Liz Tisdall writes...
"Mother's Day", my mother comments every year, "- it's a commercial racket. Just forget about it. Don't go spending your money on me".
Right on, Mum. But I know that doesn't mean forget the event, or forget that she is special and is heartened by this being remembered once in a while.
A quick search on the topic of Mother's Day suggests celebrating the life-giving, life-affirming qualities of mothering or nurturing may be inherent to us.
The festival of Matronalia was observed in ancient Rome, dedicated to Juno, goddess of childbirth. Surprisingly, retailers have not yet cashed in on this with a "Matronalia in the Mall" promotion. Roman women were expected to prepare a meal for the household slaves on this day. No outing to the Coliseum for these ladies.
The values and aspirations behind Mother's Day were far from crass consumerism. Mothering Sunday in Britain fell on the fourth Sunday of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar, originating from the 16th century practice of visiting one's "mother church" annually. Often it was the only time working families could reunite.
Mother's Day in the United States was first devised after the American Civil War by social activist Julia Ward Howe as a peace movement. Ann Jarvis also launched a Mother's Work Day as part of a campaign to improve sanitation. Later her daughter managed to have this Memorial Day for women recognised widely in America.
Service, family, peace, easing the lot of others - these have all at some time been behind the urge to celebrate mothers.
My mother is getting on now. For me, she has always been around as a constant in my life - part of the familial landscape. It is a gradual process to switch my view of her from indestructible caregiver to someone to be cared for.
Although not wanting to be a slave to commercialism I find myself once again trawling the mall for a small token that says "I care". Having done my research on the origins of Mother's Day, something peaceful, clean and serviceable would seem appropriate - organic toiletries, perhaps? Instead I buy Mum a book entitled, "Wild Mary". I hope she enjoys it.
MONDAY 14th
Community Worship
12.:40-12:50pm
"Prayerstop"
Reflection and worship facilitated by George Wieland
TUESDAY 15th
Community Worship
11:15am-12pm
Earthing Life...
Brian Krum
Facilitated by Nicola Burrows and Brendan Lambert
After Dinner Mints
Karen Bycroft
A palliative care nurse at Starship Children's Hospital, Karen's daily work involves her connecting with children and families who are dealing with suffering through serious health concerns. Karen is also a committed member of Royal Oak Baptist Church.
WEDNESDAY 16th
CHIPS PRAYER
9:00-9:25am - chapel
Praying for the college, community & country
Community Worship
12:40-1:00pm
Worship for the whole community - creative, visual reflection.
May 2007
CAFÉ THEOS
No Cafe Theos this week. Please do pick up a reading for the next one though.
Myk
VACANCY AT CAREY
Executive Assistant to
Vice-Principal (Administration)
Carey is looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic person to work alongside the Vice Principal (Administration).
This new & exciting fulltime position has emerged as a result of a change in the management structure that has recently seen the appointment of two Vice Principals.
The role is to give significant support to the VP (Admin) in the core areas of college administration including marketing, property & general finance
The job description and further information is available online at www.carey.ac.nz/Vacancies
Contact: Graeme Smith
Vice Principal (Administration)
Ph. 09 526-6594
Email: graeme.smith@carey.ac.nz Applications Close: 25 June 2007
NO MORE EXCUSES
Global Poverty in an age of unprecedented wealth is a scandal. In 1970 NZ along with other high-income nations made a commitment to give a tiny proportion of gross national income (0.7%) in development asistance to low-income nations. This was reaffirmed in 2000. We're actually giving just 0.27% and are one of only two nations that haven't even set a timetable for reaching the target. The NO MORE EXCUSES campaign aims to remind the government of the commitment that has been made and appeal for a timetable to be set. Hundreds of colleges, universities and schools are participating in a photo petition. We need another two or three volunteers to run it at Carey (taking signatures and photos after lunch on a Tuesday or Wednesday). See George Wieland this week if you could help.
CONCERNS ON COURSE MATTERS
Robyn Mellar-Smith is the student rep on the Academic Committee, which is meeting this Thursday. If you have any specific concerns about course matters please email her on robyn.mellar-smith@maxnet.co.nz
PREPARE/ENRICH
Pre-Marriage Counselling Training Seminar
Practical training on what to do and how to do it,
when preparing a couple for marriage.
Saturday, 19 May, 2007
10am-4pm at Carey
Facilitated by Brian Krum
$150 per person or couple
Please sign up with Brian by Tues 15 May or contact him for further details.
(ph 526 6597; brian.krum@carey.ac.nz)