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Quarterly Magazine of Manuka Parish serving St Paul’s and St David’s, in association with St Luke's Deakin, in the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn

No. 27 Autumn 2014 What is ? Unchanging truths in a changing world wo contrasting images of the place of religion in today’s society serve T to test our resolve as a faith community. On the one hand the numbers speak of decline. On the other hand, reassuringly, large congregations continue to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas and witness the passion of at Easter, as well as attending special events within the church. Church leaders are prompted to seek new ways to communicate for the “in between” of the good news and the drift away, to A revolution of “re-imagine ministry” for a new age. tenderness The contrast was demonstrated when more than 400 people attended the ’s Cathedral Convention held in Goulburn on 17 and 18 January to ponder some of the issues associated with church decline. The Archbishop of Sydney, Dr Glen Davies, was drawn to observe in an interview with the Goulburn Post that the number of people attending the conference was itself a testimony to people of God wanting to be encouraged in their daily life as Christians. At the recent General Synod, the Archbishop of Flowers in the life of the York asked: “How do we re-discover the well-springs of our solidarity and church partnership in the Gospel? What must we become in order to re-kindle the fire of God’s “love, abundantly poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit given to us” (Romans 5:5).” In his Christmas message the Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn, Bishop Stuart Robinson, observed that a “new future requires a different spiritual harvest.” Inevitably debates on these issues will continue, as will the church as it sets a course for what the Church of England has called “intentional evangelism”, being renewed in love for Jesus Christ and love for God’s world. The first step in this renewal was to focus once again “on the wonder of God’s love revealed in Jesus Christ, the image of the invisible Living alongside faith God.” in God Communication inevitably becomes an important dimension in telling the story of the Gospels and Jesus’ remarkable and unique life and Ministry. We are, as Pope Francis in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, (The Joy of the Gospel) said, engaged in an historical process and must take an active part in it, otherwise we become mere onlookers to decline. We must, he said, find new ways of expressing “unchanging truths”. In similar vein, the reminded the General Synod that every Christian is a witness, empowered by the Holy Spirit, “to tell the story of their encounter with Jesus Christ, to share what we have experienced.” A different spiritual The challenge presented to the Bishop’s Cathedral Convention was to harvest equip lay people to be proactive in mission in their own communities, not to underestimate the power of the ordinary church service.

Our toughest question: what is Anglicanism? Brian Douglas

he former , Rowan Williams pondered T the question: ‘What is the real identity of Anglicanism?’ This has become a more pressing and complex question than ever before in a world where internal Anglican relations, ecumenical and interfaith The Rector of St Paul’s, the Rev'd issues are prominent. Williams proposed three scenarios. Dr Brian Douglas

Is Anglicanism a matter of relies on the sharing of common As well as being and Reformed or Calvinist principle resting worship together. When we stand at Reformed there is for Williams a on an appeal to the sovereignty and all- the same altar to receive communion further assumption about Anglicanism: sufficiency of Scripture interpreted we may disagree with the opinions that renewal in Christ does not abolish literally? Is Anglicanism a form of non of the person standing next us but but fulfils the capacities of human -papal Catholicism with strong we are united as one in our worship beings and that as Anglicans we are emphasis on sacramental and of the Lord. set free to sense and to think about the ministerial continuity? Or does Williams argues that Anglican texture of God’s wisdom in the Anglicanism have an essentially identity is really a blend of concern creation and brought to fulfilment in indeterminate Christian culture well for ordered ministry and so ordered the cross of Jesus. adapted to national and local worship, where there is also freedom difference? from uncritical acceptance of any A response to the presence of God Each of these scenarios is to be hierarchical ecclesiastical authority. nglicanism therefore seems to be found within modern Anglicanism. A a response to the presence of Some, like those attending the Global Scripture at the heart of God in the person of Jesus of Anglican Futures Conference Anglicanism Nazareth, lived out as a Christian (GAFCON) in Kenya long for a more illiams also sees an appeal to community as a living tradition and confessional model of Anglicanism W Scripture at the heart of not just an historical relic. whereas others are happy with the Anglican identity and the central In its living Anglicanism shows Communion as federation of local belief that common worship is the that God is present in the particular but bodies with diverging theologies and most important clue to defining at the same time it is restrained in its disciplines and yet united as one Anglican identity in a world where claims about knowledge of God. Communion. there is a growing diversity of There is a modesty in Anglicanism cultural contexts. and yet the action of God in the Identity and unity For Williams Anglican identity is incarnation of Jesus Christ is central he question of identity, however, Catholic in that Anglicanism rather than a detailed set of T is really inseparable from the acknowledges its history and confessional beliefs. question of unity. Can another tradition and the gifts of God in the Anglicanism shows that God is community be recognised as past and its own errors but it is present in the world and in the local essentially the same, despite the Reformed as well in that it remains community and that standing together differences and divergences? Are we subject to the judgment of Scripture, at the same altar we affirm the one as we worship God despite the even though Scripture does not have presence of God in our world and differences in thinking and practice? the answer to every contemporary lives. Williams’ answer to these questions question. Anglicanism demonstrates wonder at the presence of the divine but at the A large same time acknowledges the limited congregation and fallible character of humanity with prepares to all its differences and ambiguity. leave St Paul’s It is this blend that seems at the at the end of the heart of Anglicanism. For some this is service on the genius of Anglicanism and yet for Christmas Eve, others it is a maddening compromise. the organ Perhaps we as Anglicans will never displaying its achieve a tight confessional status but pipes and it is vital that we consider who and trumpets. what we are. Williams’ questioning is Photo: Peter important as we all consider our McDermott Anglican identity.

2 EAT SWEET AND TALK SWEETLY Richness and diversity in Noah’s pudding Fethullah Erdogan

international food competition. spiritual democracy that we need ore than 50 people who Ashura symbolises synthesis and more than ever today. M attended the St Paul’s end of dialogue, as very different ingredients Ashura stands here as a proof that year “fork and talk” luncheon were come together in one pot: barley, it is possible for women and men of treated for dessert to the Turkish white beans, chickpeas, apricots, the world's many races, religions and delight of “Noah’s Pudding”, shared cranberry, currants, sugar, water, cultures to live together. with them by the invited speaker, walnuts, cinnamon, pomegranate, together with the inspiring message pine nuts, and others. They are s on the Noah's ark, we can that came with it as the dressing brought together in harmony. A accept and respect one another embodied in its creation. Ashura, or Noah's pudding, thus despite our differences, and work The speaker, Fethullah Erdogan, symbolises different cultures living collaboratively to build open, is Executive Director, Bluestar together peacefully in harmony while resilient, creative and caring societies Intercultural Centre, on our planet. established by a group of Diversity is the one true thing young Australian we all have in common. Muslims in 2009 as a Celebrate and enjoy it every platform to bring day! together people in the It is amazing that on almost ACT, positioned “at an every day of the year, some historic crossroads of of our fellows and citizens cultural encounters.” . are celebrating some Founders of Bluestar tradition, festival, or a holy saw the need for the day. Muslin community to Australia is like a cup of interact with the greater Noah's pudding: it embodies society and increase its and contains the diversity and awareness of the Muslin richness of almost all human community, its religion civilizations. and culture. “When The Rector of St Paul’s, the Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas, Australia has become post- people know each other blesses the “fork and talk.” national and multicultural and try to understand in societies; containing the globe the other frame of reference a natural preserving original identities. within their borders, and we know affinity emerges.” Ashura symbolises democracy, that our diversity is a comparative This is an edited version of the multiculturalism and tolerance. advantage and a source of continuing simulating address. Ashura is not a melting pot; the creativity and innovation. ingredients are not melted and they We grow socially, economically, e have a saying in Turkish: all preserve their unique tastes while culturally and spiritually by valuing W "Tatli yiyelim, tatli leaving some flavour. our diversity and contributing to the konusalim". It means: "Let us eat Ashura symbolises synergy and world. sweet and talk sweetly". So let's start team work. All ingredients add to Sharing Ashura is a symbolic talking sweetly and reflect together each other's taste. Each of the representation of the unity and on the essence of dialogue and on the ingredients preserves its unique taste essential relationship of humans to richness of diversity through tasting but it is also a part of the whole one another and to their Creator. The a special dessert and sharing a long wonderful taste. making of Ashura is a common standing tradition. Ashura symbolises diversity and practice among Muslims, Christians We have today with us a very tolerance. Each of the 40 ingredients and Jews in the Middle East. In special, unique, authentic dessert -- is cooked and prepared in a different Turkey, we cook Ashura every year at Ashura. Ashura symbolises ultimate fashion. This symbolises a genuine home and send a cup of it to each of richness and diversity for us. Ashura respect for their differences. their neighbours, as tradition goes: the is a dessert of Anatolia, where the Ashura is essentially a celebration residents of 40 houses to your east, memes of 26 different civilizations of diversity, a living example of how west, north and south are considered are woven into the soil. One of the diversity can enhance quality and neighbours. most colourful and authentic dishes richness; you can experience this We believe Prophet Muhammad as of the Turkish cuisine, Ashura has through its marvellous delicious taste. well as Jesus Christ, Moses, Abraham been selected as the third best and Ashura represents the global peace and Noah (peace be upon them all) most original meal in the world in an model and symbolises multicultural embody honour, dignity, and respect.

3 We love and respect Jesus Christ open our hearts to everyone. and the Virgin Mary. The practising Muslim We are in communication with all strives to follow the faith traditions and communities guidelines and principles of because of our love, admiration, the Holy Qur'an and the gratitude, and respect for our actions of the Prophet Prophets: Adam, Enoch, Noah, Hud, Muhammad (pbuh) in every Salih, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, aspect of his or her life. Jacob, Joseph, Shuaib, Job, Moses, Thus if some Muslims are Aaron, Ezekiel, David, Solomon, adhering to violence, then Elias, Elijah, Jonah, Zachariah, John, they are acting upon their Jesus, and Muhammad (peace and own desires and not of the blessings be upon them all). teachings of the Holy Qur'an Fethullah Erdogan speaks to an engaged As Muslims; we love and respect and Prophet Muhammad audience on the constitution of Noah’s all of them; as it is clearly expressed (pbuh). As Fethullah Gulen Pudding and its symbolism for peace and in the Qur'an: "We make no stated after 9/11 attacks, ‘A reconciliation distinction between any of His Muslim can not be a Messengers (in believing in terrorist, a terrorist can not be a conscience, values and virtues that them)" (Baqara 2:285). Muslim’. It will also be true to make us truly human, that lead to real Many things have been said about change this and say ‘a believer can happiness, wellbeing and inner peace. the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). In not be a terrorist, a terrorist can not With hope, faith and love, we will many ways he is as misunderstood be a believer’. be able to transform the jangling today as he was in 610 A.D.; and We must show tolerance to all discords of humanity into a beautiful like those who are faiths whether we global symphony of being together. often misunderstood, In the midst of unfortunate are Christians, All of us united; experiencing the art he lived through “ violent events, there is still Jews, Muslims, of living together in harmony on the constant taunts, insults, place for hope and love for all Quakers, Baha’is, Noah's ark. and threats. Often his of us. Out of despair, comes Hindus or from Noah's pudding and Noah's ark friends and family hope. Out of hatred, comes any other religion. remind us of our common values we members witnessed his love. Out of bias, comes We must spread keep forgetting again and again: mistreatment. dialogue.” ideals of faith and Dialogue, understanding, love, The Prophet's love because that respect, peace, compassion, harmony, companions often wanted to defend is what our faiths essentially tell us forgiveness, patience, generosity, the Messenger with force, for they to do. modesty, service, altruism, trust, loved him; and yet, he called for With so much violence in the inspiration, hope, authenticity, and restraint, peace, patience and world fuelled by racial, religious integrity. positive action. They followed his and ethnic intolerance; we should After thousands of years guidance because they wanted to give utmost importance to following the Noah's ark, I hope and please God by practising Islam the interfaith dialogue, cross cultural pray we can stand together again on way it is intended to be practised. awareness, respect for diversity and this ship - as whole humanity - to The restraint, self control, and human rights, multiculturalism, and face and solve the complex global peaceful attitudes the Messenger global common values. problems of the 21st century. (pbuh) and his companions In the midst of unfortunate This is the big picture Noah's ark exercised almost 1400 years ago are violent events, there is still place and Noah’s pudding provide us. steadfast stars for those who have for hope and love for all of us. Out I would like to finish with a courage to gaze at the sky. of despair, comes hope. Out of quotation from Fethullah Gulen, Respect is a prerequisite of Islam. hatred, comes love. Out of bias, Islamic Scholar. He says: "Be so Even at the most critical moments comes dialogue. tolerant that your heart becomes wide when they are hurt, Muslims should like the ocean. Become inspired with act with a sound mind, not with e stand together on Noah's faith and love for others. Offer a hand negative emotions. Acting upon W Ark against world to those in trouble, and be concerned reason and sound reaction should be problems. As in the case of the about everyone." our foremost principle. Noah's ark, we are all connected What you will taste now is the Islam orders us to respect other and interdependent on this planet. taste of global peace, diversity, religions and their leaders. Cursing What affects me affects you. richness, love, cooperation and in return for a curse, burning flags, As human beings, we have dialogue. and hurling insults do not solve any managed to conquer and reach far Enjoy it! problems. On the contrary, such in the external world and universe reactions increase the violence and around us; however, we have hatred on all sides. Islam encourages somehow failed to conquer and us to get together with everyone, reach deeper into our internal open our doors to everyone, and universe: our hearts, spirituality,

4 ‘Living Alongside’ faith in God

When Gloria Dowling, lay Minister at St Paul’s, decided after a long period of reflection to join the Sisters of the Community of the Holy Name in Cheltenham, Victoria, “to live alongside them” she knew she was engaging with an Anglican with a long tradition of prayerful service: the first Anglican religious order for women to be founded in Australia, and one of only four such communities in Australia.

When I first heard about living an expectation of full participation “ alongside the Sisters of the Holy and help within their life. “Being Name,” Gloria said, “I felt called to with the Sisters in worship in their Gloria receiving her licence to be a participate. After a period of chapel was a highlight for me,” she lay Minister from the Rector, The discernment and negotiating timing, recalls. “I loved the Mass and Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas. it was 18 months before I started. three or four ‘’ “As expected, living ‘Alongside’ This enabled my thorough services; I often returned from my the Community has been very preparation and openness to the ‘free day’ to attend the late different from when I have visited Lord’s leading and the Holy Spirit afternoon Mass”. over the past 30 years. I have moving to enrich my spiritual life.” thought of CHN as my ‘spiritual Gloria had already been an ister Esther had written of her home’ for most of that time (as well Oblate with the Community for S mission working with women as my parish) and have always found many years. “I was certain,” she and children of the back streets of my visits to be very enriching”. reflected, “that I was now being inner Melbourne: “Few people asked to take this next step on my seem aware of many hungry souls n the words of the Community, journey with God and the there are who are longing for some I “Everyone is invited by God to Community”. sympathetic soul to speak to them share in his life and love and each of The Order had its origins as an about spiritual things. Sanctified us has our own personal path as we Anglican welfare mission in 1888 as common sense is what is needed, journey into the fullness of life with the Diocesan Mission to the Streets tact to deal wisely with all Him. Each path or vocation has its and Lanes of Melbourne. Its guiding comers.” own character, demands, light was a former novice of the Sister Esther died on 11 responsibilities, and blessings. A Community of St Mary the Virgin in September 1931. Her whole life vocation of the religious life means , England, known by her and all her purposes were for the person involved a total chosen title of Sister Esther. illumined by her love for her commitment of themselves to God Melbourne at the time was in the grip religion and for the church to within the community to which He of economic depression; Christian which she belonged. calls them.” charity among the poor was “What is wanted,” Sister Esther fundamental to their well being. Gloria recalls: “I was very said, “is not your works, but your Since 1946 a Community House, fortunate to attend the Oblates’ being: not your gifts but yourself.” built to honour the memory of Sister silent retreat after I had lived with Gloria reflected: “This was a life Esther, had become a centre for the Community for 10 days. I was changing experience for me. It retreats and spiritual opportunities already aware of very strong confirmed my very strong call to the for groups and individuals. Set in spiritual renewal and enrichment Community of The Holy Name. My landscaped grounds, it offers occurring in the time in retreat”. fervent prayers for them all will meditative seclusion and Gloria’s primary duties to continue. contemplative spaces and provides assist the Community included “Much prayer for discernment for the training of novices. helping with the guests and their and guidance of the Holy Spirit is Sister Esther’s creed was her life, accommodation; assisting the now required for me to be able to lived out among the poor. Just as Sister who maintains the flower continue to go forward on my path Sister Esther had undertaken a arrangements; helping with the with God in faith, trust, hope and personal journey, so Gloria reflected after meals washing up roster; and joy”. for Community on the experience of occasionally driving Sisters to Unveiling a plaque at St Paul’s her own journey. appointments. Cathedral on 14 April 2013 to “After I settled in at the “I also had some very special commemorate the 100th anniversary Community House in Cheltenham,” time with Our Lord, weeding the of the Community, and the granting Gloria said, “there was a very Calvary Garden and surrounding of its charter, Bishop Gary Weatherill moving service of welcome where I area when the weather allowed”. said: “May the witness of the was presented with a cross to wear Meeting weekly with the Community continue to inspire whilst ‘living Alongside’. designated Sister was very helpful, others.” Gloria has lived that witness. The Community provided Gloria discussing her experiences, both with guidelines for her stay including practical and spiritual. 5 THE DIOCESE The spiritual core of Christmas

In his Christmas message the Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn, Bishop Stuart Robinson, spoke of a new future requiring a different spiritual harvest as exemplified in the life of Jesus and the example Nelson Mandela.

ongs about Santa, mistletoe and At Christmas, we remember how S snow fill our shopping centres Jesus’ life yielded a different kind of and living rooms. In parks and public spiritual harvest where love places all over the nation, swallowed up violence, hope communities gather to sing tunes dispelled death and faith diminished about the Messiah’s birth. opportunism. Whenever we sing the traditional Our hearts can swell as these Our world is filled with broken carols once again may we listen tunes remind us of the power of love, trust and promises betrayed. These carefully to their spiritual story. What the importance of generosity and that events have a spiritual impact we value in Mandela’s life is writ light overcomes darkness. Yet, they because they shape what we become. large in Jesus and celebrated at can also give us heartache as the As trust evaporates, our hearts can Christmas time by people season’s commercialism can obscure turn spiritually to stone. It does not everywhere. its spiritual core. have to be that way. My prayer is that a different At Christmas, we declare that ‘for The passing of Nelson Mandela, spiritual harvest might grow as we us a child has been born for us, a son the father of the rainbow nation that renew our commitment to love, that has been given to us, authority rests is South Africa, reminded the world our resolve to hope strengthens and upon his shoulders’ (Isaiah 9.6 that a new future requires a different we discover once again that God NRSV). spiritual harvest. redeems humanity daily. The spiritual core of Christmas is Mandela discovered the authority that genuine authority does not rest of compassion at a time when many in power, pomp or parliaments but in thought that apartheid was inviolable The Rt. Rev’d Stuart Robinson God who chose to come to us as an and that self-interest was Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn infant. Jesus was born in a world insurmountable. 17 December 2013 characterised by cynical tyrants, Mandela saw that a new and just ethnic conflict and intense religious South Africa could only be born dispute. Yet, the spiritual through gentleness and inclusion consequences of such a world did not rather than by more violence and imprison him. exclusion.

Cathedral Convention draws through the quality of Christian lives that the world comes to know the numbers and inspiration reality of God, salvation from sin and the hope of the resurrection and the he Bishop’s Cathedral identifying as Christian. world to come. T Convention held in Goulburn on Archbishop Glenn opened the Dr John Dickson, author and 17 and 18 January drew over 430 convention by preaching from 1 founding Director of the Centre for people from around NSW and the Peter 2.9-12, focusing on the Public , anchored the ACT to consider the why, what and church’s spiritual identity as God's program by speaking passionately how of mission. people in the world. The purpose and about mission in the context of the The event presented a theological task of such a people, the Archbishop rising tide of disinterest and basis for mission against the contended, is to praise God as the scepticism concerning Christianity in perceived backdrop of Christianity's unexpected beneficiaries of God’s Australian society. diminishing place in Australian mercy in Christ. In a pluralistic Australia, he society. “Be phosphorescent Christians,” acknowledged that the barriers to Keynote speakers Archbishop Dr Archbishop Glenn urged, echoing sharing the gospel were not only Glenn Davies and the Rev’d Dr John Paul's words to the Philippians who significant but often resulted in many Dickson were deeply hopeful about called everyone to shine like lights in Christians becoming shy about Christianity's future, despite recent the world. sharing the beauty and person of Census figures that showed a steady Such a life, the Archbishop said, Christ. and sustained pattern of erosion in involves both declaring God's praise (Continued on page 7) the number of Australians and doing that which is good. It is 6 (Continued from page 6) hinge between the mission of Jesus Yet, he contended, taking Christ and the mission of the church,” he Re-discovering to the world or mission is integral to said. “Unless we’re moved by the the faith. same compassion, Jesus’ call for us the well- Dr Dickson, a historian of early to be involved in mission won’t springs of our Christianity, observed how the really work.” Genesis account of creation propelled The second most urged activity solidarity first Jews and then Christians to take to promote the gospel in the New the knowledge of God outwards. The Testament is giving financially. Paul How do we re-discover the well worship of Israel had a missional in Philippians speaks of such giving “ -springs of our solidarity and power to bring people to faith. This as a partnership. It is not a partnership in the Gospel? What power continues to be present within secondary, secular activity but an must we become in order to re- ordinary Christian worship. essential part in Gospel ’kindle the fire of God’s love, According to Dr Dickson, people advancement as important as ‘abundantly poured into our hearts can and do encounter Christ through speaking to people personally. by the Holy Spirit given to the worship of ordinary congregations The third activity urged in us’” (Romans 5:5).” as they proclaim Christ’s work. Scripture is speaking up for Jesus in “Don’t underestimate the power everyday life with gentleness and of the ordinary church service,” he respect. “There are all sorts of contended, “because the things we reasons to be shy about the faith” he say are a declaration of the praises of suggested “the answer to which is a God that are an invitation to the fresh vision of Jesus as Lord.” outsider to come and worship.” Christianity’s future in Australia depends heavily on how this current ‘How might Christians respond to generation engages with those who “ such a pervasive negative view?” are sceptical or spiritually Dr Dickson asked. The best answer, indifferent. was not better debating points but the Christians cannot afford to be quality of a life lived for the gospel. silent even though the pressure to do This was the theme of an It was the life of ‘humility, so is growing. Neither can address to the Church of England compassion, love of neighbour, love Christians retreat into pietistic General Synod by the Archbishop of enemy’ that had the power to bring devotion or private worship services of York, .Dr John Sentamu. There people to the knowledge of God and given the public nature of the was, he said, a vital need for what to transform the world. Gospel. he termed “intentional evangelism”. The same pattern works in The convention’s speakers left Worship and witness, in the families where personal conduct the audience in no doubt that the power of the Holy Spirit, he said, profoundly influences how people best way to propagate the Gospel is were the Church’s reason for being. hear and respond to Christ. through prayer, self-sacrificial “Next to worship,” he said, “Behaviour can convince people, partnerships and speaking with “witness is the primary and urgent humanly speaking, that the Word is gentleness and respect. task of the Church.” true,” in effect, preparing the heart for If Christians in NSW and the Every Christian, he said, is a proclamation. Conversely, ACT can focus on the deep witness, empowered by the Holy insensitivity and a lack of respect can foundations for mission shared over Spirit simply to tell the story of have the opposite effect making it the weekend then a new generation their encounter with Jesus Christ; to harder for people to hear and respond might yet hear, see and taste that share what they have experienced. to Jesus. God is good. All the best communication, he “Good deeds, good news are one The Archbishop of Sydney Dr said, is done through story – the in the work of the Gospel,” he said. Glen Davies, told the Goulburn Post story of relationship; the story of “The best kept secret of the New in an interview, that the number of events and new happenings; the Testament teaching on mission is that people attending the conference was story of perception and God sees the whole of life of the a testimony to people of God understanding; the stories of our Christians as the promotion of the wanting to be encouraged in their past, our present, and our future. Gospel’, Dr Dickson said. “The daily life as Christians. “We each have a story to tell of promotion of Christ involves not only “The church,” he said, “is not the how God in Jesus Christ has met speech but many ordinary aspects of but the people of God and with us and changed our lives. life.” every person has a part to play in “May we be inspired as we hear Dr Dickson highlighted three His great mission. It’s a great way of stories of the Good News from one aspects central to promoting the mobilising, encouraging and another of what is happening in our gospel. First, he emphasised prayer equipping people to use their skills”. varied contexts.” particularly when born of compassion for those who are yet to hear. Wayne Brighton courtesy of the “Compassion for the crowds is the Diocesan web site

7 A revolution of tenderness Susan Bridge

think it is quite easy to believe in God. Even in a post-enlightenment I age, it is still pretty easy for people to see that creation isn’t random, no matter what the scientific process was or how long it took. God is revealed in the beauty of the oceans and the mountains, in the way a baby is born or a skin tear heals itself, or a rose bud opens. As Gerard Manley Hopkins put it, ‘The world is charged with the grandeur of God”.

But I don’t think it is easy to and sympathy, but taking this pain believe in Jesus as the Christ, a part into God’s own self, God’s own of the Trinitarian God manifest as the flesh. Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is Pope Francis released a short unlikely that any human being born at book a couple of weeks ago, physical fleshiness of Jesus draws us any time and in any circumstances Evangelii Gaudium, Latin for The not just to God but relentlessly calls would get rational people to believe Joy of the Gospel. It is a letter us to each other. that his life was significant for addressed to Christians concerning eternity, that he was God incarnate, many things, but I want to focus on “Jesus wants us to touch human God made manifest in the world in part of the Pope’s discussion about misery, to touch the suffering human form. the significance for us of the flesh of others. He hopes that we The ‘incarnation’ is the incarnation, the divine who was will stop looking for those theological term for this Christian there from the foundation of the personal or communal niches understanding that the Son of God or world, choosing a moment in time to which shelter us from the Word of God, who was present and enter the world, in the flesh. maelstrom of human misfortune active from the very beginning of Francis writes, in part having a go at and instead enter into the reality creation, was born in human form in a new age ‘spirituality’ and in part of other people’s lives and know specific place and time, and that this having a go at social media: the power of tenderness. actual, historical figure was at once ….Loving others is a spiritual fully human and fully divine: God “For just as some people want a force drawing us to union with with us. And Jesus is still with us, as purely spiritual Christ, without God.” he assures his friends at the very end flesh and without the cross, they of Matthew’s gospel, “And also want their interpersonal This is not, I think, to be confused remember, I am with you always, to relationships provided by with accepting the inevitability of the end of the age.” sophisticated equipment, by human misery and finding in it a path Jesus’ birth in humble screens and systems which can to God and therefore some kind of circumstances and his death in be turned on and off on virtue. We know that to be the violence and shame are important command. Meanwhile, the opposite of God’s plan. We know features of what we call ‘the Good Gospel tells us constantly to run that God would have us fight against News’. It is good news that God is the risk of a face-to-face human suffering, especially with us: “The Word was made flesh encounter with others, with their inequality and exclusion. and dwelt among us, full of grace and physical presence which We know from Jesus in the truth”. But it is strange, I think, that challenges us, with their pain temple, tabling his agenda: although there is healing and teaching and their pleas, with their joy ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and welcome from Jesus, the focus is which infects us in our close and because he has anointed me to bring also on God sharing our human continuous interaction. True good news to the poor. He has sent suffering. faith in the incarnate Son of God me to proclaim release to the captives It is helpful to reflect on that as we is inseparable from self-giving, and recovery of sight to the blind, to come to celebrate the incarnation at from membership in the let the oppressed go free’. Christmas, because as we prepare for community, from service, from God in the flesh calls us to what we hope will be a time of joy reconciliation with others. The compassion and tenderness. We are and festival, we know that there Son of God, by becoming flesh, called to be engaged with the world, remains a lot of suffering in the summoned us to the revolution of summoned to be part of ‘the world, and even in our community tenderness”. revolution of tenderness’. Christmas time will have its stresses disappointments and sorrows. In this revolution of tenderness, The Rev’d Susan Bridge, St Paul’s Because part of what we are spirituality and virtual communities Manuka, Fourth Sunday of Advent “celebrating”, is the idea that God is can’t be an effective replacement for 22 December 2013 with us in our human suffering, not real relationships and actual looking down from heaven with tea community. Francis writes that the

8 It is one of the first 19th century A poem a day poems to express openly an atheist or Robert Willson agnostic vision of our existence. It reflects the loss of religious faith by many people at that time of massive Religion and poetry, spiritual and place, the only part of Britain to be intellectual and social change. poetic development, are often seen occupied by Nazi Germany) . It is too long to quote in full but to be inseparably intertwined. In Lillie Langtry tells us that her the poem can be found on the the Faber Book of Religious Verse, father had a marvellous habit. internet. Helen Garner spoke of a religious Whenever he found a poem he liked poem as being one concerned in he would copy a few verses on a card “The sea is calm to-night. some way with revelation and with and read it over to himself in spare The tide is full, the moon lies fair man’s response to it. The Rev’d moments on his daily rounds. He Upon the straits; on the French Robert Willson reflects on his own could learn a new poem each day that coast the light acquaintance with poetry “through way. At the end of his life when his Gleams and is gone; the cliffs of which God may speak” and his love eyesight failed he knew whole England stand; of the Word and words. glorious ranges of English verse by Glimmering and vast, out in the heart. He did the same with Latin and tranquil bay. ir John Gielgud used to quote the Greek verses. He took to heart the ”Come to the window, sweet is S literary scholar who once Psalmist who wrote (119: 11): “Thy the night-air! remarked that the quickest way to word have I hidden in my heart.” empty a hall was to announce that a The Sea of Faith recitation of classical poetry was on The Bishop Was once, too, at the full, and the programme. When I read this I made a resolve round earth's shore It is exactly 50 years ago that I to do the same and I have stacks of Lay like the folds of a bright was appointed to the post of index cards with scraps of verse girdle furled. Presbyterian student minister in a written or pasted on them. But now I only hear little church in Sydney, St James, Almost any passage of Scripture Its melancholy, long, withdrawing Lane Cove. can remind us of what Shakespeare or roar, There I made friends with a Milton or Wordsworth said. In the Retreating, to the breath retired minister who lived in the year 2000 I was asked to contribute a Of the night-wind, down the vast parish and was a reader and scholar poem to a Carol Service in the Girls edges drear and book collector. He loved poetry Grammar School Chapel. I chose that And naked shingles of the world.” and knew much of it by heart, and he marvellous Australian poem by greatly influenced me. He knew the Douglas Stewart, entitled The Bishop. Christians know that we live in a exact page in the Oxford Book of secular age when faith in God is English Verse where any poem was “Robed and mitred the bishop difficult for many sincere and good to be found. stands and hard by his ear a people. The distracted father of the I purchased a copy of that pigeon sick child spoke for many when he marvellous anthology and its Preens in the sun on top of his cried out to Jesus: "Lord, I believe; daughter, The Oxford Book of head and tells him about religion... help thou mine unbelief" (Mark 9: Christian Verse, edited by Lord 24). Jesus honoured that prayer. David Cecil. Later on I was delighted ..I mightn’t have liked the bishop Recently I attended the Eucharist to receive for review the Anthology of alive but I certainly like him dead, in St James Sydney. The preacher Australian Religious Poetry, edited The good old man in his suit of ended his excellent sermon with that by Les Murray. He and I were at bronze, with the pigeon on top of marvellous poem on love by George Sydney University together in the his head.” Herbert. It begins: “Love bade me 1950’s. The poem was inspired by the welcome, but my soul drew back…” These three books would be an bronze statues outside St Mary’s It is without doubt one of the greatest excellent foundation for a poetry Catholic Cathedral in Sydney. Christian poems in English. collection. But the poems are no good The Scriptures are filled with in the book. Learning them by heart Dover Beach poetry, including of course the is both a duty and a joy. Sometimes a poem may have Psalms. But even St Paul, when he profound theological and spiritual addressed the Athenians (Acts 17), What the Dean of Jersey taught me significance. In 1851 a young quoted “as certain of your own poets Years ago I read the biography of Englishman named Matthew Arnold have said….” Lillie Langtry, the beautiful actress was spending his honeymoon in the If he could learn and quote poets who was the mistress of King Edward English town of Dover. Late one then I have no excuse. There are the VII. Her father was a , the Dean evening he invited his bride to admire sublime words of the poets for every of the Island of Jersey where she was the beauty of the view. The poem he occasion and God may speak through born. (The television series Bergerac wrote was Dover Beach. It is both them, as through the words of the gives you a picture of that lovely beautiful and revolutionary. hymns.

9 Flowers and the life of the church Mary Pollard

What lovely flower arrangements", the visitor to St Paul's extolled to the “ sides person waiting to greet her at the entrance to the church. "Yes," the sides person answered with enthusiasm for her task, "we have a great tradition of flower arranging in the church for normal services and special occasions. It is a ministry in its own right". The visitor stood looking along the red carpet of the nave to the altar and the flowers decorating the pulpit and the lectern and beyond. Have you ever taken time to observe the flower arrangements in the church? What's more have you ever stopped to think of the effort that lies behind their collection and arrangement? Like many things we come to know so well in their repetition each Sunday they tend to be taken for granted. Their beauty shines through their unobtrusiveness. Flowers in the church embody creation, celebration, remembrance, thanksgiving, resurrection and sacrifice. With their delicate tints, fragrance and blossoms, their arrangement in the church also represents joy and Bishop Stuart Robinson preaches renewal. They are part of the aesthetics of the church. They enhance the amid a colourful display of flowers beauty of our Church and greatly contribute to the atmosphere in the complementing the pulpit, stained building. We come to appreciate something beyond their physical glass window and the cross appearance. A dedicated group of flower arrangers ensures flowers are available for each service. Some are especially donated in remembrance of Names of ladies she remembers others. were Aisla Livermore, Pat Taylor - It was to recognise the contribution of the flowers arrangers that Mary Rogers, Helen Munro, Jean Coombe, Pollard embarked on a journey to discover a roll call of dedicated workers, Phyllis Bullock and Irene Mather. past and present, opening a door on another aspect of our history. Editor. Afterwards everyone went to the rectory (the old rectory on Canberra hat started my search for those spoke initially to Margaret Roberts, Avenue) for a cup of tea! W who over time had contributed former flower roster coordinator and In the seventies, Joan Falkingham, to flower arranging in the church was flower arranger. Mrs. Winifred the wife of Canon John Falkingham, when one of the older ladies who had Wright (1897-1980) was the name assisted with the flowers for special retired from the flowers mentioned she remembered from the early events. Dorothy Hookway who owned that the flowers ladies deserved times. Winifred Wright, with her a florist shop in Manuka was also one greater recognition. husband, Jack, was a pillar of the of the early flowers arrangers. Hearing of the artistry and drive church. I contacted Joan Haldane- of a “Mrs. Wright” I was astonished Mrs. Wright, as she was always Stevenson (Smith) in Melbourne, the to see a “Mrs. Wright” recorded in known, assisted with fund raising widow of the Rev’d Pat Haldane- the index in Eddie Braggett's book through social events and catering Stevenson, who used to assist at St Camps, Settlements and Churches, for card parties. She had a lovely Paul's when the Rev’d John Griffiths but no one could remember her name garden and sold flowers to raise was rector of the parish. She is now 92 as it was about 60 years ago that she funds for the church. She and her years old and keeps in touch with John attended St Paul’s with her husband. husband Jack donated three stained Griffiths who now lives there. Eddie Braggett records that “in glass windows to the church; one is When John Griffiths was minister November 1951 parishioners dedicated to her by her husband. at St Paul's Joan arranged flowers for gratefully erected a plaque to Mrs. In the time of Bishop Neville very special occasions, including for Wright who had contributed more Chynoweth's incumbency, Joan the service which the Queen attended than 500 pounds to (the rectory) Chynoweth helped with the flowers on her visit to Canberra in 1991. Joan building fund.” and told me that the ladies did the also did the arrangements for the I soon discovered links to the flowers on Saturday mornings while (Continued on page 11) stained glass windows, one of which the men cleaned and vacuumed the is dedicated to Victoria Winifred church. Wright. And the mystery unravelled. I did not want all the other flower Four of the new recruits arrangers to become nameless, with Janet Graham, Narelle the older ladies for example, Joan Gibson, Rebecca Harris Bruce, passing away just last year. and Pauline Emmott with Over the years many women Mary Pollard, convenor of have devoted hours to the flowers in the flowers group. (Photo: the church. To find out their names I John Gibson) 10 (Continued from page 10) Following the recent call for military funeral of a VC winner, Lt. more recruits it was pleasing that Col. Charles Anderson VC, MC, a Pauline Emmott, Janet Graham, former member of the parish, in Rebecca Harris, Narelle Gibson and 1988. Joan’s arrangement for the Pat Walker volunteered to join the funeral included real Flanders flowers arrangers team this year. poppies from the Forrest garden of Christine is completing a Bobbie Fenner, Professor Fenner's floristry certificate course. I was wife. She also organised for 60 flags inspired by her to take up floristry to be displayed for the event. this year at the CIT. Janet is also Joan told me she learnt the art of doing a short recreational course. flower arranging when she was in We are always looking for Melbourne attending St Silas, North parishioners to become a part of our Balwyn which had a marvelous special group of flower arrangers . flower club. Joan was a very capable Your commitment can be on a and creative lady who ran an interior monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, design shop in Braddon for many whatever works within your years. She supplied cushion fabrics schedule. for the handicraft ladies to make up For the skill of these women and for the fete and the curtain material of the many other unremembered in the hall. women over the years we give Flowers arrangers at that time thanks. included Margaret Roberts, Enid (Mary Pollard is convener of the Crutchett, and Viva Jeffrey who also flowers group. She was helped in wove the cane baskets hung on the her research by Margaret Roberts, walls and columns for the special Joan Chynoweth , Joan Haldane- flower festival displays. Viva was a Stevenson, Jeanette Evans, and keen ikebana specialist. Margaret Christine May). Roberts took over the flower roster The Editor appreciates the spirit of for many years when Barbara cooperation within the flowers Flowers arranger Jeanette Evans Griffiths and John Griffiths left in group which brought this story 1998. She arranged the flowers and together . coordinated the roster for decades and could always supply abundant greenery from her own garden. Joan Bruce did marvellous work. She organised many helpers to assist with the floral festival in the church for the yearly fete. Joan was Treasurer and later president of the Church Women's Union which was later renamed the Senior Women's Fellowship. In those days flowers were donated by parishioners from their gardens. Other arrangers were Doreen Green, who was President of the Senior Women's Fellowship, Bettie McPherson, Val Smith, Cynthia Youngman, Sue (Hargraves) Youngman, Barbara Pape, and dearly loved Ash Cliff, who,with Mary- Alice Pelham Thorman, arranged the flowers for about 20 years. More recently Christine and Rob May, Trish Levick, Jeanette Evans and her golfing friend, Susan Pushack, Lesley Jemesen, Mary Pollard, Keva North, Fiona Bannerman, Claudia Hyles, Gwen Le Comte and now Pat White, recruited last year. Photos: Kay Pendlebury 11 SERVICES St Paul’s Sunday Services 7.00 am Holy Eucharist () OUR EDITORIAL PURPOSE 8.00 am Holy Eucharist (A Prayer Book for Australia) 10.00 am Holy Eucharist - Sung (A Prayer Book for Australia) Community aims to connect people with Choral God, with each other and with our community 6.00pm Service of Choral Evensong on the second by sharing experiences through reflective Sunday of the month, February to November dialogue. Prayers for Healing— Community seeks to create a sense of on the second Wednesday of the month immediately encounter and belonging, to build relationships following the 10am Eucharist within the church and beyond, to recognise the Weekday Services capacity of religion to nourish individual lives, 10 am Wednesday- Holy Eucharist and to reflect the unique position of St Paul’s, St David’s and St Luke’s in the life of the St David’s Diocese and the nation. Sunday Service It will do this through stories of the 8.30am - Holy Eucharist Parishes and the wider Anglican community in Weekday Service ways relevant to its readers. 10 am Thursday- Holy Eucharist Community needs the engagement of readers and contributors to reflect the richness St Luke’s and diversity of the Parishes and to honour and Sunday services proclaim an expression of faith in our life 8 am Holy Communion together. 10 am Family Service Thursday 10.30 am Holy Communion and Healing Service

Community

Produced by: St Paul’s Parish Council, ST PAUL’S PARISH COUNCIL Manuka, Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn Serving: St Paul’s Manuka Members of St Paul’s Parish Council are: The Rev’d Dr St David’s Red Hill Brian Douglas (chair), the Rev’d Susan Bridge, the Rev’d St Luke’s Deakin Kevin Stone, Dr Ingrid Moses (Rector’s Warden), Robert Telephone: 02 62396148 Deane, Peter McDermott (People’s Wardens), Catherine Fax 02 62394079 Bohm, Robert Bailey, George Menham, Mary Pollard Website: http://www.stpaulsmanuka.org.au (Parish Councillors), Duncan Anderson, Lorraine Litster E-mail: [email protected] (St. David’s Wardens), Tony Ralli, Sandy White (Rector’s Rector: The Rev’d Dr Brian Douglas appointments). Helen Raymond.( minute taker) Assistant Priest The Rev’d Susan Bridge Associate Priest, Priest in charge St Luke’s The Rev’d Kevin Stone ST LUKE’S PARISH COUNCIL Web site: www.deakinanglican.com.au Publication: Community is available in print Members of St Luke’s Parish Council are: The Rev’d and electronic form on the St Kevin Stone (Chair), Edna Sturman, John Pilbeam, Alison Paul’s Parish web site or by e- Heath, Julie Hirst, Jenny Joyce, Chris Murray, Perry mail. Wiles, Jacqui Marsden (Secretary) Printed by: MBE, Manuka Editor: George Menham E-mail: EDITORIAL NOTE [email protected] Requests: Please contact St Paul’s Parish Office. Items identified as coming from the web © 2013 All rights reserved site of the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn are published with permission.

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