December/January - Temple Society Australia

Templer
Talk
Issue 21
December 2014/January 2015
Thank You
As we look forward to a bit of a break over the Christmas/
holiday period in order to recharge the batteries, I thank all
involved in our Community’s varied programs, activities and
initiatives over the course of the year. It has been another busy
one!
In this issue
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Reflection
Community Care
Youth
Sydney
TTHA
Strategic Planning Workshop
Frauenverein Excursion
Reunion: Class of 1937,
1938 and 1939
Bentleigh Working Bee
Christmas Market at TTHA
Christmas Greetings
Notices
Calendar
You’ve frequently heard me say, "Share in our community, for
together we achieve." So, if being industrious has resulted in
achievements, then we have shared much.
Thank you, one and all!
Mark Herrmann
Regional Head
Bentleigh Adventsfeier
Sunday, December 7 at 2.30pm
We look forward to seeing many of you. We encourage you to
bring along extended family and friends. For more information
see the November Templer Talk.
Many hands are required to assist with set up on Saturday
from 2.00pm so that we all get to relax Saturday evening. And
assistance to clean up at the conclusion of events on Sunday
would also be appreciated.
ISSN 2201-7437
Print Post Approved PP 100004645
Marianne Herrmann
Reflection: The Cloud of Unknowing
Geoff McCallum
My family is away at a concert. The house is uncharacteristically quiet and I have been sitting in an
old Tessa swivel chair reading a little book entitled The Cloud of Unknowing.
The author of this book is not known, but the back cover describes him or her as, "an unknown
fourteenth century mystic".
I actually have two versions of this book. One is in the original "Middle English", the vernacular of
the time, whilst the other is a translation into modern English.
The 14th century, of course, predates Martin Luther and the Protestant movement or movements,
and this book is regarded as an instructional manual in mystical Christian thought and meditation,
probably produced in England by a priest or monk for the teaching of juniors in his order.
On the other hand it may have been written by a nun. Coming from a Germanic tradition, we may
do well to remind ourselves of Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th century German Benedictine abbess
and mystic now famous more for her musical compositions than her writings. The point is that
prayer, meditation and the spiritual way are not, and never have been, the sole prerogative, or soul
prerogative, of either gender.
Unlike the canonical Gospels of the New Testament, which are well known, if not well read today,
this book, The Cloud of Unknowing, has no narrative structure in the sense of depicting events
on earth; however what it does provide is guidance for the spiritual journey as it might have been
experienced by religious men and women in the Middle Ages, or at any time for that matter.
The contemporary English version is easier to read and, as so far as I can tell, seems to be a
reasonable translation of the original. It is prefaced by several long interpretative introductions
which I have been careful not to read in order to allow myself direct and unprejudiced access to
the work itself.
The book is composed of 75 short chapters, each devoted to a theme or aspect of the spiritual
journey. They may be seen as lessons in how to meditate. There are various techniques to focus
the mind in order to achieve a meditative state. The technique central to this book is to focus on
the love of God.
2
Reflection: The Cloud of Unknowing
(continued)
The term "cloud of unknowing" refers to acceptance of the inability of the human mind to construct
a meaningful understanding of God through intellectual effort. This is why the author focuses upon
the love of God rather than an understanding of God as the focal point for meditation.
Developing a relationship with God is not dependent on having any understanding of the nature
of God at an intellectual level. Concrete ideas of the nature of God, or theories of God, or of the
nature of reality, may be interesting hobbies like collecting stamps or playing chess, but they are
not helpful in achieving a relationship with God.
Most people’s ideas about these mysteries change or evolve throughout their lives. But if one
believes that understanding God or believing in any particular idea of God is a prerequisite to
having a relationship with God, it will probably never happen.
However, if you are prepared to set aside human ideas, or theories of God, or of no God, and
leave them in the cloud of unknowing and enter the realm of experience of God through prayer,
meditation, undirected contemplation and most of all receptiveness, you may indeed achieve a
meaningful relationship with God.
3
Community Care
Firstly, I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and safe year
in 2015. We have some really wonderful things happening in the new year and, as always, I
invite you to participate! You might just discover a new interest or make a new friend. Some
of the plans for 2015 include an art project for Bentleigh, a basic car maintenance workshop
and a scrapbooking day. We will also have our Women’s Pamper Day later in the year (in both
Sydney and Melbourne) and the Men’s Advance will again be happening in May! I welcome any
suggestions you may have for activities.
Thank you for your generous donations to CHAMPION since the last issue of Templer Talk.
Please keep them coming! Our name is reaching further afield every week. The majority of the
people who visit CHAMPION have young families, or are unemployed for a range of reasons, and
over the holiday period many suffer from serious financial stress. Thank you for your support!
I will be on leave for almost all of January. If you would like a visit before Christmas, please
contact me. I always have time for our members, and am more than happy to come and visit, but
you will need to book it in. I look forward to hearing from you.
Telelink will be held on December 12 and then return on January 16 and 30. We look forward to
speaking with you on these dates. A huge thank you to Erika Christian for facilitating the Telelink
conference each fortnight! If you are interested in participating, or want to know more, please
contact me!
Thank you to all the people who volunteer with me throughout the year and also to the people who
support and participate in the events I run. A special thank you to Mark, Nanne and John in the
Office!
Frohe Weinachten
Keep smiling
Contact
Martina
Martina Eaton
Community Care Worker
M: 0433 335 815
E: [email protected]
4
Youth
TG Break-up Party
Saturday, December 6
For our last activity for 2014, we’ll be playing an evening session
of Laser Tag and finishing up with some pizza for the hungry
troops!
Saturday, December 6
TG Break-up Party
Basin Laser Tag
The Basin
Time: 5.30pm to 9.00pm
Where:
Basin Laser Tag
Transport:
We hope to have the Rosa bus, otherwise car Cost: Coming Up
Bring:
$25 (includes laser tag and pizza)
pooling
A drink bottle
Community Christmas
Weihnachtsfeier
Saturday, December 20 at 6.00pm
Bayswater Hall
Join in the Bayswater Community Christmas celebration,
suitable for all ages.
Any children wishing to participate in the nativity play, or join in
the singing or dancing, please contact Phuong Breisch on 0400
086 073 or [email protected]. Practices will be held on
Wednesday, December 17 at 4.30pm to 6.30pm and Saturday,
December 20 at 9.00am to 12.00 noon.
Saturday, December 20
Weihnachtsfeier Community
Christmas
Bayswater
January 4 to 10
Summercamp 2015
Cape Otway
Thursday, January 22
All Youth Water Day at Funfields
Whittlesea
Sunday, February 1
TG Paintballing
Dingley
Saturday, February 14
TG Games and Pizza Night
Bayswater
Saturday, February 28
Summercamp 2015
Sunday, January 4 to Saturday, January 10
Summercamp is suitable for all children aged 11 to 15 years, and
all friends are welcome!
Bookings for this great camp at Cape Otway Ocean Lodge are
about to close. If you still wish to book in, please contact Susi
NOW.
5
All Youth Cinema under Stars
Bayswater
Sunday, March 1
Sommerfest
Bayswater
March 28 to 29
Community Camp
Wesburn
Youth
All Youth Water Day
Thursday, January 22
To start off the year, we’ll be having a water fun day at Funfields
Water Park in Whittlesea. This activity is suitable for kids of all
Happy Birthday
Wishes
December
ages and their families, so come and join us!
Erik Jűrgensen
Time: 8.30am to 5.00pm (includes travel time)
Matilda Rose
Where:
Funfields Water Park
Luke Sawatzky
2365 Plenty Road, Whittlesea
adults accompanying 3 or more children are also Hayden Glenk
Rosa bus TBC
Jadyn Katz
Cost: Transport:
BYO: RSVP: $30 per person; children under 100cm free and free!
Picnic lunch and snacks
Monday, December 15
TG Paintballing
Sunday, February 1
January
Chloe Hoefer
Heidi Loebert
Oliver Turner
Lucinda Uhlherr
Timothy Walch
This mini-paintball session is suitable for all kids aged 10 and
over. There will be several different paintball games with a break
for our picnic lunch in between.
Time: 10.30am to 4.00pm (includes travel time)
Where:
Cost: Transport:
BYO: RSVP: International Paintball
1 Grange Road, Dingley Village
$10 per person
Rosa bus TBC
Contact
Susi
Picnic lunch and snacks
Wednesday, January 14
For all details and enquiries
about the Youth Program, please
contact:
Susi Richter
Community Youth Coordinator
M: 0400 764 257
E: [email protected]
6
Sydney
Sydney hosted our Regional Head, Mark Herrmann for the advent service in November. Thank
you Mark for coming all the way up here; we hope you enjoyed your visit as much as we did.
We had 12 people meet for Seniors' Group last month. Two of our regulars were off having knee
replacements. We hope you are both back on your feet (literally!) very soon.
Some of the Sydney ladies met for a girls' night out in November at The Bavarian Bier Café in
Parramatta. It was a great chance for those who attended the Women’s Retreat to catch up. We
plan to have more of these get-togethers in 2015. If you would like to join us, please let me know.
We will welcome you with open arms!
We will celebrate Christmas at Meadowbank on Sunday, December 21 at 4.00pm. We are hoping
to have some shepherds and angels this year for our pageant, so if you have any grandchildren
(or great-grandchildren) who would like to take part, please let Ingrid Turner know.
"Christmas – that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it
is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of
prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance – a day in which we think of everything we
have ever loved" (Augusta E. Rundel). To me this is a universal way to describe the meaning
of Christmas. Our family has always acknowledged the true reason for Christmas – celebrating
the birth of Jesus. We didn’t place a great deal of importance on the commercial side, though I
always loved the anticipation of opening the wrapped presents under the tree! The most precious
gift I ever received was a plastic container with small scraps of paper rolled up into scrolls. My
9-year old son had carefully decorated each one with lovely, and sometimes misspelt, words of
affirmation. The container reads, "When you feel down, when you feel vile, take one of these and
you’ll begin to smile." It works every time for me!
I would like to wish each and every one of you a very happy and safe Christmas and New Year. I
will be on leave from Monday, December 22 until Monday, January 12.
See you next year!
Contact
Jan
Jan Johnson
Sydney Community Support Worker
M: 0412 731 101
E: [email protected]
7
TTHA
We have had a wonderful year at TTHA. Everyone I speak to – no matter their age – believes that
time is flying by. I am sure it’s because we keep ourselves so busy, and with technology we can
accomplish so much more.
We have enjoyed a year of special events that have created memories we will all cherish forever –
the Easter markets, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations, BBQ working bees, Oktoberfest,
Winter Sports, scrumptious dinners out with our friends and families and many themed days. We
enjoyed our wonderful Weihnachtsmarkt and are looking forward to many Christmas celebrations
with street parties, special luncheons and our annual staff party to thank staff for the exemplary
care they provide to our community.
TTHA is proud to be now operating in the top 25% of not-for-profit aged care providers. We have
less than 1% staff turnover and we remain at full occupancy in our Retirement Living Village,
Residential Aged Care, Community Care Packages and Planned Activity Groups. Looking after
everyone in our community is essential to our reputation and word-of-mouth marketing continues
to grow this reputation. Financially we are on track and looking into the next five years of our
strategic plan to ensure we remain successful at servicing our community well into the future.
As we move into the festive celebrations, we wish you all a wonderful holiday season with family
and friends and hope that you are all able to enjoy some relaxing moments when you can sit back
and cherish the life you are living.
Keep smiling, creating memories and cherishing your family and friends.
Contact
Natasha
Natasha Wilkinson
Chief Executive Officer
P: 03 8720 1300
E: [email protected]
8
Strategic Planning Workshop
Last month, 32 TSA Members (some Regional Council and Focus Group members, TSAL Directors,
TTHA committee representatives and others) were invited to partake in a full day’s workshop in the
Bayswater Hall. Externally facilitated by Yvonne Crouch (from Mach 2 Consultants), the participants
worked through a series of questions to begin the process of planning for the future of the TSA.
Below is a summary of our efforts.
What do you like and value about being part of the TSA community?
The responses focused on friendships, a shared history and values, a sense of family and
community, providing a spiritual core. The organisation and its people are seen as reliable and
stable through a sense of trust and decency. The TSA is perceived as a place for everybody,
although some contrary views of a “closed” community from an outsider’s perspective were
expressed.
What are the key issues and challenges for TSA – current and emerging?
Much of this revolved around understanding our identity and the difficulties in explaining this to
others, not being as inclusive as we could be, needing to get more involved in the wider community
and the challenge of engaging people across geographical locations.
What is our vision for TSA in the future? How do we see our community in X years’
time – short term, medium term and long term?
(With declining membership trends, do we accept an inevitably smaller organisation? Do we aim to
sustain our current activities? What is our appetite for growth, moving forward?)
Components of a possible vision included a sustainable and viable community (spiritually and
financially), becoming more open, accessible, outward looking in utilising our facilities to create
community hubs (meeting places). A move away from the heavy reliance on our volunteer base to
a requirement for professional resources was supported, although it was acknowledged that this
carried some risk of "losing ourselves". Other aspects raised were spiritual leadership, engaging
youth, working to build a community with an Australian (less traditionally German) focus and
seeking to maintain relevance.
To what extent do we want to be engaged in aged care?
As expected, this question prompted a range of responses, from aged care not being our core
business to needing to continue, given its relevance to our community. A broader look at servicing
all generations was encouraged, the aged care facility possibly providing resources to fund
activities across the community. There was support for extended discussion around this important
issue through a specific reference group, TTHA also needing to develop its strategic plan for the
next 5-year period.
9
Are our current Focus Groups still relevant?
As a collective: "yes", as individual committees: new focus and interests, with a greater level of
sharing between them, were suggested. Concern for the number of volunteers required was raised.
Where do we direct our focus in the future?
To provide non-active, associate and generational members with a modern redefinition of our vision,
purpose and values ("branding").
What is our role in the broader community?
To be visibly active by demonstrating our core beliefs through our actions, by collaborating with
other communities, by opening up our facilities and the services we offer and by providing input on
social justice issues.
What is our value proposition?
This needed to be "translated" to most of the group – I had looked it up earlier! A value proposition
is a short statement that clearly communicates the benefits that potential Members gain, something
easily grasped and remembered.
Suggestions made:
"We care for you from the cradle to the grave"
"Fill the holes in our community"
"Sense of belonging to a community with a freedom of spiritual beliefs"
"Trust, acceptance, respect, community"
What strategies or actions are needed to achieve our vision for the future?
Find resources to lighten the load on volunteers; consolidate properties and assets; develop
a marketing strategy; leadership planning and training; appoint a spiritual facilitator; welcome
newcomers; create a community hub (physical, virtual); establish a governance and strategic
decision-making framework; form an implementation group to take ownership of and move forward
on the workshop outcomes.
Open forum – other issues
A need to revisit our "purpose" – what is our point of difference? what does it mean to you?
I sincerely thank each and every one of the workshop participants for their time, commitment and
input. However, this is merely the beginning of our strategic planning process.
Mark Herrmann
Regional Head
10
Frauenverein Excursion
On October 30, we set out from Bayswater on a cloudy, breezy day. The red bottlebrush in the
gardens along the way were stunning.
We drove to St Kilda and then the sun appeared. We had a
short walk along the beach; the waves are so lovely to watch
– so peaceful – always the same, but always different.
We had a lovely two-course lunch with a mediterranean
flavour at Beachcombers Restaurant and then set out to
Parkdale, where we listened to a (rather loud) country-andwestern style concert by Col Perkins. We could also sing
along.
We finished with afternoon tea and the drive home.
It was a lovely day spent in pleasant company and a fitting end to Seniors' month. Thank you,
Martina.
Irene Eppinger
There is more to tell...
On our return drive home, Martina announced that I should write an article about this outing for the
Templer Talk, whereupon I mentioned to Irene, who was sitting across from me in the bus, that she
could probably do this better than I. So she did, promptly and aptly.
Now, I'd like to add something worth mentioning.
It was a really nice program for the day – beautiful St Kilda
beach, early lunch (good food!) then the Col Perkins
concert. All of that free for the 17 participants!
Thanks to Martina for her successful efforts in procuring a
grant to be spent.
Thank you for an enjoyable day!
Ilse Birkner
11
Reunion: Class of 1937, 1938 and 1939
Over three days in October, 36 of us enjoyed a memorable class reunion at the Boathouse Resort
Motel in Blairgowrie on the Mornington Peninsula. Accommodation was in comfortable units, with
the on-site restaurant providing excellent meals. Throughout our stay some of our crew even took
swims in the outdoor pool.
To settle in, people went for walks on the beach or napped on the first afternoon, in preparation for
a big evening. A festive happy hour with complimentary drinks was followed by a scrumptious meal
and an evening sing-a-long accompanied by Strups Arndt on his mouth organ.
Other highlights included delicious afternoon teas, a brief devotional service held by Herta
Uhlherr, and a scenic bus tour to Arthurs Seat, Seawind Gardens and Lookout to Flinders and the
quarantine station in Point Nepean National Park. Wherever one looked, people were busily chatting and
catching up, whether inside a venue or during a walk
somewhere. The noise level inside the restaurant
and Flinders Bakery rose dramatically with all of
us intent on reminiscing and sharing a laugh.
Dieter Glenk, our capable MC, kept everything
moving along smoothly, interspersing thoughtprovoking words of wisdom with appropriate jokes
and inviting others to share anecdotes. On the last night we celebrated the 75th birthday
of Johanna Steller and her twin brother, Frieder Gohl. To top it off, Brigitte Herrmann had organised a
beautiful belly dancer, who not only performed for us,
but also invited one after another to join in her dance.
The reunion group
Photo by Inky Arndt
Much hilarity ensued as we all got into the spirit. We all
agreed to meet again in the spring of 2016 with Rolf Beck
offering to find a suitable location in NSW. Thanks to our meticulous organisers, Brigitte and Bernd Herrmann and Cooky and Heinz
Minzenmay, for facilitating an unforgettable three days. Every detail was accounted for. Thanks
also to any others who had a part in the success of our wonderful trip. It was much appreciated.
Inky Arndt
12
Bentleigh Working Bees
Many thanks to all the 2014 Bentleigh working bee volunteers.
Three working bees were successfully completed in 2014, with
the last one in November.
Good weather was enjoyed over the year, with much
accomplished and many conversations held over coffee
The Bentleigh complex is looking very tidy and well maintained.
Peter Ware
Cleaning windows
Photo by Peter Ware
Christmas Market at TTHA
The weather was fantastic and the well-publicised day bought huge crowds to the Tabulam & Templer
Homes for the Aged (TTHA). Our Templer craft stall was one of many and we had a successful day;
all our proceeds go to benefit the Home.
We'd like to express our thanks to all the ladies and men who have helped make items throughout
the year. Some handmade items came from as far as South Australia. The Templers there have been
busy too! A lot of work goes into the making of handmade items and, to those of you who helped, let
us share the news that your craft was duly admired.
So thank you to all the craft volunteers.
Bayswater Craft Group
under the guidance of Helga Kuerschner
Solar Workshops
Interested in finding out more about
solar solutions for your home?
First Wednesday of every month
For more information, please email
Bernie Hoefer on [email protected]
Next workshop:
Wednesday, December 3
8.00pm to 9.00pm
Bayswater Hall
13
We wish you a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Irene, Jörg, James and Jessica Kemper
Luise, Heinz, Jacki, Amara and Grace Wagner
Mark, Marianne, Alastair and Patti, Nicholas and Connie, and Monika Herrmann
Ilse Birkner
Emma Polacsek
Manfred and Hildegard Mischker
Lore Decker
Trudy and Bruno Herrmann
Gretel Krockenberger
Peter and Robyn Wagner and Family
Anna Wagner and Tom Jowett
Thomas and Kasia Wagner
Marcus and Lauren Wagner
Marianne and Pierre Prigent
Hulda Wagner
Hiltraud Kinder
Antonia Kinder and Darren Strachan
Phil and Karyn Campbell with Declan and Evan
Martha Strasser
Monika Strasser
Magda Persztik
Hildegard Hoffmann
Herbert Hoffmann
Hans and Sheela Ibel and Family
Peter and Dot Ware
Michael Ware and Jenny Baczyk
Suzy Ware
Chris, Megan and Nate Ware
Christa and Rod Lingham and Family
Renate and Julian Lu and Family
Luise Ruff
14
We wish you a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
Margot Neu
Ruth and Felix Haar
James and Helga Anderson
Christian Anderson and Tiffany Conway with Amelia and Abbey
Silvia and Brendon Anderson with Noah and Zoe
Erika Anderson and Katrina Heath
Hermann and Herta Uhlherr and Family
Rosemarie and Peter Weller and Family
Walter Struve
Erika , Con and Taryan Kotsiakos
Gerda Stuve
Georg Bauer
Sieger and Rose Hahn
Berthold Tannenbaum
Uli and Rose Asenstorfer
Ernst and Edith Unger
Kurt, Erna and Walter Unger
Gertrud Unger
Edith Hatswell
Anne Stevens
Gertrud Fischer
Lotte and Eric Hoopmann
Katja, Franz and Hein Hesse and Annette Wagner-Hesse
Anna and Erich Waechter
Lilli Waechter
Martina and Thomas Eaton
Irmgard and Günter (Strups) Arndt
Erika and Paul English with Marcus and Melissa
Leni Löbert
Kirrily and Amelie Sydenham and Renate Weber
Tony and Renate Beilharz and Family
Theo and Susan Graze
Thomas Gengenbach and Karin Ruff
15
Golden
Wedding
Anniversary
CHAMPION needs
volunteers in January
Jacomina (Minnie) and
Manfred Haering were married
on January 2, 1965.
some volunteers to assist my hard-working and reliable crew
We wish you many more years
of happiness together!
Silver
Wedding
Anniversary
I will be away from December 25 until January 29 and need
to keep CHAMPION running smoothly.
CHAMPION will be closed from Thursday, December 25
(open on Christmas Eve) and we will re-open on Monday,
January 5. I need volunteers for January 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21
and 28.
The jobs I need covered are the following:
•
on Tuesday evenings at 5.45pm and delivered to
CHAMPION on Wednesdays before 1.00pm.
Jenny and Peter Loebert were
married on December 15, 1989.
•
We wish you many more years
•
of happiness together!
Bread pick-ups from the bakery in Boronia Heights
Fruit and vegetable pick-ups from Kilsyth every
Wednesday before 12.00noon and taken to CHAMPION
before 1.00pm.
Volunteers to pack food orders and assist at CHAMPION
during our opening hours (reduced in January) on
Mondays from 10.00am to 12.00 noon and Wednesdays
Sommerfest
2015
This will be held on Sunday,
March 1, 2015.
More details to follow in
February Templer Talk.
Advent in
Bayswater
1.00pm to 3.00pm. Prefer someone who is good
with people and has a social work/community work
background.
•
Two volunteers to assist with packing freshly delivered
food into the pantry on Wednesday, January 14 at
10.45am until approximately 12.30pm.
All training and detailed instructions will be given prior to
Christmas.
Even if you can only do one shift or one job for me during
the four weeks it would be much appreciated. As I am sure
you understand, CHAMPION is a huge undertaking and one
that relies greatly on the reliability of our volunteers. You will
be handsomely rewarded with much appreciation from the
Advent is Thursday, December
visitors to CHAMPION and from a well-rested Care Worker!
Hall. Everyone welcome.
Martina Eaton
11 at 8.00pm in the Bayswater
16
Birthdays
Wir gratulieren herzlich zum
Geburtstag unserer Mitglieder:
December
Bayswater Community
Christmas
Saturday, 20 December at 6.00pm
Bayswater Hall
Ulrich Asenstorfer
86
Erna Carson
99
Hans Hornung
80
Bruno Krockenberger
83
•
Irmgard Loebert
75
Any children wishing to participate in a nativity play, or join
Heinz Minzenmay
78
Horst Orth
81
Erika Petrick
93
Harold Slip
76
Rosemarie Beilharz
89
Irene Eppinger
80
Gerda Knaub
76
Nella Kruck
77
Manfred Loebert
76
Herbert Neef
80
Reinhold Orth
87
Gerd Schlender
76
Linda Steller
98
Gerda Struve
86
Alwyn Steltenkamp
75
You are invited to join in the Bayswater Community Christmas
celebration suited to all ages. Come along to enjoy:
•
Communal singing
•
An appearance by Father Christmas with gifts for all
•
A Christmas play performed by children
children under ten
A light supper
in the singing or dancing, please contact Phuong Breisch on
0400 086 073 or [email protected]. Practices will be
held on Wednesday, December 17 at 4.30pm to 6.30pm and
Saturday, December 20 at 9.00am to 12.00 noon.
Helpers are required to assist with setting up the Hall,
preparing and serving supper. If you can help please contact
Renate Beilharz on 0439 562 802 or email beilharz.renate@
gmail.com
January
Ingeborg Arndt
77
Anny Beck
83
Rosemarie Asenstorfer
Heinz Dehn
Monika Droste
Helmut Eppinger
Harald Gassmann
Felix Haar
Elsbeth Jeserer
Bernd Steller
84
75
75
75
85
89
85
76
Confirmation 2015
The next Confirmation program will take place in Semester
One, 2015. Most classes will take place on Sundays.
Alternative arrangements are being made for distant
confirmands, or those unable to attend classes. The program
will culminate in a Confirmation ceremony on Sunday, May 31
in Bayswater.
kindern alles Gute und Schöne
Following on from the considerable interest shown at the
information evening held last month, we are now requesting
formal expressions of interest to be sent to Renate Beilharz
at [email protected]. An indication of a preferred
time for classes on a Sunday is also requested.
Birthday!
Renate Beilharz
Erich Waechter
78
und wünschen auch allen hier
nicht angeführten Geburtstagszum neuen Lebensjahr – Happy
17
Coming
Services
Sunday, 14 December
10.30am
TTHA
Elder: Harald Ruff
Christmas Service
Bereavements
Charlotte Dravenieks (née Asenstorfer) passed away
October 29, 2014.
Dear Charlotte, aged 94, much-loved sister of Benno and
sister-in-law, Mina, beloved Aunt to Carmen, Sylvia and
Angela.
Our family has fond memories of many happy times spent
Sunday, 21 December
with you in Lyndoch, in the Barossa Valley, S.A.
Meadowbank Hall
We will all hold cherished moments close to our hearts. We
Elder: Ingrid Turner
salute you. A simple life lived large.
Christmas Day Service
On behalf of Benno Asenstorfer
4.00pm
Thursday, 25 December
10.00am
Our condolences to the bereaved families
Bayswater Chapel
Elder: Geoff McCallum
Christmas Day Service
Thursday, 25 December
10.00am
Bentleigh Hall
Elder: Theo Richter
Archiving Update
As you can see from the photo we're running behind with
our archiving! We appreciate all your contributions, but now
realise we need your help.
There are new forms to be filled in when you drop off items.
Templer Talk
Deadline
The next deadline for articles
and notices for Templer Talk is
January 18, 2015.
Email your submission to:
[email protected]
Hard copies can be sent to the
Temple Society Office.
Articles and notices may be
edited for grammar and space
considerations.
This will make it quicker and easier to catalogue donations.
Volunteers are needed for data
entry, interviewing, filming,
transcribing interviews, reading
and interpreting old German
handwriting, sorting and
cataloguing. Support and
training will be provided.
Are you interested? If so,
please contact the Office to
offer assistance. Any help is
appreciated.
Heritage & Culture Focus Group
18
Rosters
Office Closure
Bayswater Lawnmowing
As usual, the TSA Office will not be fully attended during the
Sunday, December 7
Uli Hoefer
Thomas Knaub
Bentleigh Lawnmowing
No roster for December
Bayswater Flower Roster
Thursday, December 25
Christmas Service
Trudi Blessing
Heidrun Messner
Bentleigh Flower Roster
Thursday, December 25
Christmas Service
Contact Heidi Richter for details
Christmas and summer holiday period.
We will close on Tuesday, December 23 and re-open on
Tuesday, January 27, 2015.
Messages can be left on the answering machine, but please be
aware that they may not be responded to immediately.
In emergency situations or matters of need, please contact one
of the following:
Mark Herrmann
Regional Head
M: 0439 104 053
John Maddock
Administration Manager
M: 0419 118 554
Martina Eaton
Community Care Worker
Calling all
young (and
youngish!)
children
Please contact me if you are
interested in participating in the
Bentleigh Christmas Day service
this year. The more the merrier!!
The service commences at
10.00am (there will be no
Sunday School this day).
Monika Herrmann
M: 0429 607 841
M: 0433 335 815
Jan Johnson
Sydney Community Support Worker
M: 0412 731 101
New Members
At recent Regional Council meetings we have approved the
membership applications of Christine (Christel) Dermietzel,
long-time Templer Choir member, Alastair Herrmann and
Amara Wagner.
We look forward to their continued engagement with and within
our community.
19
German
Teacher
Required
The Bayswater/Boronia Templer
School is looking for a qualified
teacher of German for 2015 to
teach a small class of mixed
level students learning German
at the Templer Community
Centre in Bayswater on Tuesday
afternoons from 5.00 to 7.00pm.
Classes begin on February 10
and finish December 8, 2015.
Please contact Irene Bouzo
on 0421 810 716 or email
[email protected] for
World Day of Prayer
Temple Society Bentleigh is hosting this day for the Bentleigh
Churches on Friday, March 6, 2015. The time is to be set and
will be advised.
The theme is Do you know what I have done to you? prepared
by the women of the Bahamas. Should anyone have any
souvenirs or artifacts from the Bahamas they would be happy to
lend us for display, it would be much appreciated. We shall take
good care of them.
Please enter this date on your calendar. Everyone is invited, the
Rosa bus will be booked to come out from Bayswater.
We are also seeking volunteers to help on the day with the
catering, setting and cleaning up, readings and to usher.
Helga Anderson and Dot Ware
further information.
Change of
Address
Felix and Ruth Haar have
moved. Please contact the TSA
Office for their new contact
details.
Holiday Let
available
U&I Retreat
22 The Esplanade,
Cape Woolamai, Phillip Island
To book, go to www.stayz.com.
au (property Id #150997) or
phone Bernie Hoefer on 0429
990 703 Piers Festival
The TSA is to have a significant presence at next year's Piers
Festival. The Festival is scheduled for Sunday, January 25
at Princes Pier, Port Melbourne, the historical entry point for
hundreds of thousands of migrants over the past century.
A special feature of the Festival is the migration forums,
where guest speakers from some of Melbourne’s key migrant
communities will share poignant memories about their
experiences of leaving their homelands, their journey by land,
sea or sky and how they built their new lives in Australia.
We have been invited to display our community wall-hanging
triptych in the Gatehouse, hoping also to run our heritage DVD
Travels, Tales and Travails and have some of our living legends
available to answer questions and tell their stories. In addition,
the Heritage & Culture Focus Group is working on a migration
display with support and guidance from curator Lella Cariddi in
a program entitled What Happened at the Pier.
Please set the date aside – from past experience, the Piers
Festival is a vibrant, happening event.
Mark Herrmann
20
Language
Matters
In 2015, Language Matters
is planning to provide the
following language classes
at the Temple Society in
Bentleigh.
Adults
French Elementary
Language Classes
Bayswater
A German language multi-level class for students is held at the
Templer Community Centre, 51 Elizabeth Street, Bayswater
on Tuesdays after school during the school term. If there is
sufficient demand, a Muttersprachler class will be held in
addition to this class. For more information, please contact
Irene Bouzo on 0421 810 716 or email irenebouzo14@gmail.
com
Bentleigh
Tuesday 6.00pm
At the Temple Society Australia, 152 Tucker Road, Bentleigh,
French Intermediate
Four classes are held on Mondays after school during school
we are currently conducting eight German language classes.
Tuesday 7.15pm
terms for students who are considered first language German
German Beginners
during school terms for students who are learning German
speakers, with a further four on Wednesdays after school
Wednesday 7.15pm
as a second language. For more information, please contact
German Elementary
templesociety.org.au
Tuesday 6.00pm
German Intermediate
Tuesday 7.15pm
Marianne Herrmann on 0407 271 764 or email nanne@
Enrolments are now being accepted for 2015 at both schools.
New students should have completed at least one year at their
day school.
German VCE Preparation
Tutorial
Concert - Veronika Busch
Tuesdays 4.30pm
Sunday, January 18 at 3.00pm
Classes are conducted once a
Lieder by: F. Schubert, R. Schumann, W. A. Mozart, H. Purcell,
week during school terms.
G. F. Handel, F. Mendelssohn and J. Haydn.
Details
For more information, please
contact Sigrid Schweiger at
Language Matters on 0409
519 481 or email sigrid@
language-matters.com.au
North Ringwood Uniting Church,
14 Dickson Crescent, North Ringwood (Melway ref 49 K3)
Tickets
$15 per person ($12 concession)
Ticket Sales/Collection: from 2.15pm at the venue.
Additional donations are most welcome. Seats are limited.
Pre-book at [email protected] or phone (03) 9795 1546
21
January 2015
December 2014
December 2014/
January 2015
2
Tue
ERC Be 7.30pm
3
Wed
Christmas Singing Practice Ba 8.00pm to 9.00pm
6
Sat
TG Break-up Party Basin Laser Tag 5.30pm to 9.00pm
7
Sun
Bentleigh Adventsfeier Be Hall 2.30pm
8
Mon
TSAL Meeting Be 7.30pm
9
Tue
Be Ladies 12.00 noon
10
Wed
Christmas Singing Practice Ba 8.00pm to 9.00pm
11
Thu
Advent Ba Hall 8.00pm
12
Fri
Telelink 2.00pm
14
Sun
Service TTHA 10.30am
15
Mon
December Templer Reflections published
17
Wed
Ba Community Christmas Play Practice 4.30pm to 6.30pm
Christmas Singing Practice Ba 8.00pm to 9.00pm
19
Fri
Term 4 ends (Vic) / Term 4 ends (NSW)
20
Sat
Ba Community Christmas Play Practice 9.00am to 12.00 noon
Ba Community Christmas Weihnachtsfeier 6.00pm
21
Sun
Christmas Service Sy 4.00pm
23
Tue
TSA Office last day open for 2014
24
Wed
CHAMPION last day open for 2014
25
Thu
Christmas Day
Christmas Service Ba 10.00am (no SS) / Christmas Service Be 10.00am (no SS)
26
Fri
Boxing Day
31
Wed
New Year's Eve
1
Thu
New Year's Day
4
Sun
Summercamp Cape Otway 2015 starts
5
Mon
CHAMPION re-opens for 2015
10
Sat
Summercamp Cape Otway 2015 ends
16
Fri
Telelink 2.00pm
18
Sun
Veronika Busch Concert North Ringwood Uniting Church 3.00pm
22
Thu
All Youth Water Day Funfields Whittlesea 8.30am to 5.00pm
25
Sun
Piers Festival Princes Pier Port Melbourne from 12.00 noon
26
Mon
Australia Day
27
Tue
TSA Office re-opens for 2015
30
Fri
Telelink 2.00pm
TEMPLE SOCIETY AUSTRALIA P: 03 9557 6713 | E: [email protected] | W: www.templesociety.org.au