Filling the gaps Lenten conversation Pancakes for Pilgrimage People's Climate at St Paul's and Quiet Day Shrove Tuesday in PNG Assembly in Canberra page 3 page 4 page 8 page 9 page 10 TheAnglican Gippsland Volume 117, Number 3, April 2020 Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904

Tim Green

ore than 120 friends and parishioners 50 years of ministry M.came together in February to celebrate 50 years of ministry by the Rev’d Ken Parker. So many for Ken Parker attended that the beautiful heritage church of St Thomas was filled to overflowing, such is the high regard past and present parishioners from many communities have for Ken. The sermon was delivered by the Rev’d Clem Taplin who was curate to Ken in his time at St Peter’s Mornington. She spoke about the importance of ministry, not just by those who have been ordained, but by each and all of us. Her message was illustrated by references to Ken’s time in numerous parish appointments, many of them bringing forth a ripple of laughter. A highlight of the service was the presentation by Bishop Richard to Ken with the licence as Priest- in-Charge at St Thomas, Left to right: Rev’d Clem Taplin, Rev’d Ken Parker, Bishop Richard, Margaret Carlile and lay reader Tim Green changing his position from long-term locum. This was greeted with applause. At Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund the end of the service, Ken knelt for a blessing from The Diocese of Gippsland and the communities of east Bishop Richard. Gippsland are deeply moved by and profoundly grateful Following the service, for the prayers and generous support offered by so many the congregation enjoyed a individuals, parishes, dioceses and other organisations around vast spread of sandwiches, the in response to the bushfire crisis, cakes and drinks. Ken cut and assures those dealing with fires and the threat of fires in his ‘birthday cake’ and was other parts of our state and nation of the continuing prayers presented with a beautiful of the clergy and people of Gippsland for you also. new stole, made by Anne Connelly with support from Response to COVID-19 Donations to support the continuing work in the fire affected Trish Braithwaite. parishes can be made directly to our diocesan emergency The walls inside the Image credit: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention For the latest information about measures the trust fund by EFT: hall were covered with Account name: Gippsland Emergency Relief Anglican Diocese has put in place in response photographs, newspaper BSB: 705077 Acc: 00040664 (zeros must be included) clippings and other to the coronavirus pandemic, please visit Ref: (Name or organisation) – Fire Relief Cheques can be sent to the fund at: memorabilia highlighting www.gippsanglican.org.au the work of Ken in his PO Box 928 Sale Vic, 3850. many appointments. See also Bishop Richard’s reflections on page 2.

www.gippsanglican.org.au From the Bishop TGA Index (my young and housebound communicant children Grace and peace have found it a surprisingly From the Bishop 2 welcome diversion!), holding often sign off with the been magnificent. We are up the diocese and the people Prayer Diary 2 words above at the end blessed to have a wonderful of Gippsland in prayer at the altar-table, under the canopy I of a letter or an email. It spirit of collegiality within the Around rural Victoria 3 strikes me that – in our current diocese and between church of the grace of the Sacrament. circumstances – grace and leaders across the region and It is hard to imagine, as I peace are the two qualities we the country. Thank you for write this, Holy Week and Around the Diocese 3–8 most need, and what we have the spirit in which you have Easter without the pattern of most to offer. adopted the need to suspend liturgy that has sustained us, Across the ages 8 We have not yet begun public worship and other core Bishop Richard Treloar and those before us, over the to scratch the surface of our activities, a course of action I generations. Wherever we Pilgrimage in PNG 9 bushfire response – even with never imagined I would need The counter-intuitive Christ find ourselves this Eastertide, all the wonderful ministry that to ask of you. -ian response to such fears is whatever shape and form has been exercised by so As well as the best in an economy of grace, where our households of faith and Ecumenical and 10 many, and the support from the human nature, we have seen all is gift. This is modelled fellowship may take, let us not interfaith: People’s wider chuch and community, the worst, as the COVID-19 for us as nowhere else at the fail to echo the Church’s first Climate Assembly including Cathy Turnbull’s crisis has held up a sometimes Eucharist, that table at which and greatest exultation: Christ work as our Bushfire Response less-than-flattering mirror. there is room for each and is risen! He is risen indeed! Editorial 10 Coordinator (see page 7). It’s as though the elevated for all, and always enough And let us recall, as we read Barely a month after the baseline of anxiety that our and to spare. and reflect on the Scriptures

Reflection: 11 fires were finally extinguished society seems to live with – In these days when access separately or together, that Pandemic by welcome rain (almost heightened by a summer of to eucharistic worship is so often the first words of the too much in some parts) the hyper-vigilance with respect drastically diminished, risen Christ to those confused COVID-19 pandemic swept to the bushfires – suddenly, the practice of ‘spiritual and frightened disciples – Book reviews: 12 over our shores with no less and understandably, spiked. communion’ is one we may hidden away behind closed Two remarkable draw upon, and you may have wartime men devastating consequences What has been described doors for fear – were ‘peace in terms of the loss of life, as the ‘principle of scarcity’ seen the prayer offered in be with you’. Not the sort livelihoods, and damage to – a deep-seated fear that there association with eucharistic of ‘she’ll be right, mate’ the underlying framework is not enough to go around – services on the diocesan assurance that we tend to over which our socio- enough love, enough land, website. That prayer is adapted mistake for peace, but God’s GIPPSLAND DIOCESE economic canvas is stretched enough money, enough … from one made available by peace; the peace that passes all – in every sense of that word. you know what! – is not just a Bishop Cecil Wood, Anglican understanding; the peace that VACANCIES These are enormous modern Western phenomenon, Bishop of Melanesia, at comes from knowing there is Drouin challenges for us, on top of however. The Scriptures are Easter 1916, drawing on the enough love, and a place at the Paynesville chronic dry conditions and full of examples from the BCP rubrics for Communion table; peace that is born of the Wonthaggi / Inverloch other cultural factors that ancient Near Eastern world of the Sick. A version of the abiding presence of God with contribute to a sense of things of struggles over birthrights same prayer appeared in The God’s people in the Crucified seeming very marginal in and wages and a place at Episcopal Church’s Armed and Risen One, and in Holy some of our churches and the the table: primal human Forces Prayer Book of 1951. Spirit, near as our breathing. The Gippsland towns they serve. insecurities that feature During the suspension of So may the grace and peace Anglican Once again, the response in Jesus’ parables and in services, I have undertaken to of our Lord Jesus Christ be of our clergy and people to the great narratives of the offer the Eucharist every day with you. Member of Australasian Religious the constraints we face has Hebrew Bible. in the Chapel at Bishopscourt Press Association

Registered by Post Warragul Municipal Band; Print Post Number 34352/00018 Prayer Diary: around the parishes and for relational bridges The Gippsland Anglican is the official to our baptismal families. newspaper of and is published by “That we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith...” (Romans 1:12) Pray for the growth of The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, intergenerational ministries 453 Raymond Street, CROAJINGOLONG ministry, and provided both St James, Jindivick Sale, Victoria, 3850. and a new intergenerational COOPERATING PARISH – physical and emotional Locum: Rev’d Liam Matthews www.gippsanglican.org.au worker. Pray for the Holy EASTERN REGION support to locals. Now, with Editor: Sally Woollett Please pray that we will grow Spirit’s guidance as we seek coronavirus fears, plus our 0407 614 661 in our ability to deepen our a new rector for the Parish St John, Cann River already exhausted community, [email protected] relationship with God, each of Drouin. St Peter, Mallacoota we have had to close the op Layout by Devine Design other and our community; that Priest-in-Charge: shop to protect volunteers. HEYFIELD – EASTERN REGION we might live more deeply Printed by Rural Press Rev’d Jude Benton We face an uncertain future, St James, Heyfield into our baptismal identity but God has led us through St Matthew, Tinamba The editor reserves the right The Parish of Croajingolong where ministry is understood January and February, and Priest-in-Charge: Rev’d of final choice and format of is now in a state of to be a commitment of the material included in each issue. will be with us for whatever Judith Lake whole congregation. Pray for The Gippsland Anglican and recovery and rebuilding lies ahead. the editor cannot necessarily the Holy Spirit’s outpouring, The people of the parish following the massive Please pray for the verify any material used in this bushfires that tore through bringing healing, the seeking give thanks for the ministry publication. Views contained in finances we need, as well of reconciliation and whole- of Rev’d Judith Lake and submitted material are those the parish on 31 December. as energy, wisdom and ness; for development and for the work of the ministry of contributors. Although both of the church safety on the roads for these buildings were untouched, continuation of relational team as we rediscover what Advertising enquiries remote congregations as two parishioners lost bridges to other associations it means to be ‘church’ in Please contact the editor for all they rebuild their lives and in the Drouin and Jindi today's society. Pray for advertising submissions, costing homes and many had other communities. and enquiries, including about property damage, and one -vick communities Kurnai the people of Heyfield and inserts. church member passed DROUIN – WESTERN (Gunaikurnai) Nations; other surrounding districts as we Subscription enquiries away during the fires. Our REGION denominations; Baw Baw Shire continue to struggle with the 03 5144 2044 op shop became a major Council; Baw Baw Singers; long-term effects of below- [email protected] place of mission and Christ Church, Drouin RSL; CWA; CFA; Rotary; the average rainfall.

Page 2 The Gippsland Anglican April 2020 Around the Diocese Around rural Victoria Call for ‘fill the gap’ Mustard Seeds of Action and Hope funding at St Paul’s Ballarat Diocesan Training Day, February 2020

Susanna Pain, Robyn Shackell and struggling church well as the story of the Dean of St Paul’s communities – not so different Francis Foundation, a not- Cathedral in he Ministry Develop- from ours. He referred to for-profit organisation that Sale, is inviting ment Committee of the recently released novel provides residential care for present and the Anglican Diocese Damascus, by Christos people with mental health past residents T Tsiolkas, a confronting story issues in Warrnambool of Ballarat, which includes of Gippsland, some laity, clergy and our where the author was trying and surrounding areas, and and Friends of bishop, meets monthly to to discover who Paul was. assists them to move back the Cathedral, plan and provide training Bishop Garry reminded us that into society. Joan, aged 84, to contribute to and resources for ministry Paul himself, in his writings, helped establish the Francis an important and education. Each year, the was trying to discover who he Foundation and has run it for project: funding committee adopts a theme was in his journey with Jesus. almost 40 years. She is truly repairs to the to help the diocese focus on Paul challenged violence, someone who lives out our building’s walls. our mission. Recently, we injustice and oppression, theme. Bishop Garry then The mortar have been choosing themes and worked for peace and interviewed each presenter, at the cathedral from ABM’s Five Marks of justice. Those attending the asking some penetrating in Sale, built Mission, and in 2020 we have day then shared stories of questions about why they in 1884, has Dean Susanna with some of the St Paul’s brickwork chosen ‘Challenging violence, people who inspired them to had chosen their person and been dissolved in need of repair injustice and oppression and challenge violence, injustice the ways in which these and weathered by the “We are commencing a working for peace and justice.’ and oppression. Some of the people affected their lives elements, leaving gaps public appeal to help fund The year’s theme becomes a inspirational people suggested and ministry. Bishop Garry in the brickwork. This is this urgent work,” said Dean focus for our training days, included , noted that while five of the allowing moisture to enter the Susanna, “Many people in the quiet days and publications Sr Joan Chittister, the presenters talked about other internal walls of the cathedral, Gippsland region have been to throughout the year. We Salvation Army, parents, inspiring people, Joan was causing problems such as events or services at St Paul’s encourage individual parishes Bishop Nathaniel of Sudan, actually doing inspiring peeling paint. Rev Richard Rohr, Arch- things herself. Each of the and admired the building toBishop use Clarencethe theme Bester to help them Some of the brickwork has and stained glass windows. to consider the needs of their bishop Desmond Tutu, Rosie other five were also listened normal mortar, which can be Anglicans across the diocese local communities. Batty, Rev’d Tim Costello, to avidly, because they were replaced quite quickly using have attended ordinations, Mustard Seeds of Action and Saint Mary McKillop, Mother all respected members of our repointing; however, the Synod and other special Hope was the title of our first Teresa, teachers, priests and faith community, who actively arches around the windows events. As the mother church training day for 2020. It was ordinary, inspiring people. live out their faith. need to be tuckpointed, of the diocese, it is important held in Ararat, a fairly central Six people from the At our Eucharist, Bishop a much slower and pain- to ensure the building itself is place in our diocese, and over diocese, both lay and clergy, Garry challenged us to think staking process and hence in good repair for the future. 40 people came from across then shared stories of about the Collect for Ash more expensive. Assistance with the restoration the diocese, including from people whose lives inspire Wednesday, reminding us Guttering has recently of this priceless and much- Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, them to be people who that God created us to serve been replaced, and loved historic building will Portland, Warrnambool, challenge violence, injustice Him and each other. The weatherproofing of external enable the cathedral parish Mortlake, Creswick, Ballarat and oppression. These day ended with some time walls can commence. The to refocus on financing the and Ballan. The Parish of inspirational people included for reflection and thinking following stage will be ministry of the cathedral. Ararat proved to be wonderful Saint Francis, Mother Emily about how the stories we filling the internal gaps and hosts, providing great Ayckbowm CSC (Founder heard relate to our theme and repainting interior walls. Donations can be made to: lunch and morning tea, and of the Sisters of the Church), how they call us to action The walls are rather high in Acct St Paul’s Building Fund allowing people to browse Thomas Merton OCSO individually and as parishes places so not only is there BSB 705 077 in their op shop. (Trappist monk, mystic and in our local communities. It the cost of tradespeople, Acct no 000 409 69 The day began with Bishop social activist), Etty Hillesum was an inspiring day and our but of scaffolding as well. Reference ‘fill the gap’ Garry sharing the story of Paul, (World War 2 diarist and challenge now is to put our Total cost of works could be Enquiries to: who, the bishop said, often mystic killed by the Nazis) learnings into action. over $20,000. [email protected] worked with dysfunctional and the Rev’d Henry Matthews (PNG martyr, The Rev’d Robyn Shackell born in the Ararat parish). is Chair, Ministry Joan Grace AOM shared Development Committee, her love of St Francis, as Anglican Diocese of Ballarat. TheAnglican Gippsland Q: Is there a faith question you’re afraid to ask?

A: Chances are others have that question too! Send your question to the editor at gippsanglican.org.au or 0407 614 661 and we will publish an answer from a clergy person. (Your details won’t be shared or published.)

April 2020 The Gippsland Anglican Page 3 Around the Diocese TGA St Paul’s Lent Quiet Day: Human Flourishing Bonhoeffer retrospective in a Waning World Cynthia Grove chapter begins with a poem, a reading from Bonhoeffer, a German evangelical pastor bible reading, the context of – a Lenten conversation and theologian Dietrich the bible reading, a reflection, Bonhoeffer was born in and questions to enable the Sally Woollett © Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid 1906 and was executed by reader to challenge their the Nazis in 1945, just two thinking and their faith, uman Flourishing weeks before the US army ending with a prayer. It was ‘ in a Waning World’ liberated the camp in which never a question of right or was the topic of he was held. He was a man wrong answers, just asking H of faith and has left for us God and letting God lead us choice at an ecumenical Lenten conversation held much writing, including to the answer He wishes us in February. The day was The Cost of Discipleship, to hear, which may differ for hosted by Bishop Richard Letters and Papers from Prison each person. and Bishop Patrick O’Regan and Life Together. Andreas and Katherine (Roman Catholic Bishop On 29 February, St Paul’s took us through a brief of Sale) at The Abbey on Cathedral in Sale hosted exploration of cheap grace Raymond Island, and Dean of The Very Rev’d Dr Andreas versus costly grace, and then St Mary’s Sale, Peter Bickley, Loewe (Dean of St Paul’s posed two of the questions directed the proceedings. Cathedral, Melbourne) and from Chapter 3, ‘Costly The conversation was led poet Dr to talk Grace’, to the group as a by the Rev’d Mark Lindsay, about Bonhoeffer’s book The whole. We were blessed with Cost of Discipleship and their some erudite and thoughtful Professor of Historical recently published book, questions and comments Theology, Trinity College Duccio di Buoninsegna, Christ and the Samaritan Woman Journeying with Bonhoeffer: from our group – some who Theological School, and Six Steps on the Path to had travelled from Morwell, Dr Frances Baker RSM, only meet one another, Although the lesson Discipleship. I’m not sure Orbost, Stratford and other Senior Lecturer in Moral they meet one another’s is that it is hard to take what each of us expected: places, as well as our local Theology and Systematic needs.” Quoting the responsibility, said Dr Baker, perhaps something deep and Sale community. One point Theology, Catholic Theo- Catechism of the Catholic “we are free in a deep challenging; perhaps we had wisely made from the floor logical College. Responding Church, he said, “Whether sense to choose,” despite the no clear expectations; but is that when we ask God to to their respective sessions we realize it or not, prayer lingering sense of “should we knew Bonhoeffer was come to us we seem to forget were Bishop Patrick and is the encounter of God’s have.” Who we are is renowned for his theology. that He is already present in Bishop Richard. Professor thirst with ours.” inextricable from what What we received was each of His followers; He is Lindsay and Dr Baker focused In responding to Professor we do, and Lent is an two people in conversation, within us, each one of us. on passages from Matthew Lindsay, Bishop Patrick gave opportunity, if we sparking thoughts from We listened to two people and John that feature in the the reminder that faith is not want to change, to do each other in a continuing who were warm and clearly common lectionary during a “self-help program. Jesus so by “striving for new personal exploration, but also God-filled sharing knowledge Lent this year. has been on a journey and is habitual practices.” talking to the more than 30 and inviting each person Professor Lindsay reflected there with us.” He described Bishop Richard was people present. there into a journey with God, on the “almost apocalyptic the desert as a stripped back taken by the title of Journeying with Bonhoeffer through Bonhoeffer. The time tenor” of public and political and solitary place – of trial Dr Baker’s presentation: offers an introduction and was too short but it was a discourse in “difficult and and revelation, of radical ‘We’re Only Human: Our short biography of Bonhoeffer, time of blessing. Our thanks dangerous times” – of bushfire, decisions. During Lent, he Lenten Call to Disciple- then six chapters – each to Andreas and Katherine. impeachment/acquittal and said, we are called to unmask ship’. He commented that forming a week’s study. We coronavirus, and their the tempter. Not only does the Genesis text teaches had only time to explore, For a review of Journeying devastating and still unfolding Jesus not wear a mask – he us that “to be fully human briefly, two chapters. Each with Bonhoeffer, see page 12. human and economic con- does the unmasking. is to accept we’re ‘only’ sequences. In the context of We can read in the human: no more and no this waning world, he invited scriptures about what Jesus less, which means ob- those gathered to consider did, but “what was he on serving the limits two pieces of scripture that about”? was the opening to our god-like reach that can be thought of as ‘desert question posed by Dr Baker enable sustainability.” In texts’: Jesus’ temptation in for her sessions. We are closing the conversation, the wilderness (Matthew 4) innately relational, she said, Bishop Richard asked and the story of his encounter and this is at odds with being “How can our worship in with the Samaritan woman told we are autonomous Lent – and every season – (John 4). He asked whether individuals. Reading from more intentionally shape the first text may suggest Genesis 2, in which Adam our journey towards a that the suffering we see and Eve have eaten the virtuous life, especialy around us may be a sign not forbidden fruit and are hiding with respect to the of abandonment, but that we from God, Dr Baker asked moral courage that the in- are all God’s children. Of the group to “listen to how tegration of our spirituality the second text, Professor true this is about us:” and activism demands?” Lindsay said that Jesus and The man said … ‘she give The lively discussion the Samaritan woman, in the me the fruit from the tree, throughout the day sug- depths of their “existential and I ate’ … The woman gests that future seasonal deserts” of rejection, hostility said, ‘The serpent tricked ecumenical conversations will and social isolation, “not me, and I ate.’ be welcome. Andreas Loewe and Katherine Firth with a copy of their latest book

Page 4 The Gippsland Anglican April 2020 TGA Around the Diocese Make way for justice

Cathrine Muston, Anglicare Development Officer, Parish Partnerships

ustice Sunday is on 3 May, and each Anglican Jdiocese of Victoria has committed to place the work of its prison and volunteers front and centre on this day. In building safe, caring and inclusive communities, there is a place for providing support and pastoral care for those who have been incarcerated or who have a family member in prison. Preparing to plant the commemorative tree. The Anglican Criminal Left to right: Les Ridge, Richard Prideaux, Sandy Ridge, Rt Rev’d Dr Richard Justice Ministry, in partner Treloar, Rev’d Jo White, Ken White and The Very Rev’d Dr Andreas Loewe -ship with Anglicare Victoria and the Diocese of the Province, provides chaplains St Philip’s 150th in every prison in Victoria as well as the post-release anniversary at Cowes program Get Out for Good Heather Toms (left) and Dee Harry much-photographed mural here in Gippsland. Kath Kent At Fulham Correctional After release, there are for this ministry and to learn on the south wall of the Centre, Anglican so many uncertainties that more about the work that is parish hall. Heather Toms provides former prisoners face. There done by Anglican chaplains On 2 February, St Philip's We were honoured to have Cowes celebrated the 150th pastoral care and support are issues with housing and inside prisons and how our Bishop Richard and The Very anniversary of the dedication Rev’d Andreas Loewe, Dean to the men inside as well as employment, but also in communities can better of the church by the Dean of of Melbourne, in attendance. opportunities for worship and reestablishing relationships support people leaving prison Melbourne, The Very Rev’d Rev’d Loewe preached a Christian discipleship. She with partners and children. and their families. Hussey Burgh McCartney. thoughtful sermon on the has a regular bible study that Many of those who Your parish can get The dedication, on 30 Beatitudes, reminding us has focused on topics such as experience prison feel as involved by: January 1870, was of the that giving and serving were forgiveness and how to order though they are forever • showing the video-clip on little weatherboard building more important than getting priorities in life, topics that stigmatised by it, and find the significance of prison in Thompson Avenue, set and receiving. Rev’d Jo White are quite confronting, but settling back into the ministry in your service(s): apart and consecrated as a presided, her careful planning that provoke much thought community difficult. Get Out anglicarevic.org.au/acjm place of worship in and for and leadership helping the and discussion. Her aim is for Good is a post release • having a display the township of Cowes. It day run smoothly. We are to enable the men to see that program that is available • hosting a guest speaker has been a place of worship all very proud of our church change is possible. for anyone who has been and a focus of the spiritual and indeed our parish as we Heather has had support incarcerated to find pastoral • praying specifically for life of Cowes ever since. It demonstrated both the quality from Dee Harry, who has support as they re-enter Anglican Criminal Justice is the oldest building in the of our fellowship and our unity brought a ministry of music society. Volunteer mentors Ministry and prison town that has continued in of purpose. to the chapel services for provide a listening ear and a ministries. its originally intended use for What a wonderful day. It the past 12 months. Dee has non-judgemental attitude in For further resources those 150 years. Georgiana was a celebration of the past, a used her musical ability to order to support people as they or enquiries about Justice McHaffie is the founding joyous occasion and a perfect write a song especially for transition. Sunday, contact Cathrine mother of St Philip’s, and entree to a bright future the chapel services in Fulham Justice Sunday provides Muston (0458 450 370, it is her image (painted by serving God in the community Correctional Centre and it has an opportunity for your cathrine.muston@ St Philip's parishioner Paul through our shared vision to brought real joy for the men. parish to pray specifically anglicarevic.org.au). Woodford) that graces the choose hope, love and justice. Yarning the sea in Mallacoota And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. (Matt 6:28) There were no worries but lots of recovery women have been given yarn spinning at the Cooperating Parish of to knit trauma teddies, paramedic Sandra Croajingolong’s Yarn the Sea event on wants to make a penguin, and we are 29 February at St Peter’s. Lay readers all still making beanies for the Mission Leanne Wicks and Kate Cowden led 25 to Seafarers, Eden. Some offcuts went to delighted yarners, including a busload St Peter’s op shop where customers can of Eden Spinners, in opening two sit and roll balls of yarn whilst chatting 100 kg bales of offcuts from Wangaratta with our volunteers. Wool Mills. Hours of fun! The fellowship continued with some Regular visitor to Mallacoota, Hebe of us learning to spin for the first time, from Comboyne, NSW, took bags of Kay from Bairnsdale showing us yarn for her rustic beanie projects rhubarb string and Diana workshopping The wonderful Red Cross bushfire felted soaps. Lay reader Kate Cowden (left) and Hebe Strong with the 100 kg bale of offcuts

April 2020 The Gippsland Anglican Page 5 Around the Diocese TGA

Friendship Day 2 a resounding success

Marty Shaw south Gippsland with Many ongoing relationships their English. People explored The afternoon’s activities their students. developed as a result. rock pools, paddled, laughed, included a walk to Townsend n March, a group of “Many of the students at the “The feedback from the and many photographs Bluff via the beach and 60 English Language language school have had very inaugural Friendship Day was were taken. Screw Creek, a visit to the Istudents travelled by bus difficult backgrounds and have so positive from the students After leaving Cape shell museum and some from Dandenong (refugees, often endured great hardship and the local community Paterson, the bus and a beach games. migrants and asylum seekers) and trauma. Yet they are participants that we were convoy of cars travelled along After some emotional and were met at Cape incredibly resilient, generous encouraged to do it again,” the picturesque coastline farewells, students hopped Paterson beach by 60 south and kind-hearted people. We said Philip. “This year we to Inverloch for a barbecue onto the bus filled with the Gippsland locals to share in wanted to enable them to meet decided to focus the day on the lunch. There followed some beauty of the Gippsland a day of cultural exchange with some of the friendly beautiful Bass coastal region.” singing and dancing, with coast and the love and care and friendship. and welcoming people of our On the day, the bus arrived music provided by members of Gippsland people. The students were from 11 area and to learn more about first at the Cape Paterson of local band beggs2differ. Friendship Day 2 was a different countries, including the Australian way of life,” Surf Beach, where greetings Cultural talks were given by resounding success and a Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, said Philip. were exchanged over a shared several of the students, who memorable experience for South Sudan and Cambodia, The first Friendship Day morning tea on the clifftop. shared a little about their home all involved! and for many it was their first was held in March 2019 after This was a great vantage countries and their journeys There are many time to visit a beach. a huge fundraising effort by point for some amazing sand to Australia. A heartfelt opportunities for people Friendship Day was the Korumburra parish and art, created by local artist rendition of I Am Australian interested in supporting initiated by retired primary Milpara Community House. Scott Bugbird, who had raked was a fitting finale to lunch. refugees and asylum seekers school teachers Fiona That day included visits to some beautiful Fibonacci Colin Maslin, the Program in the community. For more and Philip Beggs from Coal Creek Community Park spiral designs into the sand to for Improving English information about becoming a Korumburra. Since becoming and Museum, and a local express his interpretation of language school coordinator one-to-one mentor with people volunteer English teachers at dairy farm. Each student the theme of ‘connectedness’. commented, “Days like seeking asylum and refugees, the Program for Improving was teamed with a local Everyone went on to this prove that world contact Simon Dalton (Friends English in Dandenong, they to encourage friendship walk along the coast and peace and harmony of Refugees Team Leader) were keen to share beautiful and language practice. clifftops whilst practising are possible.” on 0422 524 529.

As Bishop Richard summed that Word made flesh: God Listening Post launched in Moe up, “It’s a vision based with us, God for us, God on experience of God as beside us, in every listening Julie Bruce Denis Minster from Anglicare Victoria and Latrobe one who listens: not just ear.” Victoria and Councillor Community Health. Growth to eavesdrop, or chide, The launch concluded On a warm and beautiful Sharon Gibson representing resulted from the project’s or catch us out, or even with a morning tea and Valentine’s Day, the the Latrobe City Council. subcommittee, a parish tell us what to do, but to grateful thanks to all official launch of the Thirty diocesan members partnership grant, input from hold the words of our those involved with this Moe-Newborough Anglican were also well-wishers Anglicare and a think tank. heart safe in the heart of memorable occasion. Listening Post took place of this new venture, which in the newly refurbished has taken much dedicated Madge Vinell Centre in Moe. effort to come to fruition. This facility offers an open Bishop Richard con- and welcoming space for gratulated those who had people in the community to caught the vision, which come and share with a team had its seeds in the of volunteers trained in the engagement of Mothers’ skill of listening. Union and GFS Australia The centre was opened with gender violence, and dedicated by Bishop including the Million Stars Richard Treloar, with project. The germination accompanying speakers Rev’d of these seeds was the Sathi Anthony (Rector at result of the parish council’s Moe-Newborough), Gwyneth community forum with Jones from Mothers’ Union, Victoria Police, Anglicare The Listening Post team with Bishop Richard at the launch in February

Page 6 The Gippsland Anglican April 2020 TGA Around the Diocese – bushfire recovery

creative in how I go about business this year.” Economic ‘double whammy’ Ms Carlisle has had to “massively cut” casual staff hours and work extra in Lakes Entrance and Metung time herself. She said government and Tourism Australia campaigns to Philip Muston resulting from consequent Things were gradually on this year’s season. persuade people to holiday downsizing. However as the returning to normal, however. Ms Sarah Carlisle, in east Gippsland this year he economy of Lakes coronavirus pandemic grows, The village of Metung proprietor of Venture Out in had proved helpful – Entrance, in east the op shop has had to close. had just been gearing up Lakes Entrance, which sells weekends had gotten TGippsland, has suffered Parishioners are aware for renewed business, with bikes, kayaks, paddleboards gradually busier. People a ‘double whammy’ hit – of businesses in trouble, properties rebuilt after a and other outdoor equipment, had been making a special from last summer’s bushfires sometimes within their fire destroyed several shops said that the bushfires effort to visit since mid- and now the coronavirus extended families. The Chair in the town’s main street had “hit us where it hurts February and residents were pandemic. Businesses are of Business and Tourism East at the end of 2018. Two most: in the peak season. … hearing the ‘shop local’ struggling and a few have Gippsland, Mr Ian Harrison, evacuations put a dampener I’ll have to be a bit campaign messages. already closed. said many businesses had The town’s economic done only 10 per cent of their health depends annually on usual business over summer. commerce from Christmas Local state MP, Tim Bull, said Bushfire Response and Recovery, through to mid-January, when east Gippsland businesses had its population quadruples in been decimated and needed Diocese of Gippsland size with holidaymakers and increased state and federal tourists. Takings during this government support. Mr Bull period carry many businesses said the current crisis on top Cathy Turnbull through the rest of the year. of three years’ drought was When 20,000 visitors were forcing some businesses that pressured to evacuate the town had been around for decades As I have travelled around before New Year, and heavy to close their doors. the fire-affected localities smoke made things unpleasant Federal government bush- and townships of east for those remaining, caravan fire grants of $50,000 are Gippsland, it has been parks and motels were emptied, available only to businesses good to catch up with the and through-traffic and day that were actually burned. clergy on the ground and visitors disappeared as the Since the fires never reached also a number of lay people Princes Highway east of Lakes Lakes Entrance and smoke working tirelessly to Entrance was cut for many caused no permanent damage, help those so adversely weeks. Then, just as the state local businesses were affected by the fires. It government advertisements unable to apply. The federal has been encouraging to speak to people within the encouraging people to go government’s bushfire support Left to right: Leanne Wicks (op shop manager), Gail Rands (op shop volunteer) communities, in witnessing east for a break were taking package announced in mid- and Rev’d Jude Benton at the Croajingolong parish op shop effect and people were starting March will make available their positivity towards to return, the coronavirus grants of $10,000 to businesses recovery and the great lost houses, property, live- As I have driven around emergency prevented tourists that have lost 40 per cent or community spirit that stock and, sometimes, simply east Gippsland, through so from coming. more of their regular trade, epitomises communities the beautiful environment much burnt-out forest and Among businesses worst although these will be delayed across the region. Having they call home. Parishes are farmland, it has been great affected have been restaurants, because they are made on said that, there is much actively supporting local to see the new growth. accommodation providers, the basis of regular quarterly trauma and many are small businesses, both The grass is now green and those geared to leisure, reports. finding it really tough materially and pastorally, and (creating a false sense of such as surfwear shops, Interest-free loans are going, both individuals those with op shops have normality), tree ferns are boating and fishing gear available to Lakes Entrance impacted directly by the been providing a wonderful shooting soft green fronds outlets, and holiday service and Metung enterprises but fires and those who ministry, working hard to from blackened stumps providers. There has been must be repaid by businesses are indirectly impacted respond to many requests and bracken fern is a flow-on effect to many that may not survive in financially, physically and for assistance, both directly, growing strong in places, other businesses in the town the meantime. Retail has emotionally. For most, and indirectly through providing a green floor generally. Freight providers struggled in Lakes Entrance recovery will be a long others, from those affected to the forest. The eucalypts have suffered through long- in recent months for various process. It is the challenge by the fires. are giving out new shoots term closure of roads. reasons. Businesses that of the diocese to work I know that so many of you along their burnt trunks For church members of have closed recently include through options to support are eager to assist in some way, and branches. Nature is the Parish of Lakes Entrance- Lakes Toys, the Party Shop, and sustain vital ministries which is wonderful. Please determined to survive Metung, the biggest impact Pinocchio’s restaurant and the within the fire-affected areas contact me as the bushfire and eventually thrive once came through evacuation Telstra shop. Westpac closed and also to establish how recovery coordinator, rather more. I pray that all – Metung was evacuated its Lakes Entrance branch to most effectively support than contacting the parishes affected by these fires twice and about half of the late last year. Often, a individuals and communities. themselves. The clergy and may find a way to do permanent population of combination of the bushfires The diocese is well on the wardens are swamped daily likewise and am pleased to ‘Lakes’ was evacuated. and exorbitant rents along way to providing the support with offers of assistance and say the church will be with Because many worshipping the Esplanade has forced needed to sustain ministries it becomes a burden often too them, journeying through Anglicans are on retirement closures. The crises have across east Gippsland. We heavy to carry, along with their the process of recovery – no incomes, they have not yet made it difficult for those have had a lot of additional normal day-to-day duties as matter how long it takes. been personally affected wanting to move on to be support from a number of parish priests. I will endeavour by business closures. As able to sell their businesses – Melbourne parishes offering to match your wonderful offers The Rev’d Cathy Turnbull evacuations have made thus closures. to partner with a parish or of help with real need on the coordinates Bushfire people re-evaluate priorities The Surf Shack surfwear church centre over the long ground and once more thank Response and Recovery, and possessions, the parish’s store found the week after term. Both clergy and lay everyone for their generosity Diocese of Gippsland. Nicholas-John op shop fires and evacuation was people have been walking and compassion for those She can be contacted has been the beneficiary of very quiet at what was alongside those who have affected by the bushfires. on 0400 687 771. furniture and excess clothing usually their busiest time.

April 2020 The Gippsland Anglican Page 7 Across the ages TGA

program and Jane Baker’s As Mr Baker prepared significant contribution to for his final fellowships Principal David Baker to the McColl Club. and assemblies, one theme But Mr Baker’s legacy that shone through in his extends well beyond these reflections was the connection leave Gippsland Grammar physical additions. In Mr Baker has formed with 2016, Mr Baker completed both the staff and students. a course at Harvard “The teachers and support Zoe Curtis University in the USA, staff at Gippsland Grammar which he says helped him are among the best I have he simplest way to understand the importance worked with,” he said. give a snapshot of of extending a learning “They are professional, someone’s time in a program beyond the dedicated, first class at T academic to also develop their work and good fun to position of leadership is to do so by numbers. For outgoing students who are critical work with.” Gippsland Grammar Principal thinkers and problem solvers. “As for the students, wow, David Baker, this translates “That tied in everything all our families should be to seven years as principal, we did at the school and it proud of the character of more than 2300 students who drove our last strategic plan,” the kids coming through have studied at the school Mr Baker said. “Academic our school,” he said. I’d during this time, almost 600 care has been my biggest really like to thank our assemblies and fellowships, achievement. It’s about the community for their support,” and 60 staff meetings. academic program and the Mr Baker said. “Our The end of term 1 marks pastoral program working parents and our families are the end of seven years for side by side with the wellbeing amazing and I’ve always felt Mr Baker as principal of of the students integrated overwhelmingly supported Gippsland’s oldest independ into everything we do.” by all of them.” -ent school as he embarks on David Baker his next challenge as principal of Woodleigh School, on the Under his watch, Gippsland students at the Bairnsdale Mornington Peninsula. Grammar has grown to a campus now enjoy playing While Mr Baker is excited school of more than 1000 in Caitlyn’s Garden, a tribute about what lies ahead, it’s students, with waitlists for to Old Scholar Caitlyn clear he’s also melancholy enrolment in many year Fisher who was tragically about leaving the community levels. The Garnsey campus killed in an equestrian where he and wife, Jane, and now boasts the Laurie Payne accident in 2016. In the their two children – Caitlin Sports Centre, the St Anne’s rowing shed there’s a coxed (class of 2017) and current Campus now features the quad scull boat named after Year 12 student, Amy – made Kukun Kalak building for the Baker family as a tribute their home and where he has the Years 3 and 4 students, to Mr Baker’s hands-on made lifelong friends. and Early Learning Centre interest in the school’s rowing Pancake feast and community service for Shrove Tuesday

Pancakes were in abundance when the Traralgon Junior School recently held Pancake Races for Shrove Tuesday at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School. There was plenty of laughter as students and teachers dropped pancakes, tossed pancakes and lost pancakes, with everyone working up an appetite to enjoy a fresh pancake after the race. Meanwhile, St Paul’s Year 6 students graciously provided a helping hand at St James Church in Traralgon to help set up tables and chairs, and to cook and serve pancakes to other members of the community. The community members were keen to listen to the students’ stories about their school and seemed to enjoy the musical performances the students St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Year 6 students Shalini and Gabrielle helping provided for entertainment. to cook pancakes for the community at St James Church under the guidance of Alan

Page 8 The Gippsland Anglican April 2020 TGA Pilgrimage in PNG

Aussies know, but the sort of lives were sacrificed in the afternoon storm that a region push for quick results. I stood ‘Bloody Beachheads’ and with three metres of rain a before a granite memorial, year can produce. Lawrence where a list of the units (aka Froggy) had his head in involved and the numbers the meaning of sacrifice the motor and his rear end out of casualties reminded me in the rain, and after trying how these beaches earned Jeffrey Driver one or two things he delivered their tragic title of ‘bloody’. the news: the fuel line was Nearby, the wing of a fighter split and leaking diesel. plane hung still in a palm opondetta is hardly It was still pelting down tree as an equally poignant a tourist town. It is and the precariously attached memorial of the screaming Pdirty, messy, smelly, sliding passenger door was noise of battle. busy and noisy, with the red delivering rain inside by the But now Buna is silent. It splatter of betel nut forming bucketful. The day was not is not a tourist destination, its own human graffiti on the looking cheerful. But the though it is beautiful. The footpaths among the plastic pen is mighty, they say, and granite memorial to a battle bags, empty soft drink cans Froggy had an inspiration. that had a higher casualty and slinking dogs. He ran off and procured a rate than the infamous No-one goes to this part of cheap plastic biro, took the Guadalcanal does not receive PNG for the urban attractions. insides out and shoved it up many visits. Waves lap the Yet this area is well known the fuel line, joining the leaky beach. Grey sands and palms; and well loved by many bits together. a few pikininis splashing in Australians and that’s largely The temperamental Toyota the shallows; a distant figure because of the associations burst into a contented diesel in a canoe in search of fish. with World War 2. Popondetta rattle and we were off to Buna. We sat and picnicked, is the jumping-off point Leaving the main road, we swam and took some moments for the northern end of the took to a road (track) made to reflect on another time Kokoda Track and there is a by Australian troops during when this beautiful place was regular stream of Australians World War 2 and subject to disfigured by noisy violence. through the town as they not much maintenance since. As I returned to Popondetta head off on that arduous We passed the wreck of a two- and Newton College, the story pilgrimage. engine bomber sitting still in of Buna Beach came with me. Towards the end of last a paddock, and took a detour Beyond the horrendous year, I made a World War 2 down the strip of a long- statistics of battle, the pilgrimage near Popondetta, abandoned allied airfield. bumbling of military and but this time I headed in a As we approached Buna, I political leaders, there quite different direction, was struck by the terrain. It remains a story of human going away from Kokoda. I was mostly swamp and high sacrifice – not to be The wing of a World War 2 fighter plane forms a skeleton memorial was going to Buna Beach. kunai grass. We were there in among the palm trees of Buna Beach celebrated, but most certainly Buna is one of three places the dry season. In the middle to be remembered. And as that came to be known as input from Australia and New times the air can be like of the wet, when the battle I returned to the college, the ‘Bloody Beachheads’. Zealand, and for a time the liquid, with an average three for Buna was fought, it must working with less than slender Not so well known and church in PNG came under metres of rain a year, and have been hell. This is one of resources and broken facilities visited as Kokoda, the the Province of Queensland. certainly no air conditioning the most malarial parts of the to train leaders for our church beaches of Buna, Sanananda These links, and my own in the college accommodation, planet, with dengue and scrub in PNG, I was reminded that and Gona are where the family connections, have or even electricity for fever cutting soldiers down remembering should never be Japanese forces landed in made me keen to visit some most of the day to turn a ahead of the bullets. just about the past. Theologian their attempt to go overland of the places of struggle fan or cool a drink. A dip in The Japanese were well Miroslav Volf said, in The and capture Port Moresby. It and sacrifice. the water at Buna seemed dug in, and the Australian and End of Memory – Remember_ is on these beaches that the I had already been to Gona, very attractive. American troops were short of ing Rightly in a Violent Japanese made their stand where the Australian Rev’d We hired our usual ammunition. But Macarthur World (Eerdmans, 2007), after they were beaten back James Benson served, as well transport, with our cheerful and Blamey wanted a quick down the Kokoda Track. The as the two young women driver Lawrence, also known victory, and strategy and (Continued on page 11) conditions were appalling, who were murderously as Froggy. Our salubrious the terrain terrible and the martyred, May Hayman and saloon was a Toyota 15-seat Japanese were dug in with Mavis Parkinson. There bus of unknown but ancient a network of trenches and was a sense of standing vintage and with its sliding tunnels, and cleared avenues on holy ground as I stood passenger door hanging off. of fire. The Australians lost during that visit before the We went about a kilometre more than 3000 troops, the white and bullet marked cross and our trusty diesel belched US soldiers more than 600 where once stood All Saints and surrendered to a breathless and the Japanese about Church at Gona. coast. We were out of fuel. 7500. Disease took as many As we set out to Buna, I had But fear not, there are fuel casualties as bullets. a sense once again of going stops everywhere along the Working at Newton to a place of sacred memory. road. They consist of a rough College, Popondetta, as I On this trip I was accompanied bench with a half dozen dirty have been – assisting with by Dr John Wright from plastic four-litre bottles, something of a redevelop- Cowes in Gippsland, as well selling for about 20 kina ment of what is the Anglican as other members of the ($9) each. Church of PNG’s one training Newton College community. Fuelled up with our college for priests – I live Although the more serious dubious diesel, it was day by day with the history side to our trip was there in time to head off. But the This memorial at Buna Beach commemorates the Bloody Beachheads, where of deep friendship between the background, we were ‘froggymobile’ gave one or about 3000 Australians and 600 troops from the US were casualties as the peoples of Australia also just looking forward two asthmatic coughs, passed the retreating Japanese made a last stand. There were about 7500 Japanese and PNG. to some time at the beach, some wind and refused to go casualties, and many perished from swamp fever, dengue and malaria. The college itself was because Popondetta is a any further. Then it started to Two young missionary women from nearby Gona Beach, May Haymen established with significant hot and humid place. At rain; not the reluctant rain we and Mavis Parkinson, were killed near Popondetta

April 2020 The Gippsland Anglican Page 9 Ecumenical and interfaith TGA

EDITORIAL Honouring ancestors and heritage

Qing Ming (Ancestors Day for people of the Tao religion) and the UNESCO International Day for Monuments and Sites (World Heritage Day) both happen this month, and an interesting link between them can be found in China’s Hubei Province. This region in eastern China, where the coronavirus outbreak began, is home to a religious complex of international importance. The Ancient Building Complex in the Wudang Mountains was inscribed to the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1994. It meets three World Heritage criteria, representing a “masterpiece of human genius (criterion i),” exhibiting “an important interchange of human values” (criterion ii) and is “associated with events or living traditions, with ideas, or with beliefs, with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance” (criterion vi). More than 60 buildings and sites, some dating back to the seventh century, cover an area of over Left to right: Rev Paul Chalson (Uniting Church Australia), Padamdeep Singh (Sikh), Rabbi Shimon Eddi (Jewish), 300 square kilometres. Muhammed Aksu (Muslim), Dean Sahukhan (Chair of Canberra Interfaith Forum) and Rev’d Rod Bower (Anglican) According to UNESCO, these ancient Taoist buildings “represent the highest standards in Chinese art and Faithful speak out at People’s architecture” over almost 1000 years. They have had “an enormous influence” on religious and public art and architecture in China. Further, this centre of Taoism was Climate Assembly after bushfires important in shaping the region’s belief and philosophy. Today, this complex is also an important source of evidence uddhists, Anglicans, Gillian Reffell, a Buddhist might be more interested for research into the Chinese history of religion. Catholics, Quakers and and Secretary of ARRCC, in talking about the issues. The most recent Australian addition to the World Bpeople of other faiths was part of a panel of Talk about how the climate Heritage List was the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape in the joined thousands of concerned faith speakers on the issue has affected you traditional country of the Gunditjmara people in north- Australians in Canberra Monday, which included personally and what you’re western Victoria. For more than 6000 years, the volcanic during the first sitting week of the Rev’d Bower and a doing about it. Then listen, rock of this area was used by the Gunditjmara to channel Parliament in February to stand Catholic Brigidine Sister, be respectful.” and dam the water of Lake Condah to trap kooyang up for meaningful action on Jane Keogh. The People’s Climate (short-finned eel). climate change. Ms Reffell said, “With the Assembly hosted five days The distress caused by the wake-up call that has been of events, with a coalition Australia’s current submissions to UNESCO’s Tentative bushfire crisis has, for many, the bushfire crisis, we ask of more than 20 community List are for the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in the Pilbara heightened their sense of that the government be organisations, including region of Western Australia and extensions to the Fraser urgency that much stronger guided by those experts who School Strike for Climate, Island National Park and the Gondwana Rainforests of national action is needed. are offering pathways to a Stop Adani, Maritime Australia World Heritage sites. The next World Heritage The Australian Religious prosperous and sustainable Workers Union, Aboriginal Committee annual meeting is planned for late July, but Response to Climate Change future which does not depend Elders, Extinction Rebellion, given that 184 States Parties to the convention have (ARRCC) co-hosted the on fossil fuels.” ARRCC and Doctors for Tentative Lists, some patience is called for. gathering, known as the “Australia is very the Environment. Many activities other than inscription of sites happen People’s Climate Assembly. vulnerable to global warm- under the auspices of the World Heritage Convention. Christian ARRCC supporters ing,” she said. “It would be People’s Climate Assembly These include the Initiative on Heritage of Religious made a meditation tent in the interests of Interest, the World Heritage Education Program and the available and a number of faith country people, our World Heritage Volunteers Initiative. Workshops, seminars leaders participated in the children, Australia’s peaceful, silent encirclement Pacific neighbours and experts’ meetings also happen regularly. For a virtual of Parliament House on the and the world if tour of current World Heritage sites, visit the interactive Tuesday afternoon. we finally begin to map at whc.unesco.org. Well-known Gosford embrace the new, Sally Woollett Anglican priest, Rev’d clean technologies of Rod Bower, helped lead an the future.” Interfaith Mourning Ritual Sr Jane Keogh on the Tuesday morning spoke about the for bushfire victims. The need to reach out to ritual was organised by the the “unconvinced”. Canberra Interfaith Forum “With so many and the Australian Centre for suffering the direct Christianity and Culture. effects of climate Rev’d Bower said, “A change, now is religious response to climate a pivotal time to change is essential for a counter the lies …” healthy spirituality. It’s “People are good an expression of our at heart, but they connection with God, with don’t understand the each other and with the facts,” she advised earth. Our responsibility the gathering. “Right to care for the earth is now, as long as they something that is common to think that you do all the faiths.” respect them, they

Page 10 The Gippsland Anglican April 2020 Pilgrimage in PNG Reflection

medical clinic; a slightly better ‘Bloody Beachheads’ and salary for lecturers; a vehicle so Pandemic that we can have some form of What if you thought of it the meaning of sacrifice motor transport. (Continued from page 9) in Australia have those And as the waves now lap as the Jews consider the Sabbath – friends not so far away quietly on Buna Beach, I am the most sacred of times? that true remembering is not where we once shared reminded that the best forms Cease from travel. just focused on the past, but profound and tragic sacrifice. of sacrifice are made with love Cease from buying and selling. “recalls us to what we should Those friends are still and care. Give up, just for now, be now.” there and they still need us. Jeffrey Driver is former on trying to make the world The sacrifices that make Throughout the country, the Archbishop of Adelaide different than it is. a difference in PNG today need is profound, but as I and before that Bishop of Sing. Pray. Touch only those are not as loud and bloody look to the year ahead at Gippsland. He is currently as those that occurred on Newton College, I think about Acting Principal of Newton to whom you commit your life. those beach heads. But as the $8000 we need to connect College Popondetta. For Center down. I thought about PNG and electrical power to the college; more information on Newton Newton College, it seemed to the money we need to College, or to make a And when your body has become still, me that sacrifice still makes a refurbish some very broken contribution, contact jeffrey. reach out with your heart. difference in that needy land. down buildings, including a [email protected] The lecturers at the college Know that we are connected work for a grand total of in ways that are terrifying and beautiful. $5000 a year in an area where ABC Radio National’s Religion Programs (You could hardly deny it now.) the prices are much higher Know that our lives than Australia, and worry that Frequencies: Bairnsdale – 106.3 FM (3ABC RN) are in one another’s hands. they cannot afford the cost Melbourne – 621 AM (3RN) (Surely, that has come clear.) of educating their children Religion and Ethics Report or providing decent health Do not reach out your hands. Andrew West Wednesday 5:30 pm care. The students live a Reach out your heart. – repeated: Thursday 5:30 am and Friday 11:00 am subsistence lifestyle for three Reach out your words. or four years, sometimes Soul Search Reach out all the tendrils receiving support from their Dr Meredith Lake Sunday 6:00 pm of compassion that move, invisibly, diocese and sometimes not. – repeated: Thursday 12 noon and Saturday 3:00 am where we cannot touch. There are the volunteers, God Forbid like my friend John Wright, James Carleton Sunday 6:00 am from Cowes, approaching Promise this world your love – – repeated Sunday 10:00 pm and Monday 2:00pm 80 and giving of himself for better or for worse, over nearly two weeks of For more details: www.abc.net.au in sickness and in health, lectures. So many have so long as we all shall live. approached me with generous and sometimes ill-afforded Lynn Ungar (lynnungar.com) contributions. 11 March 2020 As we approach Anzac Day, Australians will once again remember and use the language of ‘sacrifice’. Buna Beach reminded me once again that sacrifice should not be just a matter of memory, but a call for the 21st century. We privileged Christians

April 2020 The Gippsland Anglican Page 11 Literature and learning OPEN FORUM Two remarkable wartime men 123 Cafe: an ending or a new beginning? 123 Cafe, a social enterprise in Sale and a mission initiative Richard Prideaux to a life of holy introspection, What is remarkable about of the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, will be closing its but a life of doing; that if we this man is the combination doors in its current form and location at the end of 2020, truly turn to Christ, then we of his outstanding leadership after almost five years of service to the community. need to shun those who claim and vocational evangelistic This decision was made by the management committee to be alternative mediators; ministry skills, which in conjunction with cafe manager, Julie Lanham, in January, that as followers of Jesus included running scout Christ, then, we cannot remain groups, youth groups, long before the impact of the coronavirus pandemic began hidden, and many more shafts camping trips and his to take effect in Australia. An announcement is being made which, once read, are not own outstanding tenor now to open up a conversation about whether and how easily forgotten. singing. His much-loved this project might live on, notwithstanding the necessary Ideal for a Lenten study parish ministry would be trading restrictions imposed in response to COVID-19 over group, this little book contains a good story in itself but recent weeks. chapter questions, careful Cox had two other The committee, which was established by Bishop-in- footnotes, further reading consuming passions. Council last year, hopes to attract possible partnerships with suggestions and a useful Cox was a remarkable other service providers, churches and community groups so index. To be read with care – scientific field naturalist and that 123 Cafe might be given every chance to operate in a there is dynamite here … but fossil collector. His notes and new dispensation next year. also good comfort! presentations on the flora, A vision first cast by Rev’d Rich and Julie Lanham Journeying With fauna and geology of both imagines church done in a different way – what the Anglican Bonhoeffer: Six Gippsland and the Mornington Communion worldwide has termed a ‘fresh expression’ of Peninsula (illustrated with his church. The idea was to create a space where people could Steps on the Path “powerful electric lantern feel at home, relaxed and not alone; a community space where of Discipleship with micro projection”), his connecting was valued and support was given freely; a place formation of a children’s where people felt accepted, no matter where they came from by Andreas Loewe and naturalist club and his notes or what they believed; a place of getting alongside others. Katherine Firth. Morning and many contributions to Amazingly, this vision was fulfilled with no money to begin Star Publishing, 2019 The Victorian Naturalist are with; just a little faith, and a lot of good will. now held by the State Library Preliminary conversations about what such a project might of Victoria. his year is the 75th look like were started in 2014. Fast forward to 2020 and we Quite separate from anniversary of Dietrich have a social enterprise that has been operating successfully these activities, Cox was an Bonhoeffer’s martyr- for four years, supporting young and older people alike in T outstanding historian of early dom in the Flossenbürg learning new skills and building connections. concentration camp in , Gippsland and the Mornington Although the cafe cannot provide a physical venue for just three weeks before the Peninsula. Cullen notes that coming together in these testing times, it still connects camp was liberated by US his curiosity, research skills volunteers and patrons in a network of mutual care and Army soldiers and World War The Reverend and energy resulted in an 2 ended. The authors of this George Cox: ‘A Man ongoing association with the support, as evidenced by Julie Lanham starting to cook book – Dr Andreas Lowe, of Many Parts’ History Society of Melbourne meals for distribution to those who are vulnerable or isolated. Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in (now the Royal Historical When it is possible to do so, an open forum will be held by Joy Cullen. Mornington Melbourne, church historian Society of Victoria), where at 123 Cafe to discuss the future of this much-needed and and expert on Protestant & District Historical he read many formal papers. much-loved gathering place for ‘coffee with a purpose’. In German history, and Dr Society, 2019 Cullen notes that Cox had the meantime, please continue to support the cafe in the months ahead as you’re able, including through your prayers. Katherine Firth, translator, eacher and historian Joy an evidenced-based approach academic, poet and educator Cullen has uncovered to history that was based 123 Cafe Management Committee – are both fluent in German. a remarkable story on independent research They have produced two T (and sometimes led to with her investigation into books in one that, together, the ‘Renaissance life’ of serious arguments), and in the form of a powerful new the Gippsland clergyman, his cautious approach to biography of Bonhoeffer and naturalist, historian and premature publication demon- six lessons for Lent, enrich community leader the Rev’d strated his care for accuracy our understanding of Luke’s George Cox. and the avoidance of personal Gospel for the Lenten season Cox was a parochial reader bias. A mark of Cox’s and at the same time invite in Coalville, Narracan and significance as a Gippsland us to drink deeply at the Mirboo North before being historian was his invitation well of Bonhoeffer’s terse, ordained deacon and priest by Albert E. Clark to write demanding and trenchantly in 1899 at Mirboo North and the preface to his history challenging theology in his later St Mary’s Caulfield. In of the church in Gippsland, book The Cost of Discipleship 1908 he returned to Gippsland The Church of Our Fathers. and in fresh translations by and served as rector of Neerim This remarkable booklet Firth of some of his intensely South (1908–1910) and at comes with many beautifully personal poetry. Yarram District (1910–1915), presented photographs and Younger folk today will be when he enlisted in the detailed references. George less familiar with Bonhoeffer Australian Imperial Force Cox was a true blue Aussie than the post-World War 2 and served as a staff sergeant polymath and Renaissance generation. They will not have and unofficial padre in the man. This is a story to heard his clarion call that when Langwarrin Camp isolation inspire and encourage all Christ calls us he calls us, his hospital. Cox ‘retired’ from Gippslanders today as we call leads to death; that God’s the ministry due to ill health continue to fight those fires, grace is costly, because it is after the war but continued to whether literally or spiritually. costly to God, it cost him his serve in many effective ways Son; that discipleship is more in the parish of St Peter’s Richard Prideaux is a than formulaic worship; that Mornington for 27 years, until licensed lay reader at Christ did not call his disciples his death in 1946. Bass-Phillip Island.

Page 12 The Gippsland Anglican April 2020