glöckner und HRM Angelika Koplin, die die Hauptlast zu tragen hatten.
Die offizielle Benachrichtigung des Accreditation Boards wird in absehbarer Zeit erfolgen, und wir erwarten einen 3 Jahres-Vertrag bis zur der nächsten Prüfung. (die längst mögliche Zeitspanne). Somit können wir uns nun voll auf unser Bauprogramm einstellen. Wie schon berichtet, liegen die Pläne bei dem Council, und wir müssen eben noch auf die Genehmigung warten. Darf ich daran erinnern, daß Spenden für den Bau jederzeit willkommen sind. Solche Spenden können natürlich von der Steuer abgesetzt werden.
Für den ersten Samstag im Dezember am 3.12. ist eine Working Bee geplant, zu der wir herzlich einladen wollen; es wird von 9.00 bis 1.00 Uhr gearbeitet, und es wird bestimmt nicht zu anstrengend werden. Es ist zur Unterstützung des Maintenance Teams gedacht, da vor Weihnachten viel Arbeit anfällt, aber ebenso wichtig ist die Möglichkeit für die Teilnehmer, das gesamte Heim besser kennen zu lernen und sich mit den Bewohnern und den anderen Teilnehmern bei Morning Tea zu unterhalten.
Mit besten Grüßen, Walter Burkhardt
Dear Friends,
The management of Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Inc. welcomed the Accreditation Team (consisting of three ladies) on Monday morning 9th October. A short preliminary discussion was followed by the inspection of the facility, after which the accreditation team began its work.
Four major standards with 49 individual outcomes were to be examined. Interviews with key staff as well as residents and their relatives were part of the process. Finally, on Wednesday around lunchtime, key staff were invited for a preliminary report, where anxiety and stress turned to relief and smiles as we received a very positive and favourable report.
We now await the official notification from the Accreditation Agency, where we expect to be granted a 3-year period before the next inspection is due - the maximum period possible. A very big thankyou to all our staff for their dedication to the task under the leadership of Dr. Schreiber. Congratulations for the successful outcome. In particular, thanks go to DON Gabriele Glöckner and HRM Angelika Koplin, who bore the brunt of the work.
We can now give the building program our full concentration. As previously reported, the plans are still with the Council for approval. Donations for the building are most welcome at any time and they are of course fully tax deductible.
We are planning a working bee at the Home for the first Saturday in December (3.12.00). The aim is to assist the maintenance team as there will be a lot of work for them before Christmas; equally importantly, it will give the participants the opportunity to get to know the larger Home better, meet some of the residents and have a chat to the other volunteers over morning tea.
We'll start at 9.00 a.m. and finish at 1.00 p.m. and we promise it will not be too strenuous.
Best regards until next month.
Walter Burkhardt
We congratulate TTHA on this wonderful outcome after their enormous efforts and hard work!
NOTICES
FORTHCOMING SERVICES
Sun 12.11 Bo 10.15 Service E/G Dr. Peter Uhlherr
FOUNDER'S DAY SERVICE AT BENTLEIGH
You have all seen those notice boards outside various churches, with messages for the wider community. I am currently making a collection of these messages which I would like to use as part of the Founder's Day service in November. Please help me collect more, by writing down any messages you see and passing them on to me.
Also, if we made a message board outside our Templer Halls, what would you write on it? I am interested in hearing your suggestions, please before 16th November.
Your assistance will help me make the Founder's Day service reflect many ideas, not just mine.
Renate Beilharz.
See also Presentation and Country Services in MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.
MUSICIANS REQUIRED
Veronica Rutowicz is working on the musicians' roster for 2001 and needs help! If you could accompany hymns for even one service a year this would be great. Otherwise some services will not have live music.
Don't be shy. Veronica can give you pointers about what is required and how to do it. (All our musicians started out unsure and nervous). Please give Veronica a call soon.
Meanwhile, a sincere thankyou to all our musicians, who have added beauty and grace to our services over the years.
Herta Uhlherr, for the Elders
VOLKSTRAUERTAG TATURA - 19 November
The hour of remembrance will begin at 11 a.m. at the German War Cemetery in Tatura. The TSA is not involved this year, so will not be organising a bus.
The Tatura and District Historical Society has tentatively booked 150 places at Hilltop Golf Club for lunch. The costs is approx. $15.00 per head for choice of main meal plus desserts. All visitors are welcome.
Ed.
COMMUNITY PICNIC AND BIKE RIDE - 12 November
Everyone from all our communities, teenagers, confirmands, youth group members, families young and old, are invited to our annual picnic. This is the major fundraiser for the Kids' Club and is always lots of fun. Bring your friends and join in. For more details please read the article in the Kids' Club Section
Marianne Herrmann
SUMMER CAMP 2001
Next summer's holiday camp for our youngsters will be held at Phillip Island (YCW Camp in Cowes) from Tuesday 9th to Tuesday 16th January 2001 (7 nights).
Winfried Beilharz has kindly offered to again assist with the preparations and running of the camp. Other Leaders are required. If Interested, please contact the TSA Office on (03) 9557 6713
All children eleven years old or older, and not yet confirmed, are invited to attend. A special invitation is extended to children from outside the Melbourne Metropolitan area and from interstate. Friends of Templer children are also very welcome.
Further details and the appropriate forms will be available next month.
Mark Herrmann; Winfried Beilharz
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
The December/January issue of the Templer Record will contain a list of members and friends extending Christmas and New Year's greetings to all readers.
If you wish to be on the list, please notify the TSA Office by Friday 17th November and include a $2 "donation" to cover the cost of printing.
To avoid problems encountered in recent years, please make all arrangements through the Office only.
Mark Herrmann, Business Manager
BENTLEIGH-MOORABBIN WORKING BEE
Sat. 25th November, 9-12 noon
To all you Be-Mo Community members who like to work in the garden (and I know that is most of you), your green thumbs are cordially invited to our "Let's rejuvenate our Bentleigh Hall in time for summer" working bee.
Just to tempt you, a scrumptious morning tea will be provided with the right amount of goodies to keep you going all morning.
So please bring yourselves, shovels, rakes, wheel barrows and trailers (if you have one) and anything else you think may be useful to help make the Be Hall look as beautiful as it should be.
Please come and have some fun and enjoy being part of our community.
Moni Imberger, Be-Mo Community Head
LADIES' ADVENT CELEBRATION IN BENTLEIGH
Please join us to celebrate the Advent season in the Bentleigh Hall on Sunday 3 December at 2.30 p.m. Our program of carols and readings will be in both English and German. Afterwards you are invited to the traditional afternoon tea, bazaar and lottery.
The success of the afternoon depends on many hands sharing the jobs. Please consider helping in one or more of the following ways:-
Donate craft items or Gutsle (cookies) for the bazaar. Please bring these to the Templer Office or directly to Sigi Katz (18 Becket Avenue, East Bentleigh) on or by Wednesday 29 November.
Help set up the hall (9.00 a.m. onwards on Sunday 3 Dec.) or help tidy up afterwards.
Help serving and washing up - "young" ones, we need you!
Join our singing group. Practices are on Thursdays at 8 p.m. (Bentleigh Hall). We've only just started.
Come on the day (and invite a friend or relative!) Donations of a cake or cookies would be great.
Veronica Rutowicz
Annette Wagner-Hesse
NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION IN THE BENTLEIGH HALL
Fine food, good music, dancing (for those who want to), catching up with friends and seeing in the New Year is all part of the New Year's Eve party in our hall.
How do hors d'oeuvres, sherries, a great meal, continental music shown on a large video screen take your fancy? Music will be kept to a comfortable level. Sounds good doesn't it?!
Well, start now to organise your family and friends and book your table, or we can find a place at a table for you. Children will be catered for with videos and kids' food.
Please let us know as soon as possible - ring up and make your booking so we have an idea what we have to organise.
More details next month. Wilhelm Imberger, Oskar Krockenberger
BAYSWATER-BORONIA LADIES GROUP
At our October meeting, Irene Blaich gave us some excellent suggestions for preserving our history and our photos.
Cape York, the last Frontier. On Tuesday 21 November from 1-3 p.m. I will show you a few snippets on video from our last tour to the Top of Australia. With a relaxing cup of coffee at the end, we will celebrate another successful year of Ba-Bo Frauenverein.
Remember the Ba-Bo Ladies' Advent Celebration is on Thursday 14 December at 8 p.m. in the Bayswater Hall. All ladies and girls are welcome.
Gisela Sawatzky
CHRISTKINDL MARKT
Ja, es ist wahr, wir sind wieder dabei beim Christkindl Markt. Er findet wie jedes Jahr in der Melbourne Town Hall am 30. November ab 10 Uhr statt.
Viele fleißige Hände haben tüchtig mitgeholfen. Wir haben viele schöne Artikel und hoffen auf guten Erfolg.
Helga Kuerschner,
Für die Christkindl Bastelgruppe
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Our craft group has been busy making many delightful, Christmassy things. As usual, the Christkindl Markt will take place in the Lower Town Hall, city, from 10 a.m. on 30 November. We hope many of you can come - and buy up big.
BA-BO COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS
The whole community, young and old, near and far, are invited to this year's Bayswater-Boronia Christmas Celebration on Saturday 16th December at 6.00 p.m. in the Bayswater Hall.
Join in the celebrations! Anyone who wishes their child or grandchild to be actively involved in this year's Christmas celebration should give Renate Beilharz a ring on 9729 6792 as soon as possible. There will be some rehearsals in December, but these will be kept to a minimum. We will ask children to learn songs at home for the night. The final rehearsal will take place on 16th December in the morning. Inability to attend rehearsals does not mean your children cannot participate.
Children who want to say a poem or sing a song for Father Christmas should let Renate know beforehand, so it can be incorporated into the program for the evening.
Any other children or adults who would like to lend a hand with any aspect of the celebrations, please give Renate a ring as well.
Gifts from Father Christmas. Children of members of the Bayswater-Boronia Templer Community are automatically on the list to receive a present from Father Christmas. If you are not a registered member and would like your child or grandchild to receive a gift, please let one of our Christmas helpers know before 26th November; a contribution of $6 towards the gifts is required. Brigitte Decker Tel. 9720 4372 and Erika English Tel. 9761 1086 have again offered to help Father Christmas select gifts for our children.
Renate Beilharz
For the Bayswater-Boronia Community Council
CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT
We are having a good, old-fashioned Christmas Carol singalong for all the family on Friday evening 8 December in Bayswater commencing at 8 p.m. for 8.30 p.m. Festivities will last for approximately two hours followed by a light supper.
Weather permitting we will be outside, if not we will use the Bayswater Hall.
The more popular and well known carols will be sung and voices of any language will be most welcome. English song sheets and candles will be available on the night. A donation of $5.00 per person is sought to cover the costs of the song sheets, candles and supper.
Bring your own rug to sit on the grass and, of course, lots of good cheer and voice.
RSVP to Erika & Paul English on 9761 1086 (for catering purposes).
Paul English for the Ba-Bo Community
FAMILY CAMP 2000 -- 26th December 2000 - 2nd January 2001
The opportunity to pack up the family and head out of town is coming up again. This year we head to the Island View Beach Resort near Narooma.
Narooma is on the Eurobodalla Coast in NSW and offers a wide range of activities including swimming, boating, craft shopping, historical sights, and four wheel driving, just to name a few.
The Island View Resort is set in a park-like atmosphere. The sites we have selected are well shaded, within easy walking distance of an excellent beach, close to amenities and well grassed. The resort offers a wide range of amenities including tennis court, volley ball court, jungle jim, children's playground, swimming pool and an aviary.
We have booked twelve sites and have negotiated a group discount. Quite a few families from Sydney and Melbourne have indicated they will be coming. We would like to confirm the total number of attendees as soon as possible, just in case we need to book more sites.
Winfried Beilharz
TEMPLER EXCHANGE UPDATE
Stefan Klingbeil will be here with us by the time this is published! Stefan will have arrived on November 1st and will be spending his first two weeks in Australia in Boronia with Minnie and Manfred Haering. He will be beginning his English course on 6th November and continuing through until 22nd December.
After his stay at Haerings, Stefan will be spending some time in Montrose with Traude and Dieter Glenk. Thank you to those people who have responded to pleas for help and have offered to either host Stefan or take him on trips away. Your offers are appreciated and have not been forgotten!
Between 1st and 14th November Stefan will be contact-able at Haerings, and after November 14th at Glenks.
Alternatively messages can be left with Christine Ruff
Please feel free to call Stefan and make him feel welcome or introduce yourself to him at Templer functions. It's easier for you to approach him than for him to approach you! Thanks in anticipation!
Christine Ruff
Templer Exchange Coordinator
CALLING ALL IMBERGERS
I am interested in setting up a website for the Imberger name and am looking for relevant information and/or photos.
Please check out www.imberger.com and let me know what you think.
Helmut Imberger
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
The Teenage Group (T.G.) is having a Movie Night on Saturday 4 November (Cup weekend) at Hoyts Cinemas, Chadstone. If anyone is interested in coming along, you can phone Erica Megele or myself for more details.
The last T.G. event for the year will most likely be a "Party Night" at the Bayswater Hall or the Bentleigh Hall. More information about that in the December TR.
We now have a date for the Youth Saal - it will be early in June next year. I would love to hear a.s.a.p. from anyone who would like to take part - for a start, think theme(?), speaking, readings, music, creating a special experience.
Susi Blackwell, Youth Coordinator
Hi People,
Holiday season is coming soon, once again. (Is it just us or has this year gone really fast?) We don't know about you but our weekends are slowly starting to fill up with Christmas activities and end of school and year parties.
Some dates to remember for November are: National Skin Cancer Week on the 12th (remember what you got taught in Primary School; slip, slop slap), International Diabetes Day on the 14th, National Friends Day on the 19th (so give your friends a big hug for no reason,) and National Aids Awareness Week on the 23rd.
There are several articles in this month's Templer Record about our confirmation camp and the 1998 confirmation group camp.
Emma: I had so much fun just living a simple life of shopping, perving, swimming and sunbaking all in the company of some of my best friends. I just want to thank you guys for having to put up with my loud mouth and fear of possums and thank you all for being such good friends, and I hope we remain friends until the 100th celebration or even longer. Also thank you to Winnie Beilharz and Christine, Harald and Anja Ruff (hear, hear).
Tania: Ditto for all that Em said. It was a fabulous week. I like nothing better than taking it easy with good friends, eating lots (especially chocolate) and spending time at the beach, which was exactly what we all did. I luved it. How about another camp next year?!
Here's a little poem Em was sent a while ago, which we thought was sweet.
My Oath to You
When you are sad, I will dry your tears.
Happy Birthday to Suzi Ware for the 16th, Kirsten Lubitz for the 21st and Jonathon Paton for the 28th.
If anyone has any suggestions, etc. for the page, then please call, e-mail or snail mail us.
We asked Amy Edelmaier and Emily Herrmann to write a brief paragraph about their respective camps.
Amy: - On 17 September the 2000 Confirmation group left for their camp. The bus trip, like all good bus trips, was loud, long and "food filled". For the first night we camped at Eden and then we headed to Bournda National Park where we stayed for most of our camp. The week was filled with shopping, doing lots of nothing, going high on chocolate and red stuff and generally having a good time. When we did find the motivation to do something we went for some scenic walks, some incredibly stupid people went swimming, and Tania and I discovered that we couldn't play volleyball very well (especially not against the guys).
One of the highlights for me was when we discovered that Emma was scared of possums. Putting bits of bread and fruit around her seat at night was lots of fun but nowhere near as good as seeing her reaction when they came right up to her. Over all I think that we all had a really good week and a big thanks to Winnie, Christine and Harry for taking us.
Emily: - The weekend started way too early in the morning for my liking, especially for the holidays. We got away from the Bayswater Hall on schedule with a quick stop off in Seymour, finally arriving in the Yarrawonga/Mulwala district where we stopped for lunch and basic provisions.
The plan was to go to the camping ground next to the Murray River; however, things never go as planned, with the gates locked due to flooding in the area. The revised plan ended in another camping area where we set up camp, rather efficiently if I do say so myself (also with the all important loo construction). The days were fairly unplanned with a lot of lounging around, a bit of a stroll, a few hours of volleyball and most of the boys seemed content fishing (or at least pretending to) and playing footy. We did go for a paddle on the lake in canoes and such for a while, but most of our time was spent back at camp, doing not a lot. Some of the guys didn't even seem fazed at the idea of getting wet in our tent when it started to rain, instead choosing to sleep in the mini-bus. Packing up even went pretty smoothly, with us girls having to show the boys how to fold the tents.
It was pretty much a successful weekend and we arrived back home without major incident.
We'd also like to thank the organisers, Theo, Dieter and Sarah for their commitment, as well as thanks to the wives, Pam and Heidi, as I think there was a considerable amount of assistance in the background.
More on camp in MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.
We are having a photo night get-together at my house in November. I need to know if people prefer Friday or Saturday night and what weekend would suit them best.
We'll rent a movie as well, so all suggestions are welcome.
More details on the way. Always remember to have fun, Tania and Emma
Children's Section
Hi Kids and Parents,
Did you spend a lot of your holidays sitting in front of the T.V. watching the Olympics? We did. It was fantastic! Those athletes put their heart, soul and mind into their efforts. They must feel good about themselves when they achieve their best. God was looking for someone with a good heart.
A Good Heart - 1 Samuel 16
God told Samuel to go to Jesse's house. Jesse had eight sons, and God wanted one of these sons to be the new king.
Jesse called his sons together. One by one Samuel looked at the sons, thinking "This is surely the one God has chosen." But God was looking for someone with a good heart.
There was one more son, David. He was looking after the sheep. Jesse called for him. When he came, God said, "This is the one."
Samuel told David that one day he would be the new king.
JOKES
What do you get if you cross a sheep with a kangaroo? A jumper with a pocket.
BIRTHDAYS
Dirk Lubitz
Have a good November with plenty of sun (we hope). Till next month, Moni
Issue 622
Ich wünsche dir Zeit.
Ich wünsche dir nicht alle möglichen Gaben.
I wish you Time
I wish you not all sorts of things,
WHAT DO WE SEE? - A matter of focus.
On our return, we were grateful to see that all was well at home - except that one of our two goldfish had disappeared (a crow's dinner?) I soon bought a replacement for the lonely survivor. Checking on how they were getting on together, I bent over their dragon pot pond, watching them.
Suddenly my focus shifted and I saw my face reflected. I noticed the wrinkles and how gravity alters a face that is horizontal - the fish faded to blurs. Then something else caught my eye: the about-to-burst buds on the liquidambar's bare branches above me, bright in the early morning light, became very clear in the water-mirror as my eyes refocused again. But I no longer saw distinctly either the fish nor my face. - It was a moment of revelation, because of a duckweed-free patch of the fishpond!
How often we see only part of what is there!
It is very helpful and sanity-preserving that our human organs (eyes, ears, brains…) screen out much that is going on around us, otherwise we would be overwhelmed by all the stimuli and information assaulting us from all sides; we would be utterly unable to focus, or to cope. On the other hand, we can habitually screen out so much of what is right there before us, that our view and our attitude remain very limited, perhaps even dangerously so. And often those with the narrowest views are the ones most convinced that only they are right.
Remember Theo Richter's story (August Saal in Bentleigh) of the five blind priests describing the particular part of an elephant (trunk, ear, tail, foot) each touched? Each was convinced by his experience that only he knew the truth (and that the others were crazy), until they were made aware of the bigger picture, the whole elephant.
Sometimes something as simple as looking into still water reminds us not to insist on just one perception, to allow and even encourage changes in focus and the discovery of other levels and depths. Also to be patient with those who, in spite of trying, can't see beyond a certain viewpoint yet. And to use our creative imagination - 'swifter, higher, stronger' - to reach for and practise those ideas, viewpoints, attitudes and behaviours that lead to human com-unity and benefit our planet Earth.
Herta Uhlherr
TEXTS FOR THE MONTH
From Chr. Hoffmann's roster - Mark 10:35-45. This is about wanting to be great (and sitting in the best seats, next to Jesus). V.43 'But it shall not be so among you; whoever would be great among you must be your servant, … For the Son of man also came not to be served, but to serve…'.
How do we feel about humbly serving others?
DAILY SURVIVAL KIT
A reader from Wantirna sent in this from the Internet.
Rubber band - to remind you to be flexible: things might not always work out the way you want, but it will work out. Romans 8.28 - 'We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him…'
Toothpick - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others. Matt. 7.1 - 'Don't judge others, so that you will not be judged.'
Band aid - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours and someone else's - Col. 3.12-14.
Eraser - to remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's OK - Gen. 50: 15-21.
Chewing gum - to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything. Phil. 4:13 - 'I can do all things through him who strengthens me.'
Mint - to remind you that you are worth a mint! John 3: 16-17.
You are encouraged to find and read all the texts yourself and reflect on what they might mean in your life.
Editor
SEED TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
Towards the Templer Seminar on Mt Buller, 28- 29 October.
For Templers the Kingdom of God is a serious subject. Serious that is, in the sense of its imminence here and now. It is in the air we breathe, in the food we eat, in what we think and what we do, every day. You can almost feel it coming, its just around the next corner, all we have to do is ... what?
Here we come up against that age-old stumbling block:: "What else must I do, Master?" We know "our kingdom" is not realised through Armageddon, nor with supernatural resurrection and not at the end of the physical world - it comes from our combined actions here and now. But in spite of the best intentions, Templers, like religious people everywhere, have great difficulty in visualising a "God's Kingdom" of this world. The problem is, there is no precedent, no meaningful directions that make the biblical ideals compatible with life as we know it. Even a pacific protest can turn into an ugly confrontation in which innocent people get hurt, as shown by the recent S11 demonstration in Melbourne.
The only consolation in this dilemma (really a poor substitute for consolation) is that definitions of such "kingdoms", even when placed beyond reality into a "next world", still suffer the same imperfections the moment human failings are introduced into them. Whether we refer to the Bible references, Dante, Milton or other poetic attempts to describe Elysium, whichever way one tries to visualise such a kingdom, life, its vagaries and its nobility, are always part of it. All attempts to create a perfect world by separating "good" people from "bad" people are doomed to failure, because those definitions themselves are flawed. They are as un-natural as are heaven and hell. Such undertakings are no different from fascist or racist regimes, elevating themselves artificially by indiscriminate denouncement of all others.
The Kingdom of God, to have any lasting meaning to us, has to be a kingdom for all life. Life with all its glory and its misery, ecstasy and despair. Life, as we know and understand it. In a fundamentally hostile environment this phenomena we call life has proven itself a survivor, learning to balance the tough subjects of co-operation and competition in a school where the diploma awarded is our existence itself.
Brigitte Hoffmann, in "Those who live according to God's Laws" (Warte September 2000) looks at the Templer's traditional religious and philosophical guidelines towards a Kingdom of God, and how these guidelines have gradually evolved into our present day compromises. I was fascinated by the clear and simple arguments Brigitte uses to divorce the current Templer philosophies from those expressed by Christoph Hoffmann, and ultimately from his interpretations of biblical passages. Brigitte here speaks with the voice of a collective "we" for consensus at the recent TGD Bernstein Seminar. Her summations highlight the state of flux Templer philosophies find themselves in today. We are like adolescents struggling with simple childish doctrines of good and bad in an adult world of sagacity, where definitions of the law, once fully covered by the simple commandment "love God and your neighbour", now fill whole floors in libraries. At the risk of distorting her meanings, I will try and translate a few passages to show what I mean:
"....for [Christoph] Hoffmann a truly Christian Community is the Kingdom of God. That is his theological postulate. - None of us would use such a definition anymore. We no longer seek a single, clearly defined and recognisable path to salvation. Nor do we believe the early community to have been a true Kingdom of God that could have prevailed against all the forces of the world. Not simply because historic experiences tell us otherwise, but also because it contains a Christian claim to perfection, which we no longer share."
"...so the Kingdom of God is not a static and secure state of perfection, but something that evolves, both quantitative and qualitative, and is thus also exposed to the risk of failure, inherent anywhere where there are high degrees of freedom." "What then," asks Brigitte, "distinguishes such a community from the rest of the world? The spirit of Christ? Templer spirit? But how do you define those qualities? And how can a multiplicity of ideal communities, [is there a plural to the Kingdom of God?] spread over different continents, each evolving independently, maintain cohesion? An appeal to higher authority (the Regional Council is accountable only to God, not its members) does not fit well with today's democratic society, whose members feel uneasy with any form of absolutism."
It is Brigitte's concluding remarks, I feel, that invite further discussions: What is it that makes a community (and community life in particular) so important to us? Comfort and security? Social activity? Intellectual stimulation? Opportunity to discuss and to practise religion? Is it the seed to God's Kingdom? -
One community attribute that is often overlooked and greatly underestimated in importance is the range of opportunities a community environment offers to its individual members to express themselves in a meaningful and creative way. Very few of us are sufficiently talented by nature to be independently creative. We need both a motivating necessity to bring out the best in us and a fertile ground to plant our fragile ideas in. While we may occasionally grizzle and complain about how active community participation is costing us time and money, quiet reflection shows the hidden rewards in the challenges to our creativity. Most of us need the stimulation from a "necessary" task to justify to ourselves an expenditure of energy and resources on otherwise non-essential items. Instead of guilt, joy then provides the incentive.
Recognition of evolution in religious philosophy and an admission to historic failures of many socio-religious experiments in the past are pre-requisites of a living religion. I welcome what can only be seen as a new definition of the traditional expression "the Kingdom of God" and our understanding of "God's will" as greater intellectual and spiritual freedom of the individual.
Alfred Klink
We look forward to seeing you at ILTIS on Mt Buller to discuss the topic further. For details on the weekend see the notice in NOTICES or the report in last month's TR.
A NEW SET OF PLANETARY VALUES
by Irene Bouzo
I would like to comment on a famous essay written by Vaclav Havel, the President of the Czech Republic. His political writings highlight the need for finding new ways of solving our planet's problems. Some people regard Havel's writings to be the most insightful to appear in the last 250 years.
Havel believes the direction of today's civilisation needs to be drastically changed. We are familiar with the threats to humankind, which he lists: the soaring population growth of our planet, the logging of rainforests, ethnic and religious intolerance, the brutal destruction of indigenous cultures. He acknowledges the numerous projects, regulations and institutions that are designed to safeguard our planet from on-going destruction. However, he goes on to explain that these are all attempts to diminish the impact of the threats to humankind. They do not touch the seeds from which these threats sprout. He dares to suggest that the measures people undertake have no real effect on the substance of the matter.
Havel has tried to identify the substance of the matter. He has tried to analyse what could change the direction of today's civilisation. He professes that all our global threats stem from a basic lack of responsibility for our planet. For sure we have all heard these arguments before and we probably all share Havel's concerns. However, as a politician he presents his new solutions to the world's problems in a remarkably insightful way. His deep conviction is that our only option is a spiritual change in the sphere of human conscience. We need to develop a new set of values that encompass the spiritual realm and the planetary sphere.
He makes two points. Firstly, he acknowledges that most people live their lives with deep levels of responsibility. Unfortunately, most people give the lowest priority to the most important responsibility. We feel deep responsibility for our personal welfare, our families, our work, our community and even our nation. However, we often assign the smallest feeling of responsibility to the planet and its future, despite the fact that the world is more interlinked than ever before and we are aware of its global destiny. Havel believes that, rather than putting our feeling of responsibility for the planet in the background, this should be our first responsibility.
Secondly, Havel tries to analyse why so many people lack such a feeling of responsibility for our planet. It lies in a paradox. The paradox exists in the new assertion of religious identity that pervades our era, but is combined, at the same time, with a loss of certainty about the meaning and purpose of the universe. What this means is that the world is becoming increasingly dominated by several great religious systems. Their differences are becoming sharper and even leading to armed conflicts.
The paradox is that this religious revival is taking place in an increasingly atheistic civilisation. Havel calls our current state 'the first atheistic civilisation in the history of mankind'. He suggests that our lack of responsibility for the planet is perhaps a logical consequence of the modern idea that our universe 'is a complex phenomenon controlled by certain scientifically identifiable laws, formulated for God-knows-what purpose'. This attitude stops us from looking into the meaning of existence and renounces its metaphysical roots. In this process we have lost our certainty that the universe, nature and our own lives are works of a mysterious creation that have a definite meaning and purpose. This loss is accompanied by a loss of feelings of respect for a higher order that we are part of. The real issue is a crisis of respect for any kind of authority higher than our own earthly being with its material and egoistic, transient interests.
The solution to our current global predicament of destroying the environment, of weapon proliferation and imminent mass destruction, according to Havel, lies in a new set of planetary values rooted in the realm of the Spirit. He admits that he is not a very religious person and yet he has the insight that the solution lies in the spiritual realm. What we need is a universal recovery of the human spirit and renewed responsibility for the world - a sense of religious responsibility.
Havel has described our current epoch as one of accentuated spiritual, religious and cultural 'otherness' - one where differences and otherness are emphasised. More and more different religious groups are asserting themselves. Religious differences are becoming ever more glaringly obvious. Havel believes the major faiths have much more in common than they sometimes care to admit. He believes in restoring a shared attitude in the human mind. The fundamental similarities of the major religions are a conviction 'that this world and our existence are not freaks of chance but rather part of a mysterious, yet integral act whose sources, direction, and purpose are difficult for us to perceive in their entirety. They also share a large complex of moral values that this mysterious act implies'. Havel wants us to focus on what unites the various religions to carry out a purposeful search for common principles. I would add that such common spiritual principles are everyone's desire for peace, harmony and cooperation. Havel eloquently suggests we could cultivate human coexistence and at the same time cultivate the planet on which we live by suffusing it with the spirit of our common religious and ethical principles. He calls this 'the common spiritual moral minimum'.
I share his concern and hope that it will not take an unprecedented disaster to provoke a kind of cooperative recovery of the human spirit and a renewed sense of responsibility for our planet. The solution to changing the direction of today's civilisation lies in our spiritual values and our religious sense of responsibility.
Vaclav Havel's essay originally appeared in Civilisation, April/May 1998 and also in Sharif Abdullah's Creating a World that Works for All, 1999.
Irene Bouzo
BEFRIENDING THE EARTH
In a similar vein to the article above, extracts from Thomas Berry's book 'Befriending the earth: A theology of reconciliation between humans and the earth,' Twenty-Third Publications, 1991.
"We not only need scientists, we need more scientists and technologists than ever - but of the right kind. We need sensitive scientists who, rather than sending us off into some absurd colony in space, have lots of what Barbara McClintock calls "a feeling for the organism." We need to have religious sensitivity to the sacred, a deep, emotional, imaginative sensitivity to everything, from the bluebirds to the butterflies, the insects to the trees. Taking care of trees requires sensitivity; a tree responds to things for good or ill. It is not an easy thing to plant trees, bring them to maturity, and maintain their well-being. Whereas trees, at one time, could do all of this independently, they will, for the most part, depend on human understanding in the future. We now have a humanized planet. Again it is largely a question of knowing how to stay out of the way of the natural processes and to avoid oppressive, if well-meaning human intrusion upon these processes.
"Until we get this straight, it is most unlikely that anything else we do will go well. Progress, to be valid, must include the entire earth in all of its components. To designate human plundering of the planet as "progress" is an unbearable distortion. Yet that is precisely what we have been doing. What is necessary is for the water and air to be pure, to be more integral with themselves, for everything to "be itself" in an increasingly integral way.
"There is also the deeper mystery of the emergent transformation process. The earth never remains the same and, consequently, we not only have to take care of things as they are at present, but must also enable them to be what they are called to be in their continuing transformation. There is no "stabilization". We cannot say, "Well, let's stabilize things in an orderly fashion and keep 'em that way." We cannot say this because the inner dynamism of things is constantly leading to something different. We have to have a sensitivity to the role we play. When I say that we must 'accept, protect, and foster', I am suggestion that we need new skills, new attention, and a new mode of human presences… (Pp. 98-99).
"…Sometimes I say it this way: The traditional religious in themselves and out of their existing resources cannot deal with the problems that we have to deal with, but we cannot deal with these problems without … them.
Something new has been added, a new experience, a new context, and we must now function out of this new context. We cannot deductively get our guidance from the past. There is, in a sense, a new revelatory experience that has given us a new sense of the universe, a new sense of the planet earth, a new sense of life, of the human, even a new sense of being Christian. We have, in a sense, a new revelatory experience of the divine through our present understanding of the time-developmental universe.
"The universe story is the quintessence of reality. We perceive the story. We put it in our language, the birds put it in theirs, and the trees put it in theirs. We can read the story of the universe in the trees. Everything tells the story of the universe. The winds tell the story, literally, not just imaginatively. The story has its imprint everywhere, and that is why it is so important to know the story. If you do not know the story, in a certain sense you do not know yourself; you do not know anything." (Pp. 6-7).
Editor
From the Office
A full report of the AGA will appear in the November TR.
TEMPLER RELIGIOUS CENTRE
This year's Annual General Assembly in Bentleigh confirmed the majority viewpoint - obtained through the member survey - to proceed with the building of the new religious centre in Bayswater.
A substantial financial contribution was pledged with the member responses - even from some who did not support the project - and a small number actually sent money (cash, cheque or money order). To date, this money has deliberately not been deposited, for two reasons. Firstly, we needed to await the outcome of the discussion at the AGA and, secondly, we are exploring the position with regard to tax deductibility for a building fund. Should we be successful in the latter, there may well be a need to establish a special account and attend to other specific requirements. Until such time, please rest assured that your money is in safe hands.
MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS AND RELATED ISSUES
The AGA also supported the retention of the present membership contribution system, even in the knowledge that a 10% GST is now applicable. This means we are obligated to forward 1/11th of all contributions paid by members to the Australian Taxation Office. The annual payment request form (in triplicate) will be suitably amended and made available through the Templer Record in the near future.
The TSA's application as an income tax exempt charity was successful, but, unfortunately, endorsement as a deductible gift recipient (where donations are tax deductible) was refused.
Mark Herrmann, Business Manager
SOCIAL CARE
Dear Friends, our Telelink group which is part of the Telelink Victoria network, continues to operate successfully and enables regular contact between people who are isolated and homebound. We meet every two weeks on the telephone and everyone enjoys the regular social contact, which is so important for one's health and well-being. If anyone would like to join in, or if you know of anyone who would benefit from it, please contact me.
Many of our elderly members would also benefit from regular visits. The Care Committee is planning to run a friendly visitors' training program to start in the near future. Please call me at the Temple Society Office (on 9557 6713) if you would like to be a volunteer and have a few hours to spare, so that we can plan our program and timetable.
Best wishes to our sick and infirm. Helga Anderson, Care Worker
AUS DEM GEMEINDELEBEN
GEBURTSTAGE.
Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder
Thea Frank
und wünschen auch allen hier nicht aufgeführten Geburtstagskindern alles Gute und Schöne zum neuen Lebensjahr.
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome as new members Krista Imberger, whom we also thank for her music at services, and Horst Kolb.
BEREAVEMENTS
Rudolf Karl Kuebler, 12.3.12 - 21.8.00, died in the Tabulam Nursing Home after a long illness.
Our thanks to the staff at Tabulam for their devotion, kindness and care. Thankyou to Mark Herrmann for his supportive help and for conducting the service in such a meaningful and personal manner.
The generous donations, which have been forwarded to the TTHA, are appreciated.
In fond memory, Otto Kuebler
Our dear Helene Reichert, resident of the TTHA, passed away on 13. September 2000 after a short illness.
Helene was the last living member of Gottlob and Karoline Reichert's family from Wilhelma. She had found old friends in the Home and a place where she was well cared for and where, in turn, she was well liked.
We thank everybody who helped to make Helene's stay there a happy one. She is at peace now.
To Dr. Rolf Beilharz, our heartfelt thanks for his comforting words, also to Helga Anderson for her untiring help.
For all the relatives, Elfriede Reichert
NEW TEMPLER HYMNBOOK
Launched with enthusiastic singing.
Over 100 people attended the service on 27 August in Bentleigh, where the hymnbook was introduced and used for the first time, in this year when we're celebrating 50 years of TSA.
Have you seen it yet? OUR new hymnbook with its gold embossed, red cover, stunningly simple illustrations, 129 hymns, 5 indexes, a thoughtful introduction by Templer President, Dieter Ruff, and an informative foreword by Sonia Glenk, coordinator of the Hymnbook Committee.
We think at this time of two people who would have loved to see this project completed. One is Eva Morna Kortschak. Dieter concludes his Introduction by dedicating this hymnbook to her memory 'as a special gesture of appreciation and gratitude for her outstanding work' - much of which concerned music - and especially her initiating and helping to fund this hymnbook. The other is Helga Uhlherr, whose gift for translating verse is evident in so many of the hymns.
Elder Theo Richter, who held the Singsaal, honoured the occasion by using the hymnbook as a basis for his address, providing insight into the history of previous editions and the genesis of this new Templer Hymnbook. He also showed us a way into the future. The choir set the musical theme by starting the service with Mit dem Herrn fang alles an and ending with Bach's Wer nur den lieben Gott lässt walten.
Theo spoke of the importance - often underrated - of singing together, in harmony. And he asked those who could to stand for the singing ('I don't think anyone fell asleep', he smiled later, but it was mainly for easier breathing). He commented on the selection in this volume embodying the best of our English and German cultures and heritage, while also being modern, relevant and attractive. - We certainly hope that you will all find some among these hymns that inspire you.
'Bringing this book to print is a community achievement'; Theo mentioned the many people who played a role and thanked them all on behalf of TSA members, the Regional Council and the Elders. 'We are truly privileged to have amongst us people who have the calibre, the resourcefulness, the far-sightedness and the determination to succeed' in such a project.
And we ALL (congregation and choir) sang out of the hymnbook - old German and English favourites (Ich singe dir mit Herz und Mund, Praise my soul the King of Heaven), modern German and English songs (Sag ja zu Gottes Wegen, A new commandment, Let us sing to the God of Salvation - a favourite of Morna) and finished off with the rousing canon Dona nobis pacem (give us peace) sung in three parts! All of this ably accompanied by Sonia Glenk on piano.
Thanks to all who assisted in making the service a memorable one.
The collection went towards a new piano for Be-Mo. The new curtains, funded by the Frauenverein, were acknowledged and there followed lunch and the Be-Mo AGM. (See report in NOTICES.)
Renate Beilharz, Theo Richter, H.U. Ed.
Note: Hymnbooks will be kept at the halls for use in services. Elders have received a copy and are asked to begin familiarizing themselves with the contents.
Later on some copies may be available for private sale.
The musician's edition (with the full accompaniments) is not quite finished, but getting there.
WE ARE PROUD OF OUR KIDS
Some of our children have done very well recently. In our German Schools' annual report you read that some of the Ba-Bo kids were awarded prizes in the SBS Lote German Essay Competition (there were 4,000 entries). Three from Be-Mo entered and performed admirably in the Goethe Inst. Poetry Competition.. (Other German Saturday Schools didn't bother to enter, perhaps thinking they were too small).
In the Australian German Teachers of Victoria Poetry Competition, Ingrid Beilharz reached the finals.
In the Science Teachers Association of Victoria Drama Awards, the Bayswater South Primary School Grade 2 entry was one of 6 State finalists, of which 4 were from high schools. Their class is taught science in German and their play was the first time in the 50 years of the competition to be in German. It was called Die Reise eines Wassertropfens and showed the way water circulates from raindrops falling on a mountain, gathering into a stream… evaporating, forming clouds, raindrops falling… Templer kids who participated, were Martin Beilharz, Tamara Bouzo and Alana Murrihy. They were awarded trophies and "best cooperative effort" Congratulations!
You can see that German is alive and well and still popular. Editor
Would you like to share achievements with our readers?
TEMPLER EXCHANGE
At the AGA of the TSA, Alysha Murray gave her report on her experiences as an exchange candidate. She delivered part of the report in her newly learnt German, to general acclaim. We wish her well for her exams.
Stefan Klingbeil is due in Melbourne on first November and will be staying with Haerings first. Offers to take him for excursions or have him over for meals are welcome.
Manfred and Minni Haering are at Boronia, on 9762 9171. The Exchange Coordinator is Christine Ruff on 9729 7074.
Claudia Mutschlechner in a letter to Bouzos, writes happily about her PR work experiences.
She adds 'Fortunately I've lost weight - probably because we don't have Tim Tams in Germany. And my hair grew - probably because we don't have $10 hair cuts. That's what I look like now - one year after I left Australia.' Editor
SYDNEY
Unsere jährliche Mitgliederversammlung am 27. August verlief auch dieses Jahr wieder in einer freundschaftlichen Atmosphäre von gemeinschaftlicher Zusammen-arbeit zum Wohl unserer Gemeinde.
Alle Berichte wurden besprochen, erklärt und angenommen. Amtsträger wurden gewählt oder im Amt bestätigt, so dass wir wieder ein vollzähliges, beschlussfähiges Komitee haben, das die Angelegenheiten unserer Gemeinde leiten kann.
Heinz Beilharz gab seinen Bericht als unser Vertreter bei der Zentralkasse und obwohl wir dieses Jahr noch nicht die Verwaltung unseres Besitzes in die Hände der Zentralkasse übergeben konnten, wird weiter daran gearbeitet. Auf Anregung von Harry Slip und dem Vorsitzenden wurde Heinz für seine Mühe gedankt und sein Amt für ein weiteres Jahr bestätigt.
Es wurde beschlossen, unseren Defizit auf Null zu reduzieren, was mit den Beiträgen der Calvary Indonesian Baptist Church möglich sein sollte. Ausserdem sollen verschiedene Verbesserungen und Reparaturen vorgenommen werden, wie neue Geländer am Haupt- und Hintereingang, eine neue Schwelle und Steinquaderverputz.
Die nächste Versammlung ist am
Sonntag, den 29. Oktober um 3 Uhr mit Dietrich und Isolde Ruff.
Once again our annual members' meeting on 27 August was held in a friendly, co-operative atmosphere for the benefit of our community.
All relevant reports of office bearers were discussed, explained and adopted; office bearers were re-elected or reconfirmed in their positions, so that we have a full-strength, duly elected committee in place, well capable of attending to the running of our community.
Heinz Beilharz presented his report as our representative on the Board of the Central Fund, and although we could not yet transfer the management of our property to that body, we will continue to move in that direction. On the motion of Harry Slip, seconded by the chairman, Heinz was thanked for his efforts and his position reconfirmed for a further year.
It was decided to reduce our operating deficit to nil in the coming year, which should be possible through the donations of the Calvary Indonesian Baptist Church, who use our premises regularly. Also various improvements and repairs are to be carried out, namely new handrails at the main and side entrances, a new access step and tuck pointing of the sandstone foundation stones.
Next meeting:
Sunday 29 October at 3 p.m. with Dietrich and Isolde Ruff.
P.K. Hoffmann
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Der Vortrag für unsern Saal am 13. August war von Hulda Wagner, gelesen von U. Asenstorfer. Sie behandelt darin den Text aus Markus 6, 7-13. Darin ermahnt Jesus seine Jünger - und somit auch uns - nur das Nötigste mit auf den Weg zu nehmen. (Was würde er nur denken, wenn er unseren heutigen Lebensstil sehen würde!) Wie wir wissen macht Besitz allein nicht glücklicher. Glücklich macht Geben und dazu gehören Freundschaft, unsere Talente und Hilfe wo nötig. Doch sollten wir uns auch im Nehmen üben. Aber trotz großen Bemühungen ist es halt nicht leicht sich in des Anderen Lage zu versetzen.
Die 11 Anwesenden führten beim anschließenden Beisammensein eine rege Unterhaltung.
Unser nächster Saal ist am 8. Oktober um 2 Uhr in Tanunda. Heinz Vollmer wird ihn für uns halten.
Die Frauengruppe traf sich im August, bei Edith Hatswell und im September bei Elsa Mahlburg. Jetzt, dass wir alle im Ruhestand sind, wird es immer schwieriger alle zusammen zu bringen. Die Leutchen sind alle sooo beschäftigt. Trotzdem werden weiterhin fleißig Handarbeiten gemacht.
Rose Asenstorfer
Our August service was one by Hulda Wagner, read by Uli Asenstorfer. The text was Mark 6:7-13. In it Jesus encourages his disciples - and therefore us as well - to take only what is absolutely necessary on their journey. (What would he think of our current lifestyle!) As we know, possessions alone do not make us happier. What makes us happy is giving, including friendship, our talents and help where necessary. However, we should practise receiving, too. In spite of sincere efforts, it's hard to put oneself in another person's situation.
The eleven people who came talked animatedly afterwards.
Our next service is on 8 October at 2 p.m. in Tanunda. Heinz Vollmer will be the speaker.
The Ladies' Group met at Edith Hatswell's in August and at Elsa Mahlburg's in September. Now that we are all retired, it is getting more difficult to get everyone together.
Everyone is sooo busy. But we are still making craft items.
HEIM NACHRICHTEN -- HOME NEWS
Am Samstag den 2. September fand die letzte jährliche Hauptversammlung des THA Inc. statt. Der Sitzung wohnten über 50 Personen der beiden Träger Organisationen, AGWS und TSA, bei. Der Rechenschaftsbericht des Komitees wurde von mir auszugsweise vorgelesen. Der Finanzbericht wurde von Mark Herrmann präsentiert. Beide Berichte wurden von der Versammlung einstimmig angenommen.
Gleich anschliessend in einer Sonder-Versammlung wurden zwei weitere Beschlüsse gefasst; nämlich die Schliessung des THA Inc. und, nach Tilgung sämtlicher Verpflichtungen, die Übertragung der Sachwerte an die neue Einrichtung, Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Inc.
Am 14. September versorgten wir 80 Bewohner, 44 von der AGWS und 36 von der Tempelgesellschaft.
Die Bemühungen Dr. Schreiber's, einen geeigneten Arzt für das Heim zu finden, sind bisher noch nicht erfolgreich gewesen und gehen weiter.
Die Accreditation Inspection wird vom 10. bis 11. Oktober 2000 stattfinden.
Das Oktoberfest wird dieses Jahr wegen Zeitmangels leider ausfallen, aber es wird ein Oktoberfest im kleinen Rahmen für die Heimbewohner und ihre Angehörigen stattfinden. Dies ist auf den 17. Oktober (nicht den 10.) im Rahmen der deutschen Woche angesagt.
Um unser Bus Projekt voranzubringen ist eine Lotterie organisiert worden. Viele Preise stehen bereit, unter anderem ein Korb mit allerlei Köstlichkeiten zum Naschen. Tickets sind an beiden Rezeptionen im Heim für einen Dollar pro Ticket erhältlich. Wir hoffen auf Ihre großzügige Unterstützung.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
On Saturday 2nd September the last annual general meeting of THA Inc. took place. More than 50 members of both Parent Societies, the AGWS and the TSA, attended. The annual report, presented by myself, and the financial report by Treasurer, Mark Herrmann, were adopted unanimously by the members.
Immediately following the annual general meeting, at an extraordinary general meeting, resolutions were passed that THA Inc. should be wound up and that, after meeting all obligations, the residual assets of Tabulam Nursing Home Inc. become part of the new Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Inc. Both resolutions were carried.
The resident ratio on 14th September was AGWS 44 and TSA 36, 80 in all.
Dr. Schreiber is still looking for a suitable doctor for the Home, but has not been successful so far. The search will continue.
The accreditation inspection team will visit the Home from the 10th to 11th October.
The Oktoberfest for the wider Community will not take place this year due to time and resource constraints. However, there will be a smaller Oktoberfest for the Home Community. All residents and their families are invited to attend. It will take place on 17th October during German Week (not on 10.10 as flagged earlier.)
To raise more funds for the bus project, a raffle has been organised. Amongst other prices a food hamper is on offer. Tickets are $1 each and are available at both reception areas at the Home. We are hoping for your generous support for this event.
Walter Burkhardt
Gebet eines Senioren
NOTICES
FORTHCOMING SERVICES
Sun 8.10 Ba 10.15 Presentation & SS E Renate Beilharz
In gratitude for our children, the collection from the Presentation Service will go to the Very Special Kids organisation.
Renate Beilharz
CENTRAL COUNTRY VIC
Our next meeting will be held on Sunday 15 October. We will start with a service at 11 a.m. followed by a BBQ lunch. Everyone is most welcome to come and join us. Please bring along your own meat and a salad to share, as well as a cake or slice etc. Tea, coffee and cordial will be available. Please bring your own outdoor chairs.
For any further information please ring Dot on the above phone number, or Peter
The Wares
TABULAM & TEMPLER HOMES FOR THE AGED
The Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Management Committee wishes to advise that documents have been submitted to the Knox Council seeking town planning approval for the new building works. A full set of these drawings can be viewed at the Home or at the TSA Office.
The Committee welcomes any comments or queries.
Dieter Blaich, Architect
BENTLEIGH SAAL AND COMMUNITY AFTERNOON
Everyone is cordially invited to our community afternoon on
Sunday 22nd October at 2.15. Bentleigh ladies please bring a cake to share.
The following ladies are rostered to assist on the day and are asked to be at the hall by 1.45 to set up. If you are unable to help, please contact me.
Ursula THIESEMANN; Anne, Elisabeth & Christine WAGNER; Suzanne WARE; Renate & Kirrily WEBER; Rosemarie& Lucy WELLER; Helga & Erika ANDERSON; Skaidrite BLAICH.
Helga Anderson
BAYSWATER-BORONIA COMMUNITY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REPORT
Over 60 people attended the meeting on 6.8.2000 which Dieter Ruff addressed with a few words of reflection and prayer, after the Templer Hymn was sung.
Reports from all the different groups and clubs were presented showing the vital, living force in our community.
Nine new members were welcomed, eight babies were born to members and friends during the year and those who had passed away were remembered with a minute's silence.
Elections - Retiring members Günter Kuerschner, Sigi Messner & Ralph Richter were thanked for their dedicated work on the committee over the years. Three new members and a new chairperson, Elisabeth Wagner, were elected.
Committee - Tony Beilharz, Peter Blackwell, Paul English, Peter Hapke, Trudy Murray, Resi Schwarzbauer (who kindly allowed herself to be re-elected and is our hard-working secretary) and Kurt Beilharz, Manfred Decker & Minnie Haering (new).
May the year 2000-2001 be a fruitful and happy year for the community. We hope to focus especially on families and youth, and, of course, the new building project.
We invite family and friends to the Presentation Service in our hall on 8 October. Come and help us celebrate this happy family event.
Elisabeth Wagner,
Chairperson, Ba-Bo Community
BENTLEIGH-MOORABBIN COMMUNITY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING REPORT
Our AGM was held on Sunday 27 August after a wonderful Sing Service for the launch of the new Templer Hymnbook, followed by a satisfying lunch.
There were 33 members present.
The Committee for 2000-2001 is:
Moni Imberger - President, Helmut Eppinger - Treasurer; Gisela Schmidt, Kurt Eppinger, Oskar Krockenberger, Herb Hoffmann, Paul Weberruss, Theo Richter, Diana Rainbird.
Items discussed:
I wish to thank the retiring Committee member, Annette Wagner-Hesse, for all her hard work and wish her well with the impending addition to her family.
A special thankyou must go to Judy Eppinger, who stepped down last November to assist her husband Bernie in fighting his battle with cancer.
The Committee and Be-Mo Community offer their condolences and thank her for her total commitment to the community and the professionalism with which she ran its business. Judy, I hope I can do half as good a job as you did.
Moni Imberger,
President, Be-Mo Community
BA-BO TENNIS CLUB
Anybody interested in playing night tennis competition for Season 1 in 2001 commencing 29 January please contact Bob Loebert (Tel. 9758 1552). Names are to be in by 14 October, please.
Hella Edelmaier,
Club Secretary
BA-BO LADIES GROUP
Do you have photos in boxes or folders? Would you like some inspiration to put them into albums?
On Tuesday 17 October at Bayswater (1-3 p.m.) Irene Blaich will talk about how to organise and mount photos creatively into acid free, permanent albums to keep family memories for future generations.
All ladies are welcome. Irene Blaich
TEMPLER SEMINAR ON MT BULLER
Thanks to the ILTIS Ski Club we are able to offer you a whole weekend in the idyllic setting of the Mt Buller Village, for just $25. A time for contemplation, sharing nature and community - our year 2000 Seminar on the Kingdom of God.
The date is the weekend of 28 and 29 October.
Bookings with Alfred Klink. We may also be able to arrange shared transport. More details in September Templer Record, page 32-33.
LADIES' ADVENT CELEBRATION IN BENTLEIGH
Once again it is time to begin preparations for the ladies' advent celebration. This will take place on Sunday 3 December at 2.30 p.m. in the Bentleigh Hall.
We would like to start practices with our ladies' singing group this month. If you have joined us before, or if this is the year you'd like to join in, then we'd love to welcome you. Practices will be on Thursday nights this year and will start on 26 October at 8 p.m. in the Bentleigh Hall.
In November we will be asking for donations for the bazaar, so you may like to finish off craft items or start rifling through your recipe books.
Please ring if you have any questions. Veronica Rutowicz, Annette Wagner-Hesse
ADULT BASIC GERMAN CONVERSATION
The next course starts on 3 October and goes to 28 November on Tuesday nights from 7.30 - 9.00 p.m., excluding Cup Day.
Cost: $50 Templers, $60 non-Templers.
Irene Bouzo, for the Ba-Bo German School
YOUTH ACTIVITIES
By the time you read this report the 2000 confirmation group will have been on their camp and the 1998 confirmation group will also have been on their weekend away to Yarrawonga. Let's hope they all had a great time!
Why not think about organising a reunion for your confirmation group? It doesn't have to be a camp or weekend away, a night out or reunion party would be great, too!
I'm looking for some young people who would be interested in helping to organise or take part in a Youth Service early next year. If you think you might like to take a stab at it, give me a ring.
The Teenage Group have been rock climbing, go-karting, and in October will be having a movie night out. If you would like to join in with this group, or for more information, call me.
Remember, you can bring along your friends and you won't know if it's fun if you don't come!!
Susi Blackwell, Youth Coordinator
OUR NEW YOUTH EDITORS
Hi Everyone!
Hopefully everyone's holidays rocked and there was lots of partying and sleeping!! October is the second month of spring (2 months to go before summer). Which means the sun will start getting even warmer and summery clothes will be found again under the piles of winter woollies, and most of them will be too tight or too short to wear this year. But hey, that's a good thing because it calls for a shopping spree.
Some important dates to remember for October are World Food Day on the 16th, so eat what you want, National Water Day on the 22nd - a good day to start saving our most precious resource, and National Breast Cancer Day on the 25th.
We'd just like to introduce ourselves, although many of you know who we are already.
Tania Richter - I am 15 and in Year 10. I love summer, chocolate, partying and people. I would love to travel and can't wait till I'm 16 so I can learn to drive.
Emma Beilharz - I'm also 15 and in Year 10. I love having fun, summer (I wonder why?), making new friends and hanging out with my old ones, riding horses and writing. My ambition is to get a Hyundai Excel, (much to my father's disgust).
By the time this is published the Confirmands will be back from their (hopefully) fabulous confirmation camp. The 1998 Confirmagion group will have also had their reunion camp, led ably by Theo Richter and Dieter Edelmaier.
A Happy Birthday to
We would like to thank Karyn Kinder very much for the fabulous work that she has done in writing this page for the last 3 years. We hope we can do as superb a job as she has done. If anyone has any suggestions etc. for the page, then please call or e-mail Tania or Emma
So a happy October to everyone. Don't do anything we wouldn't do (which doesn't leave much!)
Luv and hugs, Emma and Tania.
Perhaps you noticed what these young ladies said in the context of "I believe…" at the family service in August in Boronia (Sept. TR pp.25-26); it's worth repeating here.
Emma - I believe that everyone should be treated equally and be able to express their individuality.
Tania - I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that our friends are amongst the most important people in the world, that our environment urgently needs our attention and that to wish for what you don't have is to waste what you do (have).
H.U. Ed.
CHILDREN'S SECTION
Hi Kids and Parents,
Spring is here!! But isn't it still very cold. Hopefully spring weather will be here in time for the school holidays. Enjoy your break.
The first King - 1 Samuel 9-15. God's people did not have a king. God led them through his prophet, Samuel.
But the people wanted a king. Samuel asked God about it. God said, 'Give them a king. But tell them they will be sorry. They will have to obey their king."
Samuel told the people what God said, but they still wanted a king. So God chose a king for them. His name was Saul. At first, Saul was a good king. But then he stopped obeying God. So God told Samuel he wanted a new king for his people.
JOKES Here are some ghost jokes:
BIRTHDAYS
Rhiannon Berkeley
Until next month, Moni
Issue 621
FATHER'S DAY
On Sunday, 3rd September, Father's Day is celebrated. We wish all fathers and fatherly men a happy day! The following poem was sent in by a member from Sydney. Thank you very much! It is from the Frank Vickery Village Newsletter.
Fathers are wonderful people
Fathers are wonder people too little understood,
When the German poet Börries von Münchhausen was young - he lived from 1874 to 1945 - men were not supposed to show their feelings towards their sons too freely. This is expressed in the following (German) poem by him:
Der goldene Ball
Was auch an Liebe mir vom Vater ward,
TEXT FOR THE MONTH - MARK 12:28-34
This text about the first commandment of all is so clear and convincing, but so hard to obey that not too many people manage to live accordingly.
Please read the whole passage, including the lawyer's answer to the words of Jesus, and think about the last sentence: "You are not far from the kingdom of God."
Hulda Wagner
After the Winter, God sends the Spring
Springtime is a season of hope and joy and cheer,
BASIC BUDDHIST WISDOM with THICH NHAT HANH
In this fascinating dialogue between Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the foremost teachers of Buddhism in the West; and New Dimensions Radio host Michael Toms, the concepts of soul, impermanence, and mindfulness are explored. "Everything is impermanent,"
Thich Nhat Hanh says, "Not only is your body impermanent, we have to welcome impermanence as a factor to make life possible - Long Live Impermanence!"
Thich Nhat Hanh was Chair of the Buddhist Peace Delegation to the Paris Peace Accords during the Vietnam War and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by Martin Luther King Jr. He is the author of many books, including Living Buddha, Living Christ.
ANNUAL MEETINGS 10 September 2000 in Bentleigh
Start times for our various annual meetings:
NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Reference is made to notices published in the August Templer Record. The following persons were fully nominated and seconded for council and committee positions.
Temple Society Australia
Regional Council Renate Beilharz, Ralph Richter,
Temple Society Central Fund (Aust.)
Board of Directors Dietmar Jürgensen, Werner Struve
Tabulam & Templer Homes for the Aged Inc.
Committee of Management Dieter Blaich, Walter Burkhardt, Theo Doh,
Mark Herrmann - Business Manager
REGIONAL COUNCIL OF THE TSA
This report summarises the activities, affairs and administration of the Temple Society Australia during 1999/2000. It highlights the more important aspects of the year's activities. All matters of significance concerning the Society and its members were consistently reported in the Templer Record throughout the year.
Members are asked to familiarise themselves with the report (and associated documents) so that it may be taken as read at the Annual General Assembly.
In the year 2000, the last year of the Christian Millennium and the 50th year of the TSA, many changes are taking place in the world around us. These changes challenge the TSA to examine its own structures and attitudes. To safeguard our future, we must adapt ourselves to meet and deal successfully with these changes. As this report shows, the Regional Council of the TSA is examining strategies for the future.
Our many community activities were strongly supported by the efforts and initiatives of dedicated members of our sub-organisations.
R.G. Beilharz - Regional Head
PROPOSED TEMPLER RELIGIOUS CENTRE
A considerable number of members responses to our letter regarding the above have been received at the TSA Office, but I know that there are many more still to be returned. In order to have your say - and this includes all associate members, who also received letters - and to assist the Regional Council and the membership at the Annual General Assembly in their deliberations, it is vital that as many responses as possible are completed and returned. Only then can we truly say that we know what the membership is thinking on this important topic for our future. To date, a majority of responses are in support of the proposal.
Mark Herrmann
REPORTS
Sunday School
The important task of educating our young people in the religious aspects of life in the wider community and the Temple Society is continuing in its own special way.
All Sunday School classes are held in conjunction with our services in Bentleigh, Boronia and Bayswater so, in effect, there are on average two Sunday School classes per month. Some children attend classes at all venues, while others regularly attend only one venue. Therefore two lesson programs run concurrently, one at Bayswater-Boronia, one at Bentleigh. At Bayswater-Boronia classes this year have been focussing on the life of Jesus. At Bentleigh the Old Testament stories of Moses and the Exodus have been the focus.
Monique Steller holds classes in Bayswater-Boronia, where participant numbers range from 6 to 25. Renate Beilharz and Suzy Ware run the classes in Bentleigh, where numbers range from 9 to 25. The age range of participants is very wide - from 4 to 13 years of age. While some activities can be tailored to cater for a variety of abilities, it is often difficult to keep the interest of all children. Having two teachers with each class would assist with catering for all our children.
I'd love to hear from any one interested in assisting with Sunday School classes.
Renate Beilharz
Archives
Slowly and quietly work is continuing in the TSA Archives. Documents are still being sorted and rehoused, the maps and plans have been laminated, hung in their stand and catalogued. The formidable task of sorting, rehousing and cataloguing photos is next on the agenda. So there is progress being made. Thanks go to those people who have worked on these projects.
I am very aware of the various people who have offered to help with the archives, whom I have not yet contacted. Please don't think you have been forgotten, you will be contacted in the future!!
As mentioned in the August Templer Record, we are willing to accept donations to the Archives of items of relevance to the preservation of the history of the Temple Society. Please reread that article for a more comprehensive explanation.
Please talk to any member of the Archive Committee if you have questions, suggestions or comments: Hermann Uhlherr, Oskar Krockenberger, Helmut Ruff, Dieter Ruff, Renate Beilharz.
Renate Beilharz (for the Archive Committee)
Playgroup
We continue to enjoy a healthy demand for Playgroup participation with enrolments steady. Apart from the range of creative activities provided for the children, the supportive environment and friendships derived and maintained, I feel, is one of Playgroup's main strengths - the progression to Kids' Club is a natural one.
At the moment we have 12 children attending, all from Templer families and their friends, still travelling from far and wide to join us. Another one or two children will join us next term. During the end of last year we welcomed many new babies who are now 'toddlers', making our sessions even more interesting. It's great that parents are able to give each other help and support during this time; a smile and word of encouragement goes a long way (pity that it does not erase the chronic fatigue?)
Early in the year a beach day was cancelled but instead we enjoyed a morning at Knox Leisure Centre in the toddlers' wading pool, while the 'big kids' took to the deep end. The ever-popular farm visit has become an annual event; last year Chesterfield Farm in Scoresby provided a very successful morning for parents and children alike. We also thank Peter Blackwell for sharing his talents with us; the Pied Piper and his trombone, accompanied by the Playgroup Band, gave us a really entertaining morning. The train trip to Belgrave proved much fun; after farewelling Puffing Billy, we enjoyed a Storytime at the library. The morning was made more special as we were accompanied by visitors from Germany, Monika and Ekke Tietz, who were very friendly and fantastic in the way they joined in.
Whether it's lovingly producing individual calendars for that special Christmas present or making a Fairy Garden, pasting, hammering or cooking up a treat, there is never a dull moment. End of May, we shared a special morning with many of our grandparents who also supported 'Australia's Biggest Morning Tea' to aid Cancer Research (see June TR). Each year, grandparents, parents, children and friends, all derive satisfaction from this event and it is always a pleasure to take part. We were able to donate $141.20 to cancer research and assistance to families. Please remember that grandparents and friends are always welcome anytime, not just on Grandparents' Day!
This year, with several fundraising efforts, we are back on track financially. Without the Shopping Tour over the last two years, which had been our main fundraiser, funds were well down last year. Thank you, Petra, for again organising this event on the 14th October and we hope that many people will support us. (see July TR)
Thank you to all our wonderful families for their constant willing input, and especially their friendship, which makes our morning such a pleasure. Nothing is ever achieved alone.
Just a reminder, if your child is aged between 2-4 years and you would like to join us on a Thursday morning between 10-12 at the Bayswater Hall, we would love to welcome you to Playgroup. Please ring me and let me know early. (9758 1003).
Moni Herrmann for Playgroup
German School
The Bayswater-Boronia School had an enrolment of 24 students with 16 of the children from Templer families. It runs both the Junior and the Intermediate classes on Friday evenings. The Bentleigh-Moorabbin School had an enrolment of 19 students, 10 of them from Templer families. It runs the Beginners and the Junior classes on Wednesday evenings and the Intermediate class on Thursday evenings.
Both schools again received $80 per student from the Education Department this year. They also made successful special grants submissions and received another sum of $300 and $200 respectively.
The two schools had a very successful joint excursion to the beach at Ricketts Point so that the teachers, parents and students could get to know each other. Both school co-ordinators kept up their representation at the Network meetings of the other German Saturday Schools around Melbourne.
All the students of the Ba-Bo School entered the SBS Radio LOTE German Essay Competition. We are proud to announce that four students won and received their prizes from the Minister for Education and the SBS Managing Director. The winners were Bill Murphy, Ingrid Beilharz, Martin Beilharz and Mieka Decker.
We were pleased that three students from the Be-Mo School took part in the Goethe Institute Poetry Competition for Years 5, 6 and 7. All three were wonderful participants and performed admirably.
Thanks to all those involved for making the schools a success.
Ursula Fisher (Be-Mo), Irene Bouzo (Ba-Bo)
Kids' Club
The last 12 months have again been an active successful time for Kids' Club providing both Templer and Non Templer families the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities.
As always we try as often as possible to link activities with Templer functions and services at all Templer venues including Country Victoria Groups.
In the past year Kids' Club has organised or taken part in the following activities:
In the next 12 months KC is hoping to become more involved in wider community activities such as the Melbourne City Mission winter sleepout, Arbor week, Clean up Australia Day, and so on.
As always KC is not affiliated with any particular Templer Community and is open to all Templer families and friends and the wider community by word of mouth.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the members of the committee who once again have worked very hard to keep KC running and, of course, thanks to all the families who join us in our activities.
This year our AGM again saw NO new faces. Our newly elected committee for 2000 is:
Winnie Beilharz is retiring from the KC committee this year after having been on it since Kids' Club was first started; in fact Winnie, through the TS 2000 committee, was the driving force behind starting up the Kids' Club! So on behalf of all the families who have and still are participating in Kids' Club I would like to thank Winnie for his dedication, perseverance and hard work! WELL DONE!!
Lastly I would like to urge ALL parents to seriously consider joining the KC committee for a year or two! We really need some new and enthusiastic people BEFORE everyone gets burnt out and throws the towel in!!
HAPPY KIDS' CLUBBING!!!
Susi Blackwell for the Kids' Club
Youth Coordinator
Last year at the TSA AGA Renate Beilharz outlined a new structure for organising and running our youth activities. Part of that structure was to have a person to oversee all our "youth groups": a Youth Coordinator. In March I volunteered to take on that position, to begin with on a voluntary and temporary basis, just to get the ball rolling and to see how it goes! It is now August, 5 months later and this is how it's gone…
We have Playgroup which is continuing to cater for the needs of our very little people (pre school age) and has an average attendance of about 12-14 children. It is being run by Monika Herrmann who continues to do a great job, thank you to Moni! (See Playgroup Report).
Then comes Kids' Club looking after our school age children, run by the dedicated KC committee (thank you all!), with varying participation, depending on the activity. (See Kids' Club Report).
Once the young people have grown out of Kids' Club we have the Teenage Group which has just restarted with a new group of teenagers, 22 in fact! Winnie Beilharz is looking after this group (thank you Winnie), but he is looking for some help! Teenage Group hopes to have one activity per month and is actively encouraging its members to bring along their friends. So far they have only had a couple of activities and some people also took part in the Winter Sleepout to help raise money for homeless people.
Many of our young people go on to Confirmation and the JG but at the moment we don't have a JG, so I am working on encouraging the Confirmation Groups to stay together by organising post Confirmation reunion camps. The 2000 Confirmation Group has their first camp in September (thank you Christine and Harald Ruff), and the 1998 Group has a reunion camp also in September (thank you Dieter Edelmaier, Theo Richter and Sarah Murray).
To run these camps I need two things; - someone to organise the camp and enough people to make it worthwhile. This of course is where YOU THE TEMPLER COMMUNITY can help!! The above mentioned two things I need do not come from thin air!! They come from volunteers from our community. Can I count on you next time?? Please help me to support our young people and to give them a community to belong to.
A large part of the Youth Coordinator's job is to liaise between all the different "youth groups" and support and help these groups as they need it. I also report on all groups to the Regional Council every month.
Lastly I would like to ask for EVERYONE'S help in supporting and encouraging our young people when they DO want to take part in TSA activities; sometimes they may also need a little push. It's a wonderful atmosphere to grow up in! REMEMBER!
Susi Blackwell, Youth Coordinator
Templer Exchange
Firstly thank you to all those who contributed to the positive experience Irina Hornung from the TGD had in Australia in 1999. Special thanks to Irina's host families Olga and Fritz Kroh and Rosemarie and Peter Weller for their efforts.
Alysha Murray, our last TSA exchange recipient, has returned to Australia after six months in Europe. A debriefing session was recently held with Alysha, who hopes to assist in the organising of activities for our youth, particularly past confirmands.
No applications were received for the year 2000 so no younger TSA members will be visiting Germany under the exchange scheme in 2001. In the past it has not been felt necessary to send an applicant to Germany every year.
Our TGD recipient Stefan Klingbeil will be arriving in Australia in October and although we have one offer of assistance, we are urgently seeking host families, especially for the month of October. The positive aspects gained from acting as a host family have been mentioned by many families in the past.
It is hoped to organise a get-together of past candidates to discuss and perhaps clarify the expectations of the program. Suggestions for future improvement of the scheme are always welcome.
A list of responsibilities for the coordinator of the scheme has been drawn up and guidelines and documentation for other aspects of the program have also been drafted or are currently being updated. Much activity concerning the exchange program takes place behind the scenes and the contributions of all those involved in these activities is appreciated.
The future of the scheme lies in the hands of the wider community. The success of the program will be determined by how much interest is shown by potential applicants, the interest shown by members in the visiting candidates and of course by the effort put in by the successful applicants themselves.
Christine Ruff
Choir
Again we look back upon a good and very busy year. We had a good start with the well attended concert in September. Then we participated in the conductors' seminar in October. In November we had a pleasant outing to Tatura, singing at the memorial service, enjoying lunch at the golf club and the lovely scenery on the way up there and back.
For the rest of the year we enjoyed participating in the main Templer festivities like Christmas, Presentation (Darstellung), 50th Anniversary, Sommerfest and Confirmation. We also took part in the 140th anniversary concert of the Liedertafel Arion. Of the four songs we presented, the last 3 earned us spontaneous and prolonged applause, a pleasing result.
Thank you Annette and Kurt for leading us in all those wonderful experiences and thanks to those who manage the affairs of the choir and contribute in some way with lots of good will.
Ulrich Hapke, Choir President
Care Worker
Another busy year has passed. My main working days are Wednesday and Thursday, although there are often matters to attend to on other days.
In my work I am well supported by the C.C.R.G. (Community Care Reference Group) which meets every two months. The committee members are Dr. Rolf Beilharz, Dr. Geoff McCallum,, Mark Herrmann, Linda Beilharz, Renate Hoffmann, Ruth Haar, Elisabeth Wagner. I thank them for their support and guidance. Our endeavour is to be mindful of community needs and how we can best meet them.
I also attend professional supervision by Mary Ward of Mary Ward & Associates about 6 times per year.
Wednesday is my regular day in Bayswater where I visit the TTHA, and do home and hospital visits. I am there also every second Thursday.
The work is varied and interesting. It includes assisting with admission to the TTHA, liaising with Aged Care Assessment Teams, taking clients to appointments, assisting with paperwork for health insurance etc., arranging a funeral and taking animals to the vet. There have been hearings at the Guardianship List to attend.
Together with Mrs. Eva Roten from the AGWS we chair the Residents and Relatives meetings at the TTHA. The meetings are held every two months. They give the residents and relatives an opportunity to air their views, ask questions and be informed on matters of progress in the Home.
Every second Thursday afternoon together with a dedicated group of volunteers we run a coffee shop in the Sun Room of the Home. It gives residents who are otherwise not able to go out, the opportunity to purchase limited items whilst enjoying others' company over a cup of coffee. My sincere thanks go to my volunteers because without their help this coffee shop would not be possible.
The Telelink still operates on alternate Monday afternoons. Our participants look forward to the day. It is an excellent way to keep in touch with distant isolated and housebound friends. On a number of occasions we have had a guest speaker on line and this adds an extra interest to the conversation. Telelink is provided by Telstra through Telelink Victoria and this involves attending regular meetings with other Telelink groups to discuss issues concerning the Telelink connection.
Over the year, with the help of the CCRG, we have worked on a number of projects. The Care leaflet was designed and distributed to help to explain the position of the care worker more clearly.
At the time of a bereavement people are often uncertain of the funeral procedure. We have worked on an information booklet with guidelines for arranging funerals in our community. It is designed to help people cope in their hour of need. The booklet, after some fine tuning, will be available in the near future. I thank the Elders and the committee for their time and input to make it possible.
We have helped to organise meetings of the TS Gippsland group. The meetings have been most successful and were enjoyed by all who came. Our thanks must go to the Lubitz and Bulach families for making their homes available. We trust that these meetings will continue to grow and become regular events.
In March, liaising with other churches in the Bentleigh area, we hosted the World Day of Prayer service in our hall. It was well attended and gave us an opportunity to welcome people from our neighbouring churches.
In May we hosted the New Parents afternoon for families and grandparents of children who were presented to our community over the last two years which was most enjoyable. It was an afternoon for them to relax and renew friendships.
A new initiative of the CCRG was to host an evening out for the parents of the Confirmands before the Confirmation. This was an opportunity for the parents to get to know each other better in a relaxed environment. It was a most pleasant and successful evening.
Serving of coffee after morning service in Bentleigh was introduced and, from comments received, this is much appreciated by the people attending.
Some outings for our Seniors were organised: a four day tour to Bright in October and a visit to the Victorian Rehabilitation Centre earlier this year.
Ongoing education is a priority and at present I am attending a counselling course with Griefline.
Finally, I wish to thank everyone who has supported me over the last year and the community for their confidence in my work.
Helga Anderson
Sydney
Last year's Annual General Meeting was held on the 22/08/1999 at which our members present elected me as their chairman. It seems incredible that this happened already nearly a year ago and I am writing my first annual report. I must admit, that it was not easy to fill Ilse Birkner's shoes, as she had everything running like a well oiled machine, practically by itself.
However, I tried to follow her instructions as best I could and we held our regular monthly Services as in the previous years.
We were fortunate that our President Dietrich Ruff and his wife Isolde could visit us in October 1999; Renate Beilharz and her family in September 1999, and Heinz and Heidi Vollmer in July 2000. Also our Regional Head, Dr. Rolf Beilharz conducted the funeral of Kurt Steller in December 1999. So we received more than a fair share of support from the Melbourne elders.
We had to hold another funeral in April 2000, that of Heinz Beck, when Heinz Beilharz held the eulogy. Both funerals were very well attended by members and friends. Klaus Osarek, husband of our member Inge Osarek, née Steller, also passed away; the funeral was conducted at their home town Tumut, NSW.
Our Christmas bazaar was again a financial success and enjoyed by everyone who attended. We held a community council meeting on 03/06/00 at Herbert Steller's home and another one will be held on 14/08/00 at 55 Buring Cres. Minchinbury, this time in the afternoon, in time for the AGM on 27/08/00.
After initial problems with sharing our church premises with the Indonesian Calvary Baptist Church, mainly concerning cleanliness, we are prepared to persevere with the arrangement, as their donation of $20 per Church service and $5 per prayer meeting twice a month on Tuesday evenings, do help towards the maintenance costs.
This is about all for my first year as chairman except to record my deep gratitude toward so many people who keep the wheel turning behind the scene, as for instance: all the regular Sunday attenders, Erni Weller for her regular musical contribution and secretarial work, Herbert Steller for being treasurer and organising lawn mowing, tree lopping and repairs, Erika Schulz for leading the ladies guild, Manne Schnerring for keeping an eye on the place regularly, Emmy Simmer for organising Christmas service and all the many helpers involved in the bazaar. The list goes on and on. All I can say is: many many THANKS!!!
Peter K. Hoffmann
Süd-Australien
Die Südaustralische Templer Gruppe traf sich sechsmal im vergangenen Jahr. Uli Asenstorfer hielt den Saal viermal and wir freuten uns, daß Dieter Ruff zweimal die Feier gestaltete.
Im Durchschnitt waren 10 Personen anwesend. Thea Frank sendet immer Grüße, ist aber zu schwach für die lange Fahrt von Murray Bridge nach Tanunda.
Wenn es Richard Hornung möglich war bei uns zu sein, so trug er jedesmal musikalisch bei.
Wir konnten im letzten Jahr $250.00 zur Altenbetreuung beitragen.
Ende Oktober starb Hilda Weinmann, ein regelmäßiges Mitglied unserer Gruppe und Ende März Luise Weinmann, die uns auch ab und zu besuchte.
U. & R. Asenstorfer waren als Vertreter unserer Gruppe bei der 50. Jahresfeier.
Die Frauengruppe traf sich monatlich und war stolz, Handarbeiten im Wert von $288.00 ans Altersheim zu schicken, sowie eine Weihnachtsgabe von je $50.00 an Tabulam und Altersheim zu geben.
Zum Jahresabschluss gingen wir nach Hahndorf zum Mittagessen und Museumsbesuch.
Rose Asenstorfer
Country Victoria Group
As in the past years we again met three times over the last twelve months.
Continuing our efforts to reach as wide a group of Templers as possible our October meeting at Karin and Will Williamson's was a combined Country Vic Kids' Club Day.
We also met at
These gatherings are proving to be a very relaxed and informal way for Templers, both from the country and Melbourne to get to know each other, combining with our need for some religious contact.
We are always grateful to the Elders for their thoughtful and insightful services. As our groups are usually smaller, there is greater opportunity to discuss the issues and ideas raised during the service. Weather depending, the informality of the day allows the more energetic of us to take a break and go for a walk. The perfect way to spend a bit of time in an area one may otherwise not see.
To record the history of our group we are developing a folder or album of photos, copies of services, visitors lists and other communications. Though we have most of the meetings recorded, there are a few gaps. Through this forum we would like to request that if anyone could help us fill the gaps or have other relevant material that they please pass it on to us.
As always we thank those Elders who joined us this year and held services for us. Apart from Christa Lingham sharing a service with Mark Herrmann last year, none of us have yet felt the confidence to spread our wings and hold a service. With time and encouragement perhaps this may happen.
Dot Ware
AUS DEM GEMEINDELEBEN
GEBURTSTAGE. Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder
Annemarie Kirchner
GOLDENE HOCHZEIT
Wir gratulieren Gerda und Werner Struve herzlich zu ihrer goldenen Hochzeit am 14/9/2000 und wünschen ihnen alles Gute.
Congratulations to all our birthday and anniversary people
IN TRAUER
Unser Bruder und Onkel Dr. Karl Imberger starb am 3.8.2000 in Ulm im Alter von 88 Jahren.
In Trauer: Richard Imberger & Familie
Alma Schulz & Familie
Wilhelm Imberger & Familie
Our sympathies to the bereaved
"WHO CARES FOR THE CARERS?" THE TEMPLER SUPPORT GROUP!
We are an informal group who met on Saturday 29th July at the Blackwell house to discuss how each person felt about caring for and living with a family member who has a life long disease (such as cancer or diabetes).
Discussion took place with the emphasis being placed on how partners/carers have been managing with the loved one's condition. Afternoon tea was enjoyed by all.
The idea behind this group is to enable partners/carers to realize that there are other people they can talk to, have a cuppa with, or a shoulder to cry on within our community.
For further information, ideas, discussion, cuppas or tissues, please contact one of those listed below.
Peter Blackwell; Kurt Imberger; ;Irene/Emad Bouzo
FAMILY SERVICE
A Family Service was recently held at the Boronia Hall, the topic of which was "thinking and thoughts, believing and beliefs". Amongst issues discussed were: the power of our thoughts and beliefs, how our beliefs can change, why we need to believe and what it is that they believe and I thought their personal reflections were worth sharing with the wider community. Thank you to these people who had the courage to stand up and say their bit:
"I believe…" contributions:
"I believe that everyone should be treated equally and be able to express their individuality." Emma Beilharz
"I believe our happiness is in our own hands and that we always have a choice as to how we deal with our life experiences." Susi Blackwell
"A thing that is very special to me is my family. Because they keep me amused and keep me company. They keep me happy and help me out with homework. Even though we argue, my family loves me!!!" Ingrid Beilharz
"I believe in community. The opportunity to share the highs and lows of the journey to common goals, the camaraderie developed and the sense of "belonging" are amongst the most valuable of life's experiences." Manfred Decker
"I found this verse from a worksheet I did at Junior Fellowship on Friday night. It comes from The Bible, 2 Timothy, chapter 3 verse 14:
'Keep on being faithful to what you were taught and to what you believe.' " Nikki Imberger
"I believe in God - without God we are nothing" Thomas Blackwell
"I believe in the power of people working together. As a team they can achieve much more than as individuals. I also believe in oneself. If you think you can, then you will succeed. Winfried Beilharz
"I think friends and family are very important in our lives. People are allowed to have their own opinion and know that if people agree or not they won't be laughed at behind their backs. People should be adventurous because they will gain courage and wisdom from their mistakes. If you think strongly about something don't be afraid to put your opinion out to the world."
"We should look after our world before we destroy it. People should care more about the animals and their habitats otherwise they will become extinct." Monika Richter
"I believe that if you help someone out, they will usually repay you by helping you out." Alastair Herrmann
"I believe in my parents, my husband and my children, and in the community." Moni Imberger
"I believe that dolphins should be protected because they are beautiful animals. They are the most intelligent animals in the world." Lisa Beilharz
"I believe we should treat other people the way we would like to be treated ourselves." Tony Beilharz
"I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that our friends are amongst the most important people in the world, that our environment urgently needs our attention and that to wish for what you don't have is to waste what you do." Tania Richter
Christine Ruff
SYDNEY
Am Sonntag den 23.7.2000, haben über 30 Mitglieder und Freunde meinem Aufruf im letzten Rundschreiben Folge geleistet, um unserem Ältesten Heinz Vollmer aus Melbourne und seiner Frau Heidi ein zahlreiches Willkommen zu bereiten. Außer den beiden Hauptpersonen waren auch noch Hans-Jürgen Kirchner und seine Frau Erika aus Melbourne auf Besuch und wir freuten uns sehr, auch sie herzlich begrüßen zu können.
Heinz sprach über Johannes 6:1-21, obwohl der Text nicht vorgelesen wurde und erst während des Vortrags zur Geltung kam. Er stellte aus seiner anziehenden Lebensphilosophie schwerwiegende Fragen an uns, wie: können wir noch an die Wunder Jesu glauben? Haben wir noch genug Zeit zur Nächstenliebe? Zum Gespräch mit Nachbarn? Und vor allem für unsere Kinder? Wie entwickeln sich die Menschen, wenn man nur noch mit dem Computer correspondiert und das gesprochene Wort fast überflüssig wird?
Die Botschaft, die Jesus uns brachte, hilft uns das tägliche Leben zu meistern.
Nächste Termine:
Sonntag 27.8.00, 3 Uhr jährliche Mitgliederversammlung, mit Wahl über unser Kirchlein und Gemeinderat.
Sonntag 24.9.00, 3 Uhr Saal von mir, und am Sonntag 29.10.00 hat sich unser Tempelvorsteher Dietrich Ruff mit Frau Isolde angemeldet.
Over 30 people heeded my appeal in the last Templer Record and turned out on Sunday 23.7.00 to welcome Heinz Vollmer and his wife Heidi to our community. Also there to be welcomed from Melbourne were Hans-Jürgen Kirchner and his wife Erika up north for a visit.
Heinz chose the text from John 6: 1-21 which he did not read out - but out of which he developed his homespun "Life philosophy", posing many challenging questions like: do we still believe in the miracles Jesus is reported to have performed? Do we find enough time to love our neighbours, to communicate with them? Do we spend enough quality time with our children? What will humanity be like in the future, when we have all become e-mail junkies and the spoken word is all but obsolete?
The message of love which Jesus brought, can help us to cope with the stresses of daily life, even in this age.
Notes for the calendar:
Sunday 27.8.00 at 3 p.m. annual community members meeting with elections about our church and council members.
Sunday 24.9.00 at 3 p.m. service conducted by myself
and on
Sunday 29.10.00 our president, Dietrich Ruff and his wife Isolde will be with us.
Peter K. Hoffmann
Mein Bruder Otto Wurst wurde am 1. August operiert (Dickdarm); die Operation dauerte 3 Stunden. Der Arzt sagte anschließend: "I removed a big piece of cancer." Seit dem 15. August ist Otto wieder zuhause und fühlt sich inzwischen recht wohl.
Ilse Birkner, (im Auftrag von Otto)
HEIM NACHRICHTEN
Es wundert mich immer wie schnell so ein Monat vergeht und es wieder Zeit für einen Bericht ist.
Im Heim läuft alles seinen geregelten Gang dank des tatkräftigen und fähigen Einsatzes unserer Mitarbeiter. Wir sind nun seit der Vereinigung der beiden Heime eine sehr große Pflege Organisation geworden. Der Pflegebedarf vieler Bewohner ist enorm hoch was immer den vollen Einsatz des Pflegepersonals fordert. Wir danken allen Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeitern für ihre Arbeit bei uns, wir wissen auch, dass es nicht einfach ist.
In der Verwaltung sind in nächster Zeit einige Mitarbeiter auf Urlaub, das erhöht natürlich das Arbeitspensum für den Rest, aber auch das wird geschafft.
Die Baupläne liegen nun beim Council zur "Genehmigung im Princip" nach vielen Besprechungen mit den Architekten und anschliessenden Rückfragen bei dem zuständigen Personal. In dieser Beziehung wird sich auch in den nächsten drei Monaten nichts ändern.
Der Besuch der Accreditation Agency wird vom 9. bis 11. Oktober stattfinden. Wir sehen dieser Inspektion positiv und optimistisch entgegen, möchten uns aber doch ein bisschen Glück dazu wünschen. Unsere Mitarbeiter unterziehen sich grosser Mühe weitere mögliche Verbesserungen des Dienstes auszuarbeiten und im Heim umzusetzen, was eine der Voraussetzungen für die Accreditation ist.
Wegen diesem Ereignis werden Sie verstehen, dass das Oktoberfest dieses Jahr nicht stattfinden wird. Möglicherweise wird es eine Accreditation Party geben, vielleicht würdigen Sie die Anstrengungen zu diesem Ereignis so sehr, dass Sie eine Spende machen auch ohne das Oktoberfest.
Vom Deutschen Club Tivoli erhielten wir eine Spende von $1000.00 wofür wir dem Club und seinen Mitgliedern sehr dankbar sind.
Abschliessend möchte ich noch an das "special annual meeting" am 2. September um elf Uhr in der Bayswater Halle erinnern. Der Rundbrief kommt hoffentlich gerade noch vorher bei Ihnen an.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen
Walter Burkhardt
RAFFLE TICKETS
Don't forget to purchase the raffle tickets enclosed with this Templer Record in aid of the Tabulam and Templer Homes Bus.
FORTHCOMING SERVICES
Sun 10. 9 Be 10:00 TSA AGA E Rolf Beilharz
PRESENTATION SERVICE
Parents wishing to have their children presented before God and the community at the service in Bayswater on 8 October at 10.15 a.m. are asked to contact the Office on 9557 6713 so that the necessary arrangements can be made.
Ed.
TEMPLER EXCHANGE UPDATE
A big thank you to Traude and Dieter Glenk who have offered to host our next TGD candidate Stefan Klingbeil, once they return from overseas in early November. As Stefan arrives in Australia in early October we are still searching for someone who would be willing to accommodate Stefan for the first few weeks after his arrival. Even if you can only offer one or two weeks, every bit would help. As time is of the essence, please consider this request and ring Mark at the Office (03 9557 6713) as soon as possible if you can assist. If expense is an issue please feel free to discuss this with either Mark or myself.
Of course, offers for day trips, short holidays or just invitations for dinner are also always appreciated by our visiting TGD members! Please keep this in mind.
Christine Ruff
REUNION OF THE 1967 CONFIRMATION GROUP AND FRIENDS
It's finally happening! Our second reunion will take place on Saturday, 28 October 2000 at the Bayswater Tennis Club from 6 p.m. onwards.
BBQ available. Bring your own food and drinks. If you intend coming please contact the self appointed organizing committee:
Karl Steller
P.S. If someone could bring a portable music system that would be appreciated.
GIPPSLAND TEMPLER GROUP SERVICE AND GET-TOGETHER
All Templers, along with their families and friends are invited to our next Service and Get-together in the lovely spring country of Nyora, on Sunday, 24 September, at 11 a.m. The little old country church and extensive grounds of Hillcrest Christian College have been made available to us for this day. Rotundas and verandahs with scenic views can be used for lunch and afternoon tea. Adventure playgrounds, garden walks, bush tracks and canoeing (with children under parental supervision) are just some of the activities available. Benches and chairs are available as are hot water urns and food-heating facilities. Hot beverages and fruit juices will also be supplied. But, please bring your own cutlery and crockery. We would appreciate it if you could also bring along a salad or warm-up dish, such as a casserole, quiche or pizza, to share at lunch (please, no BBQ food) and a cake or cookies to share at afternoon tea.
Hillcrest Christian College is at 955 McDonald's Track, between Lang Lang and Nyora. It is about an hour's drive from Bayswater or Bentleigh. Come along the South Gippsland Highway till you get to the Lang Lang, turn-off at the bridge and roadhouse. Travel on the turn-off for approx. 1 km to the Lang Lang cross-roads roundabout (the hotel is on your right) and keep going straight ahead (not left into the township) on McDonald's Track, crossing the railway line about one km on. Continue for another approx. 7 km, passing two sand-mining plants on the right before the main sign for Hillcrest appears on the left. Follow the driveway down into the school ground, parking anywhere near the little old church where we will have our service at 11 a.m. Looking forward to seeing you there.
Marie-Anne Beilharz
BAYSWATER-BORONIA LADIES GROUP
The World of Animals, on Tuesday 19th September, Ann Bouchier, speaker for the Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary, will share with us the wonders of the animal world on hand of pictures and slides.
All ladies are welcome. Hilda Beilharz
AUSFLUG NACH BUXTON
Da nun der Winter vorbei ist und die Sonne wieder wärmer scheint wollen wir eine Fahrt ins Grüne unternehmen und zwar geht die Reise nach Buxton bei Eildon.
Die Fahrt führt durch das schöne Yarra Valley zu der Highlander Deer Farm mit Blick über das schöne Goulburn Valley. Hier wird uns die Rotwildzucht erklärt. Auch Emu gibt es zu sehen.
Nach der Führung nehmen wir dort unser Mittagessen ein. Danach geht die Fahrt weiter über Eildon zum Buxton Zoo, wo Kunstwerke aus Spinnweben ausgestellt sind und auch zum Kauf angeboten werden.
Bitte schönes Wetter bestellen!
Datum: Donnerstag 28.9.00.
Abfahrt 8.30 in Bentleigh Hall Tucker Road, und 9.00 in Bayswater (Templer Home).
Preis: $27.00 pro Person bei 40+ Passagieren $28.50 pro Person bei 35-39 Passagieren $30.50 pro Person bei 30-34 Passagieren
Anmeldungen bitte bis zum 22.9.00 bei Helga Anderson
BOARD AND LODGING
Nina Esters, 21 years old, is coming in September to Melbourne from Germany to work for six weeks in the city at Baker and McKenzie's. She was in Perth 2 years ago and stayed at Peter and Robyn Wagner's. They say she is friendly, unassuming and willing to help.
If you can accommodate her, please let Hulda Wagner or Ilse Birkner know, who can pass it on to Peter in Perth.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR
Whitehorse Musical Theatre
Phoenix Theatre, Deakin University
Burwood Highway, Burwood
Due to circumstances beyond my control, the original date has had to be changed to the following Saturday. The performance we now have a booking for will be on Saturday 21 October.
Due to this change everyone will need to reconfirm their booking. As it now no longer clashes with the playgroup shopping tour, more people may be interested in attending. I have a booking for about 60 people.
Please contact me evenings after 7 p.m. or e-mail me at tmurray@bigpond.net.au
Trudi Murray
... HOW FAR FROM THE KINGDOM OF GOD?
TSA Religious Seminar on the weekend 28th and 29th October in the ILTIS Ski Lodge, 25 Stirling Rd. Mt Buller Village
The rugged Mt Buller Ranges will provide the backdrop for our year 2000 TSA religious seminar. It is always a pleasure when you can combine enjoyment of a natural environment with good food and stimulating conversation. Our theme will be "The Kingdom of God today". After 2000 years, are we getting closer to the ideal? What do we see as its modern meaning? -
It is not a seminar in the strict sense of the word, more a friendly discussion on Templer philosophies and our individually different ways of their interpretation. A weekend away from worry and stress, in the invigorating alpine atmosphere. The program is arranged as follows:
arrive at ILTIS Lodge Friday (27) afternoon or Saturday (28) October morning
the seminar itself consists of:
28 Saturday, 11:00 an introductory familiarisation discussion
The evenings will be left free for participants to continue previous discussions or to address other topics of interest or concern. We hope to have some excursions to the sights of Mt Buller and, if the weather is good, a guided tour to the summit would be terrific.
Departure Sunday (29) night or Monday (30) morning
Accommodation is in the ILTIS Lodge, courtesy of the ILTIS Ski Club. The lodge has room for 30 adults in a variety of 2 and 4 bed bedrooms. Children can share with their parents or sleep together in the rumpus room. Please bring your own covers and blankets plus baby-cot if required. (See "what to bring" below)
The lodge is centrally heated, wonderfully warm with ample capacity for the coldest snap. There is lots of hot water for showers and whatever, in short, all the comforts of home (even a TV if you're so inclined).
Eating will be simple community meals, Friday evening to Monday morning inclusive. Heinz Vollmer has kindly offered to cater for us. Breakfast will be cereal, toast, various spreads, coffee, tea, milk.. Lunch, open sandwiches and greens. Dinner, Soup and simple fare. You are encouraged to bring some specialities yourself, depending on your requirements. Plenty of fridge space is available.
What to bring: Warm clothing; a backpack, raincoat, walking shoes, etc; a book for quiet moments; paper and pen if you like taking notes; bed sheets and pillow slip (pillows are provided); doona, blankets or sleeping bag; towel and toiletries; favourite drinks and snacks, and any special dietary requirements.
Costs: $25 per person will cover all actual costs for the weekend.
If you can make a small donation for the use of the Alpine Chapel they would appreciate it..
Payment can be made at your convenience to Alfred Klink.
Bookings: to Alfred Klink, tel/fax 5967 4201 or e-mail auk@c031.aone.net.au If you let us know your travel plans we may be able to arrange some shared transport. (The distance from Melbourne to Mt Buller is about 260km)
Thanks to the ILTIS Ski Club, we are able to once again offer a weekend of discussion and 'just being together' in the idyllic setting of the ILTIS lodge on Mt Buller.
A time of contemplation, sharing, the indoors and outdoors, nature and community - our year 2000 Seminar at Mt Buller.
The organising committee: Harald Ruff, Irene Bouzo and Alfred Klink.
YOUTH
Hi,
Guten Tag, wie geht's?
Hope you all understood that, and for those who didn't, ask your mum or dad! Unfortunately, and to my Oma's dismay, my German speaking skills don't go too much further! I can though say 'ich möchte ein Bier, bitte', you know important questions!! Anyway, how are we all this month? It's slowly getting warmer - and closer to Christmas - but this month; it's Father's Day so don't forget to spoil your man, man!
Okay, now on to the issues at hand - the proposed Templer Centre to be built at Bayswater. My good friend Andrew Nicholson called me the other day to ask me what I thought about it? Did I want it built? Honestly, I haven't really thought about it at all. After all, it is only in planning stages, it doesn't affect me, or us 'youth' at all, but, as Andrew pointed out, in 10 years time, if it goes ahead, this will be the place we might get married, or our children christened or us girls gather for Frauenverein (ask your mum). And he had a point.
I guess in some respects, we are the future of the TSA and just because we don't have an organised group, i.e. like the JG, doesn't mean we can't individually express interest. Have a think about it because we'll be using it. Now by the time you all read this, a group of us will have met (very unofficially) to have small discussions about it. If you weren't there, don't stress, you didn't miss out. And it's not often that issues of the TSA affect us 14-21 group, so it's something to think about.
Now onto some other thing. What I am about to write may upset some of you, and for that I am deeply sorry. It really isn't that traumatising, but I am saddened. Unfortunately the time has come for me, your highly esteemed editor, to step down from my golden throne and let someone else have all the fun. So it gives me great pleasure in announcing that the 2 (double trouble) vibrant, gorgeous girls taking on the responsibility will be (drumroll please) - Emma Beilharz and Tania Richter. I've seen these girls in action at Junior Camp so you're in for a wild ride. I've had a ball over the past few years, voicing my thoughts and feelings to an invisible (yet huge) audience. I sincerely hope you've enjoyed my writing. All reports I've heard have been positive (you love me, you really love me!!!) Take it easy, and best of luck to Emma and Tania. Keep on smiling people, be good, and if you can't be good be good at being bad. Auf Wiedersehen. Bis bald.
Karyn Kinder
(signing off)
CHILDREN'S SECTION
Night time is a good time to think and listen. You can listen to yourself as you think about all the things that happened during the day - the good and the bad.
A Voice at Night 1 Samuel 3
When Samuel was old enough, his mother took him to live with Eli, the priest.
One night, Samuel heard a voice calling him. He thought it was Eli. Eli knew that God was calling. He said, "Go and lie down. If you hear the voice again, say 'Speak hard, I am listening'. "
From then on, God talked to Samuel. Samuel told God's people what God said. Samuel was a prophet.
My kids love the Wiggles. (So do I!!) Here to end with are some jokes from the Wiggles Magazine.
JOKES
Q: How can you tell that a train went by? - A: It left its tracks.
BIRTHDAYS
Mia Leszinsky
Until next time, Monika Imberger
Issue 620
PSALMGEBET
Psalm 33 auf schwäbisch, (Verses 1 - 9)
PSALM 33 for David
(Verses 1 - 9)
TOWARDS GREATER TRANSPARENCY
A visitor from the TGD once said to me we need to use our creative fantasy or imagination to find new and innovative ways of doing things and to solve some of the problems within the Society. The problems are symptomatic of the times we live in and are also faced by other religious groups, political parties and even worker's unions. They are familiar to most of us: declining membership, changing roles in a more diverse and rapidly changing community; responding to the needs of younger people; and perhaps how to develop an image that fits in with the 21st century reality. For us these can all be summarised by one theme - how to revive interest in the Temple Society. My suggestions for dealing with them are two-fold: greater transparency and 'multiple entry points' for membership. No doubt others will come up with other approaches. Let me explain these two concepts further.
Transparency is an alternative strategy to the popular marketing and advertising notions which may be a bit manipulative in pushing a certain service or product. A policy of transparency applied to the processes and structures in the Society is a very positive strategy. It has integrity and openness as its highest ideals. Our Australian-born members have grown up in a diverse society. They may feel a bit detached from the Templer community. We can no longer assume that everybody knows the steps and processes of how the Temple Society operates. I for one, no longer have an older living relative around to make my family and me aware of the various options available to us in the TS. Others ask, "What's in it for me?" Some people are confused about the various roles of administrative and religious councils. Simply not knowing such things can create a feeling of distance. I think we need to show clearly, step by step, how a person or a family can lead a full, religious life within the Temple Society.
One strategy to revive interest might be a more transparent look at what is involved in being a religious elder. What do they do? What do they attend? How are topics for services chosen? What is the Elders' Exchange? What is involved in holding a service or Saal? What is required in assisting with confirmation classes? How could a person become an elder or participate in any of these? How is the Templer Record used as a religious forum? What role do elders play in inter-faith dialogue? - Some members know the answers to some of these questions. I think a more transparent insight for all members into this area might generate greater interest in our community and religious life.
Secondly, our membership drive is a way of preserving the continuity of the Society. Some briefing sessions already exist, e.g. for families with teenagers, that focus on confirmation classes as a preparation for an adult life. This could be extended. Usually our membership drives focus on those people on the fringes of the community. These 'fringe-dwellers' may be offspring of members; they may have married outside our community; they may be multi-faith couples; or they may be people who don't feel attached to the Templer community.
Approaching the Temple Society from this 'outside' position could be a bit daunting. Certainly the personalised approach already practised involving letters of invitation to briefing sessions is most valuable. Home visits might also be appropriate. A further possible strategy is to focus on clearly explained "multiple entry points" for joining up. In our increasingly diverse society, such entry points could coincide with different life cycle stages that people go through e.g. when teenagers become adults and have the freedom to choose for themselves whether they take on full membership. Other points of entry might be when people get married or have children, as this is often a time when people reconsider their lifestyle. Sessions for this group might include information about events such as camps, kids' activities, confirmation, presentation, Christmas plays, Sunday School and youth activities.
There is another point of entry for older, retired people who may have moved away from the community years ago for work or relationship reasons. On retirement they may be faced with issues such as where to live when downsizing the family home, what it feels like moving closer to a Templer centre or even rejoining the Temple Society, as well as issues like access to aged care through the Society.
Yet another target group might be those in multi-faith marriages. There is very little organised help in our Society to assist couples in being more critically self-aware and open about how to understand and share diverse religious experiences. The Temple Society, with its liberal religious principles, is an ideal place for offering multi-faith workshops to help partners and families come to terms with some of the harder issues concerning interfaith dialogue. So we need several entry points for joining up, and they need to be made very clear and transparent to members and non-members.
A Temple Society that wants to grow and thrive needs to have transparent structures that can educate people about religious opportunities, membership entry points, and other community benefits. Who would develop such tasks? The elders or existing council members have already given a great deal of their time in voluntary work for our community. Maybe these projects could be the cooperative efforts of small teams who have not participated much in such things before. After all, more transparency means re-learning the ordinary, existing things within our religious society. The best solutions might come from some of those members in the process of themselves re-learning what the structures of the Temple Society are all about.
I offer these suggestions as some possible approaches to help revive interest in the Temple Society and strengthen its continuity for the future.
Irene Bouzo
ALL HOT AIR?
A few days ago at breakfast, a strange noise made us look up and we were startled to see an enormous, bright red hot-air balloon just above our trees. There was hardly any wind, so the balloon came down in the park behind our house, alternately sinking in silence, then hissing hot air to brake the descent. An anchor line was thrown down.
Soon a flap was opened (90 feet, 30 m. up) and the hot air started to escape into the clear blue sky. The red giant keeled over and deflated quite quickly.
It made me think how we humans at times get big-headed, inflated with a sense of self-importance, and think we're higher than, or superior to others. Something changes ('the wind drops') and we come down to earth with a thud, maybe even fall flat on our faces; our egos deflate and we relearn some humility. Perhaps a timely reminder that love 'is not puffed up' (1 Cor 13) or all 'bluster and bluff and empty show' a line from the poem below.
Herta Uhlherr
FIT FOR YOURSELF
I have to live with myself and so
TEXT FOR THE MONTH - Mark 9:42-50
This passage stressing the seriousness of giving in to temptation occurs in the context of Jesus' teaching about what it takes to be a disciple. One issue is our responsibility towards children who, he says elsewhere, are closest to the 'kingdom of heaven' because of their open-hearted, loving natures, their innocence and trust. We must be very careful not to destroy or damage their faith in the goodness (God-ness - sanctity) of life.
The passage ends with V.50: Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.
I reflected on this idea of salt and looked up some of the many references to salt in the Bible. Salt adds taste (flavour, savour) to what we eat and is therefore greatly valued. Deuteronomy and Numbers (in the O.T.) speak of a covenant of salt, suggesting the esteem in which salt is held. Matt 5:13 (and Luke 14:34): You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out…
V.49 Everyone will be salted with fire - maybe 'cured', made more enduring through the process?
Job 6:6 says Unsavoury without salt - not just unflavoursome, but distasteful (sleazy even?) ,without the sterling quality of salt a disciple requires.
We also know that too much salt is not good - it causes ill-health, barrenness due to salination - the whole land brimstone and salt (Deut. 29:23). And in Genesis 19:26, Lot's wife turns into a pillar of salt - her constant looking back (and so her inability to change and go forward) results in total rigidity, a living death - 'too much salt'.
So how do we imagine this quality of salt within ourselves as disciples? Could it mean we are to be 'tasteful', savoury, giving zing to life and our dealings with others - thoughtful, moderate - not "too salty' or overbearing. In his letter to the Colossians (4:5-6) Paul also gives us a clue:
Be wise in your dealings with outsiders, but use your opportunities to the full. Let your words always be gracious, seasoned with salt/never insipid; learn how best to respond to each person you meet.
That seems to me like something worth aiming for.
You are encouraged to read the text for yourself and reflect on it. (If you have any interesting insights regarding 'salt', please pass them on to me).
H.U.
WHY?
In response to the call for greater transparency and some recent questions to the editor, some explanations about why the Templer Record is as it is.
Contributions comes in, hopefully by the 18th. Articles in Bentleigh need to be faxed or brought to the editor, currently in East Burwood. Depending on other duties (perhaps a Saal, a funeral, a wedding to prepare, Confirmation classes, even family obligations) the editor may have already prepared Forthcoming Services from the Elders' Roster, the Text for the Month usually taken from the TS table suggested for Saals, (help always welcome!) an editorial (though I often wait till I see the space available).
Copy (articles, notices, etc.) is read, perhaps edited (if too long, unclear, incomplete?) and arranged into the appropriate sections and order. Phone calls may need to be made (a date omitted, illegible words, are photos available...) - the people may not be there to answer calls.
Usually between the 21st and 25th, the editor spends a (sometimes very long) day in the Office where Lore Schlender types all the articles, bits and pieces (please don't use tiny scraps of paper!) into the computer. As pages are printed out, proofreading proceeds. Currently Emma Polacsek comes in to do a second proofread. Corrections are made on the computer. Alfred Klink drives down from Woori Yallock and transfers everything onto his disks. Any pictures are prioritised, calendar additions, ads, the banner (in front) are discussed, then Alf drives back up his mountain to begin formatting (c. 2 days). A third proofread is done next morning by Uhlherrs and corrections phoned through to Alfred.
Master copies of all pages in correct booklet order are brought down and go to Karl Steller's Mail Boxes to be photocopied (2 days). Next day the pages get collated and stapled in the Office by a team of Bentleigh volunteers, put into envelopes and mailed out, or dropped off for hand delivery in the communities, hopefully to arrive by the 1st of the month. (Sorry, distant members, if yours is later).
Availability. How many of you think of (a) taking pics at an event and (b) of having them developed at once and passing them on to the editor, the Office, or e-mailing digital ones directly to Alfred for the TR? Please keep it in mind for future occasions. I take many photos but can't attend everything, so we rely on being sent photos - how about it Sydney, Country, O/S even? Please include information with your pics: names of people, place, date, event and your name and address. Photos will be returned to you if you wish.
Sonnwend usually occurs after the TR deadline and is 'dark' (lanterns, fire) and therefore difficult to get good, printable photos of in time. (I'm hoping we now have some on file for next year and must remember and keep track of this).
It is only when copy is formatted and the number of pages needed for this month is established (32, 36 or at the most 40) that blank spaces become clear. We like to have subject headings at the top of a page, so that helps determine where spaces appear - unfortunately not always where a pic would logically be placed.
By the time Alfred has established any available space, it is too late to add extra text. Remember, we work to deadlines and the time runs out. If the editor were computer literate (I'm not) and had great equipment like Alfred, it might sometimes be possible to e-mail a last minute addendum. Meanwhile, we are glad to have at least the present (even if not quite ideal) system and the people willing to do as much as they do for fellow members.
Saals are too long for the TR. Doing a précis takes time and effort. Consider: first obtain a copy of the service (which may be in note form or not typed yet); try to cut it down without losing anything essential (ever tried that?); then get back to the elder for their agreement to your editing; make sure any quotes are acknowledged. - While one can get away with saying something in a service, it's quite different if your words are published, can go on the Internet and can be studied or critiqued at leisure. Many Saals would require more work for publication (and this after you've just done your bit, preparing and delivering your effort).
We are, however, looking at publishing booklets of Saals to make them more accessible for interested people who can't attend services and have no Internet access. For the above reasons, this is not an altogether simple process, so please be patient. Note: Any particular Saal may be requested from the Office (if we have been given a copy), and many are actually on the Internet.
In an ideal world, we would make everyone happy all the time(?). We can't; you, our readers, have very diverse expectations. While we would often like to have done better, we feel we do reasonably well under our circumstances and in the time available. We hope the above helps you understand the process and the constraints - and perhaps encourages you to contribute articles, reports and/or pictures. Herta Uhlherr, Editor
From The Office
TABULAM NURSING HOME INC.
Annual General Meeting
The Annual General Meeting of Tabulam Nursing Home will be held on 2 September at 11.00 a.m. at the Templer Hall, 41A Elizabeth Street, Bayswater.
Members are urged to attend the meeting to ensure a quorum at the set starting time of the meeting.
Proxy forms unfortunately do not count towards a quorum; we require 30 members present in person to satisfy our constitution. Nevertheless we ask members to complete a proxy form if they are unable to attend in person. A sample form is attached.
Agenda
Immediately following the Annual General Meeting a
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
of Tabulam Nursing Home Inc. Reg. No. A0015711U will be held.
Agenda:
On behalf of the Committee of Manager
T.C. Doh, Secretary and Public Officer
TEMPLER HOME FOR THE AGED INC
(Registered No. A0026791P)
All members of the Temple Society Australia (= members of the incorporated association) are herewith invited to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Templer Home for the Aged Inc.
It will be held in the Templer Hall at 41a Elizabeth Street, Bayswater, Victoria on Saturday 2 September 2000 commencing at 12 noon.
Members unable to attend the meeting personally are invited to arrange for their representation by proxy (see enclosed proxy form).
Agenda
Immediately following the Annual General Meeting a
SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING
of Templer Home for the Aged Inc (Reg. No. A0026791P) will be held.
Agenda
On behalf of the Committee of Management
Mark Herrmann, Public Officer
ANNUAL MEETINGS
10 September 2000 in Bentleigh
In order to facilitate proceedings, we again wish to provide definite start times for our various annual meetings. The timetable is as follows:
Please note the times and read the individual notices below carefully. Proxy and nomination forms, whilst not included with every member's circular, are readily available from the TSA Office, the various Community Heads and Treasurers, Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged and the various Community Halls. You may also call the office and the necessary forms will be sent to you for completion.
THE TEMPLE SOCIETY CENTRAL FUND (AUST.)ACN 004 279 001
Members of the Temple Society Central Fund (Aust.) are herewith notified that the Ordinary General Meeting of the Company for the year ended 30 June 2000 will be held in the Templer Hall at 152 Tucker Road, Bentleigh, Victoria on Sunday 10 September 2000 commencing at 9:45 am.
Members unable to attend the Meeting personally are invited to arrange for their representation by proxy.
Agenda
Mark Herrmann Herbert Hoffmann
Secretary Chairman of Directors
TEMPLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA
In keeping with Clause 10 of the Constitution, all members of the Temple Society Australia are herewith invited to attend the Annual General Assembly for the year ended 30 June 2000. It will be held in the Templer Hall at 152 Tucker Road, Bentleigh, Victoria on Sunday 10 September 2000 commencing at 10:30 am. A one-hour lunch break is scheduled from 12:00 noon.
Members unable to attend the Assembly personally are invited to arrange for their representation by proxy.
Agenda
Dr Rolf Beilharz, Regional Head
PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE TSA CONSTITUTION
As a looseleaf to this month's circular, you will find the proposed changes to the Constitution, necessary to reflect structural changes within the TSA.
The expanded definition of associate membership, to include members' spouses and children of any age, has necessitated a redrafting of a number of clauses. With the demise of the Jugendgruppe, the position of youth coordinator has been created. The official approval from the Commonwealth Government to our new amalgamated entity - Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Inc - will see the formal winding up of Tabulam Nursing Home Inc and Templer Home for the Aged Inc. Some minor refinement of the preamble is also proposed.
The looseleaf lists the present wording of those clauses affected, together with the proposed rewording, for your consideration. The Regional Council recommends these changes to you.
MEMBERSHIP CONTRIBUTIONS
Confirmation that our present arrangement of suggesting membership contribution rates for payment is a taxable supply under the Federal Government's New Tax System means that the contributions will attract a 10% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The only way to avoid this appears to be to remove all references to a requirement to make a contribution. Both our application forms for membership and the Constitution include such references. By removing them, the TSA would be entirely dependent on voluntary donations.
This would be a significant change to the arrangement that has been in place for many years. Can we afford to change? Given the importance of such a decision, a specific item has been added to the agenda for this year's Annual General Assembly. Members are asked to give some thought to this item.
For example, a married couple/family membership contribution would rise from $240 to $264 under a 10% GST, a pensioner contribution from $60 to $66. The $24 (or $6) GST component, once paid by the member, would be forwarded to the Australian Taxation Office leaving the same $240 (or $60) for the Society/Community's benefit as in recent years.
TEMPLER RELIGIOUS CENTRE
Members and associate members should have recently received a letter seeking general and financial support for the realisation of this project. The letter completes one of the Regional Council obligations from last year's Annual General Assembly in Bayswater.
Your responses to the letters will enable the Regional Council to gauge the level of commitment towards the building project. With this year's Annual General Assembly (to be held in Bentleigh in September) fast approaching, it is vital that your response is returned to the TSA Office as soon as possible. It is interesting to note that the membership of the Tempelgesellschaft in Deutschland (TGD) is positive and enthusiastic about the proposed religious centre.
The concept has been lodged with the City of Knox for townplanning approval. Some technicalities are being attended to, but granting of a planning permit is anticipated soon. The architects, Smith and Tracey, designed a Catholic church in Childs Road Mill Park (in Melbourne's northern suburbs) which exhibits certain similar design features to those proposed for our religious centre. Members of the facilities taskforce have visited this church, enabling them to better appreciate the architect's vision and to see and feel its ambience.
An outing to this church for all interested is proposed in the late morning of Saturday 12th August. Depending on numbers, a bus/buses will be arranged from Bayswater and Bentleigh. This is an opportunity to experience a similar, modern building (albeit considerably larger than what we envisage) and I strongly encourage all members to participate.
Various planning committees are also being considered. The letter to members seeks your interest in joining such committees, concerned with aspects of construction and outfitting of the building. Changes to the design can still be considered, although the general concept as submitted to the City of Knox cannot be altered.
The TSA Office is waiting on your letter responses (return to 152 Tucker Road, Bentleigh, Vic 3204) and your acceptance of the invitation to travel to Mill Park (Tel. 9557 6713).
Thanking you in anticipation, Mark Herrmann
Business Manager
AGED CARE - ADMISSIONS
With the advent of the Tabulam and Temper Homes for the Aged (TTHA), it is perhaps timely to remind members of the procedures and rules associated with admission.
The amalgamated entity provides care and accommodation on a number of levels.
The independent living units are available for the exclusive use of Templers, and Dr Schreiber will only offer them to others if the TSA has no-one to fill a vacancy. Nonetheless, it is imperative that members register their interest with the Office and be prepared to respond positively and within the appropriate timeframe if a definite offer is made to them.
The residential care places (high and low care) are shared equally between the two parent bodies - the TSA and the AGWS. For residential care, whether respite or permanent, approval from the Aged Care Assessment Team is essential. This paperwork must be in place and current. The AGWS operates an efficient waiting list and we must strive to do likewise. The management of the amalgamated entity expects us to provide important information prior to the admission of prospective residents. Places will be offered within the 50:50 arrangement, but only if we can show that all the necessary details are correct and complete.
All enquiries from Templers regarding care and accommodation at TTHA must therefore be directed in the first instance to the TSA Office. Please contact either of the undersigned for further information.
Helga Anderson (Community Care Worker)
Mark Herrmann (Business Manager)
DAS RENTEN ABKOMMEN
zwischen der Bundesrepublik Deutschland und Australien steht kurz vor dem Abschluss!
Die Schwierigkeiten der Verhandlungen liegen daran, dass die Rentensysteme beider Länder total unterschiedlich sind. Doch ist man nun zu einer Einigung gekommen. Man hofft, dass das Abkommen noch in diesem Jahr unterzeichnet wird. Daraufhin muss es von beiden Regierungen ratifiziert werden. Dies bedeutet, dass wir etwa Mitte nächsten Jahres mit dem Abkommen rechnen können.
Parallel zu diesem Abkommen musste über eine Änderung des Doppelbesteuerungsabkommens, welches seit vielen Jahren zwischen Deutschland und Australien besteht, verhandelt werden, um eine gewisse Steuervergünstigung für die deutschen Renten zu erzielen.
Die wichtigsten Punkte der beiden Abkommen werden dann in einer Mitteilung vom AGWS aufgezählt.
Falls Sie Internet Anschluss haben, können Sie sich über Gesetzesänderung, Abkommen usw. unter den folgenden Nrn. informieren:
www.bfa-berlin.de ; www.vdr.de ; www.bma.de
Wer nähere Auskunft wünscht, kann die uns geschickten Informationen im Büro anfordern. Für die Richtigkeit der Angaben kann keine Garantie übernommen werden.
Aus einer Mitteilung von Ingrid Rosch, Social Welfare Worker AGWS.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
AUS DEM GEMEINDELEBEN
GEBURTSTAGE. Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder
Bertha Gunthner
NEW MEMBERS
We welcome Gisela Hoffmann née Rubitschung and Siegfried Bieg, who joined some months ago (we apologize for the delay!) and Veronika Van Krieken née Frank, Diane Frank (wife of Walter in SA) and Hildegard Orth (wife of Horst in) Sydney and hope they feel at home among us.
THANK YOU from Germany:
We have received many letters, cards and phonecalls of sympathy on the sudden death of my mother Emma Sawatzky on 5 May 2000.
My father Otto Sawatzky, my sister Monika Pfeffer and myself thank everyone sincerely for their condolences.
Karl-Heinz Sawatzky
BEREAVEMENTS
Hertha Weber née Frank passed away at the Tabulam Nursing Home on 24 June 2000, aged 84 years, after a long illness, which she endured with great courage and dignity - now at rest. She was the much loved wife of Walde (dec). dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Winfried (dec) and Renate, Sunni and Jürgen, Oma to Mykel, Marcus, Nick, Kirrily and Marita.
Our sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff at Tabulam Nursing Home for their devotion, kindness and care over the past 8½ years.
Weber and Weller families
From Germany:
Elspeth von Oppel née Keller,
who was born in Haifa, died on 21 April, aged 76.
In Stuttgart-Degerloch,
Hedwig (Blumen) Beilharz née Hinderer
died on 23 June 2000 after months of illness, aged 83. She was the wife of Imanuel (Mandle) and mother of Hedi (Merholz) and Michael. Among the many Australian relatives visiting Germany, she was renowned for her cheerful hospitality. We wish her peace!
For the relatives in Australia, Herta Uhlherr
Our condolences to all bereaved families.
TO THE TEMPLER COMMUNITY
From Judy Eppinger
Bernie's diagnosis of cancer on 28 January 2000 was both a nightmare and a learning experience for me. A nightmare because, irrespective of what he did, success was not to be and he lost his battle on 8 June. A learning experience for me because Bernie taught me humility and I was reminded of the value of friendship.
Throughout his fight with his cancer, Bernie took control and made all the decisions regarding his treatment. He talked over everything with me and there was many a 'what if' 'will we' 'will we not' type discussion about recommendations from our medical advisers in both the traditional and complementary spheres. But in the end, Bernie decided. He had read a number of books by Ian Gawler, and was particularly taken by Gawler's philosophy that you have to take responsibility for your cancer and that the fight is ultimately your own fight. People will help you along the way, but finally the journey is your own journey. Bernie was encouraged by this theory, most probably because it reflected his attitude to life - we all have to take ownership for who and what we are, and are ultimately responsible for everything we do, or the influence we have on others.
Not long after Bernie was diagnosed, a friend was also found to have cancer. I didn't feel that John was fighting as I felt he should, but Bernie simply stated that others had no right to tell John what to do - it was John's decision. I felt angry with this response, but Bernie, stoic as always, simply said 'you don't know anything about his journey, only he does.' This was Bernie also talking about his journey. But backing off on advice did not mean backing off on encouragement. Bernie taught me the fine line between the two. He wanted and sought ideas and information from those around him, and emotional, physical and spiritual sustenance, but he didn't want to be told by others what they felt he should do.
During Bernie's illness we got lots of support from our community, people dropping a short note just saying 'we are thinking of you'. He didn't want any fuss, but just knowing you were all there for him gave him strength. After Bernie's funeral, friends commented on the moving service and the large number of people who attended. This reinforced to me the strength of the Temple Society - with all those people who had known Bernie, his parents and his extended family so well for so long, it was just a large family coming together to say farewell to one of their own. Templers have a sense of compassion that comes from being a group of people with many connecting threads who are willing to care for each other. For that we are grateful.
Bernie felt that (his) terminal illness was harder on those who were to be left behind than on the one with the illness. He was right. But I hope that I will come out of this senseless event a stronger and more tolerant and responsible person.
Judy Eppinger
TEMPLER EXCHANGE
We welcome home last year's Australian candidate Alysha Murray, who has recently returned from an extended trip overseas. Alysha shares parts of her experience with us below:
One of our Melbourne families has offered to host our German candidate, Stefan Klingbeil, who arrives in October. As Stefan will be in Australia for several months, it would be nice if others could help share the hosting. Even if you can only accommodate Stefan for 2 or 3 weeks, or take him on a short holiday, every bit helps and is appreciated. If you can help, please contact Mark at the Office on 9557 6713, or Christine Ruff.
Applications for Australian candidates to travel to Germany closed on 30th June. As no applications were received we will obviously not be sending a young Australian member to the TGD in 2001.
Christine Ruff
ALYSHA REPORTS
I have now arrived back in Australia, safe and sound, after spending a total of six months in Europe.
After my course at Rothenburg-ob-der-Tauber, I stayed at my great-uncle, Onkel Kurt Herrmann's and my aunt, Tante Lilo Herrmann's house for three weeks. I tried to speak as much German as possible. All my relatives said that I had to try and speak only German after I had finished my course at the Goethe Institut. The Wörterbuch was constantly on the kitchen table. However, I do believe that I also learned a lot during this time.
With my Aunt Heike, I saw Schloss Ludwigsburg. The gardens were absolutely beautiful. But my favourite part was the "fairy tale garden". Many different small places, each with puppets, acting out the story of a particular fairy tale. I know that it may sound childish, however many adults seemed to enjoy it as much as the children.
During my time at the Herrmann's I was introduced to the Tempelgesellschaft building. I went to their Konfirmation - four girls were being confirmed. There I was introduced to Brigitte Hoffmann and Peter Lange. The service was fairly similar to an Australian confirmation. It was a little more relaxed. The girls also did a lot of input. I think that was because there were so few confirmands.
Next, I stayed at my great aunt, Tante Ruth Tauber's, and my great uncle, Onkel Heinz Tauber's house for one week. During this time Onkel Heinz and I travelled to Tübingen. It was a real student town, and very beautiful. I also had some time to stay with my second cousin, Julia Tauber, in Kuchen. She works there at an absolutely gorgeous florists. I spent the whole week speaking German.
Then I moved to Degerloch and stayed in the Tempelgesellschaft Wohnung with the Familie Mutschlechner. I very much enjoyed my time here. Claudia M. and I went out a fair bit in Stuttgart. I enjoyed all the shopping and clubs in Stuttgart. We also went to many flea markets and found some great bargains. We had some time for the Frühlingsfest in Stuttgart and also went to one of my favourite towns, Heidelberg. With Andrea M. I went to Wilhelma Zoo in Stuttgart and shopping on the Königstrasse. Ella Mutschlechner and I went on a few bike rides around Stuttgart.
During my time in Degerloch, I also attended a few Templer services. I was there during Easter. All the services were very nice and again similar to the Australian services. Unfortunately, my German was not good enough for me to follow everything. So, I am sorry to say, I cannot say too much about the content of the services. However, I was able to meet everyone who attended. The services are not as well attended in Germany as they are in Australia, so I got to know all the attendees.
Schorndorf was my next destination, and I was staying with the Familie Hornung. Schorndorf is a pretty little town around half an hour from Stuttgart. I very much enjoyed staying here as well. I enjoyed the fact that both Irina and Rumi are fantastic musicians, so every day I was able to hear them play and we also went to quite a few concerts, where the Hornungs were the main act. With Irina, I travelled to München and Augsburg. I absolutely loved both of these towns, especially München. I would have to say that was one of my favourite cities.
I spent a day with the Familie Klingbeil. We travelled to the Schwäbisch Alb and also the Blau Topf. I also spent a day with Brigitte Hoffmann. She took me to the Schwäbisch Alb as well.
Then came a weekend in Bernstein. It was a seminar concerning the Tempelgesellschaft. Issues concerned religion, the future and the input from the younger generation. In Germany, they do not have a Jugendgruppe, and there were no other younger Templers at this seminar. I was able to input a couple of lines; however, the language was still a bit of a barrier.
My time with the German Templers was then over. I continued to travel on my own, or with other friends. I spent some time in Berlin, Köln, Hamburg, Lübeck, Italy, Austria, Zürich, Amsterdam, Prague and Paris.
The time went all too quickly and I can't wait to go back. It was a most enjoyable experience and I learnt a lot.
Ich möchte mich wirklich herzlich bei der Tempelgesellschaft, bei den Herrmanns, den Taubers, den Mutschlechners, den Hornungs, den Klingbeils and bei Brigitte Hoffmann bedanken. Sie haben es wirklich schön für mich gemacht.
Alysha Murray
SYDNEY
Zu unserem Gottesdienst am Sonntag den 25.6. waren 20 Mitglieder und Freunde gekommen, um unseren Ältesten, Werner Ehmann, über Matthäus 13, 1-9 sprechen zu hören. Es ist das Gleichnis von dem guten Sämann, dessen Saat nicht alle zu Frucht gedeiht. Daraus entwickelte Werner seine Gedanken über seine Entäuschung, dass die Tempelgesellschaft Australien nicht zu einem guten Sämann gerechnet werden könne, da kein Versuch gemacht worden sei, in einer Schule die Saat der Tempel Idee den heranreifenden Kindern unserer Mitglieder zugänglich zu machen (wie es die Verfassung der Tempelgesellschaft fordere), und dass durch diese Vernachlässigung der TGA der Nachwuchs von möglichen Mitgliedern verloren gegangen wäre.
Hoffentlich gelingt es uns, zur Weiterbestehung unserer Gemeinden neue aktive Mitglieder zu gewinnen.
Nächste Termine:
Sonntag 27.8. um 3 Uhr nachmittags kurzer Saal mit anschliessender jährlichen Mitglieder-versammlung.
Sonntag 24.9. um 3 Uhr nachmittags Saal, gehalten von mir.
On Sunday 25.6 twenty people gathered to hear our Elder, Werner Ehmann, speak about Matthew 13: 1-9. This is the parable of the sower, whose seed kernels do not all bear fruit. From this premise Werner developed his thoughts about being disappointed that the Temple Society Australia could not be regarded as a good sower, because it neglected to establish a school (which its articles of association stipulate) to sow the good seed of the Temple ideas in the minds of the growing number of children of TS members and that, through this neglect, they have been lost to our Society as potential members.
For the continuing existence of our communities, let us hope that we will be successful in attracting new active members.
Future dates to remember:
Sunday 27.8 at 3 p.m. - short service followed by our Annual General Meeting.
Sunday 24.9 at 3 p.m. - service conducted by myself.
P.K. Hoffmann
At the Sydney Community AGM, Heinz Beilharz - as Sydney representative on the Central Fund Board of Directors - will be available to comment and answer questions on the Tabulam/Templer Home aged care amalgamation, the final stage of the Bayswater Land unit development and the building of the proposed Templer Religious Centre in Bayswater.
SÜD-AUSTRALIEN
In unserm Saal am 11. Juni (Pfingsten) waren Dieter und Isolde Ruff bei uns zu Besuch. Dieter überbrachte Grüße der Gebietsleitung und der Melbourner Freunde, ebenso von Thea Frank, für die die lange Fahrt von Murray Bridge nach Tanunda zu beschwerlich wird.
Nach dem Chorgesang "Die güldne Sonne" (auf Tonband), einem kurzen Vorspiel und den ersten drei Versen aus "Wie groß ist des Allmächt'gen Güte" hielt Dieter den Saal für uns. Er sprach über das Oster-Pfingsterlebnis der Jünger Jesu. Auch wir spüren im Pfingsterlebnis die Gegenwart Gottes, die uns hilft, unsere eigene Unsicherheit und Furcht zu akzeptieren und zu überwinden. Dadurch können wir am Aufbau des Reiches Gottes teilhaben, ja es ist unsere Pflicht, nach unseren Kräften mitzuhelfen. Der Saal endete im Gebet. Zum Ausklang spielte uns Richard Hornung ergreifende Musik auf seiner Geige.
Uli Asenstorfer konnte Dieter $100 von unserer Gruppe fürs "Altersheim" übergeben.
Unser nächster Saal ist am 13. August um 2 Uhr in Tanunda.
Im Oktober kommen Heinz und Heidi Vollmer zu uns. Heinz wird uns den Saal halten. Gäste sind immer willkommen.
Im Juni durfte die Frauengruppe Isolde Ruff willkommen heißen. Wir waren bei Gertrud Fischer in Tanunda. Im Juli waren wir nur zu viert bei Irene Severin in Nuriootpa, aber es was trotzdem recht gemütlich.
Rose Asenstorfer
HEIM NACHRICHTEN HOME NEWS
Liebe Mitglieder und Freunde,
Gerade noch vor Ende des Finanzjahres erhielten wir die Bestätigung des "Approved Provider Status" für Tabulam und Templer Homes for the Aged Inc. Darüber sind wir sehr froh, da wir nun die offizielle Schliessung des Tabulam Inc. sowie des Templer Home for the Aged Inc. noch vor Ende des Finanzjahres vornehmen können.
(Beachten sie bitte die Meeting Notices in dieser Ausgabe).
Seit dem 1.7.2000 hat Tabulam und Templer Homes for the Aged Inc. vollständig alle Aufgaben der beiden alten Einrichtungen übernommen.
Am zweiten Juli fand das Benefit Concert für TTHA und Martin Luther Homes statt. Aus dem Erlös erhielten wir $1800. Im Namen von Tabulam und Templer Homes for the Aged bedanken wir uns recht herzlich bei der Austrian Cultural Society, dem Austrian Club Melbourne sowie allen Mitwirkenden für den schönen, gelungenen Nachmittag.
Darf ich hier noch daran erinnern, dass in Anbetracht unseres großen Bauvorhabens, das in Kürze anlaufen wird, Ihre tatkräftige Unterstützung durch (von der Steuer abziehbaren) Spenden, egal in welcher Höhe, ganz wichtig sind.
Just before the end of the financial year, we received confirmation of Approved Provider Status for Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Inc. We're very glad of that, because we can now officially wind up Tabulam Inc. and the Templer Home for the Aged Inc. without having to go into a new financial year.
Please read the Meeting Notices in FROM THE OFFICE in this TR.
From 1st July, TTHA has fully taken over all tasks connected with the two former entities.
The benefit concert for TTHA and the Martin Luther Homes took place on 2 July. We received $1800 from the proceeds.
On behalf of TTHA, we sincerely thank the Austrian Cultural Society, the Austrian Club Melbourne and all performers for the lovely, successful afternoon.
May I remind you here that, since we are about to embark on a big building project, your active support by way of tax deductible donations (big or small) is extremely important.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Walter Burkhardt
TTHA FUNDRAISING NEWS
For more than 12 months now the struggle has been increasing for the very small, hardworking THA and Tabulam Fundraising Groups (now combined to make the TTHA Fundraising Group) to continue to run fundraising events. Our volunteer workforce has been dwindling and the workload on a handful of people has been increasing; but in spite of all this, Sommerfest (March 2000) and Sonnwendfeier (June 2000) have managed to raise a combined sum of $3,614.50!
This sum of money has been put towards the purchase of the bus for TTHA, which brings the total raised so far to around $32,000. Of course, any (fully tax deductible) donations made towards this very worthwhile project would be very, very much appreciated!
I would like to extend a very HUGE and heartfelt THANKYOU to all our wonderful volunteers who helped out at Sommerfest and the Sonnwendfeier. Without you, these functions would not take place.
The TTHA's major fundraising event is still to come, so keep a lookout for details about the TTHA Oktoberfest in the next Templer Record.
The Fundraising Group NEEDS YOUR HELP if we are to continue supporting TTHA and its residents. If you can assist (especially if you have a loved one living at the Home), even in the smallest way, please phone me.
Susi Blackwell,
for the TTHA Fundraising Group.
FORTHCOMING SERVICES
Sun 13. 8 SA 14:00 Service
SERVICE & COMMUNITY AFTERNOON
Bayswater 13 August at 3.15 p.m.
Everyone is welcome. Would Ba-Bo ladies please bring a cake (already cut) and could the following ladies please be at the hall by 2.45 p.m. to help with the cakes and with serving coffee and tea after the service.
Brunhild Grözinger; Erika & Kathrine Herrmann; Inge & Birgit Höfer; Else Hübner; Anita Imberger.
If you cannot come, please ask a friend or ring Uta Steller.
TEMPLER HYMNBOOK
As you may have been aware, some three years ago a small group got together with Morna Kortschak to discuss the idea of creating a Templer Hymnbook, which would contain a broad mix of German and English hymns - old favourites and new songs. After much dedicated work by this small team, I'm very pleased to announce that this book now exists! We were delighted to have our new Templer hymnbooks delivered from the printer very recently and we hope to introduce them into our worship services during August.
All Templers are particularly invited to attend Saal in Bentleigh on Sunday 27th August at 10.15 a.m. when the hymnbook will first be presented to the community. The Templer Choir has kindly agreed to perform and will be singing some songs from our new hymnbook for you to hear, and sing, too. We also hope to have an official launch of the hymnbook some time in November.
Our new hymnbook includes selections from the little green song books, the black Family Song books (folders) and the black Gesangbuch der Tempelgesellschaft. It is intended that sufficient copies of this new hymnbook will be available in each of the Halls and the Templer Home for Saals, so please be sure to leave the hymnbooks on your seat for collection at the end of each service. Copies of the hymnbook will be available for individual sale at a later date.
I would like to heartily thank all of those people who have contributed enormous amounts of time and energy to this project.
We sincerely hope that you will enjoy using our new hymnbook!
Sonia Glenk, on behalf of the Hymnbook Committee
BENTLEIGH-MOORABBIN COMMUNITY
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Just a reminder that the above Meeting will be held on Sunday 27 August at 12pm following the morning's choral service.
Further details are in the July Templer Record.
Gisela Schmidt, for Judy Eppinger
BA-BO TENNIS CLUB -- NEW COMMITTEE 2000/01
CONCERT AT TOORAK UNITING CHURCH
Friday 4 August at 8.00 p.m.
Brilliant virtuoso violinist, Erez Ofer, and renowned cellist, Alfred Hornung, will play Handel, Ysaye, Bach & Kodaly in Melbourne.
"A stunning tour de force"
A reserve - $28, B reserve - $23, Conc.- $18.
BA-BO LADIES GROUP
Am Dienstag, den 15. August, wird Luzia Blochinger ein Video "Ein Rundgang um die Schweiz" zeigen. Beginn 13 Uhr.
Alle Frauen sind herzlich eingeladen.
Uta Steller
WINTER SLEEPOUT AND STORYTIME
A MELBOURNE CITY MISSION FUNDRAISER
The Kids' Club wishes to encourage all sections of the Templer Community to take part in the Melbourne City Mission Winter Sleepout on Sat. 12 August in the Bayswater Hall. See the Kids' Club Section for more details.
Marianne Herrmann
CRAFT GROUP
We will meet on Thursday 24 August at 8 p.m. in the Bentleigh German School room. Ring Moni Imberger for more details.
PLAYGROUP SHOPPING TOUR
The Playgroup shopping tour is back! Here is your chance to spend one day, without kids, enjoying a champagne lunch, no parking hassles and shopping at a selection of 10 factory outlets.
Date: Saturday 14 October
Cost: $30 + per person.
The bus will depart from the Templer Hall Bayswater at 8.00 a.m. sharp and return at approx. 6.30 p.m.
This is the Playgroup's main fundraiser for the year - we earn a percentage of all $$$ spent. We are combining with Bayswater South Primary School to try and boost our numbers. For booking and more details contact Petra Murrihy-Ruff.
TSA RELIGIOUS SEMINAR on Mt. Buller
Reminder: Interested people are invited to a planning meeting on Friday 25 August at 7.30 in the school room at the Bayswater Hall. Your input (what would you like to learn about or discuss?) and offers of assistance, no matter how big or small, are greatly valued and necessary for this time away to be a success. See also July TR p.29.
If you can't come to the meeting but have ideas on the subject, please call Harald. More details next month.
Irene Bouzo & Harald Ruff,
for the organising committee
SAVING OUR HISTORY
The Temple Society has existed in Australia for well over fifty years. In this time people have accumulated many possessions that have a personal and historical significance to the history of the Temple Society. Often these items have no special meaning to the younger members of the family, however, put in the context of a historical collection, they contribute to an important part of our heritage. It would be sad if such items were thrown out when people need to move, so we are offering you the opportunity to donate these to the TSA. We feel that it is worthwhile to have our own Archives and Historical Memorabilia collection with the view to historical displays and research centres in the future. Due to a growing awareness of our Society as an integral part of Australian multiculturalism, such centres can play an important role.
We ask that you keep this in mind when you come across old items that have been kept for sentimental and historical reasons by yourself, your parents or grandparents.
Items that have significance could include such things as:
Basically, we are interested in any items that would help younger generations build up a picture of Temple Society life in any stage of its development.
If you have any items for donation or have any enquiry, please contact us for further details.
Renate Beilharz & Resi Schwarzbauer
Or alternatively write to us c/o the TSA Office.
TO ANYONE FROM WILHELMA -- Your memories are required
Herr Prof. Ymon von der Tel Aviv Universität ist in Australien und möchte gern mit Wilhelmanern sprechen, die sich an irgendetwas von Nachstehendem erinnern. - Bitte Renate Beilharz telefonieren wenn Ihr ihm mit dem Einen oder Anderen helfen könnt.
A Professor Ymon from the Tel Aviv University, Israel, is in Australia and wishes to speak to any persons from Wilhelma who have any recollection of the following:
Relations between Wilhelma inhabitants and Lydda inhabitants (e.g. Lydda vegetable and fruit merchants in Wilhelma; Wilhelma people as passengers in Lydda train station; Lydda people working in Wilhelma).
The above is typed directly from his notes, I am hoping that it makes sense to you Wilhelmaner out there. Professor Ymon will be in Melbourne on 17 and 18 August and asked me to pass on the names and addresses of people willing to speak to him during this time.
Please contact me if you are able to help in any way.
Renate Beilharz
CHILDREN'S SECTION
Hi,
Greetings and salutations to all my friends this month. Normally I don't like to depress people, but I feel that I have to say something that may sadden you. In June, one of the more prominent figures in the TSA passed away, Heini Knaub. Although he was not directly involved in the JG, I think that past members would have had dealings with him. So on behalf of the JG, I'd like to send out a heartfelt sorry to his family.
On a lighter note, it seems that youth-based activities are picking up, as reported by Susi in last month's TR. I fully support confo reunions and if anybody needs help organising one, I'm their woman.
Okay, some business matters. I have been the editor of this section for the best part of 3 years and I think the time has come for me to hand my throne over to someone else. I know you guys love me, but unfortunately I cannot do this forever. It's the same old story about an increasingly heavier work life and I think it's time for a fresh new lease of life for the JG section. Trust me, it's not that hard, you certainly don't need a degree in Journalism or Creative Writing. All it takes is a bit of flair, a good vocabulary, a sense of humor, and a youthful outlook. Or even if you don't have these, but you can still write, then you qualify. And if you can meet the deadline of the 18th of each month (which I am finding hard to do!!) then you're in. And since there is no formal JG, we don't need an AGM or even a vote for you to start.
I can name some perfect candidates (but I won't embarrass you), especially from the 98 Confo group, or even the 2000 one. And believe me, if no-one expresses interest, I will find you myself. All you have to do is let me know if you're interested. So you can call me and the job's yours. There are perks: everyone in the TS will know who you are, and you have to go to lots of parties and behave like a teenager with no responsibility and you can call it research. It's lots and lots of fun and I would continue, but unfortunately other commitments are becoming more pressing. Don't get me wrong, I will still play an active part in the TS (you can't get rid of me that easily) but seriously, I need a replacement. So send you expressions of interest to the above address.
Okay, that's it from me. Have a good one and I will see you next month.
Karyn Kinder, Youth Ed.
YOUTH ACTIVITIES UPDATE:
Teenage Group -- have had their first meeting/night out on 22 July at which the next meeting was decided on. The next date is Saturday 26 August, and we are going rock-climbing.
Don't wait for a personal invitation to join in with Teenage Group activities, just come along! Remember you can ALWAYS bring along a friend to ANY Templer activity.
1998 Confo Group - if you are in this group and would like to go on the long weekend trip to Yarrawonga, Dieter Edelmaier is the person you need to talk to.
Melbourne City Mission Winter Sleepout
On 12 August Kids' Club have organised a sleepout in the Bayswater Hall. They are registered with the Melbourne City Mission as an official sleepout venue and will be helping to raise funds for homeless children.
Anyone willing to test their endurance is welcome to join in! We encourage all sections of the Templer Community to take part, or you may wish to register your own location.
How about getting a group together and having your very own patch of cardboard boxes to sleep on!!! For more details, see article in Kids' Club section.
An OVERWHELMING THANKYOU to all those people who made the effort to contact me with ideas and comments!!! Keep it up!.
Susi Blackwell
Hi Kids and Parents,
Do you remember the story of Abraham and Sarah from the Book of Genesis? God promised Abraham children and even though his wife Sarah thought she was too old to have children, she had a baby. Well, God did it again!
A Special Prayer - 1 Samuel 1 & 2
There was once a woman named Hannah. Hannah was very sad, because she had no children. One day she and her husband went to worship God at the tabernacle. Hannah prayed to God "If you will give me a baby, I will let him work for you all his life".
The priest, named Eli, saw Hannah. Hannah told him what she was doing. He said, "Go home in peace. May God give you what you asked him for".
Hannah did go home. God remembered her prayer. He gave Hannah a baby boy. She named him Samuel.
BIRTHDAYS
Ingrid Beilharz
JOKES
Q How do you get rid of a spotted dog?-- A. Use a spot remover
Q. How do you keep a dog from barking in the back of the car? A. Put him in the front seat.
Q. How does a pig get to hospital? A. In a hambulance.
Q. How do you know that eating carrots is good for the eyes? A. Have you ever seen a rabbit wearing eyeglasses?
Till next month, Moni
End of August Templer Record
WINTER
Verschneit liegt rings die ganze Welt,
SEGNE DIESEN TAG
Ein neuer Tag liegt vor mir.
Lass mich, mein Gott, mitten in der Tretmühle des Alltags die Möglichkeiten erkennen, die mir heute geschenkt sind. In Vielem bin ich festgelegt, aber immer gestalte ich mit. Du weißt, dass ich anfällig bin für die Entmutigung; stärke in mir die Wahrnehmungskraft für das Gute, damit ich dem Sog des Negativen zu widerstehen vermag.
Gib mir ein tapferes Herz, das sich nicht einlässt auf Wehleidigkeit und Selbstmitleid. Gib mir ein gesundes Maß an Selbstliebe, die Freiheit, über mich zu lachen, und die Demut, die Grenzen, die du mir gesetzt hast, nicht gewaltsam niederreißen zu wollen. Gib mir die Aufmerksamkeit des Herzens, die anderer Menschen Bedürftigkeit wahrzunehmen versteht.
Du weißt, es fehlt mir allenthalben, aber dir darf ich mich lassen, so wie ich bin, mit allen erkannten und unbewussten Mängeln. Nimm Besitz von meinen Gedanken, von meinem Fühlen und Wollen, dann wird dieser Tag fruchtbar sein.
Sabine Naegeli (Aus einem Kalenderblatt)
In the cold and dark of mid-winter, let us not lose faith that spring, warmth and light, will come again.
ACTION COUNTS MORE THAN WORDS, EXAMPLE MORE THAN DOCTRINE
TAT IST MEHR ALS WORT, BEISPIEL MEHR ALS LEHRE
Founding Day has just been celebrated in our communities. In this article, Dr. Brigitte Hoffmann touches on what motivated our founder.
Our heading is a statement by Christoph Hoffmann and is of fundamental significance in explaining his view of the Christian faith. It may even be described as the basic tenet from which the Temple Society evolved. At the same time, it expresses a view which still makes a lot of sense to us today: one should try to realise one's goals rather than just talk about them.
For Christoph Hoffmann, this principle meant initially: Not only the words but also the actions of Jesus and the disciples are important to us. We know of Jesus that he wandered throughout the land, preached, healed and gathered a circle of supporters around him - a lifestyle which, in the 19th century, could not easily be presented as an example to be followed by all Christians. So, he was interested above all in the original Christian community in Jerusalem: these were the people who had personally experienced Jesus and heard his teachings and who were so impressed by him that they re-formed their entire lives for his sake, in accordance with the guidelines he had given them. Here was an example of what followers of Jesus had done, not only what they had taught.
They lived in a close community, into which they brought their entire property as communal property, and were devoted entirely to prayer and the expectation of God's kingdom. Here we find the model for Hoffmann's "community of like-minded people", where it would be easier to obey the commandment to love one's neighbour than amongst people who thought differently.
From the historical perspective, this was a misunderstanding in so far as perhaps the most essential assumption in the life of the early community was the expectation of the second coming of Jesus and with it the kingdom of God. It is this aspect that explains the total disregard for worldly possessions and worldly criteria: the original Christian community's lifestyle was unproductive; to some extent it was dependent on donations from the communities being founded in the diaspora.
Hoffmann did not adopt this aspect. His new communities were not built on communal property, and they were definitely meant to be self-sufficient. This latter aspect may well have been a question of practical necessity, as they could not expect support from anywhere.
It became a basic tenet, however, that the community, a community of like-minded people, was the place where a Christianity of action could be realised. Further, such a community could and should serve as an example to others; it should thus aim to disseminate its ideas not by words, by preaching and missionary work, but by action, by example.
The logical consequence of this attitude was the establishment of such a community; firstly, as a trial, that of the Kirschenhardthof. In the process, however, there came to light the basic difficulty which arises whenever an idea is transformed into reality, or words into deeds: it is relatively easy to describe one's aim in words, but each action relates to a complex web of realities, it is the result of a variety of motivations, and it can have the most diverse consequences - some of which may not be those intended.
Bringing together God's people in Jerusalem, to serve as an example of Christian life - that was a lofty, idealistic goal, that inspired many. However, putting it into practice meant raising the necessary finance; it meant choosing the right time; it meant the decision not to take along all those willing to participate in the settlement work, but to make a selection based on expedience.
To summarise: Bringing the ideal to reality was and is a great challenge. However, it meant getting caught up in many individual problems, whose solution quite often caused conflict between ideal and experience, desire and necessity, so that the ideal objective became blurred. Hence another problem followed. It had been decided to try and win over new members not by missionary efforts but rather by setting an example. This aim contained the less than modest belief that one would be able to create an ideal, exemplary community. Today, we like to assume that the communities in Palestine were such communities. However, reports from the past show that moments of tension and conflict did occur from time to time, and were not always limited to a mere difference of opinion.
To conclude: each time an idea is turned into reality the result is bound to be imperfect, not because of the malice or the incompetence of the participants, but because of the complexity of human interaction, where ideal solutions, that is solutions which satisfy all participants, are not possible. In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, Christoph Hoffmann was right in placing action before word, example before doctrine. It is not until its realisation - and especially if this is imperfect - that the feasibility of an idea is proven. That the first Templer generation had the courage to take this step is surely the main reason why this small community has continued to this day.
However, this also means that each achievement, one's own and above all that of others - achievements of the Churches and of the State - should be viewed from this perspective. Not: do they measure up in every respect to their own ideals - for this they cannot do - but do they achieve anything positive at all in accordance with their ideals? This question is also asked of us.
From: "Warte des Tempels", August 1978, reprinted June 2000, and in Templer Handbook p. 67.
SHALL I SAY YES OR NO?
ON SAYING NO
Most of us want to be - and to be thought of as - good people. So we dutifully say yes to requests from others, and often that's fine and makes us feel good. Other times a request makes something inside us cringe and we feel a heaviness. If we ignore our body's reaction and say yes (perhaps because we think we should help out), we are ignoring our inner wisdom and maybe also the need for balance in our lives.
Many of us find it hard to say no, especially when it's someone we love, or would like to please, who is asking. Their questions can be quite legitimate: Read me a bedtime story? Bring in the shopping? Will you come to my footy match? Can we count on you to help at Sommerfest?
Yet the right answer for you just now may be no, no, no, no. (How do you feel when you've said yes too often - resentful, exhausted? Isn't that a message you would do well to heed?)
No is a word that helps to define you and your boundaries. It isn't selfish when you say no if it's because you choose to contribute your love and energy to the world in a different way. You are still showing concern and compassion - some for others, some for yourself. ('Love your neighbour as yourself'). Can you disappoint another in order to be true to yourself? It may save your life.
Dr. Bernie Siegel, in his book Prescriptions for Living - inspirational lessons for a joyful, loving life (Rider, 1998), talks about saying no in the context of saying yes to life. He refers the reader back to Adam and Eve. (Read it up in Genesis 3, keeping in mind this is a story to illustrate a point (or three) and not meant to be a history lesson).
'It was no accident that God let Adam and Eve eat from the tree of knowledge and not the tree of life.' Yes, He let them eat the forbidden fruit - or did you think the Creator didn't know what was going on? 'But God let us eat the fruit that gave us not immortality, but knowledge of our nudity and our mortality. Adam and Eve quickly figured out that a leaf or a designer garment can eliminate the nudity problem, but nothing makes our mortality problem go away. The Creator let us become aware of our mortality so that we would think about and value our lives and become much wiser.' -- The psalmist prays: Lehre uns bedenken, dass wir sterben müssen, auf dass wir klug werden; teach us to know how few are our days, that our minds/hearts may learn wisdom. Psalm 90:12.
Dr. Siegel has worked with many people with life-threatening illnesses. 'When faced with death, they all discovered the same thing: time isn't money, it's everything. Spend it on who and what you love.'
Remember that, like Adam and Eve and all human beings, you, too, are going to die, shocking as that seems. 'Decide how much of your limited time you want to spend being unhappy. If something is bothering you and you know you are mortal, you'll find ways to resolve the problem.'
Think about the things people have asked you to do lately - what will happen if you try to meet every one of these requests? Is this the way you want to contribute your love and energy?
If you decide you need to 'say no to your loved ones, make it clear that a no to one of their requests is sometimes a yes to love and life.'
No one is suggesting that you shouldn't do your bit in your family and our community. But balance, love, joy, energy, relaxation - living fully, but not overwhelmed by busyness - are all part of the equation, too. This is worth thinking about.
Herta Uhlherr
EXCELLENCE VERSUS PERFECTION
Excellence is the willingness to be wrong; perfection is being right.
ON TIME
Imagine there is a bank that credits your account each morning with $86,400.-
TEXT FOR THE MONTH - Matthew 15:1-20
Scribes and Pharisees ask Jesus why his disciples break the ancient tradition by not washing their hands before eating. Jesus counters by asking them why they behave like hypocrites, putting their man-made rules above God's commandments, while paying lip-service to God.
'Listen and understand! People are not defiled by what goes into their mouth, but only by what comes out of it.'
Asked by Peter to explain, he tells them that 'whatever goes in by mouth passes into the stomach and so is eliminated into the drain. But what comes out of the mouth has its origins in the heart … wicket thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander… these are what defile a person.'
The words that come out of our mouths are formed 'in our hearts' by our thoughts and attitudes, and because of how we feel - they spring from e.g. jealousy, rage, lust, greediness, egotism, mean-spiritedness… these defile us and keep us in darkness.
However, we also associate 'heart' with love. When we make an effort to understand where the anger, jealousy and meanness in us stem from, and when we find healing for this woundedness within us - perhaps through glimpsing how much our Creator, who is love, loves us, despite the darkness that lurks in all of us at times - then we can more readily obey his commandment to love (and so enjoy) the creative lifeforce, our fellow human beings and ourselves. And so become more loving and light-filled people, able to speak with compassion, consideration and kindness.
You are encouraged to read the text for yourself and see what insights and associations come up for you.
Editor
MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Slowly but surely we are being able to approach former associate members (adult children of members) and invite them and their families to consider full membership. To make the exercise as effective as possible, we rely on parents supplying us with their 'children's' details (like names, address, children). If you have not returned your form yet, please assist us by doing so as soon as possible.
Contact with members is important, so please remember to keep the Office abreast of any address or telephone changes, e.g. from analog to digital mobile numbers.
At the time of writing this article, the issue of GST on our membership contributions remains unclear. However, the subscription price for the Templer Record (for non-members) will need to include a GST component from the July issue onwards. The GST-inclusive subscription price will be $33, of which we will be obliged to remit $3 to the Australian Taxation Office.
Mark Herrmann, Business Manager
AUSTRALIAN-GERMAN TEMPLER EXCHANGE
Our TGD candidate, Stefan Klingbeil introduces himself in MEMBERS AND FRIENDS. He will be in Australia from October to January and we are actively searching for host families willing to accommodate Stefan for a few weeks. Hosting a candidate does not mean a radical change of lifestyle or routine and even the little sacrifices can be rewarding (and are certainly appreciated by a young fellow Templer a long way from home!)
If you are considering being a host, please contact either
Christine Ruff or Mark Herrmann on (03) 9557 6713 in the Office.
Christine Ruff
See also Peter and Rosemarie Weller's article on being a host family in MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.
FROM THE EDITOR
Thanks to those of you who occasionally comment on the Templer Record. Your feedback is valuable and we appreciate it (even if it's sometimes uncomfortable).
It may be interesting - and we think important - for you to know that when you thoroughly dislike a particular article or train of thought, another Templer (or two) is probably delighted by it. We consider it one of the Temple Society's strengths that we don't push just one line or teaching, but rather have an aim, which acts like an umbrella beneath which many ways of looking at meaning, life, God, etc. are possible. No doubt all of us have sometimes experienced this freedom as a darned nuisance, because it requires us to exercise tolerance of other people's views and beliefs, when these are (to us) so obviously 'off'.
Even if we don't wish to engage with others' views or beliefs in any depth, isn't the variety possible under our 'umbrella' an invitation to stretch our minds and at least to allow that other Templers' ways of relating to life and God are just as valid and important to them as ours is to us?
Our policy is to publish different kinds of articles over the year in the hope that all of you, whatever your views and tastes, will find something interesting or uplifting at least every so often. If you would like to see more of a particular kind of article, consider sending some in, keeping in mind the Templer aim.
As Helmut Imberger wrote to us recently: Cooperation + tolerance = peace.
AUS DEM GEMEINDELEBEN
GEBURTSTAGE. Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder
Maria Feubel
DANKESCHÖN
Die Karten, Blumen und guten Wünsche zu meinem Geburtstag haben mich sehr gefreut und ich möchte mich auf diese Weise herzlich dafür bedanken.
Gerda Weiss
MARRIAGE
Holger Messner & Tanja née Reeka on 6 May 2000
Thank you to Herta Uhlherr for the beautiful service. It gave Holder & Tanja a meaningful and festive start to their special day and their married life. - Sigi & Heidrun Messner.
Congratulations and our best wishes!
NEW MEMBERS
As you have read in FROM THE OFFICE over the past months, letters have been going out to people associated with Templers and to those in our Community whose membership status was not clear. So some of the names appearing in New Members over time belong to people who have long thought of themselves as Templers but who may not have finalised their membership. We are happy when they do and welcome all new members:
Edith Riordan, née Kuhnle,
Hannelore Steller, née Imberger,
Ingrid Jürgensen,
Annemarie Graze, née Dieterich.
If you are unclear as to your membership, or wish to join the Temple Society, please contact Mark at the Office on (03) 9557 6713.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT AT WORK
At the beginning of June, we (Tony and Renate Beilharz and family and Heinz & Heidi Vollmer) exchanged houses on the one day. We had 5 young removalists plus caterers and a painter who all volunteered to help. Apart from these people, we had offers of help from family members and friends, but this was not needed. The whole exercise of moving both households took less than 8 hours, including short breaks for food and drink. We heartily thank all helpers, older and young, including those who offered but were not required, for a community effort well done.
Tony & Renate Beilharz and Heinz & Heidi Vollmer
BEREAVEMENTS
Unsere liebe Tante Margarete (Gretel) Engelhardt
ist am 20.5.2000 im Alter von 97 Jahre sanft entschlafen.
Im Namen der Hinterbliebenen, Siegfried Engelhardt mit Familie
On the 16th of June my dear Husband, our brother, father and Opa
Heinrich Karl Knaub
Passed away suddenly at Cowes, Phillip Island, aged 58 years.
Our family was comforted by all those who attended the funeral Service. We are very grateful for the many cards, flowers, phone messages and donations to the Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged. We thank you all for your support at this sad time.
To Dr. Rolf Beilharz, our family's heartfelt thanks for a moving Service, and to Veronica Rutowicz, thank you for your contribution.
In loving memory Gerda, Sister Renate and family in Germany. Tania, Thomas, Monika and their families.
Thank you, Heini.
I am one of many privileged people who will sadly miss Heini Knaub.
Heini worked with me on the Bayswater Community Council for many years, always friendly, always contributing and willing to help.
I would like to quote a sentence from Alfred Klink's Saal, held on 18 June in Bayswater: "Sometimes we are privileged to share a section of life's path with a friend."
Thank you, Heini, for enriching that section of my life's path.
Heinz Vollmer
On Thursday 8th June 2000
our dearly loved Bernard Frederick Eppinger
lost his battle with cancer.
Our thanks to everyone who sent cards and letters and telephoned during Bernie's illness - your support gave comfort to him.
And thank you for the many expressions of condolence received since Bernie's death. Particular thanks to Mrs. Hulda Wagner for her compassionate service of thanksgiving for Bernie's life.
Bernie will be greatly missed by: Judy, Jane & Tony Blake, and Katrina,
Gertrud & Roger Leitch from New Zealand
Helmut & Zelly Eppinger with Carl, Robert & James.
Our thoughts are with all our bereaved people.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER - THANKSGIVING SERVICE
Four of us, Helga Anderson, Anna Eppinger, Ruth Haar and I, attended this ecumenical thanksgiving service at the Salvation Army Citadel in Box Hill. The serene, rounded worship space was practically full. A banner read: Honour God. Love each other. Serve our community.
Proceedings began with a trumpet fanfare. All the speakers were women - in some countries less egalitarian than Australia, it is still Women's World Day of Prayer because of cultural constraints between women and men.
Templers may find it interesting that the Kingdom of God was mentioned and sung about; as in the Olympic torch relay, followers of Jesus 'carry the torch for the Kingdom of God.' Also the World Day of Prayer is seen as an important way to help the Kingdom of God come, by uniting people all across the globe.
The main speaker was General Eva Burrows, O.A.M., who was the international leader of the Salvation Army for seven years and has spoken and prayed with people all over the world, from thatched huts to the White House. We were reminded of the importance of prayer and action - words alone may be hollow. [See also Hoffmann in REFLECTIONS].
The example of the Good Samaritan was cited as showing how a stranger's 'love of neighbour' expressed itself in action, unlike the religious folk who saw the person who had been mugged, but didn't want to become involved. Are we Christians whose manner says DO NOT DISTURB, like the signs on hotel doors?
As we give thanks for the new century, let us not forget that the year 2000 celebrations are connected with Jesus' (official, if not actual) birthday - and let us be grateful for his teaching of love: 'Let us practise loving each other, for love comes from God' (John 3:18); 'those who are loving and kind show that they are getting to know Him better…' (1 John 4:7) -- quotes from the scripture, which were read alternatively by a speaker and by the congregation
The hymns were sung with vigour and some clapping.
I think it's valuable to attend other kinds of church services occasionally, and would encourage Melbourne Templers to consider attending one of the Glen Eira Fellowship Day services on 23rd July (see page 25). Hopefully such visits deepen our understanding and extend our tolerance of other ways of doing things, while quite possibly increasing our appreciation of our own way.
A communal lunch followed the service. A prayer from the service appears below.
Herta Uhlherr
MILLENNIUM PRAYER
Blessed are you, God of infinite compassion,
AMEN
TEMPLER EXCHANGE
Also hallo erstmal!
Mein Name ist Stefan Klingbeil und ich bin der neue Kandidat für den Jugendaustausch zwischen der TGD und der TSA. Um mich vorzustellen fange ich am besten bei meinen Eltern an: Jörg und Karin (geb. Wieland) Klingbeil. Meine Mutter kam vor vier Jahren begeistert von einem Besuch bei den Gemeinden in Australien zurück und dürfte vielleicht bei manchen noch in Erinnerung sein. Für mich wird es der erste Besuch in Australien sein, ich habe aber viele von den Australiern kennengelernt, die hier in Deutschland waren, z.B. Alysha Murray, Brendon Glenk, Michael Franz, Bernhard Höfer und Harald und Christine Ruff.
Ich bin sehr an technischen Dingen interessiert und mein Ziel ist es im Herbst 2001 mit dem Elektrotechnikstudium zu beginnen. Dafür muss ich vorher noch ein Praktikum absolvieren. Das mache ich im direkten Anschluss an meinen Zivildienst, den ich im Moment ausklingen lasse. Im Oktober, wenn das Praktikum vorbei ist, will ich dann gleich nach Australien kommen und bis Januar zu Gast in den Gemeinden der TSA sein.
Ich bin sehr gespannt auf den Vergleich zwischen der deutschen und den australischen Gemeinden. Deswegen freue ich mich auf Australien und auf viele interessante Begegnungen und neue Bekanntschaften.
Stefan Klingbeil is our new exchange candidate from Germany. His parents are Jörg Klingbeil and Karin née Wieland.
Four years ago his mother returned full of enthusiasm from her Elders' Exchange visit to the Australian communities, but it will be the first time in Australia for Stefan.
He has met our exchange candidates in Germany - Alysha Murray, Brendon Glenk, Michael Franz, Bernhard Höfer, Harald & Christine Ruff.
He is very interested in technical things and is aiming to begin studying Elektrotechnik in autumn 2001. Before that, he needs to do a practicum/work experience, which he will do immediately following his Zivildienst, which he is just finishing.
Straight after the practicum ends in October he intends to come to Australia and will be the guest of our various communities till January.
Stefan is eager to compare the German and Australian Templer communities. So he is looking forward to Australia, to many interesting meetings with our members and to making new friends.
Stefan Klingbeil.See also the invitation to being Stefan's host for a few weeks in FROM THE OFFICE, and the article below.
OBSERVATIONS ABOUT OUR PARTICIPATION IN THE TEMPLER EXCHANGE
During October and November 1999 Rosemarie and I hosted Irina Hornung, a participant in the Templer Exchange Scheme.
Initially our motivation to become involved was twofold. Firstly, we supported the scheme as a means of preserving our heritage and to encourage contact between members of our two communities in the face of increasingly centrifugal tendencies affecting the Temple Society. Secondly and at a personal level, we believed, probably naively, that the presence of a fluent German speaker in the household would encourage communication in the German language. Of course, we had overlooked the fact that most Germans speak English better than we can communicate in German and so we were quickly disabused of this naive notion.
Consequently, while expectations about the positive influence of Irina's presence on cultivating communication in German in our household were not realised, her musical talent and commitment thereto provided a marvellous example for and stimulus to the music studies of our own children. Together we also attended or arranged the attendance of Irina at a number of different orchestral recitals, venues and institutions for the study of music, which we might otherwise not have had the opportunity of experiencing.
For Rosemarie and me personally, the most interesting outcome was our introduction through Irina to the extended Klink, Hornung and Löbert relatives, the members of which were not really known to us apart from a few individuals.
The purpose of these observations is to emphasise that, although the presence in our household of an additional member was not without its extra responsibility, additional work and all the usual constraints attendant upon the presence of a guest, in our opinion the benefits exceeded those perceived disadvantages which might initially have the effect of discouraging prospective host families from volunteering. Involvement in the exchange program in fact has substantial mutual benefits as we have endeavoured to outline and we recommend and encourage your participation.
Rosemarie and Peter Weller
GRANDPARENTS' DAY - BIGGEST MORNING TEA
On Thursday 15 May 'Australia's Biggest Morning Tea' was happening around the country, organised by the Anti-Cancer Council and sponsored by Liptons.
Here at Playgroup we again combined this event with our Grandparents' Day which, as in past years, was a congenial and worthwhile morning in every respect.
Our Playgroup children were very happy to show their Omas and Opas, and dads, what their work is all about - with much activity and contented smiles. It was especially nice to see so many residents from the Home units who joined us for our singing session and later shared a delicious morning tea provided by our wonderful Playgroup parents (and Gisela's homemade Brezeln!).
Sincere thankyous to all involved and especially to everyone who came to 'Raise a Cuppa' and enjoy a morning to raise $141.20 for cancer research and patient and family support - you made very generous 'gold coin' donations!
By the way, grandparents and friends have an open invitation to join us at any time, not just on Grandparents' Day. Your support is very much valued.
Moni Herrmann, for the Playgroup
COUNTRY VIC CENTRAL GET-TOGETHER
On 4th June it was overcast, cold and drizzly when we left Boronia in the morning; it rained some of the way through Kinglake, Glenburn and Flowerdale and through the hilly farmland which eventually took us to Strath Creek; the hail stopped short our group walk around the Beilharz farm; it rained and hailed again on the way home and the sun only managed short and very weak appearances all day.
Yet somehow I remember the day as being full of warmth, harmony and contented bodies and souls. The peaceful, serene atmosphere which pervaded the day was no doubt due to several things:
Heartfelt thanks to Helmut & Ilse and their 'helpers' for all their work. It is a credit to the 'Country Templers' that get-togethers like this happen. We 'City Templers' felt privileged to be part of it and will remember it as a special day.
Christine Ruff
A couple of lovely teaspoons were left behind. If they belong to you, please contact Ilse to make arrangements to get them back.
DIE VOGELHOCHZEIT
Ein Kindertraum in zwölf Liedern.
Am Donnerstag den 15. Juni kamen die beiden 3. Klassen von Scotch College Junior School zu der Tabulam und Templer Homes for the Aged um die Vogelhochzeit aufzuführen. Die Idee der Vogelhochzeit kam zustande als der Deutschlehrer, Ian Clarke, und die Musiklehrerin, Jenni Allen, eine gemeinsame Aufführung planten. Im Kunstunterricht wurden die Vogelmasken und Kostüme angefertigt und im Deutsch- und Musikunterricht wurde fleißig geprobt. Die erste Aufführung fand in der Schule für alle Eltern, Lehrer und Schüler statt; eine Woche später ging es dann zum Tabulam.
Ein Bus brachte die 50 Jungen und ihre Lehrer von Hawthorn nach Bayswater; der Bus mit der Musikanlage inkl. der Mikrofone kam schon etwas früher. Nachdem wir das Esszimmer leergeräumt und reihenweise Stühle eingeräumt hatten, und die Musikanlage aufgebaut war, füllten sich auch schnell die Reihen. Wir haben uns sehr gefreut, auch so viele Bewohner vom Altersheim zu sehen. Die rege Teilnahme veranlasst uns allerdings jetzt dazu, uns Gedanken darüber zu machen, wo wir in Zukunft unsere Musikveranstaltungen abhalten werden. Das Esszimmer ist zu klein geworden. Mit ein bisschen gutem Willen gelang es uns allerdings, alle Bewohner daran teilnehmen zu lassen.
Die Jungen waren gut vorbereitet und die Aufführung war phantastisch. Viele von uns fühlten sich in unsere Kinderzeit zurückversetzt und sangen die altbekannten Lieder mit. Selbst diejenige Bewohner, die sonst ungern länger an einem Ort verweilen, blieben die gesamte Zeit singend und klatschend auf ihrem Stuhl sitzen. Nach der Aufführung, die ungefähr eine Stunde dauerte, fuhren die Schüler mit kleinen Tüten Schokolade als Dankeschön wieder zurück nach Hawthorn. Viele Komplimente wurden von den Zuschauern ausgesprochen, die ich gerne an die Schule weitergeleitet habe.
Unsere Beziehung zu Scotch College Junior School besteht schon seit mehreren Jahren. Jedes Jahr im Dezember werden wir zur traditionellen Weihnachtsaufführung eingeladen, wobei die Schule uns sogar transportable Rampen gebaut hat um mit den Rollstühlen in die wunderschönen alten Gebäude zu kommen. Für die Kinder ist es auch ein interessantes Erlebnis, der älteren Generation eine Freude bereiten zu können, und auch zu erleben, dass Deutsch nicht nur isoliert im Klassenzimmer gesprochen wird, sondern auch im Umgangsgebrauch. Wir hoffen, dass die Schule auch in Zukunft deutsche Musikstücke einüben und sie dann auch bei uns aufführen wird.
The two grade 3 classes from Scotch College Junior School visited Tabulam on 15 June to perform Vogelhochzeit (the marriage of the birds). Their German and music teachers prepared it with them, and bird masks and costumes were created in art class. The first performance was at the school, for parents and the school community. A week later they visited us, arriving from Hawthorn in a bus after the sound system and microphones, which had to be set up beforehand.
We had emptied the dining room, then arranged the chairs in rows. The room filled quickly. It was good to see so many people from the Altersheim, too. But we need to think about where we can accommodate so many people in future. However, we managed to squeeze everyone in.
The boys were well prepared and the performance was fantastic. Many of us were reminded of our own youth and sang along. Even those residents who find it hard to keep still stayed for the whole performance (which lasted about an hour), singing and clapping. The boys departed with little bags of chocolate as thankyous. There were many compliments, which I was happy to pass on to the school.
Our connection with Scotch College Junior School goes back a few years now. Each year in December we are invited to the traditional Christmas performance. The school has even built mobile ramps so that our wheelchairs can get into the lovely old buildings. For the children it is an interesting experience to be able to bring joy to an older generation - also to experience German being spoken in an everyday situation, not just in the isolation of the classroom. We hope that the school will continue to learn German musical items and to perform them for us as well.
Insa Clarke, Occupational Therapist
Tr. H. U.
Am Sonntag den 28.5 konnte unser Saal ganz in deutscher Sprache abgehalten werden, da keine nur englisch sprechende Mitglieder oder Freunde anwesend waren. Ich beschränkte mich in meinem Vortrag hauptsächlich auf das Vorlesen der ersten 12 Seiten des vierten Sendschreibens, herausgegeben in der Süddeutschen Warte von Christoph Hoffmann, 1877-78) in denen der Unterschied zwischen der Katholischen und Lutherischen Lehre, aber auch den Rationalismus und die Fortschrittstendenz, und unser Tempelglauben klar herausgearbeitet wird. Hoffentlich habe ich durch die Länge des Vortrags die Zuhörer nicht überfordert.
Bekanntmachung: wir wollen für eine Probezeit von 3 Monaten jeden Sonntagmorgen zwischen 9 und 11 Uhr unsere Kirche an die Calvary Indonesian Baptist Church vermieten, für eine Spende von $20 für die 2 Stunden.
Nächste Termine:
Sonntag 23.7 -- Saal, gehalten von Heinz Vollmer aus Melbourne
Sonntag 27.8 -- Saal und jährliche Mitgliederversammlung unter meinem Vorsitz.
The service on Sunday 28 May could be held entirely in German, as no solely English speakers were present.
I restricted my sermon mainly to the reading of the first 12 pages of the fourth Sendschreiben, (a series of 5 religious statements published from 1877-78 in the South German Sentinel by our founder). In these the differences between the Catholic and Lutheran doctrines, but also the rationalistic and progressive tendencies of the time, and our Tempel belief, are clearly highlighted.
Announcement: we intend, for a trial period of 3 months, to let our church every Sunday morning from 9-11 to the Calvary Indonesian Baptist Church, for the consideration of a donation of $20 for the 2 hours.
Future dates:
Sunday 23 July - Service conducted by Heinz Vollmer from Melbourne
Sunday 27 August - Service and annual general meeting of members, chaired by me.
Peter K. Hoffmann
HEIM NACHRICHTEN HOME NEWS
Herr Dr. Schreiber war im Juni auf seinem wohlverdienten, jährlichen Urlaub. Es sind jetzt 4 Monate seit dem Zusammenschluss der beiden Heime und ich glaube wir können bisher alle recht zufrieden sein mit dem Stand der Dinge.
Beim Jahresball des D.A.Hilfsvereins überreichte Herr Dr. Uhlenbruch eine Spende über $10,000 an Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged. Im Namen des TTHA Komitees sowie persönlich, recht herzlichen Dank den Spendern!
Wir haben nun auch ein neues Logo, das zwei in sich verschlungene Bäume darstellt (vielen Dank, Rainer Bulach). Man kann alles Mögliche hinein lesen, muss es aber nicht. Ich sehe im Wesentlichen zwei verwachsene, knorrige Bäume, Eichen vielleicht, die neben der Sinnbildlichkeit des Baumes und der Eiche im Allgemeinen an die beiden Wurzeln unserer Heime, das Tabulam and das Templer Altersheim erinnern, oder aber auch an die beiden Träger, die Tempelgesellschaft und den Deutsch-Australischen Hilfsverein.
Die Baupläne haben das erste Stadium noch nicht überschritten. Es handelt sich dabei um einen 30 Betten Neubau, der den neuesten Gesichtspunken der Altenversorgung sowie allen Anforderungen des Gesundheitsamtes entspricht. Dieses Gebäude wird auf zwei Ebenen an der Stelle der 6 Units, die abgebrochen werden müssen, entstehen. Das untere Geschoss wird etwas tiefer als der jetzige Grund liegen und neben einer 15-Betten Einheit die Verwaltungsräume enthalten. Ein Aufzug verbindet diesen Stock mit dem etwa 150cm höheren Boden der bestehenden Altersheim Küche die, ganz erneuert, die Grossküche werden wird, und die neue Wäscherei.
Der Aufzug hält dann ein zweites Mal oben auf der Ebene vom Tabulam in einer zweiten 15-Betten Einheit über der ersten. Am Ende dieses Stockwerkes verbindet dann ein kurzer Glasgang diese mit dem Tabulam etwa da, wo jetzt die Eingangsrampe des Tabulams endet. Der Haupteingang wird in die Verwaltungsräume im Erdgeschoss gehen, ungefähr da wo jetzt die Treppe zu den abzubrechenden 6 Units und dem Verwaltungszimmer des Altersheims geht. Der grosse Eukalyptusbaum kann also stehen bleiben.
Im Erdgeschoss des Altersheims werden gerade zwei neue Behandlungsräume eingerichtet. Pflegedienstleiterin Frau G. Glöckner wird im Juni in das Büro von Herrn Dr. Schreiber gezogen sein und da während etwa der Hälfte ihrer Arbeitszeit für Altersheim Bewohner erreichbar sein.
TTHA wurde offiziell 'approved Providers Status' zuerkannt, aber transfer of Bed Licences ist noch nicht erfolgt.
Seit dem ersten Juni werden alle Mahlzeiten im Tabulam zubereitet und es klappt sehr gut.
Das neue Steuergesetz (GST) betrifft das Heim nur am Rande, wird aber doch Arbeit verursachen, da bei manchen Dienstleistungen GST bezahlt wird, was dann per Eingabe wieder zurückverlangt werden muss.
Dr. Schreiber had his well-earned annual holiday in June. It's now been four months since amalgamation and I think we can so far be reasonably satisfied with how things are going.
At the annual ball of the AGWS, Dr. Uhlenbruch presented a cheque for $10,000 to Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged. On behalf of TTHA and myself, a sincere thankyou to the donors!
Thanks to Rainer Bulach, we now have a new logo which represents two stylised trees intertwined. One can read all kinds of meanings into it, without having to.
I basically see two strong, old trees, perhaps oak trees which, apart from the symbolism of trees and oaks in general, remind one of our Homes' two roots, Tabulam and the Templer Altersheim, or similarly of the two parent societies, the TSA and the AGWS.
The plans for building the first stage of the extension have not yet progressed beyond draft form. They include a 30-bed new building, which fulfils all the requirements of Aged Care and the Dept. of Health. This two-level building will be located where the six oldest units are to be demolished. The ground floor will be closer to street level, about 150 cm lower than the present AH administration office, and will comprise a 15-bed unit and the new administration, as well as the main entrance foyer (close to where the steps currently go up to the 6 old units). A lift will connect this level with the existing AH kitchen area which, once it is fully renovated, will become the central kitchen for the whole complex, and the new laundry.
Then the lift will go up to a second set of 15 beds situated above the first, at the level of Tabulam. A glassed-in walkway will connect the new building with Tabulam, roughly where the entrance ramp to Tabulam now ends.
D.O.N. Gabriele Gloeckner will have moved temporarily into Dr. Schreiber's temporary officer (the AH library) and will be available to Altersheim residents for about half her working hours.
TTHA has been granted approved Provider Status, but the transfer of bed licences has not occurred yet.
All meals have been prepared in the Tabulam kitchen since 1st June and this is working very well.
The changes re GST will impact our Homes only marginally, but will nevertheless mean extra work, as we have to make payments for some services and then apply for refunds.
Walter Burkhardt
Sun 9.7 Bo 10.15 Service & S.S. G Heinz Vollmer
FELLOWSHIP DAY
The Glen Eira South Ministers' Association has selected Sunday 23rd July as a common inter-denominational visiting day. This initiative is designed to strengthen the bonds of Christian fellowship and to broaden our religious perspective, both at a congregational and personal level.
Members are invited to register their interest in attending services at any of the following churches at the stated times. We are sure that you will be made most welcome. Come along and share a cuppa… and no doubt much more. We look forward to your participation. Some of the churches in the area cannot be part of Fellowship Day this year, but hope to join next time.
St. John's Anglican Church, Cnr. Tucker & Centre Rds. East Bentleigh 9.30 a.m.
Mark Herrmann
FAMILY SERVICE
We invite everyone, young and old, to an informal service at Boronia on Sunday 30 July at 11 a.m. While family services are aimed primarily at young families, grandparent-age people attending have been heard to comment afterwards that they love these services because, although they are in English, their message is usually lively and easy to understand.
All are welcome. Editor
BENTLEIGH-MOORABBIN COMMUNITY A.G.M.
The Annual General Meeting of the Bentleigh-Moorabbin Community will be held on Sunday 27 August at 12. p.m. following the morning service. A light lunch will be served preceding the AGM.
The present committee members are Judy Eppinger, Helmut Eppinger, Kurt Eppinger, Herbert Hoffmann, Moni Imberger, Oskar Krockenberger, Theo Richter, Annette Wagner-Hesse, Paul Weberruss and Gisela Schmidt.
Three committee members are due to retire: Annette Wagner-Hesse, Paul Weberruss & Gisela Schmidt.
Nominations for Committee should preferably be forwarded to any committee member prior to the AGM, or nominations will be taken at the AGM.
AGENDA
61. Report from the committee's chair on the year's activities
62. Treasurer's Report
63. Report from community groups
64. General business.
Should anyone have matters to be raised, please pass the items to a committee member prior to the meeting, or raise them on the day.
Gisela Schmidt, for Judy Eppinger
GIPPSLAND TEMPLER GROUP SERVICE & GET-TOGETHER
ADVANCE NOTICE
All Templers are invited to our next get-together which will be held in the lovely grounds of Hillcrest Christian College Nyora, on Sunday 24 September at 11 a.m. This is the only date still available on the Templer Calendar where there is no clash with other official functions. Although it is in the middle of the September school holidays, we hope that you will take advantage of the holiday atmosphere to spend a relaxing community day with us in this unique environmental setting, designated as Land for Wildlife and offering bushwalks, adventure playgrounds, canoeing, garden walks and much more.
It is just a slight detour from the usual run to such holiday destinations as Phillip Island and Cape Paterson and yet quite central for our numerous members (residents and holiday-makers) of the Gippsland region. So please mark this date on your calendar and come along! More details in the September TR.
Marianne Beilharz
BAYSWATER-BORONIA COMMUNITY
WORKING BEE ROSTERS
Earlier this year we sent letters to members regarding their interest in remaining on the current working bee list and any thoughts and comments relating to the working bee programme. Thank you to everyone who responded (almost 100% response) and also for the many considered comments.
After considerable discussion, a number of ideas were considered of value and we would like you to think about the following proposal in the lead-up to the next AGM. At that meeting we would like you to vote on this proposal.
Working bee proposal -- Two styles of working bee:
1. Regular lawn mowing working bees.
Fortnightly during spring/summer/autumn and monthly during winter. There would be a small group of volunteers who are willing to do about 3 or 4 sessions a year; these mowing sessions could be done at any time during the week. The committee is investigating the purchase of a ride-on mower/s to increase the amount of mowing that can be done, also interested volunteers will be given instruction on operating the tractor/slasher. The lawn-mowing volunteers will not be expected to participate in any other working bees unless they wish to.
2. Quarterly general working bees.
On a quarterly basis, a larger general working bee will be organised to perform other maintenance requirements such as pruning, weeding, painting, minor repair work etc. Group size will be between 20 - 30, and this can be an opportunity for families to become more involved in the upkeep of our assets. A barbecue/picnic lunch could be organised for after the working bee.
Have a think about this proposal and if you have any thoughts or questions, then please contact one of the committee members.
A number of our female members expressed interest in being placed on the working bee roster. We invite any interested female members to register their name for a new list to be drawn up at the beginning of the new financial year. Please contact Tony Beilharz.
Currently we take people off the list when they reach the age of 70. If there are any members (male or female) over the age of 70 who would like to be placed back on the list, then you are also invited to contact Tony Beilharz to register your name for the new roster.
Beautification sub-committee for Ba-Bo properties
At the last committee meeting (as part of the general working bee discussion) we considered the need to improve the "ambience" of the Bayswater and Boronia halls and surrounding land to make them more attractive to members. It was felt that whether the New Centre is built or not, something could and should be done to improve the general environment of the two properties. As a result of these discussions we felt it would be appropriate to form a sub-committee to investigate ideas or proposals. If you would like to participate on this sub-committee or have any ideas for the sub-committee to consider, then please contact me.
Ralph Richter, On behalf of the Ba-Bo Committee
BA-BO ANNUAL DINNER DANCE
Sat 19 August at the Bayswater Hall
This year we are trying something a little different. Instead of a dinner we'll have a significant supper round 9.30 p.m.
Time: 7.30 p.m. sherries and nibblies for 8 p.m. until 1.00 a.m.
Dress: We recommend jacket and tie for the men
Price: $25.00 per head, student concession $15.00
BYO drinks
Bookings essential. Round tables of 10 and 12 (2 only) are available. Full tables, couples or singles welcome. If there is a demand, we intend to set up some tables in the JG area for those who prefer more intimate, quieter seating.
Music will be provided by John Cooney who has entertained us on several occasions before.
Book with Paul & Erika English or Tony and Renate Beilharz.
BAYSWATER-BORONIA LADIES GROUP
Some months ago Susan Graze told us about her and Theo's trip to visit daughter Jenika in Kathmandu, describing their life in Nepal. Now we look forward to having Jenika speak to us herself, sharing more of her family's life and work in this distant land.
All ladies are invited to come.
Minnie Haering
CRAFT GROUP
Our next get-together is in Bayswater on Thursday 27 July at 8 p.m. in the School Room. We may have Christkindlmarkt items to make, but do bring your own craft as well.
At this stage we will meet every 4th Thursday at 8 p.m. alternating between Bentleigh and Bayswater Ring Moni or Nanne if you wish to know more.
TSA RELIGIOUS SEMINAR and Retreat in 2000
Preparations are under way for our next religious seminar. The aim is to provide Templers and friends with the opportunity for religious reflection and the chance to take part in a range of spiritual experiences, both as part of a group and individually.
It is hoped to hold the seminar at the Iltis Ski Club on Mount Buller. Dates being considered are the weekends of 28th & 29th October or 4th & 5th November.
We hope to keep costs to a minimum, with meals provided. More information will be in the next Templer Record.
In order to better meet your needs, we will hold a …
Public planning meeting
on Friday 25th August at 7.30pm in the schoolroom at the Bayswater Hall. We recognise that each person is different and has varying spiritual interests and needs. You are invited (and encouraged) to come along to the planning meeting and offer your reactions, suggestions and add to the discussion on the seminar (and religious education in the TSA as a whole).
Our aim is to reach as many members and friend as possible. Your input (and offers of assistance), no matter how big or small, are highly valued and would help to make the religious seminar a success.
If you can't make it to the meeting but would like to contribute any thoughts or ideas, please call Harald.
Irene Bouzo and Harald Ruff
for the organising committee.
Hi,
I write this as my heater is turned onto high and I have 6 layers of clothing plus my slippers on. Congratulations to the bright spark who thought we should have such a thing as winter! But I guess it is a good excuse to cuddle up close to that someone special. Mind you it's also a good time to get infected with a million little bugs that immobilise you with fever and a runny nose! Pardon the cynicism. My enthusiasm about winter seems to have defrosted.
But enough about the weather, how are you? I would imagine that one of the main topics on everyone's mind at the moment is the GST, but I am proud to say that the JG Section will continue to be GST free. That's got to be a good thing, right…!?
Okay, next piece of info is that I can see a possible meeting of JGers, both old and new, in the coming months. I think it's about time that we figured out where we're really heading. And besides, we have to give the new Confirmands the ritual initiation into the JG. So keep your eyes on these pages in the coming months for details.
Just a short one this month. Not so much to say. I'm going back to my hibernation, please don't disturb me unless you have a hot chocolate to warm me up. Take it easy and I'll catch you later!
Karyn Kinder, Youth Ed.
Hi, everyone!
As you've already heard from Karyn (in the May TR), I have taken on the role of Youth Co-ordinator. At the moment there is not that much to coordinate, but I'm hoping that YOU are going to change that very soon!
Now that we have had Confirmation 2000, there will be a new group of teenagers coming into the Teenage Group. Winnie Beilharz has kindly, generously, wonderfully, etc. offered to continue organising Teenage Group activities, but he really needs someone to help. Ideally this should be the parent of one of the group members, but it doesn't have to be. The first meeting for the new Teenage Group will be on Saturday 22nd July in the JG room, Bayswater Hall at 6 p.m. The finer details of the evening haven't been finalised yet, so for more info ring Winnie or myself. ALL teenagers are welcome, so come along and meet some other "Templer dudes"! Oh, and bring along your best friend (or two), they're welcome to join in, too!
Organisation for the Confirmation Camp is well on the way for the first week of the September School holidays. Ring Christine & Harald Ruff for information.
There will also be a Post Confo. Reunion Camp for the 1998 Confirmation Group on the last weekend in September. Dieter Edelmaier has generously offered to organise this Camp to Yarrawonga, with the help of Theo Richter and Sarah Murray. For further details ring Dieter.
This is a great way to get back together with your old Confo Group! It doesn't have to be a camp, it can just be an evening or a weekend somewhere. HOW ABOUT ORGANISING ONE FOR YOUR GROUP!? You never know, it might be a lot of fun!! You may even be the pioneer of a new J.G.!!!!
Is anyone interested in taking dancing lessons? Erika English is looking for a group of young people who would like to look really cool on a dance floor, instead of standing on everyone's toes! If this is you, give her a ring.
If you have any questions about any Youth activities, or better still, if you have an idea for an activity or would like something organised, OR EVEN BETTER STILL are able to help organise an activity, this is how you can contact me:
email: beilharztr@ozemail.com.au.
Or a fax to the Office: 9557 7943.
So there's no excuse! See ya! Susi Blackwell
No person who is doing a very difficult thing, and doing it very well, ever loses his/her self-respect.
Hi Kids and Parents,
Boy, has it become cold! Winter is truly upon us. There' s already heaps of snow for those who like skiing.
My kids had a great time at the Kids' Club Camp. Did you??
Ruth Ruth 1-4
Ruth lived with Naomi away from Judah, the land of God's people. Ruth had married Naomi's son. Both husbands had died.
Naomi wanted to go back to Judah. Ruth asked to go along. She said, "I will go where you go. Your people will be my people. Your God will be my God."
In Judah, Ruth had to work to get food for them to eat. She picked up the grain that was left over in the field after the harvest.
The owner of that field was named Boaz. He told the farm helpers to leave extra grain for Ruth.
Ruth knew that Boaz was a kind man. Boaz fell in love with Ruth. They married and had a baby named Obed. And they were happy together.
JOKES
Here are some more elephant jokes.
What do you call an elephant with wings? - A jumbo jet.
What's the same size as an elephant but doesn't weigh anything? - An elephant's shadow.
Why are elephants so wrinkled? - Have you ever tried ironing one?
What do you call a man with an elephant on his head? - Squashed.
BIRTHDAYS
Amara Wagner
REFLECTIONS
CAN WE STILL EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT OF GOD?
Pentecost/ Pfingsten falls on Sunday 11 June this year. Fifty days after Good Friday, it celebrates the astonishing day when the disciples were all together and a sound like a mighty wind rushed through the place and tongues of fire appeared on every person's head. 'And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit' (See Acts 2). They became an inspired community (in-spired= with the divine, creative breath of life in them), enthused (en-theos= 'in God', with God's Spirit moving powerfully in them) to carry out His work of spreading the gospel (the good news) of love that their Master Jesus had taught them by his words and his example.
How would we attempt to describe such an event today? What would we feel, what words would we use? Would it be a sensationalised item on the TV news?
Various reflections on the Holy Spirit in English and German follow. Perhaps you can take time to sit quietly with one or the other and see what comes up within you. Do you occasionally perceive the spirit/action/hand of 'God' in your life? Do you look out for it? Maybe you are very tuned in to seeing the sacred behind the ordinary events of daily life.
Wir hoffen, dass folgende, teils auszugsweise Beiträge zum eigenen Nachdenken über das Wirken des heiligen Geistes in unserem Leben führen.
We hope that something in the following excerpts may touch and perhaps inspire you as you reflect on how the Holy Spirit has moved in your life.
Die Bitte um den Geist (Reformulated credo by Jörg Zink).
'Ich glaube an die Kraft des Stillen und des Schwachen
God's Spirit as creator: The Lord God formed a human being from the dust of the ground (the material of earth, carbo-hydrates, iron, animo acids etc.) and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life (something not generated spontaneously on earth, a gift from 'above'?), so that he became a living creature. Genesis 2:7.
And the New Testament indicates: See 1 Cor.3:16.
Wisst ihr nicht, dass euer Leib ein Tempel des heiligen Geistes ist, der in euch wohnt, und den ihr von Gott habt.?
Surely you know that you are God's temple, where the Spirit of God dwells… the temple of God is holy and you are that temple.Don't we usually think of the Spirit as body-less, airy, super (above) - natural? Bodies old or young, sick or healthy, as the dwelling place of Spirit? God's life-giving breath (oxygen?) coursing in our blood? Does it occur to us to take care of our bodies, not just for ourselves but in gratitude to the Creative Spirit?
'die kirche Deines geistes
The Spirit also works in communities and churches to renew, to bring new life into stagnating traditions. Pentecost from the perspective of a German religious instruction book for 2nd grade:
Pentecost - all understand one another.
A storm of enthusiasm (Be-geist-erung) sprang up and filled the whole house and people's tongues loosened and began to glow like fire - the same tongues that had been so boring before and sometimes so unkind. People shouted. 'The Spirit! At last the Holy Spirit we've been waiting for so long has come.' And everyone spoke, and all understood one another: So wonderful! So charming! So open! All spoke in their own language, but they all understood one another. They had never experienced anything like it.
Jesus was amongst them. He said, 'Peace be with you! Receive the Holy Spirit! And carry this spirit to the ends of the earth, to all streets, into your homes and even into the schools, to all places where people are waiting for it.'
Tr. H. U.
Herr, baue deine Gemeinde
Community, peace, love, truth - Temple - can hardly exist in a group unless its individual members strive for these and so become 'building blocks' that support the larger structure.
'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.' (Gal. 5:23). Which fruits do you recognize in whom in our community, in your family, working environment, at school/uni.?
'Geistes - Gegenwart - Wer geistesgegenwärtig reagiert lässt sich nicht überrumpeln. Er ist sofort voll da und reagiert christlich.' - ' Eures Vaters Geist ist es, der durch euch redet.'
(Mt 10, 20).
Geist als Licht - 'Der Geist Gottes ist für mich ein Netz aus kraftvollem Licht, in das wir uns fallen lassen dürfen' - eine Glaskünstlerin zu ihrem Bild. Und Marc Chagall, der u.a. nicht weit von Frankfurt-am-Main für eine Kirche wunderbare blaue Glasfenster gemacht hat:
Ich bin Dein Sohn, der mühsam auf Erden geht
The Spirit as light - 'The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never mastered it." (John 1:5). Der Geist macht licht und hell and reißt das Dunkel auf - und schenkt Freude, und Erleuchtung!
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew term translated as Holy Spirit, ruach, 'suggests power, dynamic energy through which God works changes, be they renewing or destructive. Ruach was experienced as a power-charged reality of the greatest vitality and mobility.' (A. Deissler). Current interpretations of the Spirit at work, for example in the 'Celestine' books, speak of subtle highlighting, colour intensification, synchronicities and intuition as guiding those who pay attention.
Some prayers to conclude. Going back to Acts 2 'and they all understood one another': May all talking which separates us be transformed into language that unites. May we arrive at mutual understanding.
Ein Gebet von Rudolf Steiner beginnt: 'O heil'ger Geist, erfülle mich!' … und heile. May this dynamic, inspiring Energy work in us as individuals and as communities, transforming us (it needs our cooperation, of course!) into radiant, effective 'Temples of God' so that His will be done.
Largely based on 'Geistes-Gegenwart … zum Thema Heiliger Geist'.
Words of a spiritual way
The Spirit blows in, North, West, South and East.
TEXT FOR THE MONTH - Acts of the Apostles 1:6-11
THE ASCENSION STORY.
In June this year the Christian calendar marks two events. On Thursday, 1st June, the ascension of Jesus is remembered, and on Sunday, 11th June, Pentecost is celebrated.
In the following, let me share some brief reflections focussing on the ascension story, meant to offer food for thought.
For forty days after his death (40 being one of the favoured rounded numbers used in the Bible), Jesus is said to have appeared to his apostles many times in ways which made them believe that he was alive. The ascension story narrates Luke's perception, steeped in notions of Old Testament prophecy, of how Jesus was taken up to heaven after his final appearance to the apostles assembled on the Mount of Olives. The narrative concludes with a wake-up call to the awe-struck apostles, urging them to stop staring skywards and, as it were, to channel their energies into the work entrusted to them in the here and now.
It is this wake-up call which I see as revealing the perspective which gives the story of the ascension an ageless meaning, - a simple, readily understood meaning linking past and present, and making the story relevant to life's practice in our days. We are challenged to acknowledge that, while awed gazing does have its place and time, it must not detract from our responsibility to get on with our work that it waiting to be done. I believe that wake-up call of a long gone era still continues to echo through time, encouraging all prepared to listen to follow their conviction and go forward trustingly and purposefully.
Looking at the matter from another angle, those who attended last month's confirmation service will remember how the congregation joined together in singing the song "Pass it on", the opening line being It only takes a spark to get a fire going.
In the context of the text for the month, did not Jesus set a prime example of "passing on" what he had to give, and of being the spark that kindles a fire of the heart and mind? Did not the apostles become like torchbearers who saw their supreme mission in "passing on" their mentor's burning vision and practical demonstration of a life transformed? Does not that kind of fire continue to spread the light of spiritual reality, and radiate warmth to hearts starved of compassion?
Over many centuries the spirit, as a gift of the transcending divine presence, has surfaced in manifold forms, bearing messages of truth, of encouragement, of all-embracing love, and of indomitable faith and hope. I believe the ascension story bears such a message. A down-to-earth message worth taking in and acting upon. A message deserving to be remembered at Pentecost, when the gift of the spirit and its triumph are celebrated.
Dietrich Ruff
CONFIRMATION SERVICE
The Bayswater Hall was packed for the Confirmation Service on 7th May. Overheard: 'It was the best Confirmation I've ever been to!!' It was indeed a service in which many contributed to make a satisfying, well-rounded whole.
Refer to picture on page 22 for the names of the 12 confirmands.
Music: Newly-wed Veronika (Frank) VanKrieken played the prelude, while the two confirmands from the country, Kirsten and Erin Lubitz, accompanied the hymns on piano and saxophone - a good sound, the sax holding the melody line, especially in 'Pass it on'. The choir sang the stirring 'Lobt den Herrn der Welt' to Purcell's Trumpet Voluntary tune, helped by the Brass Ensemble, and the lyrical 'Irish Blessing'. The theme from Sister Act II was chosen by the confirmands to leave the hall with; the words go: 'If you want to be somebody, if you want to go somewhere, you'd better wake up and pay attention'.
Readings: There were reflections by Tania Richter (on the classes) and by Emma Beilharz (about the group). Peter Murray read the text from Matt. 7: 7-12 and Lucy Weller from Galatians 5:13-23. 'Live life to the fullest' was read by Amy Edelmaier.
The address was given by Renate Beilharz, who spoke about the solemn, but celebratory Confirmation service as an important milestone in one's development, and as the conclusion of the classes, which were designed to involve these teenagers in religious thinking, and to give them some ownership of the ideas and concepts presented to them.
'Do for others what you want them to do for you' and 'love your neighbour as yourself' (from the readings) are simple statements and an important part of Jesus' message, but not so simple to put into action. Individuality is important, but around us are other individuals who also have rights and responsibilities.
'It is often considered that the difference between individual rights and individual responsibilities towards the needs of the group is a cause of conflict. But I don't see it as a problem, just a difficult task that requires a conscious effort to resolve.'
But we have help available. 'Let the spirit direct your lives'. Through our conscience we carry the voice of God inside us… it will help us find the right way. 'You are called to be free' (Paul to the Galatians) - a harder task, a bigger responsibility: you will have to practise self-control and accept full responsibility for all you do. Remember, help and support are available, from parents, family, friends. And the Templer community cares about you, in a supportive, but not controlling way. Always try to take into account how your decisions may affect yourself and others.
We pray that you will grow up to be living Temples of God, allowing the Spirit to direct your lives. (Some thoughts from Renate's address).
Dr. Rolf Beilharz, our Regional Head, presented each confirmand with a book inscribed with his/her confirmation verse. Each of the confirmands spoke a part of their prayer, to which the community responded. (The original prayer came from a school service, but was adapted and expanded during one of the classes to reflect the confirmands' own concerns and hopes).
Our good wishes and prayers go with all these young people. - Thank you to everyone who came and helped to create this beautiful and festive community occasion. Editor
MEMBERSHIP ISSUES
We are currently in the process of inviting non-member spouses of members and children of members - in short, all the people directly associated with a member - to take up full membership of the Temple Society Australia. This has meant an expansion of our current definition of "associate member", necessitating a proposed change to the TSA Constitution. This and other minor changes will be formulated for consideration at this year's Annual General Assembly in September.
Following the successful 50th anniversary celebrations we are hopeful of welcoming many - both old and new - into our Community. If approached, please give the matter some serious thought; by all means discuss it with family, other members, the Elders or the Office. If for some reason you have not been written to, and you are interested in full membership, please do not hesitate to give us a call on 03 9557 6713.
One of my bugbears with membership is the annual contribution. Two points need to be made clear from the outset: firstly, the Office is dependent on these contributions if we are to continue to offer members services; and secondly, the level of the contributions set and received does not by any means cover (and for many years has not been able to cover) the total Office expenditure. Hence my emphasis on a contribution. While it can be likened to a subscription or fee - and in fact this distinction may prove critical in our present dealings with the Australian Taxation Office, regarding whether or not our membership attracts a GST - I prefer to focus on a contribution.
Each and every member is asked to contribute financially to the work of the Society to a level they can manage. Of course there are also many other important ways and opportunities of contributing to our Community's life. We hope all members can contribute according to the suggested rates (perhaps a bit more?!), but we recognise that this cannot be expected in all cases. Members are charged with the responsibility of making an annual contribution, taking into account their own financial situation and circumstances. Such an assessment is preferable to allowing contribution arrears to accumulate and, as a result, possibly causing someone to question their membership.
With the end of the financial year fast approaching I urgently appeal to the 100 or so (!) members (and Templer Record subscribers) with arrears owing to take up contact with me to arrange a speedy and mutually satisfactory solution. I would be far happier to settle all contribution issues in this way, than to have them continue unresolved. Furthermore, leaving outstanding matters until after 1st July may then have them affected by the GST.
In a small number of cases, the unresolved status has continued for far too long, despite numerous personal approaches from the Office. The issue then remains unclear, uncomfortable and inhibiting, and runs the risk of becoming totally unrealistic. It need not be so. Please take the initiative to resolve the issue of your membership contribution - now!
As part of the whole, we all must contribute for the common good. Let us all do our part to the best of our abilities and resources.
Mark Herrmann, Business Manager
DAY OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
As an initiative of the Glen Eira South Ministers' Association, a day of Christian fellowship is being organised for Sunday 23rd July.
On this day parishioners from each of the member churches are invited to a service being conducted for another congregation. Information lists will be prepared and circulated and I encourage all to share and participate in this exercise of strengthening our common bonds with others.
The Templer Bentleigh/Moorabbin service on this day at 10.15 a.m. will therefore have a mix of visitors from neighbouring churches present - please make them welcome. I hope some of our people may wish to visit one of the other church services on the day.
Mark Herrmann
SOCIAL CARE
Dear Friends,
On Sunday 21 May, the parents, their children and grandparents of the children who had been presented in our community over the last two years were welcomed to an informal afternoon tea in the Bayswater Hall. It was a most pleasant afternoon enjoyed by all who had accepted our invitation. The parents had an opportunity to relax and get to know each other better while the proud grandparents enjoyed looking after their grandchildren and exchange progress notes.
Dr. Rolf Beilharz spoke words of welcome, followed by Monika Herrmann, Director of our Playgroup, and Winfried Beilharz. Monika spoke on the progress and activities of the Playgroup and Winfried gave a very inspiring speech about family activities offered within the Temple Society and the importance of the younger families' involvement, for the continuity of the Temple Society. We thank them both for their time. Thank you to Elisabeth Wagner for her help in organising the afternoon.
Perhaps those families who were unable to come this time will be able to join us next year.
I wish to mention here that the TS has an Emergency Fund for members who may find themselves in financial difficulties through unforeseen circumstances. Enquiries are confidential and can be made through the TS Office or the Elders.
With best wishes to our sick and infirm,
Helga Anderson, Community Care Worker
See also Darstellung Get-together in MEMBERS AND FRIENDS.
AUS DEM GEMEINDELEBEN
GEBURTSTAGE. Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder
und wünschen auch allen hier nicht aufgeführten Geburtstagskindern alles Gute und Schöne zum neuen Lebensjahr.
DANKSAGUNG
Herzlichen Dank für alle liebe Grüße und gute Wünsche, die ich während meines Krankenhaus-Aufenthalts erhalten habe.
Lore Decker
BIRTHS
Annika Arndt
Parents: Anton & Anna Arndt née Israelson
Mikhail Nikolaevich Romankin
Parents: Nikolai & Veronika Romankin née Arndt
Both are grandchildren of Günter & Irmgard Arndt
Congratulations and our best wishes!
CONGRATULATIONS
to Carol Dehn, daughter of Heinz and the late Ilse née Groezinger, who has recently been promoted to Captain Dash 8. She flies for Southern Airlines, a subsidiary of Qantas. Some of you may have seen her photo in the Melbourne Herald Sun a few weeks ago.
Editor.
TRAUERFÄLLE / BEREAVEMENTS
Erna Kazenwadel née Richter died on 29.3.2000 in Wangaratta, aged 88.
Dr. Rolf Beilharz held the service. She leaves two sons:
Walter and Werner, and their families.
Nach kurzer, schwerer Krankheit verstarb am 5. Mai in Deutschland unsere liebe, treusorgende Schwägerin, gute Tante und Großtante
Emma Sawatzky geb. Baumert
In tiefer Trauer, die Verwandten in Australien:
Wilhelm und Helga Sawatzky und Familie
die Familien Baumert in Sydney
Our condolences go to the bereaved families.
BESUCH IM VICTORIAN REHABILITATION CENTRE
in Glen Waverley
Für Mittwoch, den 19. April, hatte Helga Anderson einen Informationsbesuch in diesem Zentrum für eine kleine Gruppe von Altersheim-Bewohnern und Freunden organisiert. So trafen wir uns alle - zehn Frauen und ein Mann - um 1.30 Uhr im Altersheim und warteten auf Helga und den angesagten Kleinbus. Bald kam dieser angefahren, mit Helga am Steuer - zu unserer grossen Überraschung! Wir waren sehr beeindruckt von dieser Tatsache, und als dann alle Teilnehmer sicher im Bus untergebracht und angeschnallt waren, ging die Reise los in Richtung 299 Springvale Road.
Wir hatten schon Gutes von diesem Zentrum gehört durch einige Templer, die zur Behandlung dort waren (darunter auch eine unserer Mitfahrerinnen), und so sahen wir alle mit doppeltem Interesse dem Besuch entgegen. Wir wurden nicht enttäuscht! Am Ziel angekommen, wurden wir von einer freundlichen jungen Frau in Empfang genommen, die sich sehr viel Mühe gab, um den Besuch so informativ und angenehm wie möglich zu machen. Als Bonus sprach sie recht gut deutsch, und so waren die Erklärungen für alle Teilnehmer gut verständlich, trotz der gelegentlichen englischen Wörter. Ihr Name ist Fiona Reddaway, Marketing und PR Manager, und sie beantwortete geduldig alle unsere Fragen.
Das sehr gepflegte und weitläufige Zentrum wurde 1972 eingeweiht und hat inzwischen noch mehrfache Erweiterungen an Gebäuden und Gartenanlagen bekommen. Es können normalerweise 55 Übernachtungspatienten aufgenommen werden, die zumeist in freundlichen und geräumigen Zimmern untergebracht werden. Es gibt auch Zweibett-Zimmer und einige Familienzimmer für Eltern mit Kindern, die vielleicht alle in einem Autounfall verletzt wurden. Täglich kommen zahlreiche Patienten zur ambulanten Behandlung. Hier werden hauptsächlich Unfall-, Schlaganfall- und Herzpatienten behandelt, und es wird für alle Altersstufen gesorgt.
Innerhalb der Gebäude gibt es mehrere grössere und kleinere Behandlungsräume, z.B. zwei grosse Physiotherapie-Säale mit allen möglichen Geräten zur körperlichen Wiederherstellung und ein schönes Wassertherapiezentrum mit geheiztem Schwimmbecken. Ausserdem sahen wir einige Beschäftigungstherapie-Räume, z.B. für Metallarbeiten, Schreinerarbeiten und Handarbeiten, wie Malen, Nähen und Geduldspiele machen, wo die Patienten unter Anleitung und Aufsicht von erfahrenem Personal arbeiten können, damit sie langsam wieder in ein normales Leben zurückgeführt werden. Sogar eine kleine Küche ist da, um Schlaganfall-Patienten wieder mit den alltäglichen Handgriffen vertraut zu machen.
Auch in der äußeren Umgebung ist an alles gedacht: es gibt einen hübschen eingefriedeten Spielplatz für Kinder, wo sie unter Aufsicht und in Sicherheit spielen können, und dann verschiedene kleinere Rasengärten, hübsch angelegt und zum Teil mit Sträuchern eingefriedet, was anscheinend für Gehirngeschädigte sehr beruhigend wirkt und ihnen ein Gefühl der Geborgenheit vermitteln soll.
Halbwegs durch die Besichtigung führte uns Fiona in ein Vortragszimmer, wo sie uns mit einem der Physiotherapisten, Nino, bekannt machte, der uns einen kurzen Vertrag über Hüft- und Knieoperationen und der betreffenden Rehabilitierung gab und alles an Modellen und Bildern demonstrierte. Auch er beantwortete unsere Fragen, und all dies bei einer gemütlichen Tasse Kaffe oder Tee mit Kuchen!
So war dies insgesamt ein schöner und sehr interessanter Nachmittag, und wir fuhren fröhlich singend nach Hause, mit unserer tüchtigen Helga am Steuer, die uns wohlbehalten wieder am Altersheim ablieferte. Vielen Dank, Helga, für all Deine Mühe!
Sigrid Dreher
CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE
Now that she lives in Victoria's west with her family (rather than in the N.T.) Anna Beilharz is able to participate in Melbourne Templer events occasionally.
What a pleasure to land, amidst nappy bags and other child-paraphenalia, at the superbly-organised 50th Anniversary of the Temple Society on the Labour Day weekend!
Having lived too far from Melbourne to come to Templer events for over ten years, and still living a half-day's drive away, we found it lovely to attend an evening of such importance as the 50th Anniversary in so effortless a manner - my effort was getting there and the rest of it just unfolded, for me to relax in and enjoy.
The childcare, which our three-year-old attended, was very well organised (although perhaps lollipops at bedtime was not the best idea for calming the kids down!). Those involved in setting this up deserve heartfelt thanks; I was confident in leaving our son there, knowing he was well looked after and, above all, enjoying himself. When I sneaked in to check on him, he was absorbed in painting and obviously happy.
The evening's "formal" sections were interspersed well with the dinner and later, the dancing. I thoroughly enjoyed the chance to catch up with people and rekindle old friendships, my only "complaint" being that there wasn't enough time to do so, given that not everybody attended Sommerfest the next day.
The idea of choosing a speaker to represent every decade of the TS in Australia was an effective way to mesh people's very varied - and equally valid - perspectives of life in the TS over the second half of the twentieth century. I believe they demonstrated well the aspect of growing up within the TS (no matter what generation) as a feature in members' lives, no matter what external influences surrounded them. As a person who has grown up with the TS and then moved further away geographically, I continue to feel the warmth and the impact of the close-knit community the TS provides.
The speeches, each individual in style and content, were all thought-provoking and enlightening and increased my understanding of how other people view the TS. It was good to have a chance to mull them over during the meal-breaks with others at my table and beyond.
I was particularly impressed with the Confirmands' skit which, through funny scenarios (were they funny only because we all recognised them so intimately?), presented many challenges to the older generations, more fixed in their ideas and views, about the potential relevance - or lack of it - of the TS in their lives. These were the same issues I contemplated when maturing into adulthood - thinking about the place of the TS in my life, and in Australian and international society in general. (Hopefully many more Templers consider such issues as well). I conclude that, despite feeling an outsider at times because I did not come from Bayswater and my Templer peers were not my main friends, I am very lucky to have grown up in such a welcoming, caring community where I still feel welcome, even if I don't contribute to it actively because I live too far away, and where I can pick up with old friendships quickly and easily. To depict such issues and challenges in their skit was well done by the Confirmands and I congratulate them on their ingenuity and pluck.
Lastly, congratulations go to the MC, Rolf Glenk, who led the evening and read the crowd's mood very well - and to all involved in organising such a momentous event in Templer history, for a job very well done! I know it takes a lot of effort to organise such an event (and the extra information, such as the timeline), and its smooth running is testament to the abilities of all the people involved. As I stated in opening, it was lovely to arrive with my family (including our six-week- old son) and feel at ease to totally enjoy myself.
Postscript from our three-year-old, Perry: he thoroughly enjoyed the dancing till midnight with his parents and his (O-)Papa, the Regional Head!
Anna Beilharz
DARSTELLUNG GET-TOGETHER
On Sunday afternoon (21.5) we were privileged to be part of one of the many and varied facets of the Temple Society. An afternoon tea had been organised for the parents, children and grandparents of the last two Presentation groups. It was planned to be an occasion for us all to catch up, possibly renew friendships and even to contemplate the significance of the Temple Society in our lives. It proved to be just that.
Upon entering the JG clubroom we were greeted by two candlelit round tables laden with various sandwiches and cakes; one table for the kids and grandparents (who had come along not only to socialise but also to babysit - brilliant tactic, that one!) and the other table for the young parents and representatives from the elders. Moni Herrmann and Winfried Beilharz came along to talk to us about the Playgroup and Kids' Club and further possibilities for children in the Temple Society. Perhaps one of the more pertinent thoughts to go home with was Winnie's observation that what our children initially get out of the Temple Society depends largely on us, the parents, and to some extent on the grandparents. It is we who need to foster in them the feeling of belonging, if we want them to carry this with them in their later lives.
A perfect example of this was provided for us on the day with the children who are already part of Playgroup playing happily together and interacting freely with Moni and other adults they knew. This is surely how the whole process begins and we must be the ones who make sure it continues! Occasions like this not only provide an opportunity for adults to come together, but also for our little ones to feel at home in our community.
With this in mind, special thanks must go to Helga Anderson and Elisabeth Wagner who gave up their time, prepared sandwiches and cakes, set up and packed up and created for us the chance to share, catch up and strengthen bonds in a most pleasant atmosphere. If a measure of success can be the happy faces of those present, both young and old, then the afternoon must surely have been more than worthwhile. Thanks to all who played a part in its staging.
Now, if only I hadn't eaten lunch and had left enough room inside to try a slice of each different type of cake!
Christine Ruff
See also SOCIAL CARE in FROM THE OFFICE.
SPREADING THE WORD about the Templers and the Tatura Internment Camps at the Erzählcafé in Wiesbaden.
Lilo Thaler suggested that I write this article for the TR as she felt many readers would be interested in our little "venture".
As a number of you may know, I have been involved in learning as much as possible about the Bauhaus Künstler Ludwig Hirschfeld-Mack. My involvement led me to the artists' nieces who live in Wiesbaden and I met these when I was in Germany in 1998. Since then I have been in contact with them and sent them the article in Die Woche about the launch of the Tatura Heritage German Language Trail. When they heard that I was coming, they immediately wrote and asked me to appear in the Erzählcafé in Wiesbaden. The Ackermann sisters are involved in this, which is run in conjunction with the Volkshochschule. They use a café and each month have a different speaker.
As I did not know if I could make it, I suggested that they also contact Lilo Thaler, who kindly agreed to speak. It turned out that both of us could be there. So on a Saturday morning, Lilo and I travelled to Wiesbaden, where we met the Ackermann sisters.
Lilo spoke about the Templer settlements in Palestine, the trip to Australia, the life in the camp, her involvement in the school and theatre. I continued by explaining what is happening in Tatura today and how children in Australia are learning about Tatura. After our talk we gave the audience an opportunity to ask questions. The audience of about 50 people were very interested and some had even been to Israel and seen the Templer settlement in Haifa. Unbeknown to both of us, there was a reporter from the Wiesbaden paper in the audience and an article on our talk appeared in his paper.
May I also say that staying with Lilo was one of the highlights of my trip. I was put to sleep with Brahm's Lullaby and woken up with a merry spring song.
Finally, I have just received mail from Irene Ayres (née Holzknecht) in Kerang - apparently her family were missionaries. Does anybody remember her? If so, I would very much like to hear from them. Thanking you,
Resi Schwarzbauer
Dr. Martin Schreiber
CEO of Tabulam & Templer Homes for the Aged
Dr. Schreiber was Director of Tabulam Nursing Home for ten years and has been the Chief Executive Officer of the (not-for-profit) TTHA since the amalgamation of Tabulam and the Templer Home for the Aged at the end of February this year. He is responsible for the overall running of the Homes and is answerable to the Board of Management (made up of AGWS and TSA members).
Martin Schreiber was born in Germany as the 11th of 12 children and spent his childhood in Korntal, later in Seminar Maulbronn. He studied pedagogy and psychology, and did his Doctorate in Social Science at Tübingen University. He became a schoolteacher, a school psychologist then University Professor of Psychology in Germany and later in Namibia (SW Africa) where he spent 12 years before emigrating to Australia in 1989. He and his wife (from Germany) are now permanent residents here.
Like her husband, Dr. Jutta Schreiber has a number of 'holistic' qualifications: N.D., Bachelor of Naturopathy, Chiropractic, Homeopathy and Iridology. They are both accredited as Naturopaths in Australia and as Heilpraktiker in Germany and run a naturopathic clinic part-time, because of his main job at the Homes for the Aged and her care of their three children, Felix (8), Anne (4) and Paul (3). They live in Bayswater and are happy in Australia, but enjoy their visits to Germany when these are possible.
Special interests: Everything to do with holistic/natural healing, particularly iris photography and diagnosis. Gerontology (Altenpflege). Psychosomatics (psychology, psychotherapy). Computer, Internet, software re naturopathy, iridology, medicine. Their house and garden, and - what I should have put at the top of the list - his family.
Dr. Schreiber likes his work at the Homes very much. It's the kind of work he was trained for, working with people, with ideas and ideals; with the challenge of finding compromises between the desirable/ideal and the possible/realistic. Just at the moment, because of the birth pangs associated with amalgamation, the CEO's life is particularly hectic. We certainly wish Dr. Schreiber well with his complex task.
Some comments: Several people I spoke with have indicated that 'Dr. Schreiber certainly knows his stuff'. Someone with a good deal of experience in working with Aged Home Committees from the design angle made the observation that their operators seem to fall into two categories, poles apart: those in it for the money who cut down on care to make a profit, and the charitable organisations in it to care for people, but usually without a great deal of financial knowhow and consequently always struggling for money to keep going. Dr. Schreiber seems able to combine the two: running a tight, efficient ship financially but without compromising resident care - something few people seem to have been able to do successfully as yet.
'He's a people-person. He'll always make time to talk to residents or their families if they have something on their mind.'
'When our mother was in Tabulam, Helga had more dealings with Dr. Schreiber than I and she thought the world of him. I found him caring, helpful, professional and on the ball in money matters, excellent at communication…" Emma Polacsek.
'I schätz' ihn sehr. Er isch sehr tüchtig and I bin happy mit ihm. Ond er schwätzt Schwäbisch!' Meta Beilharz, unit resident.
'He's a good listener and therefore makes you feel valued. I like that. He has energy and drive.'
'Dr. Schreiber will make time to talk with you. He attempts to find the positives in any given situation. Even if you have a different viewpoint to his on a particular matter he will listen to you carefully. His arguments can be very persuasive and you will need to be equally convincing to get him to change his mind. I find Dr. Schreiber's reactions to and interactions with people very interesting and informative. Our trust in him is deserved and well placed'. Mark Herrmann.
We are grateful for Dr. Schreiber's good work for the well-being of our old, frail members and our good wishes are with him, with all his staff and the Board of Management in the important work they do.
Editor
DO USE OUR LIBRARIES
Ich möchte alle Templer ermutigen die Bücherei im Heim und auch im Tabulam zu benützen. Dr. Schreiber wird sich freuen, Sie zu sehen.
I would like to encourage everyone to make use of the library books both at Tabulam and the Templer Home. Dr. Schreiber, who is temporarily using the AH library as his office, won't mind at all and will be glad to see you.
Die Osterfeiertage hat unsere Gemeinde wie üblich mit unserem Gottesdienst am Karfreitag, dem 21.4. eingeleitet. Ungefähr 65 Mitglieder und Freunde waren gekommen und hörten mich über Johannes 11, 47 - 50 sprechen. Nach der Ansprache, die von dem Choral "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunde" umrahmt wurde, durften die vielen anwesenden Kinder im Garten Ostereier suchen und danach bei Ball- und anderen Spielen mitmachen, während Gisela und ich den Erwachsenen im Annex unsere 42 Dias von den Oberammergauer Festspielen vorführten, die wir 1984 erleben durften, und die dieses Jahr wieder gegeben werden. Erst ziemlich spät endete, nach Kuchen und Kaffee, ein schöner Feiertag.
Wir danken Erika Schulz, Emmy und Colin Simmer und auch Dr. Phillip Vitols für die Organisation und Betreuung der Kinder.
Nächste Termine:
Sonntag den 25. Juni Saal um 3 Uhr
Sonntag den 23. Juli Saal um 3 Uhr,
abgehalten von Heinz Vollmer aus Melbourne.
The Easter break began for our Sydney Community with the now nearly traditional Good Friday service at 3 p.m. About 65 members and friends gathered to listen to my address concerning John 11: 47-50. After the service, the many children present had fun looking for Easter eggs and playing games in the grounds, while Gisela and I presented our 42 slides of the Oberammergau Passion Play to the grown-ups; we attended this in 1984 and it will be staged there again this year. A beautiful afternoon finished fairly late, after coffee and cakes.
Our thanks are due to Erika Schulz, Emmy and Colin Simmer and also Dr. Phillip Vitols, for the organisation and the supervision of the children.
Future dates to remember:
SÜD-AUSTRALIEN GRUPPE
Unser Saal am 9. April war ein Ostersaal von Hulda Wagner, vorgetragen von Uli Asenstorfer. Nach einem Vorspiel sangen wir die ersten 3 Verse von "O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden". Der Text kam aus Markus Kapitel 14, Verse 26-31. Können wir beten lernen, wie Jesus auf dem Ölberg: "Herr, Dein Wille geschehe"? Gott wird uns dann die Kraft geben das zu ertragen, was auf uns zu kommt. Nach dem Vaterunser sangen wir noch die ersten zwei Verse aus dem Osterlied Nr. 32.
Rose und Uli überbrachten Grüße aus Melbourne von der Leitung und persönlich von Dieter und Isolde Ruff. Sie berichteten kurz über die "50 Jahre Templer in Australien" Feier.
Unser nächster Saal ist am 11. Juni um 2 Uhr. Wir freuen uns, dass uns Dieter Ruff diesen Saal halten wird.
Die Frauengruppe traf sich regelmäßig: Im März bei Edith Hatswell, im April bei Rose und im Mai bei Anne Stevens. Es wird eifrig gehäkelt, geplaudert und Kaffee getrunken. Im letzten Jahr konnten wir Handarbeiten im Wert von $288 nach Melbourne schicken.
Außerdem sandten wir für's Altersheim und Tabulam je $50 mit den Weihnachtsgrüßen.
Rose Asenstorfer
Es kommt erstens immer anders und zweitens als man denkt und somit, als neugewählter Chairman of the Board for the Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Inc., möchte ich mich recht herzlich für das mir entgegengebrachte Vertrauen bedanken. Mein besonderes Anliegen ist es, die gute Zusammenarbeit der beiden Träger Organisationen fortzusetzen, wie das ja bisher unter Herrn Otto Löberts Führung so eindrucksvoll geschehen ist.
Um Otto's Verdienste um das Heim zu würdigen, organisierten die beiden Träger Organisationen am 17. Mai eine kleine Feier im Speisesaal des Altersheims, zu der alle frühere Komitee Mitglieder beider Heime, sowie Dr. Uhlenbruch von der AGWS und Dr. Rolf Beilharz von der TSA eingeladen waren.
Wir wünschen Otto alles Gute und beste Erholung und viele schöne Jahre im wohlverdienten Ruhestand.
Es ist erfreulich zu berichten, dass seit dem Zusammenschluss der beiden Heime am 1. März keine nennenswerte Schwierigkeiten aufgetreten sind, und alles sehr zufriedenstellend läuft, wie mir von Herrn Dr. Schreiber versichert wurde.
Wie schon berichtet liegen Baupläne vor, die momentan vom Baukomitee begutachtet werden. Die Meinung der Architekten von den voraussichtlichen Kosten für das gesamte Projekt, also Neubau, Renovierung der bestehenden Gebäude sowie die Ausstattung derselben, belaufen sich auf $4,7 Millionen. Dr. Schreiber wurde vom Komitee beauftragt einen Finanzplan auszuarbeiten. Der vorgelegte Plan ist sehr konservativ basiert und hat eine voraussichtliche Laufzeit von 14 Jahren.
Dr. Schreiber hat einen Antrag auf 9 Plätze für "Work for the Dole" gestellt, mit guter Aussicht auf Erfolg. Der Ausbau des Dementia Units im Tabulam geht gut voran, ist aber noch nicht fertiggestellt. Was in der Zwischenzeit fertig wurde ist ein schönes Wandgemälde an der südwest Seite von Tabulam. Der Künstler ist Stefan Glöckner.
Ab 1. Juni werden alle Mahlzeiten für Altersheim und Tabulam in der Tabulam Küche zubereitet.
Über die Fürsorgeverwalter (Provider Status) und Akkreditations Anträge ist nichts Neues zu berichten.
Things change in surprising ways. As the newly elected Chairman of the Board of the Tabulam and Templer Homes for the Aged Inc. I would like to say a sincere thankyou for the trust placed in me. I particularly want to continue the fine cooperation between the two parent bodies that functioned so well under Otto Löbert's leadership.
To acknowledge Otto's valued contribution, the two parent societies organised a small celebration in the dining room of the Altersheim on 17th May, to which the former committee members of both Homes, as well as Dr. Uhlenbruch (AGWS) and Dr. Beilharz (TSA) were invited.
We wish Otto all the best, a good recovery and many pleasant years of well-deserved retirement.
It is pleasing to be able to report that, since the amalgamation of the two Homes on 1st March, there have been no problems to speak of; Dr. Schreiber assures me everything is running very satisfactorily.
As reported earlier, there are building plans currently being studied by the Building Committee. The architects estimate that the cost of the total project (i.e. new building, renovation of the existing buildings and furnishing them) will be around $4.7 million. The Committee has asked Dr. Schreiber to prepare a finance plan. This plan is very conservative and has an estimated lifespan of 14 years.
Dr. Schreiber has applied for 9 'work for the dole' places and we are hopeful of getting them. Work on the dementia unit in Tabulam is progressing, but is not finished yet.
What has been finished meanwhile is a fine mural on the southwest side of Tabulam. The artist is Stefan Glöckner.
From 1st June all meals for the Altersheim and Tabulam will be prepared in the Tabulam kitchen.
There is nothing to report yet about our applications for Provider Status and Accreditation.
Walter Burkhardt
Tr. H.U.
FORTHCOMING SERVICES
Sun 4.6 CV 11.00 Service get-together at Strath Creek E Harald Ruff
CENTRAL COUNTRY VIC GET-TOGETHER - 4 June
The next meeting of this group will be held at the home of Ilse and Helmut Beilharz at Strath Creek. All members and friends are more than welcome to attend.
The service will be held by Harald Ruff and will commence at 11 a.m. As usual this will be followed by a shared lunch. Ilse has kindly offered to make one of her delicious soups. To help with catering, we request that those intending to come contact Ilse.
As well as something to eat with, or after, the soup, please bring along a cake or slice for afternoon tea and chairs to sit on.
For further information, please ring either Ilse and Helmut
THE NEW TEMPLER CENTRE
As part of the process of finalising the design of the Templer Centre at Bayswater we will be holding a number of public reviews. These reviews are to give all interested members the opportunity to express their ideas on the detail of the design and also to give people a wider understanding about the overall design concept of the new centre.
The first of these sessions will be held in the Bayswater Hall on Friday the 23rd June at 7.30 p.m. At this session Dieter Blaich will again present the overall concept. We will then open the discussion to the floor and invite members to express their thoughts on aspects of the design.
Winfried Beilharz, on behalf of the TSA Property Taskforce
BA-BO SERVICE AND COMMUNITY AFTERNOON
Bayswater Hall 18 June 3.15 p.m.
Everyone is welcome. Would Ba-Bo ladies please bring a cake (already cut) and could the following ladies please be at the hall by 2.45 to help with the cakes and with serving coffee and tea after the service.
Brunhild Groezinger; Lynette, Chrissie, Monica, Liesel Haar; Brigitte Hapke;
Mini Haering; Monika & Emily Herrmann.
If you cannot come, please ask a friend or ring Uta Steller.
BA-BO TENNIS CLUB
The annual general meeting of the Templer Tennis Club will be held on Sunday 18 June at 10.30 in the clubroom at Bayswater.
A sausage sizzle and social tennis will follow the meeting.
Hella Edelmaier, Secretary
VIVALDI AND BACH CONCERT 10 June at 8pm.
Sonatas for Cello & Harpsichord by candlelight in the Toorak Uniting Church.
Cello: Alfred Hornung, harpsichord: Jacqueline Ogeil.
Bookings: 9872 4994; A reserve @ $28; B reserve @ $23; Conc. @ $18
BA-BO LADIES GROUP
Next meeting: Tuesday 20 June 1-3 p.m. at the Bayswater Hall.
The talk in May on 'Spirited Women's Treks' in Nepal, illustrated with slides, was very interesting.
Margot Neu will show us her dolls, incl. hand-made ones, and her antique doll's stove in June. If you have pre-loved old dolls, dolls' furniture etc. you might like to bring them along for "show and tell". All ladies are welcome.
Margot Neu
SONNWENDFEIER - Winter Solstice
The Ba-Bo Community would like to invite people from all communities and their friends to the Sonnwendfeier on Saturday 24 June at the Bayswater Hall.
The Altersheim Fundraising Group will again be offering a delicious selection of barbequed meats and salads for a reasonable price. Hot dogs, Glühwein, tea and coffee will also be available and we are asking families/ladies (or gents) to bring along a cake to share over coffee later in the evening, when we listen to some lively music. All proceeds will go to the TTHA bus project.
There will also be a bonfire, with Kids' Club organising damper making and the lantern parade. BYO lanterns, or you can borrow one for a gold coin donation.
Times:
5.00 p.m. Dinner will be available until sold out.
So rug up, bring your lantern and good humour, and join us for a fun family evening!
Any enquiries ring Inge. Also see Kids' Club Section.
P.S. We need and would love some helpers for the evening, even for just an hour or so. If you can help out, ring me. Inge Hoefer
CRAFT/SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER
When: Thursday 22nd June at 8 p.m, (once a month). If this evening does not suit, please call and let us know.
Where: Bentleigh Hall, German School Room (alternating with Bayswater)
Why: To create items for the "Christkindlmarkt" in December and to socialize without children around.
Who: Anyone
What to bring: Ring Moni
A HISTORY OF THE TEMPLER BRASS BAND
Would you please let me have material, or copies of material, relating to our band, whether pictures, documents or anecdotes, to make it a more entertaining story.
Kurt Beilharz
AUSTRALIAN - GERMAN TEMPLER EXCHANGE
Members are reminded of the exchange scholarship, run by the Regional Council of the TSA in conjunction with the Regional Council of the TGD, for young members/associate members.
Full details of the scholarship are given in the May TR. Interested persons are invited to apply by 30 June 2000. Application forms are available from the TSA Office (03) 9557 6713.
As mentioned last month, Stefan Klingbeil is the successful applicant from the TGD and will be arriving in Australia in early October. We are expecting to hear more from Stefan about his interests and intentions over the next few weeks, but in the meantime we are seeking families willing to host him during his stay.
Families are reminded that hosting a candidate is a 2-way exchange; the family hopefully benefits from the experience as much as the candidate does! We have certainly had many positive experiences from the program in the past.
If you are considering offering yourself as a host, please contact either Christine Ruff or Mark Herrmann in the Office on (03) 9557 6713 as soon as possible.
Christine Ruff
BA-BO TEMPLER SCHOOL
Basic German Conversation Class for Adults
The term 2 class was cancelled due to low enrolments. The school management committee has agreed to trial two more courses this year to see if interest exists. The dates previously advertised still apply, but the cost has dropped to the original $50 per course for TS members and $60 for non-Templers.
Term 3 11 July - 29 August 8 weeks Tues. 7.30 - 9.00 p.m.
No classes in September
Term 4 3 October - 28 November 8 weeks Tues. 7.30 - 9.00 p.m.
Venue: Bayswater Hall school rooms.
It would be helpful if those interested could let me know before the starting date of each course. If you would like any more information or have suggestions, please feel free to contact me
Irene Bouzo, for the Ba-Bo Templer School
Hi,
At the risk of sounding self-absorbed, I would like to say one thing: Happy Birthday to me. And of course my fellow June birthday celebrators.
But enough about me, how are you?? Or we could just keep on talking about me, but that's not what we're about now, is it?
The latest piece of news is that we now have a new Confirmation group. Does this signal a new breed of JGers?? (Hint, hint). I know the JG as it stands isn't much to rave about, but if our new 'members' got into the act, it could be. I remember my first interaction with 'older' JGers. I was so intimidated by them and I remember there was this big, obvious gap between the groups. They took us to Phillip Island and I don't think we socialised much with them.
Now, four years on, we're all the JG (or we used to be). I had, of course, hoped that the past few Confo groups could have had more to do with each other. But I think that it's a fact that in the first few years after confirmation, your socialising within the TS really is in the segregated confo groups. It's not until you get older that you realise that it's okay to hang around with older and younger members. Maybe it's just me, but I found that it took me a while to really get comfortable with hanging around the older members as equals. Did anyone else find that?
Okay, cut to Confirmation 2000. The girls (understandably) wore white, while the guys also opted for the traditional: white shirts, black pants. Gotta say, all the girls looked absolutely stunning and what few boys there were didn't scrub up too badly either. I don't know what the group thought of the service. It's always different if you're the one getting confirmed. I don't remember much about mine, except for getting my bible, and the party afterwards.
There was nothing exceptionally outstanding about the ceremony, except that the group gave things a different spin by choosing a song to close with. I know a few people questioned why they did this, but the song did have a meaning to it.
Next up for the group: Confirmation Camp. Those who think it's reminiscent of Junior Camp can check their perceptions in at the door. Junior Camp has got nothing on Confo Camp. Junior Camp has that distinctively authoritarian feel, because of the large number of people and young ages. That's not to say that Confo Camp lacks discipline, but you definitely get away with a lot more.
Suffice to say we gave our leaders (not Aufpassers), Rolf Glenk and Christine Ruff, a week they'll never forget. So for those parents whose children will be embarking on Camp in a few months, fear not, they'll come home in one piece, and to the group: just keep it legal!!
Okay it's time for me to bid you farewell yet again. But, I shall return in not more than 30 days. Till we meet again,
Karyn Kinder, Youth Ed.
Happy birthday, Karyn!
See also CONFIRMATION page 7, and WELL DONE page 15
Hi Kids and Parents,
Did you miss the story last month? Sorry! The school holidays got in the way. Our family had a great time. Did you?
When we left Samson he was in jail because he didn't do what God had told him. Will God save him?
Samson in the Temple - Judges 16
In jail Samson's hair began to grow. He felt stronger and stronger. God was still with him. The enemies were having a party in a big house. They took Samson with them to the party. God gave him strength. Samson pushed down the pillars that held up the roof. The roof fell in on top of all the enemies.
God had saved his people again.
JOKES Here are a few elephant jokes.
What do you do when an elephant stubs his toe? - Call a toe truck.
What did Tarzan say when he saw the elephants coming? - Here come the elephants.
What has an elephant's trunk, a giraffe's neck, a bird's beak and a lion's head? - A zoo.
How can you tell when there is an elephant under your bed? - When you are nearly touching the ceiling.
BIRTHDAYS
Jessica Beilharz
REFLECTIONS
ON MOTHERS
Mothers' Day falls on the second Sunday in May. Our good wishes and gratitude go out to all mothers and nurturers.
Thank you to the members who sent in the following pieces.Die Mutter
Bruno Schönlank
Some thoughts from Theo Richter's Mothers' Day service in Boronia last May.
Being a mother is about more than just bearing children. Think about what the job encompasses - parent, disciplinarian, economist, chef, chambermaid, cleaner, chauffeur, time manager, planner and mediator. The position of 'mother' carries with it an exhaustive curriculum vitae - one which encompasses more skills in a single vocation than you could find in the average job description. Add to this the fact that the job is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and we have a person who is more committed to her profession than even the highest -profile professional in any business position.
This multi-faceted position of motherhood is further complicated in our modern world because mothers are expected to join the outside workforce and become breadwinners as well.
The question that I am always drawn to ask is, "Who would want to do this job?" A study completed in America recently put a tentative salary level of $US 700,000 on the position. This was payment based on an hourly rate for hours worked in the average week in the position of 'mother'. They admitted though, that they had not allowed for consultancy fees paid for professional services such as Psychologist, Nutritionist and Financial Planner. With these included, the study group concluded that the average mother should be paid in the region of $US 1 million per annum, plus allowances.
And to think, most mothers do the job for nothing.
'I thought this was very true of a lot of mothers I know, including mine,' wrote a young Templer when he sent in the following piece. Do any of you recognize this 'mean' woman?
I had the meanest mother in the world. While other kids had lollies for breakfast, I had to eat cereal, egg and toast. While other kids had cans of drinks and lollies for lunch, I had to have a sandwich.
You won't be surprised that dinner was different at our place, too - not just the food, we had to eat it at a table and not in front of the television.
My mother also insisted on knowing where we were at all times. You'd think we were on a chain-gang or something. She had to know who our friends were, where we were going and she even told us what time we had to be home.
I am ashamed to admit it, but my mother actually had the nerve to break child labour laws. She made us work. We had to wash dishes, make our beds and even learn how to cook.
That woman must have stayed awake at nights just thinking up things for us kids to do. She always insisted that we tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
By the time we were teenagers, our whole life became even more unbearable. No tooting the car horn for the girls in our family to come running. She embarrassed us by insisting that the boys come to the door to get us.
I forgot to mention that most of our friends were allowed to date at the mature age of 12 and 13. Our old-fashioned mother refused to let us date before we were at least 15.
She really raised a bunch of squares. None of us kids were ever arrested for shoplifting or busted for dope. And whom do we have to thank for this? You're right - our mean mother.
Every day we hear cries from both our people and our politicians about what our country really needs. What our country really needs is more mean mothers like mine. Anonymous
THE TEMPLE SOCIETY IS NOT VANISHING
Some sound and serious reasons for joining the Temple Society are discussed by Irene Bouzo.
The Temple Society is not vanishing, although some of the reasons for joining that used to be important are gone. In this article I offer some reasons for seriously considering joining the Temple Society.
The common theme these days is that of declining interest in organised religious activities due to individualism. Some people think that taking part in institutionalised religious activities limits their individual freedom. I would argue that there is a deeper dimension to personal freedom.
Is it possible for a person to lead a morally upright life without believing in God? Dr. Margot Kässmann, the first female bishop in the state church in Hanover, Germany, says yes it is quite conceivable and I agree with her. However, she goes on to say that one cannot lead a thoughtful life without coming to terms with the questions of where we come from, where we are going, what is the meaning of transcendence, in short, what place the notion of god-consciousness plays in human life. For those who reject religious groups and activities, the moment they concern themselves with these issues they are going beyond the field of science and into the realm of metaphysics. These are religious questions. What is the purpose of human life? What is the mystery of creation? People have the ability to use their creative religious imagination to solve some of life's problems. We need to convince people that a religious group that is de-institutionalised but still based on community life, like the Temple Society, can help people in dealing with the deeper, more thoughtful issues in life.
I feel confident that the Temple Society is not vanishing. Its strength lies in the fact that it is a small group, where people know each other. Sociological studies have shown that small religious communities have a better chance of continuity or long-term group survival than some larger, less personal ones because they have stronger commitment and solidarity amongst their members. The Temple Society is a steadfast religious group with a long, stable history, sound organisational structures and a high regard for personal opinions and differences. Nevertheless, our reasons for joining can be credible for us only if they are in line with current trends in the society around us. First we must identify these trends. Don Cupitt, a Cambridge scholar of religion and founder of the radical Sea of Faith, has identified three main trends influencing all of us in today's world. They are technology, entertainment and fundamentalism.
Let's take fundamentalism. This has some frightening prospects for our future and yet is what some of the most powerful political and economic forces are striving for. Cupitt defines fundamentalism as religion without religious thought. Bishop Dr. Kässmann defines it as using religion to exploit people's fear. There is a way that each one of us can counteract fundamentalism whether it be in Christianity, Islam or some other group. Dr. Kässmann suggests we do this by abandoning our fear of others and entering into a genuine religious discussion with other groups. We can only do this if we truly and confidently know our own religious conviction. I am convinced that it takes years to develop one's own firm religious belief. And yet there is a sense of urgency about counteracting the forces of fundamentalism. Kässmann says it is important that religions make progress in dialogue and collaboration. I believe we don't just harbour fear of others. Some of us fear delving into religion, maybe because it doesn't seem cool. Maybe we carry old-fashioned images of a religious life being a life with rigid personal restrictions, or full of ideals we cannot live up to. Maybe we are simply afraid of confronting some of the hardest issues of all in our lives.
Membership in the Temple Society gives us the opportunity to grow into and explore religious life without the interference of rigid dogma or ritualised ceremonies and without compromising our own self-development. It is a gentle and personalised introduction to religious life based on the highest individual integrity and where we can do it all at our own pace. By joining a faith community where we feel comfortable, and from where we can take part in an inter-faith discussion, we can, in our own small way, make a worthwhile contribution to world peace and justice for the human race in the third millennium. In this way we can counteract some of the more nightmarish world forces such as fundamentalism.
Let's look at entertainment. No matter how hard we try, we cannot avoid being touched by the global mega-marketing packages in the entertainment industry. On a more personalised level, youth studies show that there has been a shift in the attitudes of young people in that they are motivated more by fun and by enjoying life than ever before. Arthur Fischer, through the Shell Youth Study 2000, tells us that for the youth of twenty years ago, having fun simply meant amusing oneself - fun meant not being serious. These days having fun and enjoying life means much more. It means applying one's whole personality, being true to oneself and not being overwhelmed by social pressures. Membership in the Temple Society offers people the personal freedom to remain true to their own stage of spiritual growth without the pressures to conform to doctrines or institutionalised rites and rituals. It can be very liberating for people to find a religious society where spiritual subjects can be discussed with such openness; where one's freedom of thought can be maintained; where the power of reason is encouraged over religious rigidity; where people are willing to explore the right language to use so that when they talk about faith it makes sense to them.
The Shell Youth Study has shown up a trend that for young people, asserting their own personality and independence and having fun is more important than striving for a higher income, than standing up against authority and than helping others. A liberating faith such as that which is encouraged in the Temple Society can show those who missed growing up in the revolutionary 1960s that sometimes it is a good thing to stand up against authority. I know I have at times had the confidence to take quite a radical stance in the workforce against bureaucratic and unjust authority. I was able to do this by drawing on the values and principles I had learnt in the Temple Society. By being a member of a faith community, we can also learn how to help others without necessarily going to the extreme of doing it with missionary zeal or the martyrdom of total self-sacrifice. Whereas entertainment distracts us from daily life, being a member of a religious group like the Temple Society can, over time, develop in us a confidence and an orientation for pursuing one's life in the 21st century more thoughtfully and meaningfully.
What about technology? There is a global trend that sees technological rationality and scientific thought giving credibility to almost everything we do. A belief system full of superstitions and myths can no longer be credible if it is not compatible with human reason and intellect. A belief system must stand up to the discoveries and claims of modern science. The Temple So