TEMPLER RECORD

June  2006,  Issue 684

Index

Reflections
Regional Matters
Members and Friends
Home Reports
Notices
Sydney & South Australia
Heritage Page
Youth Section
Children's Section
Temple Society Contacts
Some Pictures for this Month
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REFLECTIONS   
Pfingsten / Pentecost falls on 4th June this year, when Christians remember what is described in Acts 2  - the disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and a sense of awe was felt by everyone. How aware are we of God's voice whispering to us?
 

WHAT TEMPLERS BELIEVE ABOUT GOD
Every year in June, the Temple Society celebrates its Founding Day (21.6.1861). The Templer Handbook contains many examples of basic Templer thinking, but we do not compel any member to believe particular articles of faith. It is the responsibility of members to seek the truth for themselves; obviously Templer writings can help in this search.
An attempt to formulate the thinking that unites members was made in a series of lectures in 1929/30 by Christian Rohrer, TS President from 1911 to 1934. For "man" read "human being", and keep in mind that Templer thinking evolves with new insights.

We believe  by Christian Rohrer

We believe in one God
Just as any human product, be it material or spiritual, speaks of its producer or creator and the level of his intelligence and skill, so the universe is evidence of its creator and his infinite wisdom, whether we observe it on a large scale like astronomers, or on a smaller scale with the eyes of the natural scientists. What we call this creator -- God, spirit, elemental will, elemental force, reality or whatever -- is of secondary importance.

We believe in a will of God
We recognise this will in nature and in the laws which rule it. We recognise it in the spiritual sphere, in the nature of man and the consequences of his actions.
To counter-balance the instincts which serve the physical body, God has endowed man's being with a yearning for happiness and inner peace. This feeling is achieved when a person does 'good deeds', that is, when he overcomes his egoism. This yearning also acts as a guardian, who remains quiet for as long as his ward is on the right path -- the path willed by God -- but becomes restless and causes feelings of dissatisfaction if he strays from this path and acts contrary to God's will.
God has given man the freedom to make his own choices, but has also burdened him with the responsibility for the choices he makes. Each choice has consequences, beneficial or disastrous, as we can clearly recognise when we study the history of mankind and learn from it.

We believe that mankind has a task
Man is the only living being on this earth whom God has endowed with a spark of his spirit, which enables man to engage in creative activity and to look at himself objectively. By virtue of this divine spark he is able to engage in conceptual thought, draw conclusions and arrive at decisions based on these conclusions.
However, the gift of this divine spark or intellectual capacity places man under an obligation to ensure that it does not wither away or is selfishly exploited, but develops in the direction of God's will.
Since it is God's will that people should be happy, they must, individually and collectively, work hard at realising such a state of happiness for humanity.
We believe that love of our fellow men and compassion for all of God's creatures is the best way of loving God and serving him. We also believe it to be the only way to reach the goal, namely a kingdom of happiness and of inner peace, a kingdom which is in accordance with God's will and which we therefore call 'God's kingdom'.
We hope -- since we have no certainty -- for a life after death, a further development of the spirit after bodily death. We do not speculate about the 'how' and 'where', and trust in God's fatherly love, which will let his creatures have what is best for them.
To us it is far more important to make use of the present which is certain, rather than contemplate some uncertain future. If we do our duty here on Earth, we can be sure that God will do his share and that 'all the rest will come to you as well', as Jesus said.

We believe in God's mercy, as Jesus describes it in the parable of the prodigal son. We believe in the forgiveness of our sins, which is, however, tied to the condition in the Lord's prayer 'as we forgive those who sin against us'.
We see Jesus as the ideal human being, whom we try to emulate, using his message as a guideline and the way he lived as a model for all our thoughts and actions.

We wish to provide the foundations for a truly Christian way of life by establishing communities modelled on Jesus' way of thinking, whereby 'each carries the other's burden' (Gal. 6:2) and each stands up for the other. God has created man in such a way that all his talents -- physical and mental -- require practice to develop. We must therefore endeavour to create institutions that are conducive to nurturing his development by repeatedly arousing his often sluggish mind and by highlighting the goal to be pursued: to become perfect in body and spirit.

Such institutions are the religious services, the presentation of newborn children before the community, the thanksgiving festival, our schools, religious instruction for the young, confirmation, and all events conducive to ennobling people. Especially the fine arts, also inspired by God, can contribute, since they enrich our souls and awaken a yearning for the divine.
All these institutions, however, must never become ends in themselves, since they would then fail to serve their real purpose and may easily divert us from the straight path that leads to God. Our first and highest value will therefore always be the words of Jesus that Hoffmann chose as his life's motto and which we shall make our own: 'Set your mind on God's kingdom and his justice before everything else!' (Matt. 6:33).
From: 'Ist die Bibel die Quelle der Gotteserkenntnis?', Chapter 9 'Die Gotteserkenntnis der Tempelgesellschaft -- How Templers see God, 1929/30.'

ARE WE TEMPLERS HIDING OUR LIGHT?
Some time ago, when speaking to the text You are light for all the world -- nobody lights a lamp and then hides it under a bowl, Alfred Klink wondered whether we are highlighting our true image, our best side enough.
'Are we hiding our lamp under a bowl, our achievements under a bushel, our literature in our archives? Does the Temple Society Australia promote itself actively enough?' People either don't know us, or lump us in with other organised churches.
In the Middle East, the progressive Templer settlements shone in a disorganised environment. Today we live in a different social environment. 'The outstanding achievements of our successful individuals as a rule now reflect first on the company they work for, the business they run, the local school their kids go to, the volunteer group they organise, and in the end cast only a very feeble afterglow on the Temple Society. Can we do something about that? Maybe success in private life and in business should be made more visible in our community, acknowledged and promoted as instrumental to greater awareness of us Templers. Success in any field should be seen as benefiting the image of our Society, alongside our outstanding efforts in social care and community culture. In the future we may need another publication to complement the religious/philosophically oriented Templer Record. A publication in which social and business successes, or scientific and cultural achievements of Templer individuals can be freely highlighted, and the information made accessible to the wider community in libraries, bookshops and the Internet.'
'I see the religious belief the Templers hold and practise as a measure of doing what seems right at the time. It is not a belief in the letter of the scripture nor in outdated practices. It is a belief that comes from a confidence the nature of life brings with it. I would call it a natural belief, in contrast to a super-imposed Faith.'

'I keep coming back to something Peter Uhlherr said many years ago: Although the Templer aim has always been, and still is, spiritual, the method of realising this aim has always been, and still is, intensely practical. I wholeheartedly agree. Let us be seen to be practical in our belief. Let people know we recognise the distinction between a doctrinal belief and belief as a choice. Doctrinal belief is something you have to conform to regardless, even if your scientific awareness tells you that to confess to such a belief in this day and age is wrong.'

'Belief as a choice has nothing to do with ignorance or compulsion. It is an awareness that in most situations, and that includes religion, how we choose to act under any given circumstances is based on our individual belief that what we are doing is the right and proper thing to do. In other words, I see the Templer belief manifested in the actions and the deeds of our members, in what we decide to do in the full awareness of social, cultural, environmental and scientific facts, to the best of our ability. This is the light that needs to be uncovered. In letting our light shine it is not enough to make known our Society's idealised philosophy while we still hide individual achievements under a bowl. The theoretical aims of most religions are much the same, and outsiders tend to lump them all together under the meaningless expression Belief.

What makes the Templers stand out from the rest is our emphasis on the contributions each individual can make to community life, and that is the message we should spread widely. If there is more than one way to do a specific job, we Templers believe in letting those people who have the greatest motivation towards the project, do it in their own way. In this spirit all our individual and diverse striving will become for our community those satisfying conditions on Earth that we Templers like to summarise in the expression the Kingdom of God.'
From a service by Alfred Klink on 27.7.2003 in Bentleigh, condensed by H.U.

TEXT OF THE MONTH -- Mark 1:4 and 9
Jesus is baptised

John baptised in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. It came to pass that Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptised by John in the Jordan.
This short and concise description of the baptism of Jesus is well worth examining more closely. The Gospel of St Mark, thought to be the earliest gospel, allows us to assess the person of Jesus from a closer vantage point than later scriptures.
This first chapter states clearly and unequivocally that Jesus submitted to baptism by John. We may assume that he had spent some time with John and his disciples, and that he had already taken John's call for repentance to heart. For every person baptised, immersion in the Jordan was to be a visible sign for their turning from the error of their ways.

By joining the ranks of those willing to be baptised, Jesus demonstrates that he, too, feels in need of repentance. He comes across as someone utterly human, with faults and shortcomings like everyone else. The fact that tradition tells us so little about his life before he came to the Jordan may simply mean that there had been nothing outstanding about him which might have set him apart from others. When he joined John the Baptist and his group, the recognition may well have dawned on him that he, too, needed divine forgiveness like others and that he must change his life.

I hold the view that Jesus, with his humanity thus demonstrated, is of fundamental significance to us. He can be our mentor and model because we may rest assured that he knew all of life's highs and lows, every hope, every loss of heart and inner strife which also troubles our own lives and has become a mark of our existence. Symbolised by his baptism in the Jordan, his willingness to change his life points to what is essential: turning our backs on bad behaviour and developing a new attitude.
Since biblical tradition does not mention Jesus baptising in his own right during his travels as a preacher, it may perhaps be concluded that immersion in water does not produce a change of heart in itself and that turning back and choosing a new direction is a lengthy inner process, rather than the act of a single moment.
Peter Lange (Translated by Peter Hornung)

Also published in 'Die Warte des Tempels' September 2005.

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REGIONAL MATTERS

NOTES from the Regional Council Meeting of 5th May

• The TGD has a new e-mail address info@tempelgesellschaft.de  All general communication is to be sent to this address. There is also a new homepage being developed.

• The Templer Cemetery in Jerusalem has quite a large area of unused land at the back, which is not maintained and looks unsightly. TSA RC has agreed that the TGD further investigate the possibility of selling this land. The land used as the existing cemetery would be retained by the Temple Society. Selling the back portion would help fund necessary maintenance of the cemetery area.

• Biannual meetings to discuss Aged Care in the TSA will be held between the RC and TSA members on the TTHA Committee of Management.

• In 2008 Rolf Beilharz will step down as Regional Head of the TSA. Succession planning is now necessary.

• To improve the membership application process, members of the RC or Elders will take up contact with individuals as soon as they request application forms to become members of the TSA.

Renate Beilharz, for R.C.

NEW TGD WEBSITE
The TGD website www.tempelgesellschaft.de has a new graphic design. The information published has been rearranged and subdivided under different headings. Joerg Struve has taken over this task from his father who had carried out all the internet publishing of the TGD for many years. Joerg has done a wonderful job in the last few weeks, devoting much time to learning how to handle these things. He will be responsible for further technical realization and updating, whereas I myself shall supply the information to be published.
Peter Lange, TS President

FROM THE FOCUS GROUPS

TSA Members' Telephone Trees and e-mail Contacts
A Communication & Promotion Focus Group Initiative

Do you have regular e-mail access? Do you want to receive TSA notices of immediate importance by e-mail instead of by telephone? If the answer is Yes, have you e-mailed Irma at the Office yet? If not, please send an e-mail to:
irma.tsa@datafast.net.au  with
* TSA on-line as the subject
* Your name(s) and postal address in the message

If you don't have regular e-mail access, you don't have to do anything. Your name will automatically be added to the new TSA telephone tree being prepared, due to be implemented about August this year. If you don't want to be on either list, let the Office know.
Ingrid Juergensen and Renate Beilharz, for the Communication & Promotion Focus Group

COPING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS
About 35 people came to the Welfare & Distant Focus Group seminar on 20th May in Bayswater. The first speaker told how he learnt to cope with schizophrenia. The second explained current thinking and possible treatments for a range of mental illnesses -- one in 5 people is affected -- also where to get help, and the importance of strategies to support your mental health. Everyone has problems and stresses -- there are helpful ways to look after yourself.
Here are some: work out how you relax and do it regularly, not just when you get overwhelmed. Good sleep is important. Try to spend time in good company. Spend time regularly with yourself, away from all demands -- read a book, walk or exercise, listen to music, go fishing. Take the time, before mental or physical ill health take you.
Some points that struck participants:

• The importance of removing the stigma associated with mental illness including depression -- let's all watch our attitude.
• The high incidence of suicide in males over 70 -- let's take care to include and respect our senior men.
• New ways to diagnose more accurately, and therefore treat more effectively.

The Mental Health Foundation of Australia (Vic) is at 270 Church St, Richmond 3121, tel. 9427 0406, e-mail: mentalh@mira.net  website: www.mentalhealthvic.org.au
H.U.

SOCIAL CARE

Dear Friends,
Thank you to all who diligently responded to the Care Worker questionnaire. The replies have given us an indication of how our members perceive the role of the Care Worker and what the needs and expectations of the community are. A report on the result of the questionnaire will be published in the July TR.

The TTHA operates a Day Care Program, at minimal cost, for older, isolated people and those with a disability who find it difficult to go out. The Day Care Program is a social support program and is Government funded. It offers activities, social interaction and outings for the participants and a few hours' respite for the carers. Transport can be arranged for those living in the area. For further information please contact the TTHA on 9729 3444. Please notify me if a family member or friend is admitted to hospital.
Best wishes to our sick and infirm friends,
Helga Anderson, Care Worker

ST JOHN'S BENTLEIGH IS 150
The Anglican Church across Centre Road from the TSA Office is marking '150 years of Christian Service in the Community'. 150 years ago, Victoria was experiencing the gold rush, Australia's first telegraph line was installed between Melbourne and Williamstown, the first steam railway from Flinders St to Sandridge (Port Melbourne) was opened; the University of Melbourne was founded, public hangings were abolished. All this technological and other progress was, however, not reflected yet in Bentleigh-Moorabbin where land was being cleared for market gardens. It is from the ranks of these market gardeners that the new parish of St John's, East Brighton (later Bentleigh) 'drew its members to toil in faith to extend the Kingdom of God in this district'. (In Germany, the 'Friends of Jerusalem' were forming the Temple Society, also intent on establishing God's Kingdom on earth).
A fine little book A branch of the Vine documents St John's ups and downs. We wish St John's and its vicar, the Rev. Dr Elizabeth Smith, and all her flock well as they meet the challenges and uncertainties of the future.
Ed.

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MEMBERS AND FRIENDS

GEBURTSTAGE
Wir gratulieren herzlich zum Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder:

und wuenschen auch allen hier nicht angefuehrten Geburtstagskindern alles Gute und Schoene zum neuen Lebensjahr.

DANKSAGUNGEN
Ein grosses Dankeschoen von Herzen fuer die vielen lieben Geburtstagswuensche, die ich zu meinem 80. Geburtstag erhielt. Ich bin schon wieder zurueck von meinem Deutschland-Besuch und bringe viele liebe Gruesse von allen.
Mit herzlichem Gruss,
Luise Wagner

An meinem Geburtstag durfte ich so viel Liebe erfahren, die von Herzen kam. UEber all die vielen Karten, Briefe, Blumen und guten Wuensche habe ich mich sehr gefreut. Es ist mir leider nicht moeglich, jedem Einzelnen persoenlich zu danken. Bitte nehmt meinen Dank auf diesem Weg entgegen!
Eure Olga Hoersch

BIRTH
Sebastian Michael Cooke born 2.5.2006 in Sydney
Parents: Russell Cooke and Marita nee Beck

Congratulations and best wishes

NEW MEMBERS
We welcome Alfred and Alwyn Steltenkamp and hope they will feel at home among us.

SILVER WEDDINGS
Congratulations on their silver wedding anniversary to Robert and Erica Megele on 9th May, and Linda Beilharz and Rob Rigato on 13th June.

BEREAVEMENTS

Edmund Pfaender died on 31.3.2006 in SA.

Eberhard Guenthner passed away on 3.4.2006. He is missed by his sister Waltraud Blaich, her children Ingrid Graze, Rolf and Dieter Blaich with their families, and Bertha Guenthner.

Our mother and Oma Johanna Halbweiss nee Noldy died peacefully at the Tabulam & Templer Home in the early hours of 12.5.2006, aged 85. She mastered her difficult life with great courage and endurance and we will remember her with love and gratitude. Our sincere thanks also to the staff at TTHA for their kindness and special care, to Herta Uhlherr for the heartfelt memorial service, and for your donations to TTHA.
Inge, Karl-Heinz, Raymond and Monika Hoefer

In Germany, long-time member Friedrich-Karl von Oppel died in Reinbeck near Hamburg on 24.3.2006, aged 89. His late wife Elsbeth nee Keller came from Haifa.

From Illinois, USA, we hear that Clara Klingeman nee Struve died at her home on 21st April 2006.
She is mourned by her children Peter, John and Harry Klingeman
and Rhoda Ewert.

HUNDERT JAHRE ALT!
Vor einigen Wochen konnte ein seltenes Fest gefeiert werden: Olga Hoersch geb. Wennagel wurde 100 Jahre alt. Nur selten duerfen wir Menschen dieses Alter erreichen, und eine besondere Gnade ist es, wenn man in diesem Alter noch so koerperlich und geistig beweglich ist wie Olga.

In froher Feststimmung begruessten sich Verwandte und Freunde, und die meisten zog es dann zu Listen der Wennagel-Verwandtschaft, die an der Wand bei der Kueche angebracht waren. So viele Namen von Templerfamilien konnten wir da entdecken! Doch bald hiess es, an dem festlich gedeckten Tisch Platz zu nehmen, damit die Feier mit dem Choral 'Nun danket alle Gott' eroeffnet werden konnte.

In der Begruessungsrede der jungen Verwandten kam so schoen zum Ausdruck, wie beliebt und geachtet Olga in der Verwandtschaft ist. Deshalb haben auch so viele Angehoerige bei der Gestaltung des Festes mitgeholfen, dass man denken koennte, die Heinzelmaennchen haetten alle Arbeit getan. Fuer jeden Geschmack war bei der Verschiedenheit der Backwaren gesorgt und Kaffee und Tee wurden von der jungen Generation freundlich eingeschenkt.

Dann versammelten sich alle vor und auf der Buehne zum grossen Gruppenbild mit Olga im Mittelpunkt.
Eine ganz besondere Freude war es, dass Horst und Irene Blaich eine stattliche Reihe von Fotografien zusammengestellt hatten, die wir alle auf der grossen Leinwand auf der Buehne sehen konnten. Da war die kleine Olga mit ihren Geschwistern, noch ehe der juengste Bruder Herbert geboren worden war. Dann sahen wir Olga als junges Maedchen, als Braut bei der Hochzeit und auf der Hochzeitreise und spaeter im Kreis ihrer eigenen Familie, zuletzt bei Ausfahrten und besonderen Anlaessen im Heim (TTHA).
Hundert Jahre! Ein volles Menschenleben mit Glueck und Leid, mit schweren Zeiten und harter Arbeit, aber auch mit frohen Festen, schoenen Erlebnissen und guten Stunden.
In einem selbst-verfassten Gedicht brachte Frau Helene Kuebler zum Ausdruck, was wohl alle fuehlten:

Gnade bei Gott
D'Olga isch jetzt 100 Jahr
mer kann's kaum glaube -- aber 's isch wahr.
On trotzdem kommt se no daher
als ob se no viel juenger waer.

Morgens beim Laufa, da blast d'r Wind oft von nah und fern;
des hat se allemal net so gern.
Dann setzt se a Kapp auf ihren Kopf
damit se nix abkriegt von dem nassa Tropf.

Sonntagnachmittags da semmer emmer,
Charlotte on I, bei ihra em Zemmer.
Da schwaetze m'r von Palaestina und von dera alte Zeit
d'Charlotte weiss da no so viel Bescheid.

On abends im Bett da muss I manchmal denka
I koennt doch koe bessre Kameradin fenda.
Ond's isch doch au viel scheener mer laufet zu zweit,
Dann hemmer glei beide a guede Zeit!

Jetzt wuenscha mir alle, on des isch beschdimmt wahr,
dir G'sondheit ond Glueck ond Sega fuer's neue Jahr.
On dass du emmer behaltesch dein froha Sinn,
Des wuenschet mir dir alle immerhin.

Helene Kuebler, April 2006.

Diesem Wunsch wollen wir alle uns wohl anschliessen und Dir, liebe Olga, ein gutes neues Lebensjahr wuenschen.
Hulda Wagner

COUNTRY TEMPLERS -- Strath Creek 7th May
Sonntagmorgen! Der Himmel bewoelkt, kalt und Regen. Macht nichts, wir brauchen Wasser. So zog man sich warm an mit Mantel, Muetze, Schal und Handschuhen. Der Bus Rosa stand bereit zur Abfahrt. Um 9 Uhr ging die Reise los mit einer Gesellschaft von 11 Personen. Es ging durchs Yarra Valley, wo viele Weinberge sind, Flowerdale, dann Strath Creek. Trotz Regen sah man die bunten Herbstbaeume und die gruenen Wiesen mit den weidenden Kuehen, Schafen und Alpakas. Ab und zu kam die Sonne und ueberall flossen kleine Baeche. Im Bus war es schoen warm. Als wir durch die Berge fuhren und immer hoeher kamen, hatten wir einen schoenen Blick in die Taeler. Nach eineinhalb Stunden Fahrt kamen wir bei Beilharzens an und wurden herzlich begruesst. Ihre Wohnung steht hoch auf dem Berg und man hat einen herrlichen Rundblick.

In der Wohnung war es schoen warm mit drei Holzoefen. Wir waren 28 Teilnehmer und passten alle auf die im Wohnzimmer aufgestellten Stuehle. Um 11 Uhr hielt Theo Richter Saal. Er sprach schoen ueber die Liebe, denn es gibt vielerlei Liebe, doch die hoechste ist die Liebe zu Gott. Auch dass jedes Ding seinen Nutzen hat; er erzaehlte, wie es mit den zwei Tonkruegen kam. Eine Frau hatte zwei Kruege, mit denen sie Wasser holte, der eine Krug war gut und der andere hatte einen Sprung. Die Frau hatte einen weiten Weg, und bis sie daheim ankam, war der Krug mit dem Sprung nur noch halb voll. Die Frau aber sagte, der Krug mit dem Sprung sei so gut wie der ganze Krug, denn er haette auf dem Weg Blumen begossen. Nach dem Vaterunser sangen wir noch das Lied

Wir pfluegen und wir streuen den Samen auf das Land.
Doch Wachstum und Gedeihen steht in des Himmels Hand;
der tut mit leisem Wehen sich mild und heimlich auf
und traeuft wenn heim wir gehen, Wuchs und Gedeihen drauf.

Spaeter sassen wir neben dem Ofen und unterhielten uns bis es Zeit war zum Mittagessen. Drei Tische waren gedeckt und Ilse hatte eine Tomaten- und eine Erbsensuppe gekocht -- schmeckte sehr gut. Dazu gab es noch vielerlei Leckeres. Es regnete immer wieder, auch gab es Hagelschauer, doch ein paar Mutige machten einen Spaziergang. Der Kaffee war fertig und so kamen alle wieder zusammen und die Kuchen schmeckten gut. Nun war es Zeit fuer die Heimfahrt. Der Bus brachte uns gesund wieder nach Hause. Es war ein schoener Tag! Dank Ilse und Helmut, auch Tony (Beilharz), fuer die gute Fahrt.
Magda Persztik

Twenty-eight Templers gathered at the home of Ilse and Helmut Beilharz for a Country Victoria service. To be able to attend a service at Ilse and Helmut's place up high is always a treat as their lovely views across the valleys alone are enough to promote quiet contemplation. This day was no different: to then have a thoughtful service by Theo Richter on love and its meaning to us just added to the day.

After the service Helmut and Ilse invited us to dinner, with words of welcome to their home and a wish that, as we were enjoying our meal, we would also mix and talk with people we may not usually see and converse with. Beautiful home-cooked soups and accompaniments provided by the rest of us were enjoyed by all.

The afternoon was a mixture of activities, including a brief walk in the rain for those willing, conversations across broad topics, and of course Kaffee und Kuchen. The Templer bus again provided practical service, enabling many to come out and share a day with others. The generous hospitality of Ilse and Helmut in opening their home is much appreciated.
By way of a blessing, Helmut read a poem by Mary Gilmour.

Nationality
I have grown past hate and bitterness,
I see the world as one;
Yet though I can no longer hate,
My son is still my son.
All men at God's round table sit,
And all men must be fed;
But this loaf in my hand,
This loaf is my son's bread.

Peter and Dot Ware

REUNION OF YEARS 37/38/39 on 29th and 30th April
Beautiful Bright in all its autumn splendour was the venue for our reunion at the Bright Alps Guest House. We came from near and far -- Wangaratta, Melbourne, Sydney and Wollongong and even though the weather was pretty nippy, inside the Guest House it was cosy and warm, with a blazing log fire and the warmth of old friendships rekindled and renewed.
We met on Saturday afternoon and the high spirits continued right through the evening, with many old stories and jokes doing the rounds. We were also treated to a Powerpoint presentation of old photos -- Reunions, Tatura, Sarona etc. by Manfred Haering.
The evening ended, of course, with the traditional folksinging to the accompaniment of Strups' mouth organ.
On Sunday morning Herta (Uhlherr) gave us the chance to reflect on the passing of time, starting with the old text 'There is a time for every matter under heaven', and a modern version of it (e.g. 'a time to do the dishes, and a time to drop everything and roll on the floor with your grandchildren').  She finished with the very thought-provoking story of the '1000 Marbles'. Ever since we have been wondering how many marbles we have left?!

The bus tour that followed took us to Beechworth and Yackandandah, a winery and an Austrian Patisserie, but the highlight was definitely a 'picnic', so very well organized by Helga Anderson. It was a very cramped and cosy affair in the shelter shed of the Beechworth Park in pouring rain, but the Stimmung was high and the sandwiches great!
The dinners on Saturday and Sunday were excellent -- both the food and the programme which we were so ably guided through by our M.C. Manfred Loebert. In between the courses and Dieter Glenk's jokes we listened to some stories of their childhood in the war years in Holland, Germany and Australia told by Minnie (Haering), Johanna (Loebert), Ellen (Weller), Strups (Guenter Arndt) and Mima (Imberger). It was very interesting to hear something of their background, especially of the people you only met as young adults.

Then it was all over apart from the thankyous to the committee, who did a great job, the hosts etc. and many hugs and Auf Wiedersehns, and everyone departed on Monday morning. For us, our 9-day trip back to Bulli was full of adventure and great kayaking -- but that's another story!
We are now looking forward to seeing everyone again in 3 years' time -- maybe in Wollongong?
Auf Wiedersehen bis dann,
Irmgard Arndt

Thanks to Glenks for sharing wine from their 'Glenhof' vineyard, run by son Andrew

LIFE IN THE HEART OF TEMPLER TERRITORY
As many of you know, our family has been living in the apartment above the Templer Office in Bentleigh since February, while our house is being renovated. It was almost a miracle that this opportunity was available just when we needed it. As we will be moving home again soon, we are constantly reflecting on just how much we have enjoyed our time.
What did we like about living here?

Franz
It's like a holiday house. It's a flat and in flats you can have holidays. It's been like a holiday.
I have somewhere to put all my toys (He's been sharing a bedroom until now). There are big trees to climb and lots of places to shoot arrows.
It's good not having far to go for German School, Saal and Sunday School.
I like seeing Dane's Opa and Oma (Imbergers). I really liked the choir party in the roof garden and love the view from there.

Katja
It has stairs and a roof garden and a secret garden.
You don't need to lock the door, it locks itself when you go away.
I like going on the monkey bars and slide. I like seeing Bryce's daddy mowing the lawn and the men playing tennis. I liked having morning tea at the working bee and helping dad push the wheelbarrow.
Hein and I will miss the big windows and wonderful views of the sky, the bird formations flying by, glimpsing some of the many comings and goings at the Bentleigh property (it is amazing how much goes on there!), chatting to people from the window and balcony, just walking down the stairs to go to an event or to choir practice and enjoying the occasional rose from the secret garden. They are the most amazingly long-lasting cut roses!
Still, I know it's time to go home, when I walk into a nursery and feel a terrible pang of longing for our garden and all the plants in it. Then there is the new kitchen and new bathroom and all the other exciting changes waiting for us at our (formerly Deckers') place. It has been such a happy time for us and we hope that whoever lives in the apartment next will enjoy the same feelings of security, belonging and community spirit! A big thankyou to Gary Schulz for facilitating our stay so efficiently and for letting us use all his family's furniture and other belongings.
Annette Wagner-Hesse

RECOGNITION OF VOLUNTEERS
The City of Glen Eira regularly calls for nominations from community groups to recognize the work of volunteers.
This year Herb Hoffmann (Central Fund) and Annette Wagner-Hesse (Choir) received certificates acknowledging 10 years or more of contribution to the TSA. Nanne Herrmann received her certificate for 500 hours of service to the Bentleigh Guides.

BAYSWATER MARKET BRINGS THE FIFTIES INTO THE 'NOUGHTIES'
Remember the days when the air was crisp and clean, when Bayswater was a bright, bustling little place where you stopped and talked to someone you knew every few minutes? Templer community life in the 1950s was not rushed. There was time to talk, time to shop and time to enjoy the quaint local atmosphere of a sleepy outlying suburb nestled into the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges. Long gone, but not yet lost.

Magic still happens. Time stood still for me recently in Bayswater. It was the second Saturday of the month. I was in a hurry. Kids had to be chauffeured, appointments kept. All of a sudden, there it was: the Bayswater Market, a magnet of nostalgia pulling back to a place I hadn't visited in years. The railway station looked prettier than ever, still curtained by the lacework of autumn trees, staged against the backdrop of the bluest mountains. The theatre of my childhood drew me into the car park of umbrella'd stalls.

I met other Templers, council representatives, the local MP in a warm brown jumper. Conversations came with comfort and ease. How are you today? Wie geht's? Nice to see you. Mach's gut. A vendor weighed my produce and threw an extra handful onto the scales just like Mr Pegler had half a century ago. The tomatoes looked real, not plastic. The stallholders had time to chat with customers. The laughter and friendly banter predated the robotic formula I was accustomed to from the sales person connected to the cash register in the supermarket. A gift-wrapping paper vendor spoke in poetry. How about hail on grass, grandma's roses or rainbow silly string? I took a roll of each one for less than a dollar. The prices were more like they used to be before we knew about inflation and productivity. Strawberries tasted like my childhood.
Then I found the best treasure of all: a gold rimmed soup terrine with a full set of deep soup platters like the ones Oma had brought from another world across the oceans. Too much to carry, but trust grew like the healthy, flowering pot plants I was loaded up with. It seemed natural to pay the money and leave behind half my wares with smiling strangers. I could come back for them later.
On leaving the time-warp of the car park, panic struck me. I had lost myself in the past, forgotten the tight schedule of mum's taxi. I looked at my watch. Only fifteen minutes had passed. I could still enjoy a cuppa in the cafe around the corner in Station Street with another Templer. I'll be back next month to take in a bit more of the forgotten fifties at the Bayswater Market.
Irene Bouzo
One of our members is on the Bayswater Market Committee -- another way Templers are involved in the wider community.
TEMPLER EXCHANGE REPORT
Meine Zeit hier in Australien ist jetzt leider schon vorbei. Die letzten fuenf Monate sind schneller vergangen als ich gedacht habe. Bevor ich hierher gekommen bin, dachte ich dass fuenf Monate viel zu lange sind, und ich bestimmt schon nach der Haelfte der Zeit Heimweh bekomme und wieder nach Hause will. Aber so war es zum Glueck nicht. Ich habe mich bei allen Familien, bei denen ich untergebracht war, sehr wohl gefuehlt.

Als ich ankam, war ich zuerst bei Familie Glenk, dann bei Renate Weber, Familie Ware und zum Schluss bei Familie Murray. All denen moechte ich auch ganz herzlich danken, dass sie mich aufgenommen haben.
In der TSA hab ich viele nette neue und bekannte Gesichter getroffen. Ich bin bei starkem Schneefall in Deutschland abgeflogen und dann hier bei schoenem und auch angenehm warmen Wetter gelandet. In meiner zweiten Woche war ich mit im summer camp. Das war eine sehr froehliche und lustige Woche, mit vielen Aktivitaeten und auch schoenem Wetter. Bis dahin war dann der Zeitunterschied und der lange Flug ueberwunden, und ich konnte anfangen, die Zeit hier richtig zu geniessen. Danach ist es fuer mich manchmal schon zu heiss gewesen, so dass ich auch ein bisschen froh war, als die richtig heissen Tage wieder vorbei waren.
Ich hab dann einen Englischkurs in der City besucht. Als der fertig war, bin ich einen Monat reisen gegangen. Bin nach Sydney geflogen, hab dort nur eine kurze Zeit verbracht und bin dann mit dem Bus die Ostkueste hinauf bis nach Cairns gefahren. Auf meiner Strecke hab ich in Newcastle, Byron Bay, Surfers Paradies, Brisbane, Rainbow Beach und Townsville Zwischenstop gemacht. Von Rainbow Beach hab ich eine drei Tages Safari auf Fraser Island gemacht, dort hat es mir unheimlich gefallen; abends wunderschoene Sonnenuntergaenge und danach einen traumhaften Sternenhimmel.

In Cairns war ich dann auch noch Tauchen, aber leider war es dort immer bewoelkt, so dass die schoenen Farben von den Pflanzen und den Fischen nicht ganz so gut herauskamen. Zurueck in Melbourne musste ich feststellen, dass es hier auch ziemlich kalt werden kann, zumindest wenn man von angenehmen 28°C in Cairns zu nur noch 15°C, Regen und Wind wechselt.
In meinen letzten Wochen hier in Australien arbeite ich noch ein bisschen im Altersheim, bevor ich dann wieder zurueck nach Deutschland fliege, wo es jetzt so langsam Sommer wird.
Zum Schluss kann ich noch sagen, dass ich meinen Aufenthalt in Australien sehr genossen hab, ich allen danken will, die meinen Aufenthalt so schoen gestaltet haben. Meine Zeit in Australien werde ich sicher nie vergessen und ich nehme mir auch ganz arg vor, wieder herzukommen.
Sebastian Haenel

Sebastian Haenel, who arrived here in January, is about to leave again. He thanks all his host families, and met many Templers. He did an English course in the city and has worked at TTHA. Recently he travelled up the east coast as far as Cairns and particularly liked Fraser Island (sunsets and starry skies).
Ed.

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SYDNEY AND SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Sydney Community is having its picnic as we write, and Ilse Birkner will have held Saal in Meadowbank on 28th May.
Congratulations to Hartmut and Ursula Beck on the birth of their new grandson, Sebastian Cooke.
Ed.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Bei unserem Saal am 9. April in Tanunda konnte Uli Asenstorfer neun Personen willkommen heissen. Er las einen Vortrag von Hulda Wagner, ein Ausschnitt der Abschiedsrede Jesu an seine Juenger aus dem Text nach dem Johannes Evangelium, Kapitel 15, Verse 9 bis 17. Die Feier wurde von Lied Nr. 30 und Lied Nr. 32 umrahmt.

Wir erfuhren die traurige Nachricht, dass Edmund Pfaender, einer unserer Gruppe, am 31.3.2006 verstorben ist.
Wir konnten Rosi Fantini als Gast begruessen. Sie kam mit Gertrud Unger; deren Mutter Erna ueberbrachte wie ueblich Gruesse von Frau Frank aus Murray Bridge und wurde beauftragt, wieder Gruesse zurueck zu bringen. Isolde Ruff sandte ebenfalls Gruesse.
Unser naechster Saal ist am 11. Juni um 2 Uhr in Tanunda.
Die Frauengruppe traf sich am 22. Mai bei Irene Severin. Das April Treffen mussten wir leider ausfallen lassen, weil zu viele am Teilnehmen verhindert waren.
Rose Asenstorfer

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YOUTH

TEENAGE GROUP CALENDAR
Saturday 17th June -- Sonnwendfeier!
Come along and enjoy the glow sticks and bonfire and move on to TG 'Marshmallow Toastout' and 'Night Prowl'! The evening starts at 5pm so come with your family, or you can come later and join in with damper-making and the TG stuff!
Teenage volunteers needed to help out with selling glow sticks during the evening (5pm -- 7pm) and also some people to help the Kids' Club with damper-making (6:30pm onwards).
Ring Susi if you can help. There will be free marshmallows for anyone who helps out on the night!

Sunday 9th July -- BYTC Gymnastics Afternoon -- this is a combined activity with Kids' Club. More details in article in Kids' Club section.
Saturday 29th July -- movie night at Waverley Pinewood Cinema 'Pirates of the Caribbean 2' -- more details in July TR.
Saturday 19th August -- Winter Sleepout
Sunday 17th September -- Youthfest 2006!
Saturday 21st October -- Sidetracked
Saturday 18th November -- TG 'Christmas Break-up and Planning Party'
For details on any of the above Teenage Group activities, please contact Moni Imberger or e-mail at gmnski@primusonline.com.au 

YOUTHFEST 2006 UPDATE
Remember the date!! Sunday 17th September, Bayswater Hall, 10am till midnight.
Come and join in the fun before the day even starts by taking part in the planning and organising of this fantastic event!
This month's activity overview is...Laser Strike!
If you came along to Sommerfest this year and had a go at the laser games, then you will have some idea of what this is all about. At the Youthfest 2006 we will also have Laser strike games with new and wonderful challenges for you to take part in and blast away at! You can come and hone your tactics, stealth, and strategic combat skills; try out new command tactics; or just simply take out all your frustrations on some obscure, inanimate object by blasting it to smithereens! Either way, it's fun!
More updates next month!
If you are interested in any way or would like some more information on the Youthfest 2006, please phone or e-mail susi.tsa@datafast.net.au

MOVIE EVENINGS FOR ANY AGE!
Would you like to spend a pleasant evening in the company of friends, going out to the movies and then enjoying a light supper of cheese and bikkies or some finger food, maybe with a glass of wine or soft drink, or a cup of tea or coffee?
If you do, then you are in luck, because I am organising group bookings at Waverley Pinewood Cinema for the following movies:
Sunday 18th June -- 'March of the Penguins' (rated G) -- time to be advised but will probably be early evening around 6pm.
Saturday 29th July -- 'Pirates of the Caribbean 2' (rated M?) -- time to be advised.
The minimum number of people required for a group booking is 15 and the cost of movie plus supper will be no more than $10 (this still needs to be finalised). I will also be organising 'Rosa' to pick up and transport people from Bayswater and Bentleigh.
For all enquiries, further information or to let me know if you would like to take part, please phone me or e-mail me at susi.tsa@datafast.net.au 
Bookings are essential and must be made by 8th June.
Susi Blackwell, Community Youth Coordinator

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CHILDREN'S SECTION

G'day to all!
Are you enjoying the cooler winter weather? I look forward to this time of year. I enjoy being snug and warm inside while it's cold, wet and windy outside. But I also like being outside if I'm dressed warmly. And I love going to the snow in winter.
Aren't we lucky that we live in a country where we have sun in summer and snow in winter? Most of us have opportunities to visit both beaches of sand and mountains covered in snow. We have so many opportunities in Australia and are so lucky to be spoilt with choice.

The people in our story last month had an opportunity and a choice to make, too. Remember the story about the wedding banquet and all the guests who had excuses not to go? They missed out. They didn't think it was important enough.
We compared the banquet to God's Kingdom.

Did you decide that the people who don't want to be part of God's Kingdom are missing out, too? Do you think God's Kingdom is important? In the Temple Society we think God's Kingdom is very important. It is what our motto is about:
'Set your mind on God's Kingdom and his justice before everything else and all the rest will come to you as well.'
Last month we thought about what God's Kingdom could be like. This month we are wondering what the second half of the motto means - the bit which says 'all the rest will come to you as well'. What does this mean?
Here's one way to explain it.
Think about school and the work you do there. Do you remember when you were in Prep and started to learn how to read? Can you remember when reading started to be easy? And can you remember when you started being able to read anything: books, notes, letters/emails, street signs, maps, shop signs, numbers on letterboxes, the Templer Record, magazines, DVD/CD covers? Wasn't it exciting when this happened?

Can you possibly imagine what your life would be like if you couldn't read? You wouldn't know what was going on! You wouldn't understand lots of things. You wouldn't know what was happening to your friends or your favourite celebrities. You wouldn't understand your school work. You wouldn't be able to read the menu at McDonalds. You would really be missing out, wouldn't you?
This means that if you want to be able to have something, you sometimes have to work hard for it. Learning to read is hard work, but the rewards are fantastic. It really is worth all the hard work. Once you do learn to read, a whole new world opens up for you.
The Kingdom of God is like this. It can be really hard work to be nice, good, well-behaved, kind, fair, responsible, trustworthy, honest, generous (and all those wonderful things we should be), all the time. But if we try, and eventually succeed, the rewards are fantastic. It really is worth all the hard work. A whole new world can open up for you.
And what are the rewards for all this? What could be the benefits of living life like this? Of trying very hard to be the best person you can be, for yourself and other people too?
This is something you can think about during the next few weeks. If you have some thoughts, maybe you could call me? It only needs to be a very simple response!
I hope you have a great month, and that you make the most of all the opportunities given to you. Look after yourself and each other.
Christine

To our June children a shivery, wintry Happy Birthday!

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TABULAM AND TEMPLER HOMES FOR THE AGED

Liebe Freunde,
Das Halbjahr ist schon bald wieder vorbei, aber gluecklicherweise gibt es noch genuegend Aktivitaeten rund ums Heim, auf die wir uns freuen koennen. Zwanzig Bewohner drueckten am 11. Mai wieder die Schulbank in der Bayswater South Primary School -- allerdings nur, um sich mit Kaffee und Kuchen verwoehnen zu lassen, von Kindern der ersten beiden Klassen, die halfen, 25 Jahre Deutschunterricht zu feiern. Und wenn wir vom Feiern reden: Olga Hoersch erhielt aus Anlass ihres 100. Geburtstags nicht nur einen Brief von der Koenigin, sondern auch Glueckwuensche vom Gouverneur von Victoria, vom Governor General, vom Prime Minister, sowie vom Premier von Victoria. Wir gratulieren, Olga!

Die Bewohner, die nicht mit ihren Lieben ausgehen konnten, genossen Muttertags-Kaffee im Heim.
Neulich entdeckte ich, dass wir eine Handarbeitsgruppe in Bayswater haben, die regelmaessig Stricksachen und Kleinkunst allerorts zugunsten des Heims verkauft. Vielen Dank, werte Damen! Grosse Anerkennung fuer Ihre Hilfe.
Wir sind wirklich gluecklich dran, dass so viele Leute zum Wohl des Heimes beitragen.

Lassen Sie mich darauf hinweisen, dass unsere HACC Gruppe weiterhin gerne deutsch sprechende Teilnehmer zu ihren regelmaessigen Unterhaltungen einlaedt. Ausfluege werden meistens dienstags, mittwochs und donnerstags vom und zurueck zum Heim unternommen. Fuer weitere Einzelheiten rufen Sie bitte Krista an.
Im Mai hatten wir eine unangekuendigte Inspektion der Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency. Nach 5 Stunden umfassender Inspektion unserer Einrichtung waren die Inspektoren voll des Lobs unserer Arbeit. Ich moechte gerne unserer Leitung, den DONs und unseren Mitarbeitern gratulieren zu ihrem hervorragenden Dienst an unseren Bewohnern und dem Heim.
Die Arztpraxis rueckt ihrer Eroeffnung naeher, unsere Hausmeisterei macht gute Fortschritte mit den noetigen Ausbauarbeiten.
Die Plaene fuer die 36-Bett-Erweiterung gehen gut voran. Wie ueblich muss man einen Ausgleich finden zwischen dem, was man absolut braucht, dem, was man gerne alles haette und dem, was man sich leisten kann. Viele Leute befassen sich damit, und ich moechte allen dafuer und fuer ihre gute Zusammenarbeit danken.
Herzliche Gruesse, Ihr
Hartmut Weller, Praesident

Dear Friends,
Half the year is almost gone again, but I am happy to say that here in the Home we haven't run out of activities to look forward to. Twenty residents went back to school at Bayswater South Primary on 11th May, where they were treated to Kaffee and Kuchen by the children from grades 1 and 2 to help the school celebrate 25 years of teaching the German language. While we are talking of celebrations, I can report that Olga Hoersch not only received a letter from the Queen on the occasion of her 100th birthday but also letters from state and federal MPs, together with letters from the Governors of Victoria, Australia and one from the Prime Minister and from the Premier. Well done Olga!
Residents were also treated to a Mothers' Day Kaffee for those who couldn't leave the Home to celebrate the day with their loved ones.

I have recently discovered that we also have a local Bayswater craft group which regularly produces knitwear and crafts that they then sell at various venues with the proceeds all going to our Home. Thank you very much ladies! Your hard work is greatly appreciated. We are indeed fortunate to have so many dedicated people contributing to the wellbeing of our Home.
I would also like to advise that our HACC program would welcome further older German-speaking participants to join them on their regular outings. These trips are usually undertaken on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, starting and finishing at the Home. If you would like further details, please contact Krista.
During May the Home had an unannounced visit from the Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency. At the conclusion of a five-hour inspection of our facility and systems, the lady was full of praise for the way in which we work. I add my congratulations to our management, DONs and staff for their outstanding dedication to our residents and the running of the Home.
The medical clinic is drawing closer to becoming a reality and our maintenance crew has made good progress with the necessary alterations. Plans for the new 36-bed Home extension are progressing well. As always, we need to find the right balance between what we want to have, must have and cost. Many people are involved in this process and I would like to thank them all for their ongoing positive contribution.
Kind Regards,
Hartmut Weller, President

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NOTICES -- BEKANNTMACHUNGEN

COMING SERVICES

Bus -- People wanting to go from Bayswater to Saal in Bentleigh must book with Nanne at the Office early on the Friday before the service. Tel. 9557 6713 or nanne.tsa@datafast.net.au

KNOX INTERFAITH
Meetings are in the Civic Centre at 7:30

COMMUNITY AFTERNOON BENTLEIGH -- 18th June at 2:15pm
Everyone is invited to Saal followed by afternoon tea with friendly conversation. Ladies, please bring a cake to share. The community bus will be coming from Bayswater. Please book with Nanne at the TSA Office Tel, 9557 6713 ASAP and no later than early on Friday 16th June.
The following ladies are rostered to help on the day and are asked to be at the hall by 1:45pm to set up: Irene Eppinger, Zelma Eppinger, Ursula Fisher, Veronica Fisher, Nelli Gabron, Rita Grubb, Marianne Herrmann, Renate Hoffmann, Sheila Ibel, Doris Holley.
Helga Anderson

FIRST AID COURSE -- LEVEL 2
No course is being conducted over the weekend of 3rd and 4th June in Bayswater. We will hold a CPR refresher course for those interested in May 2007.
Marianne Herrmann

JUNE BUSHWALK -- Saturday 3rd June
Due to the cinnamon fungus, the walk which I described in the last TR cannot be undertaken, as the area has been quarantined. The Park Rangers have suggested a different circuit walk in the Brisbane Ranges which will be open to us.
The meeting spot will now be at the western end of Bacchus Marsh just before the turn-off on to the Geelong Road. From here we will travel to the Brisbane Ranges in convoy to a spot that the Rangers have indicated to me. For afternoon tea we will travel to the Boar Gully camping site. See page 36 for contact details and ring me, please.
Trudi Murray

CHOIR CONCERT -- 4th June 2:30pm
The excellent Eltham East Primary School Choir will present a varied program, traditional and modern, in the Community Chapel. Coffee in the Hall afterwards. Please bring cake if you can. Donations to support the choir's work greatly appreciated. See also page 35 in May TR. All welcome.
THANK YOU!

Due to increased school commitments, Kirsten Lubitz has had to 'retire' from the position of TSA Youth Leader, so a very huge thank you to Kirsten for all her efforts and dedication to organising and running the TSA Teenage Group for the last 2˝ years, first as a volunteer then as one of our employed Youth Leaders! You did a great job, Kirsten, and we all wish you the best with your studies.
Susi Blackwell

TEMPLER EXCHANGE
Applications for the AG Exchange Program to Germany in 2007 close on 31st July 2006. Have you considered applying? Application forms are available from the Office. Queries to Tania Richter tania.richter@gmail.com   

WISER DRIVER PROGRAM
We have been invited by the Glen Eira City Council who, in association with RoadSafe Inner South East Inc., encourages local community groups to consider undertaking the Wiser Driver education program.
Wiser Driver is a refresher course for experienced drivers and is designed to upgrade knowledge, discuss important issues facing mature drivers and to provide assistance in identifying appropriate driving strategies for their situation. The course features trained peer presenters and specialist advice from members of the Victorian Police Traffic Management Unit.
The course covers topics such as building confidence and awareness; outlining changes to the road rules; upgrading skills and experience; vehicle and driver roadworthiness; handling difficult conditions; the benefits of trip planning to avoid potential dangers, and discussions on planning for the future.

Wiser Driver consists of four 2 hour sessions held over a 4-week period and is suitable for groups of 15 to 20 people. Sessions are friendly, informal and discussion based.
We wish to accept this invitation and plan a Wiser Driver course. Those who are interested (the course is for old and young alike) contact me on as soon as possible and state your preference for a morning, afternoon, lunchtime or evening session. If there is enough interest we would use the bus from Bayswater to Bentleigh. Friends are most welcome.
Helga Anderson

SONNWENDFEIER -- 17th June Bayswater Hall
At this year's Winter Solstice celebration -- Sonnwendfeier -- a delicious selection of barbequed meat and salads, hot dogs, Gluehwein, and soft drinks will be available for a reasonable price, with all proceeds going towards the Playground Project -- Stage 2. Tea and coffee will be available free of charge, and we are asking all families to bring a cake or slice to share later in the evening, while we listen to our wonderful Brass Ensemble play some lively music!
There will also be a bonfire, the traditional lantern parade and the Kids' Club organising damper-making. We only have a limited number of lanterns for hire, so everyone is encouraged to BYO, but you can hire a lantern for a $2 donation, the proceeds of which will go towards replenishing the supply of lanterns.

Important Times on 17th June:
1:00pm -- setting up and cooking, please help us with this!
5:00pm -- meals available for purchase.
5:30pm -- lighting of bonfire, assemble for parade.
5:45pm -- lantern parade.
7:00pm -- coffee and cake available.

We do need helpers to assist with setting up, cooking and serving food and later in the evening with cleaning up, so if anyone is able to help out, this would be very much appreciated. Please ring me as soon as possible to put your name on the roster.
We also need some Dads (or Mums) to supervise the bonfire throughout the evening. If you are able to help out, please ring Brendon Glenk.
So rug up, bring your lantern and good humour, and join us for a fun family evening -- no matter what the weather is like.
Susi Blackwell, Community Youth Coordinator

BA-BO WORKING BEE -- Saturday 24th June
The next working bee in Bayswater will take place at the Bayswater Hall, commencing at 9:00am.
Our main project for the day will be edging and mulching at the guest and rental units. However we will have a number of other jobs to be done as well (for the ladies too), so if you are able to come, even if it's only for an hour, you will be very welcome.
Tea and coffee will be available throughout the morning, and our customary lunch consisting of a sausage sizzle and some drinks will follow the working bee. See you there!
Tony Beilharz, for the Property Management Interest Group

FLUTE CONCERT -- Sunday 25th June 2:30pm Chapel
Peter Bartels and Gudrun Beilharz, whose performances are always a treat, play 20th century American music, sometimes described as contemporary classic. Composers include Burton, Kernis, Grisses, Copland, Kennan and Mucszynski. All welcome
Peter Hornung

MOVIE EVENINGS FOR ANY AGE!
Would you like to spend a pleasant evening in the company of friends, going out to the movies and then enjoying a light supper of cheese and bikkies or some finger food, maybe with a glass of wine or soft drink, or a cup of tea or coffee?
If you do, then you are in luck, because I am organising group bookings at Waverley Pinewood Cinema. Details on page 24.
For all enquiries, further information and bookings, please phone me or e-mail susi.tsa@datafast.net.au 
Susi Blackwell, Community Youth Coordinator

WINERY TOUR -- Sunday, 2nd July
We still have a small number of bookings available for 'Rosa's Yarra Valley Winery Tour'. Planned itinerary:
depart Bayswater Hall at 10:00am;
tastings at Fergusson's and De Bortoli;
lunch & tasting (& possibly a tour of the art gallery) at Tarrawarra Estate;
cheese & wine tasting at Yarra Valley Dairy & Wine Hub;
tasting & browsing the gallery & provedore store at Yering Station; and
return to Bayswater Hall approximately 5:00pm.

Cost is expected to be approximately $55 per person, which will cover bus & driver, lunch with a glass of wine, tasting fees and some nibbles while we're on the road.
Bookings are essential and seats will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Payment in full before departure is required to secure your seats.
Bookings should be made with Manfred Decker at deckers@bigpond.com 
Manfred Decker, for the Social & Recreation Focus Group

BAYSWATER-BORONIA TENNIS CLUB
This year's Annual General Meeting will be held at the clubroom in Bayswater on Sunday 2nd July at 11am sharp.
The meeting will be followed by a sausage sizzle and social tennis for anyone interested. All members are cordially urged to attend -- your club needs your support!
Tony Beilharz, for the Ba-Bo Tennis Club Committee

JULY WALK -- Sunday 2nd July, Melbourne's Explorer's Walk
Where: Swan Street Entrance, Richmond Station
Time: 10:30am Distance: 8/9 km
We will walk to the Botanical Gardens via Gosch's paddock and the Morell Bridge. From there we will head to the Shrine of Remembrance where we will have morning tea on the lawns.
Afterwards we will walk along Raglan Street to the small Chinese See Yip Temple, which, if open on Sunday, can be seen for a gold coin donation. In Howe Crescent we can admire how the other half live. After passing St. Vincent's Boys Home we will see what is believed to be the smallest house in Melbourne. Perrins Street leads us to the recently renovated South Melbourne Town Hall, in what was known as Emerald Hill. Very original Victorian cottages surround the Town Hall. Not far from here we pass the South Melbourne Market, which is open on Sundays from 8am to 4pm. Entering Coventry Street we pass portable 19th century houses. In Park Street we pass two substantially renovated 1850's houses.
St Vincent's Place is one of Melbourne's most esteemed streets, the average price for a two-storey terrace house is in excess of two million. The gardens here, recently returned to their 19th century layout, will be the place for lunch. From there we will walk along the beach side of Beaconsfield Pde to St Kilda, even though we can catch a tram back into the city at the corner of Victoria Avenue / Albert Park. Or else at the top of Fitzroy Street we can catch the light rail back to Melbourne Central. Estimated TOA is 2:30/3:00 pm.
If you are intending to join us for this easy walk, please let me know on tmurray@bigpond.net.au  On the day I will be available on my mobile.
Trudi Murray

ROSA'S REPORT
http://www.templers.org  (go to the Rosa Templer Bus link)
There are currently over 30 bookings for the bus this year, so if you have been thinking 'I must get on to planning that bus trip', how about kicking off by picking a date and booking the bus. If you go to the bus calendar  http://au.calendar.yahoo.com/tsa_bus, you will be able to see all the bookings by clicking on the 'Event Lists' tab. This way you can pick a day that is free.

We would like to have some more drivers on hand to share around the driving responsibilities. In particular, we are looking for some volunteers who would be able to drive the bus midweek as well as on the weekends. We will arrange and pay for your training to obtain your VicRoads LR licence and Driver's Certificate. The prerequisites are that you are less than 60 years old, have a current driver's licence and are able to drive on weekdays occasionally. As Rosa is brand new, she is almost 'car-like' to drive, so please don't feel that you could not drive 'something THAT big'.
If you are interested, please contact me at the Bus Booking e-mail address tsa_bus@yahoo.com.au

Upcoming bus bookings for June and July so far include:
11th June - Private Booking
17th June - Sonnwendfeier
18th June - Be Foundering Day Service
18th June - Youth Movie Night
2nd July - Winery Tour
9th July - Kids Club BYTC Gym

The Be Service is on 18th June. If you want to travel on the bus from Bayswater to Bentleigh for this service, please book with the TSA Office on 9557 6713 or nanne.tsa@datafast.net.au  or tsa_bus@yahoo.com.au  by early Friday 16th June.
Remember, the bus is also available to TSA members for private bookings, so pencil in your booking by e-mailing me.
We are looking for extra Driver Volunteers… can you help??
Drive on.
Rolf Glenk, Templer Community BOG

CRAFTS, WOODWORK, METALWORK OR EMBROIDERY
As well as making items for the Adventsfeier in Bentleigh, the Adventsfeier in Bayswater can also use Christmas items.
Some of our members set up a market stall in Box Hill. The next stall will be held on Thursday 26th October. Funds raised are donated to the Tabulam and Templer Homes. A second stall is usually held in March but this will be confirmed later in the year. These same members hold a Christmas Stall at the Tabulam and Templer Homes and at the Tivoli Club Adventsmarkt with funds going to our Home.
We would love to see some new (possibly younger) faces assisting at any of these stalls. If you may be able to help, please contact me.
Perhaps you make crafts for markets or as gifts for friends and family. Please consider making a few extra items that others can sell for the benefit of our members. If you want us to store made items, you are invited to leave things with me in the TSA Office, 152 Tucker Road Bentleigh Ph. 9557 6713, or at Petra Murrihy-Ruff's.

If you wish to embroider tablecloths or runners, please contact me and I can arrange for fabric etc to be provided.
If you need wool, wood or metal scraps, let us know. Maybe we could do another article asking for donations so that you can make those wonderful creations. But we need to know what to ask for. We know many of you are doing work for the stunning 'Wallhanging Project' but we are also hopeful that there are many more people who love making things for the benefit and enjoyment of others.
Marianne Herrmann, for the Social and Recreation Focus Group

JAHRGANGSTREFFEN / Meeting for Vintages 1933/1934 and 1935
We are planning next year's meeting. Despite trying to 'anchor down' and hold back the march of time, it is flitting away too quickly and before we realise it, 'we are there.' Hence please diarise:
Jahrgangstreffen / meeting for the vintages 1933/1934/1935
Wednesday 14th March, Thursday 15th, and for those game: Friday 16th March 2007. Sommerfest on Sunday 18th March 2007 may be added, too.
The venue and further details will be advised later. However, please register your interest as soon as possible to the undersigned, preferably to fredhs0@bigpond.net.au
Friedrich Sawatzky

APARTMENT TO LET
The 3-bedroom flat above the TSA Office in Bentleigh will soon become available for rent. For further information please contact the Temple Society Office on 9557 6713 or e-mail tsa@datafast.net.au
Marianne Herrmann

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THE HERITAGE PAGE

TEMPLER PHOTOGRAPHIC DATABASE
Our friend Siegfried Engelhardt retired from his accountancy business and kindly donated three computers to the TSA Heritage Group. He would like to help us in scanning some of the Templer family photographs and is now having a practice run. Erika English volunteered to scan some albums into her computer. We thank them both.
Some of the albums we have been lent to scan have not been done yet. We apologize for the delay and assure you that your patience is appreciated. With more volunteers we could work faster.
We are still seeking more volunteers. Please contact Erika English.

BAUERNFEIND COLOUR PRINTS
Colour prints of Sarona, Haifa, Jerusalem and Jaffa are still available; A4 size $ 12, A3 (large) $ 15 each. Please contact Erika English.

BUDGET ITEMS
a) A laminator so we can display our photos and news more effectively.
b) A professional Archival Computer Program is now on order. The new program allows us to store the scanned images together with explanations and details of that image. They can be searched later on, so we can find the relevant images again; so far this was not possible.
We are seeking volunteers in Melbourne, Sydney, or in the country who could help us in this work. Please contact Erika English.

TEMPLER GALLERY IN TTHA
Our first exhibition held in our Templer Gallery has now been replaced with 'Old Bayswater' photographs donated by the Knox Historical Society, Ferntree Gully. We are thankful for the material supplied to us by the Director of the Knox Historical Society, Mr Glen Turnbull. The exhibition is on until mid July 2006.
The material of the 'Jugendgruppe-Beilage 1952-1956' is on the way to Stuttgart, so the TGD community can share in that exhibition also.

ORAL HISTORY MAKING PROGRESS
Our oral history project is going well; Skaidra Blaich has started to transfer the information from the tapes onto the computer, then onto CDs. The CDs will be available later on from the TSA archive.
Werner Blaich and Gerda Knaub are planning to continue interviewing Templers. It is very important that the old stories, memories and experience of the Palestine period are recorded for future reference. We appreciate your cooperation and please let us know if you have any old letters, writings and life stories which we can include in our archive.
Please contact Horst Blaich, e-mail abfa@bigpond.net.au 

GOLDEN WEDDING IN WILHELMA -- Easter 1937
The celebration of the golden wedding anniversary of the long-serving Community Head of Wilhelma, Heinrich Sawatzky, and his wife, Barbara nee Hinz, was reported in the 'Warte' of 15.7.1937. Sawatzkys were among the earliest pioneers to settle Wilhelma, and were feted by many speakers and guests. In his reply, H. Sawatzky told the story of how grandfather came to marry grandmother -- a part of Templer history.
Condensed and freely translated by H.U.

If their parents had not been Templers -- if they had not joined the movement then called the Friends of Jerusalem -- then the Swabian girl from southern Germany and the Russian German with the Polish name would never have met. One came from Wuerttemberg and one from the Caucasus; they met in Jaffa in Palestine.

Barbara's father, Georg Hinz, was a farmer in an Albdorf who joined the Friends of Jerusalem and was mocked and persecuted for it. He intended to emigrate to Palestine, but his wife died, leaving him with two sons and six daughters, whom he strove to raise in the Templer way. He managed to find positions for most of them with Templer families. Barbara born in 1862, followed her sister Marie to Jaffa and was employed in the household of Mr Paul Tietz.

Heinrich, born in 1861, came from a Friesian Mennonite family. His great-grandfather had emigrated from West Prussia to Russia in 1804. Heinrich's father was a seeker of the truth; he was not happy with the conditions in the Russian Mennonite settlements and chafed at his lack of further education. Finances permitting, he wanted to give his son the chance to gain more education, so Heinrich started studying to become a teacher. Meanwhile his father joined the Temple Society, but there was not enough money to send his son to the Lyceum Tempelstift in Jerusalem. Heinrich now learnt the painter's trade, working with his father.

Because of their isolation from other Templers -- Tempelhof lay about 100 km south -- he started corresponding with young Templer men in Stuttgart, including Bartholomaeus Hinz, the president of the young Templer men's group. In 1883, there was an opportunity to travel to Palestine with Mr and Mrs Paul Tietz and so he came to Jaffa as a tradesman. He followed job opportunities to Gaza and Beirut, where there was a small Templer Community. Then to Jerusalem -- it was around the time when Christoph Hoffmann died there. In March 1886, Mr Klenk was able to employ him in Jaffa -- it was Heinrich's third time there, and now he lived under the same roof as his future wife. They saw each other daily and other people began to notice that they talked. Mr Tietz, whom his father had appointed as his guardian, thought he had better ask Heinrich about his intentions.
Up until then, their interactions had been harmless enough. Now a so-called tryst was necessary, where the two young people talked seriously and became engaged, secretly for the time being. But the meeting could not last long. Barbara had to mind the Tietz children, so that Mrs Tietz could go to a rehearsal, and Heinrich had to do night watch duty, locking the gates etc. (His mind, however, was on other things that night).

Now his father urgently needed him at home and Heinrich travelled back to Russia in May 1886. Meanwhile his father made enquiries about his intended. So it was not until after a positive answer had come from Palestine that Heinrich asked Barbara's father for her hand in marriage. He in turn made enquiries about Heinrich, which took another few months. He gladly gave his consent because Heinrich was a Templer, and cited Proverbs 31:10f (about what makes a good wife).

In February 1887, his fiancee was able to journey to Russia with Mr and Mrs Tietz from Tempelhof, who had visited their children in Jaffa. The wedding took place on 24.3.1887. There was no such thing as a civil marriage then -- all marriages performed by any minister or preacher from a religious organisation were legal. Heinrich and Barbara were married by the Mennonite Templer Elder, Isaak Fast, who chose the text 'I will bless you… and you will be a blessing' (Gen. 12:2). They were in fact blessed with several children and grandchildren, but not so much with material wealth. Heinrich concluded with: whether we were a blessing for others is not for us to judge. People here have known us since Wilhelma was founded. Today I just wanted to tell you how grandfather came to marry grandmother'.

VISIT TO SARONA
Before joining the Templer Tour Group in Israel last month, Charlotte Laemmle and Ingrid Hoffmann had an opportunity to visit the former Templer settlement of Sarona. They were shown the homes of their forefathers and restoration work currently being undertaken to return some of the buildings to their former splendour.
The photo shows Charlotte and Ingrid with members of the restoration project in Immanuel Steller's former house.
Note the decorative border which has been painstakingly repainted by hand as part of the restoration and preservation process.
Helmut Glenk

IN THE STEPS OF OUR FOREFATHERS
Continued from May TR
The next day we set off to Tabgha on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. On a very good road we drove through the desolate hilly country east of Jerusalem, where some squalid Arab settlements were scattered in the valleys along the way. The road descended to below sea level and it was strange to read altitude signs by the side of the road indicating how far below sea level we were travelling. In the distance the waters of the Dead Sea shimmered in the heat haze.
We turned north and bypassed Jericho. The road followed the Jordan River Valley -- to our right the hills in Jordan were clearly visible and at times the road was right on the Israeli-Jordanian border, where numerous old military lookouts and installations were visible. Through a checkpoint we entered Palestinian territory and gradually the desolate landscape improved and green agricultural activities became more noticeable. Dieter Lange, who was travelling in our car, provided commentary on the regions we were travelling through.

The countryside continued to improve the further north we went -- the historic and dominant Mt Tabor was now clearly visible as we entered the Jezreel Valley. Here lush green fields were intensively farmed with cereal crops and we saw many glass houses in which vegetables were being grown. We were amazed by the extent of farming and the apparent fertility of the soil -- no wonder this region was known as the 'granary of Palestine' in ancient times.

We lunched on the hilltop of Belvoir -- the site of a Crusader fortress -- with commanding views north and south over the Jordan Valley. Lunch here will be long remembered for the gale force wind gusts on the hilltop. We explored the old castle/fortress and marvelled at the sheer magnitude of its construction and the skilled stonemasonry work still very evident.
Our next stop was at the alleged baptism site on the Jordan River near the Sea of Galilee where John baptised Jesus. With eucalypts growing on the banks of the slow-flowing Jordan River we were reminded of home. In this touristy location we watched some group baptisms take place. To me this seemed a most impersonal event, but no doubt commercially beneficial to those organising these baptism groups!

We stayed overnight at the German Pilgrim House at Tabgha. The next day, again with Dieter our expert guide in the car, we drove through the beautiful Upper Galilee region of Israel. The fields were lush and green with crops and the roadside lined with eucalypt trees interspersed with flowering wattles with their golden blossoms standing out brightly against the green background. Occasionally a red flowering bottlebrush would add another dimension -- the uncanny likeness to Australia was startling, we thought we were in Australia, only the magpies and kookaburras were missing!
Through Galilee and into the mountains of the Golan region we went. Thousands of wildflowers were blooming -- poppies, anemones, carnations, cyclamens, irises, daisies -- adding a mass of colour to the fields and hills, and snow-capped Mt Hermon provided a brilliant backdrop. We drove on winding roads overlooking deep valleys, past old Crusader castles strategically located on hilltops, through Druze villages and the many apple and almond orchards in this area. The scenery was grand -- far beyond our expectations. We were very close to the Israeli-Syrian border and vast areas were fenced off with signs warning 'Danger Keep out Land Mines'.

On our return to Tagbha we stopped at historic Gamla -- site of some prehistoric stone graves as well as the site of one of the oldest synagogues discovered in Israel. It was destroyed and ransacked by the Romans, but the ruins still remain. We said 'Auf Wiedersehen' to our German Templer friends who had really made us part of their group with their warmth and friendship -- they were heading off to Haifa to do more work at the Templer cemetery there. A personal thanks to Dieter Lange for his companionship and his wonderful comments -- it was a pleasure and a bonus to have him in the car with us.
Before leaving Tabgha, we visited the Mount of Beatitudes with the magnificent views over the Sea of Galilee, where Jesus gave the Sermon on the Mount, and Capernaum (the City of Jesus) where we viewed the old ruins and the new church built over the old church ruins.

Onwards to Nazareth, where we visited the Church of Annunciation and viewed the beautiful wall mosaics including one from Australia, before driving into the fertile Plain of Saron -- another rich agricultural area with many orange groves.
Then on to Tel Aviv where we stayed with the Goldman family, who were marvellous hosts. We were made to feel welcome and at home and nothing was too much for them. We could not have wished for better.

Our days in Tel Aviv were long and action-packed. Edith Goldman, Shay Farkash, Tamar Tuchler, Nitza Szmuk, Tamara Garon and Jonathan Mamlock (son of the former Sarona pharmacist) all ensured we did not have a spare moment. Our visits included the site of the old Audsche mill; the Nordstrand (northern beaches with its high rise right on the beach front); old Jaffa town and port; the Suedstrand (southern beaches now undergoing substantial redevelopment); and numerous other sites of interest in Tel Aviv. Naturally we also toured through the former Templer settlements of Jaffa and Walhalla. The buildings there are rather dilapidated and a large high rise building is being constructed on the site of the former Wagner Bros engineering works.
The opening of the exhibition on the Templer settlements, titled 'Chronicle of a Utopia -- A History of the Templers in the Holy Land 1869-1948' at the Eretz Israel Museum was an overwhelming event (see also May TR page 39). It was attended by 200 to 300 people from all over Israel. Many prominent persons were present and also television crews, print media and cultural attaches. I had been asked earlier in the day to say a few words and was able to read a goodwill message from the TSA, as well as expressing verbal support from the TSA Heritage Group and from the members of TGD present for the success of the exhibition. Interest in the Templers and their contribution to the development of Palestine was high. The exhibition is very tastefully put together, with photographs and exhibits as well as a video presentation. It depicts all the settlements and will be on public view for several months.

We were shown the former Sarona settlement in great detail by the persons involved with the preservation and restoration campaign and from the project unit of the Tel Aviv City Council. This included being shown the original motor to pump water for Sarona. It was the first motor installed by Wagner Brothers and historically one of the most significant occurrences in the development of the Holy Land in the late 19th century -- it changed the face of agriculture into the 20th century. The Pflugfelder mill with its old motors and crushing wheel and other facilities to make olive oil were of particular interest.
 
A quick tour through the former Lippmann house with its beautiful floor tiles was followed by an inspection of the site of the former Lippmann Bassin (the renowned Sarona swimming pool) where the foundations are still clearly visible. A memorable tour of the old wine cellar followed -- we were amazed at the huge size of this building and its underground storage facilities. It was here that the first aircraft of the Israeli Air Force were assembled -- the high level of security at this facility is still evident. A highlight here was a walk through the narrow tunnel linking the winery to the distillery. There is a strong view that a second tunnel exists in this area which was used to move the stored wine directly to the outside from the underground storage area without having to lift it upstairs to the winery.

The old Gemeindehaus and several other buildings have now been physically moved and work is underway to widen Kaplan Street. Many old trees have been identified for preservation and clearly marked accordingly; the homes to be retained have also been identified. The future development of the Hakirya area includes a number of high rise buildings and several houses will be incorporated into the design and construction of these modern buildings. The 'stand alone' former Sarona buildings, when restored, will be used for public purposes -- some will be the responsibility of the Tel Aviv City Council and others of the National Government's Lands Authority. A tunnel is proposed under the former Sarona settlement to provide access to the new high rise buildings. At this stage completion for the project is scheduled for 2008.

A particular personal highlight was being shown through the old Glenk house -- my grandparents' house and also where my parents lived. It was a moving experience to enter the house and see all the rooms, panelled doors, decorative borders on the walls, the shutters, floor tiles etc of this house which I had heard so much about. To recall how the front door was left unlocked when they left in 1941 (maybe it was an omen that one day a Glenk would return), and now nearly 65 years later, I entered the house again was quite emotional.

Whilst in Tel Aviv two other interesting visits were arranged for us. One to the old Jewish agricultural settlement of Mitzeh Israel, designed by Theodor Sandel (who also planned Sarona). Mitzeh Israel bears a very close resemblance to Sarona in many ways -- straight streets, a wine cellar with huge underground storage chambers, old preserved stone buildings, workshop and smithy etc.
The other visit was to the nearby former Templer settlement of Wilhelma -- still a beautiful, peaceful place with a village-like atmosphere -- where Templer built homes remain, some caringly restored and surrounded by well kept blossoming gardens. The water tower stands silently at the end of the road like a sentinel guarding his domain. The structure of the old swimming pool was readily accessible. We were shown inside several homes which still reveal much of their former fit-out. It was also interesting to see some of the old ploughs -- especially the original double-bladed one depicted on the Wilhelma seal and other early farming equipment.
Helmut Glenk

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TEMPLE SOCIETY CONTACTS

President: Peter Lange

TEMPLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA -- TEMPLE SOCIETY IN GERMANY

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Editor of the Templer Record: Herta Uhlherr, Orloff Court East Burwood Victoria 3151
tel/fax 03 9802 3447, e-mail hru@optusnet.com.au 

Last updated 31st May  2006

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