Inspired by God’s love, through worship, prayer and scriptural reflection, we seek to live our Christ-centred values by meeting the The needs of our communities through serving and accepting others.
Issue: 101 A Newspaperdvocate of the Anglican Diocese of Wangaratta I www.wangaratta-anglican.org.au June/July 2021 ‘What is impossible for mortals is possible for God.’
with what seems almost impossible - a camel going through the eye of a PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS needle.
The Right Rev’d Clarence E Bester Jesus’ response to the rich person Theme: The God of Possibilities thousands of kilometres over the - whom he invited to go and sell 3 months, enabling the privilege everything - and the man’s own Progress Report of continuing these conversations sadness in response - illustrated how Having only had Synod six months by ‘cross-pollination’ and ongoing difficult it is for people to change or ago, we have not done as much as interaction. face challenges. We know that, when it we hoped, however have begun a comes to change, people would prefer process of intentional conversations I sincerely hope that further discussions the ‘usual’, the known and the familiar in February-April with the Bishop during Synod will prioritise clear and anything resembling change can engaging with the Parish Leadership directions for a ministry strategy that be difficult. Teams of 22 Pastoral Charges. These will foster the growth and development meetings proved very informative, of all God’s people in the Diocese. As a Parish Priest for many years on fruitful and forward looking. It gave the three continents, I have experienced Teams the opportunity to share their The God of Possibilities this resistance to change and views and have robust discussions Knowing the difficulties and challenges challenge, especially if people want with the Bishop about the shape of we face as a Church, there is always to do things as they have for many ministry. this sense that things will work out. years. One could contextualise this Knowing much about the God of parable and say that it will be easier Also, we have been able to exercise Surprises as I tried to articulate last for a camel to go through the eye of a a ministry of visibility, availability and year, this year I have chosen as theme needle than for change to be affected presence, creating opportunities ‘The God of Possibilities’, believing within congregations, despite the for some re-organisation through that challenges create opportunities prospect of not being able to continue our four area-deaneries for ongoing and opportunities give way to all because of a lack of numbers, massive conversation about our Ministry Action kinds of possibilities. In the parable of generational gaps and genuine Plan. There will be opportunities for the rich person in Luke 18:18-29, we financial constraints. training and developing our Laity see a rather bizarre comparison of a for their ministries. I have covered rich person entering God’s kingdom Continued page 6
Inside the Advocate this month ...... PAGE 3 PAGE 5 PAGE 8 2 THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021
nine Bishops in attendance, with apologies from the others who Provincial Council were unable to attend. It is highly The Book of Psalms possible that this was the first time Kilmore had had so many Bishops meet at Kilmore in the town at the same time!
BY CAROLINE BURGE Wangaratta, Melbourne, Bendigo, From a ‘catering’ perspective – it Ballarat and Gippsland; as well was a little like the Feeding of the On Tuesday April 13th, the as Lay Representatives of each 5000! Not that there were 5000 in Provincial Council held their Diocese including Registrars, attendance, but with the generosity biannual meeting at Christ Church Legal representatives and other of many parishioners, a plentiful Kilmore. This is the first time the elected Lay people. The Council supply of food for morning tea, meeting has been held in Kilmore meet as a support structure to all lunch and afternoon “magically” and the first time in many years the Dioceses in the Province with appeared. The Parish was since the Diocese of Wangaratta sharing of ideas, collaborating on honoured to be asked to host the has had the pleasure of hosting ministry issues and supporting meeting and Christ Church Kilmore the meeting. each other. The Archbishop was transformed into a large of Melbourne (the Right Rev’d meeting space in the main body What a joy for the Parish of Kilmore Dr Philip Freier), who is the of the church, as well as an eating to welcome nearly 30 members Metropolitan of the Province of area at the back of the church. of the Provincial Council to their Victoria, chaired the meeting, with What a joy to have such a large Parish Church. The Council is Bishop Andrew Curnow as the building to create a ‘living space’ made up of Bishops and Assistant Provincial Executive Officer and and the ability to spread out more Bishops from the five Dioceses’ Secretary of the Provincial Council. in keeping with COVID regulations. in the Province of Victoria – At the meeting in April there were
BY REV’D CANON SCOTT JESSUP find a place, it is a dialogue that is not ‘sanitised’; God hears Whatever the human situation or what is in our heart and mind. In emotion, it finds its expression in expressing complaint openly to the Book of Psalms. The heights God the psalmist is set free from of great jubilation and the depths their darkness and is able to ‘re- of sorrow, every facet of human orientate’ their human experience emotion are all offered up to thus enabling a movement in their God in the form of poetry. St relationship with God. Suffering Athanasius the Great (4th century) shared is suffering that is easier described the psalms as a ‘garden’ to bear. Often we find it hard to containing all kinds of fruits. Some expose our deepest suffering are encouraging, comforting to other people. Our feelings and affirming, whilst others are of vulnerability hold us back. Lester & Son Do you have an challenging. Over the centuries Yet, often we are unable fully to Funeral Directors Like us on they have been the staple diet acknowledge to ourselves what Event that you of worship, both for the Jewish is going on without the help of A tradition of personal, professional care since 1907 community in which they originated someone to share it with us. God Facebook would like to and for the Christian church. They may well send us help through our advertise in the are full of praise. There are also family and friends, but it is also Advocate? many laments, expressions of possible to approach God directly grief or sorrow, arising from the and honestly, as the psalmist does Anglican experience of desolation and in the Psalms. Send it to suffering. Yet, even when the Diocese of registry@wangaratta- psalmist is at their lowest ebb they John Calvin said that the psalms anglican.org.au see their existence inextricably act like a ‘mirror’ to the soul. Wangaratta linked to the presence, goodness and faithfulness of God and can The expression of praise weaves express trust in God’s intervention. its way in and out of the psalms. Andrew Harbick & Darren Eddy This special covenant relationship The psalms provide direction as to between God and God’s people what is possible in our relationship Call now for immediate service or for an appointment to discuss your funeral needs. is important in understanding with God, providing guidance for 02 6056 1700 the psalms. It is because of prayer and a model to follow in 49 Thomas Mitchell Drive Wodonga this relationship that the psalms expressing the full range of human take the form of a conversation/ emotions including praise, lament www.lesterandson.com.au dialogue. A conversation/dialogue and complaint. All Hours • All Areas • Pre-planned Funerals Available where both complaint and praise
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Looking down the valley...... 9 Revised Standard Version of the Bible, wangaratta-anglican.org.au. copyrighted, 1989, by the Division of Christian Contact the Diocese for editorial deadlines. (03) 5721 3484 Education of the National Council of the For more information on our Safe Church policies and procedures contact People & Parishes...... 12 Churches of Christ in the United States of Contributions and photos are welcome (please limit to approximately 300 words) for America, and are used by permission. All rights consideration for publication dependent on space and content with the understanding that the Safe Church and Systems Officer Front page photo credit - https://www.istockphoto.com/ reserved they may be edited. Pictures should be provided as a high resolution JPEG (200dpi) or Tiff on 03 5721 3484. portfolio/DilokKlaisataporn if possible THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 3 Farewell to the Registrar BY VEN (Emeritus) ALAN JARRAD himself each week. On a personal level Tim was able to endear himself to people of all Tim Williams came to our Diocese to take backgrounds and never turned down an up the position of Bishop’s Registrar with a opportunity for a good meal and a glass of very rich and varied career and personal something. Watching Tim eat his rare cooked background. He has served the Church steaks became an art form. in Papua New Guinea and worked with from the Bishop Aboriginal communities in Queensland and Tim has been a loyal and faithful servant to much more. All this on top of a stint as a this Diocese, even with sometimes difficult No Ordinary Time Public Servant in Sydney following a try at decision making. The various committees of Having celebrated the fifty days of Easter, the Ascension, Pentecost and Trinity Sunday, we university education. The administrative skills the diocese have appreciated his secretarial are now in Ordinary Time in the Church’s Liturgical Calendar. There is, however, nothing needed to run our Diocesan Registry Office skills and his wise and considered counsel ordinary about our situation within Australia and the world as many places and people are had been accrued over many years. at times. The registry office was always an still challenged by the reality of Covid-19 in 2021. It was hoped that by now things would accommodating and friendly place to visit for have eased, as it indeed did within the Australian context, though I am writing at a time Tim brought with him a well-grounded whatever reason. when our seven-day lock down in Victoria has just been extended by another seven days, approach to his duties, having come from a with easing of restrictions in Regional Victoria. working-class mining family in Tasmania. His The Jarrad household, affectionately nick straightforward and, at times, matter of fact -named “ The do duck inn” by a former bishop Depending on case numbers and the number of vaccinations that will be administered, approach to his job characterised his time as of the diocese, is going to miss those regular there is a distinct possibility that this 4th lockdown since 2020 could have a devastating Registrar with us. There were times when I social times too. effect on our situation and our already under-resourced Churches. I do hope and ask you to am sure he ruffled a few feathers but always in the best interest of parishes and diocese. Happy retirement Tim. You have given above continue to pray for the situation in Victoria so that we might overcome this present situation He wasn’t a soft touch when important the call of duty and saw your work as a calling and look forward to the kind of stability for which we all hope. and lasting decisions had to be made. His rather than a job. decision making was at a very practical Synod 2021 level, especially when it came to property How lucky were we to have had an in-person Synod just days before the seven- day matters. He soon gained the confidence of lockdown? We could meet, pray, talk and fellowship together as we considered how the the Diocese. His ability to take on board all ‘God of Possibilities’ will lead us and guide us within our collaborative ministry arrangements. the new and varied regulations from the wider God willing and Covid permitting, we will continue to engage in our Ministry Action Plan for church as well as governments meant that he the Diocese and each Parish, so that we may, by the end of August, present an updated always kept his Bishop and the Diocese up Mission and Ministry Plan which will be simple, realistic and achievable. Please reserve 21 to date. Tim is a person who likes to see the August in your diaries for our possible next Diocesan gathering that will take the form of bigger picture for the Diocese and the wider the first ‘Lyall Turley’ Memorial Lecture and Ministry Conference entitled ‘Being Confident church. Even during his leisure time and days in the Confidence of Christ’. Archbishop Philip Freier will be one of the keynote speakers off, he was never off the phone answering and others will be announced soon. This will be preceded by the Friends of the Cathedral some request from around the Diocese. Dinner on the Friday, so please get in touch with Eunice Cardwell (0428 580 410) should you like to join in the dinner. An abridged version of the Bishop’s Synod Charge is printed From my personal relationship with Tim, in the Advocate and a full copy can be found on the website. (www.wangaratta-anglican. I would describe him as a “frustrated non org.au) ordained lay person”. He has a deep love of the faith as expressed in the church. His Season of Creation personal spirituality is well grounded in This year, the Diocese will join in the Season of Creation, joining Anglicans throughout the “Holy Mother Church” as he has so often world to honour the 5th mark of mission… ‘strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and expressed. A worship preference for the sustain and renew the life of the earth.’ Our programme will start on Sunday, 5 September Catholic tradition of the church saw him make and continue until Sunday, 3 October and we will provide all liturgical resources for this. I his weekly commitment wherever he found ask that each Parish participate in this so that we can make our contribution to the Care of Creation.
"Let us prepare for winter ... It is time to go inside" Michael Leunig Every blessing, Diocesan Quiet Day Saturday 24th July, 2021 + Clarence Diocesan Quiet Days The Diocese of Wangaratta will be holding a resources and using scripture, music, poetry, series of Quiet Days. art etc. as a springboard for reflection and prayer. A Quiet Day is an opportunity for you to step aside from the demands of your usual daily The Quiet days will be held on the 24th July life, to be still and quiet, and to be nourished - Mansfield, 4th September - Wangaratta, and refreshed by God. 20th November - Yackandandah and Kilmore. For more details and bookings see ads on The quiet days have a theme, with the leader pages 3 (left), 5 and 10 of this edition of the giving a couple of short talks and providing Advocate. DIOCESAN CALENDAR JUNE AUGUST
St John’s Anglican Church, Mansfield Clergy Professional Ministry Conference - save the (Corner of Highett & Victoria Streets) Development Day date! - more information to come. 24th 21st 10:00am – 3:30pm
Leader: The Venerable (emeritus) Catie Inches-Ogden, CSC Bishop in Council Bishop in Council 26th A day of reflection using the writings of Richard Rohr OFM 28th (American author, spiritual writer, and Franciscan priest). A time to be away from the demands of your usual daily life, to stop, be silent, reflect, and be refreshed. JULY SEPTEMBER No charge. Tea/coffee provided. BYO Lunch. Diocesan Quiet Day - for more Season of Creation - 5th
st details see ad on this page 5th September - 3rd October
Bookings (by 21 July) and enquiries: Catie – email: [email protected] 24th Phone: 0417552180 4 THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 A Day Out for MU & News from Mothers’ Union BY MARY MUNTZ Craft Group BY FAY WHITEHEAD MU branch Members and Lone Members gathered at Purbrick Hall on Monday 2nd of February to participate in a planning day for our activities this Corryong MU group, as well as year. We thank the Dean, Rev’d Ken Goodger for his participation and final Corryong Craft Shop group, enjoyed a documentation of our strengths and outlining our opportunities for this year. wonderful day in Wangaratta recently. We were fed extremely well, craft We found the needs of our own communities were very similar, but also our replacement items were provided as age and health will have an impact on what we can actively achieve. We well as retail therapy in Wangaratta agreed we must continue our support to faithful parishioners and welcome central or a visit to Bruck Mill. This newcomers and visitors. There may be young families who need help with has been in the planning since our babysitting, a meal or just someone to offer support. Mothers’ Union plans Bushfire disasters, put off for a while often include the parish priest for activities such as a Eucharist before due to COVID. Thanks must go to meetings or leading Quiet Days. Local media may help when hosting special Jenny Still and all her craft team for fundraising events for Overseas and Northern Outreach. their work in applying for Bushfire relief funding to get us all down Wangaratta’s Mothers’ Union history is vastly different from the beginning of to Wang. at no cost to us. Thanks Mothers’ Union in Egypt in early 2000.”One of the most used churches within must go also to the Ballarat Craft the Anglican Communion is All Saints’ Cathedral in Cairo. It is a house of group who delivered boxes of basic prayer for all nations and is located in a strategic and prosperous area not far essential craft items to Wangaratta from under developed areas. Mothers’ Union is based at All Saints’ Cathedral for Corryong ladies. Over 30 ladies and was introduced to the congregation by twenty Sudanese members went home to Corryong after a very fleeing from Sudan’s political turmoil in early 2000.” MU members organised a satisfying fulfilling day, provided for refugee craft shop and café. There are now two branches within the Diocese, us all by the generosity of such a well the second in Maade. Coping with a difficult political situation and economy, organised group. It is to be hoped MU Members meet together for prayer, to promote youth and children’s that this is the start of exchange visits ministry, interfaith dialogue, library and ecumenical relationships and ministry. to each other. Visits are made to the sick and vulnerable in the community - teaching skills, Aids/ HIV awareness, MULOA and their MU choir and support for families PHOTOS RIGHT: Top; Sylvia affected by all types of domestic violence are all part of their activities. Egypt Montgomery and Marie Harris. Left; Pat Sheather and Alice Albert also has 140 churches and the Alexandria School of Theology. Anglican Mothers’ Union Entertain Lakeview Lodge Folk BY DIANE GRANT Some of the Anglican Parish enjoyed leading the residents May. At the end of the program this particular form of fun. of Central Goulburn Mothers’ in a short program of popular the MU visitors, Hostel and Folk in aged care facilities or Union (MU) members songs, the armchair Hokey The residents and staff were Nursing home residents and It is to have a Grandparents nursing homes enjoy singing went along to Nagambie Pokey dance, some fun very happy to join together NHC Staff farewelled NHC theme for those who don’t along to songs they learnt as Healthcare’s Lakeview ditties and some readings once again with the MU folk activities co-ordinator Tricia see their grandchildren very children or young adults. Lodge hostel dining room and on Thursday afternoon on 27 for this annual church activity. Stuart who was retiring after much, or at all, or for those 11 years at the facility. who look after them a lot.
The MU were planning on Invitations have been sent enrolling some new members out to local churches, service at St Paul’s in Avenel on 30 clubs and organisations and May, but due to the Covid 19 any interested individual Lockdown that has had to be grannies may reply to Di postponed. Grant 5794 1720 or Mary Greenshields 5799 0141 to They hope that they will be let them know how many able to conduct their one need to be catered for on the and only annual fundraiser day for morning tea. on Thursday, June 24, at the Christ Church hall in A raffle and lucky door prize Seymour. $10 entry. draws will be conducted and a trading table. It is their Mothers’ Union Morning Melodies fundraiser PHOTO LEFT: Residents, for MU Overseas and staff and Mothers’ Union (MU) Visitors at Nagambie’s Lakeview Outreach. The Morning Lodge Hostel Melodies entertainer will be Noel Pearson, who is well known around the circuit for Corryong Deb The 2020 and 2021 group of Debs were presented to Bishop Clarence Bester and his wife Michelle on Saturday 1st of May . The debs and their partners were trained by the Rev Mitch Porter, Rev Alan Kelb accompanied by Lee were part of the official party also. A wonderful night was had by all. The night saw the retirement of a number of the Deb Ball committee due to health and age. We would like to sincerely thank the following for their work over many years, Sandra Benton, Kim Van Dijke, Fay Whitehead, Josie Miller and wish the new committee and trainer all the best for the 2022 Anglican Deb Ball. THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 5 Faith, Hope & Love
Parish Partnerships BY CATHY NESBITT
Twelve months on from the excitement of slowly Manager for Diocesan and Parish Partnership, being able to re-open again and move about and Chris de Paiva. Below is a little from each. here we are with a Snap Lockdown of 7 days. In other news Be it five days or five weeks, sudden lockdowns It has been wonderful to slowly get out and can be particularly triggering, causing downturns about and catch up with people again. in people’s mental wellbeing. Over the coming months I will be scheduling So how do you manage your emotions? Here more trips around the diocese to come and meet are a few tips: If you feel you are experiencing you and see what is happening. I will reach out a mental health crisis, please seek professional to you all soon, however if you have something help. Help yourself at home by: Eating well, Deep that you would like to discuss or show me earlier, Breathing, Regularly exercising, Maintaining please reach out. You can email me at Cathy. a routine - a deep sleep routine or practice a [email protected] mindfulness activity like tai chi or yoga (lots of or call 0409 020 362. Mindfulness information and activities on the internet) Anglicare Victoria has recently been successful in receiving funding from DSS and The Salvation What is happening within Anglicare Victoria? Army to pilot a new ER program in Alpine Shire. The last six months have seen some significant This is in early stages and I will talk more about changes to Anglicare Victoria in our region. it next edition. Firstly we changed our name from St Luke’s Region to North Central Region. On a sad note, Tanya Grant will be leaving Anglicare Victoria on the 30th June 2021. Tanya We also welcomed Michael Oerlemans as the has been an amazing asset to the Anglicare new Regional Director for the North Central Team here in Wangaratta and has achieved a Region. lot. She will be missed not only by the staff but the volunteers and everyone else she has come In regard to the Wangaratta Anglicare Victoria across in her time here. office, my role now has a new Team Leader, Paul Rankin and Manager, Tracey Grinter. Both We wish Tanya all the very best with the next Paul and Tracey are based in Bendigo but you chapter of her life and I am sure our paths will will see them in Wangaratta from time to time. cross again. Anglicare Victoria also appointed a new Program Spring Diocesan Quiet Day Chris de Paiva Saturday 4th September Hello my name is Chris de Paiva and I have recently been appointed Program Manager of Diocesan and Parish Partnerships 10:00am – 2:00pm for Anglicare Victoria. I have a Social Work background and have worked in faith based organisations for nearly 30 years. I Bishop’s Lodge, Cusack St, Wangaratta am passionate about community development and empowering the disenfranchised in our community. It was great to have the Tea/coffee and lunch will be provided. opportunity to share about Parish Partnerships at Synod last week and hear about some of the wonderful work parishes are doing in Bookings (by 30th August): Scott 0418254158; email: the community. I look forward to working with you in the future. [email protected]
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop Michael Oerlemans Faith, Hope & Love Michael moved to Bendigo in 1998 after twelve years working in the academic and research sector. Michael came to Anglicare Victoria Leader: The Rev’d Canon Scott Jessup in 2016 as Manager, Out of Home Care, working with the team to lift residential care performance and support the delivery of kinship Using reflections, art, music & silence, I will explore the life and spirituality of the and foster care. Michael then moved into the role as Regional Australian Saint, Mary MacKillop. Development Manager, where he worked with all of the programs in the North Central region to grow AV’s footprint across regional One of the appeals that ‘saints’ have for people in the world today is that they are Victoria. In 2020 Michael was successful in being appointed ordinary people who have looked at life and, in the day to day circumstances in Regional Director North Central. which they lived, succeeded in catching the word of God and living it – living it in various ways.
Mary MacKillop’s faith gave her a new vision of the world. She saw people not Tracey Grinter just with the natural eye as deserving sympathy and a helping hand, but as ‘a new “I’ve been working at AV for nearly seven years now. I commenced creation’ in Christ, children of God surpassing in grandeur and dignity anything we my employment in the Financial Counselling team and have had can imagine. a few role changes since then. It’s a busy role as there are staff ‘God’s love is too deep for words to express’, Mary MacKillop, 1870. spread across the Central, North Central and Northwest regions in Victoria and I spend lots of time travelling between Mildura, Mary was always full of hope and she instilled hope in others. She gave people Bendigo, Melbourne and Wangaratta. I’ve always been passionate a sense of their worth so that they were empowered to get up and have a go, about Financial Counselling and enjoy being involved in the day to just as she did. Hope was how she got through the tough times and the knock- day delivery of the program. I even still see clients when I can!” backs and her hope was firmly grounded in her trust in God. She knew, and was convinced, that God would make it right, that God would provide, that the venture, whatever it might have been at the time, would succeed if God wanted it to. She often launched into the deep without the funds and financial backing that we would see as an imperative today, knowing that if God wanted this to happen the money would come or that her Sisters would be looked after in some way. Paul Rankin ‘Be calm and full of hope’, Mary MacKillop, 1871. Paul has been with Anglicare Victoria for 3 years as a Financial Mary was a woman who dared to love. She knew that God loved her and she Counsellor. Paul comes from many years of experience in the responded to this love with confidence and courage. Nothing was too small to accounting and financial management industry and also a number catch her eye as she looked on the needs of those around her. of years in youth work and chaplaincy fields. ‘Never see a need without doing something about it’, Mary MacKillop.
The Rev’d Canon Scott Jessup Prior to ordination, Scott was the Manager/Curator of Mary MacKillop Place Museum in North Sydney (the Shrine of Mary of the Cross MacKillop). 6 THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 second session of the fortieth
Synodtask is to bring about the dynamic 2021 PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS in prayer and allow our voices to rise Continued from front page change that God desires for God’s like fountains before God, whether Church. We have no choice but to corporately or individually. Prayer is We are aware that, for the disciples, stick to the agenda of Christ. central to the Christian faith, as is even though Jesus was still with the concept to love. We are called them, this was difficult to understand This ministry and manner of being as God’s people to engage in this - they became concerned about the Church will need to move beyond prayerful relationship with God. concept of salvation, to the extent the worshipping community on a that Peter made quite sure to remind Sunday. It needs to take into account One of those focus areas will our Lord that they had left everything the challenges that are before us, be for us as a Diocese to create to follow Jesus. For us too, the but also the opportunities. We are more opportunities for reflection, comparison may sound ridiculous, exercising a ministry of ‘surviving’ meditation and prayer days. I hope because our minds also are not in waiting for the last one to turn that this Diocesan ministry will spill capable of seeing what the God of off the lights, instead of allowing over into each parish, so that we can Possibilities can do. the God of Possibilities to move us seek the mind of Christ and create from surviving to thriving. And yes, opportunities for spiritual renewal, This does not mean that no effort this is possible - made possible by enrichment and refreshment. A is required on our part, but creates the one who calls us and equips us quote from Evelyn Underhill, says an understanding that God is for ministry, who showers us with that ‘Divine renewal can only come with us through all the changing love and who is the same one who through those whose roots are in circumstances in life. As people of promised to be with us always. Just the world of prayer ....’ Our worship faith, we can bear testimony to this consider a paraphrase of the way services provide us with some through our own Christian journey. Jesus responds to Peter in verses opportunity for this kind of renewal, God does not make empty promises, 29-30: I assure you that anyone but focused times will further others. Great emphasis has also the Saturday following the Friends but is with us, walks alongside us who leaves home, partner, siblings, enhance this, showing us the rich been placed on our Pastoral ministry of the Cathedral Dinner. The theme and supports and sustains us. children, parents for the sake of the experience of praying together. - to look for opportunities outside for this year will be: ‘Being confident Kingdom, will receive much more. our normal Sunday services to be a in the confidence of Christ.’ There There is growing concern because of This is a return to the basics of our consistent presence. will also be a great emphasis on our the difficulties that we are facing as a In discerning God’s will and direction Christian experience and is very Pastoral networking and training as Church including, within our context, for my future ministry in 2014, important, especially when we can Yes, there is a need to ensure the an identified priority. the inability to attract clergy to serve in I discovered a Diocese called lose sight of our call and purpose, financial viability of our Parishes, but multi-centred and wide geographical Wangaratta, a place that I now call our mission and ministry as God’s without an intentional discipleship In moving towards this collaborative areas. This is a difficulty in the Church home. Our visa application was people, especially when the temporal programme we will not be able to ministry, I need to share my prayerful throughout the world. What makes it extremely complicated, so that I supersedes the spiritual. We need to reach others and encourage them reflection and deep theological especially difficult for us is that we almost gave up on the process. engage in that kind of ministry where to become part of who we are. understanding that each order of have become too complacent and it I failed to see what the God of we depend on the strength of Christ There is also a strong emphasis ministry needs to minister according would seem as if we are waiting for Possibilities would make possible, through our prayers and spirituality, on collaboration between laity and to that order. In 2019 a regulation the final countdown or the sinking of or to confidently surrender to God’s so that we can visualise what is clergy and the need to provide our was passed at Synod approving a the ship. will for me - and now I serve God possible - it becomes possible laity with the tools to enable them to service to be used in Retirement and you as God’s people within this because we allow ourselves to be assist and lead services. Villages, Nursing Homes, Hospitals We form mission and ministry plans, ministry. directed by God and open ourselves and to the Sick at home, enabling but still have a greater emphasis on to the God of Possibilities. During lockdown in 2020 our clergy the correct use of a service with the things temporal than spiritual. We In 2016, at the 3rd session of the excelled in their creativity to enable reserved sacrament only within those are caught up with maintenance 38th Diocesan Synod, there was a Ministry Action Plan connection. We used the resources contexts as regulated. It was never and cannot move into a mission and sense that we might not continue as If we fail to plan, we plan to fail. available including morning or intended that this service be used outreach mode. The committee- a Diocese, but join those with whom Effective planning helps us to evening prayer. Inasmuch as we by a Deacon or Lay Minister within syndrome is on the increase. Our we bordered. In my maiden speech achieve our goals. Having had the are a sacramental church, we have a Church during Divine Service on focus and agenda even in Parish at that Synod, I said that nothing conversations with the Leadership discovered how we can be with each a Sunday or any other time for the Council meetings have much to ventured, nothing gained and that the Teams, we have some idea of other as we share our prayers and gathering of the people of God. I ask do with the day to day running of small seed we planted that day was priority areas. This will assist our praise. When we resumed services kindly that we follow our own rules the church plant and hardly any merely our activity. What we needed conversation, but also captures the in November, many moved back to and give notice that I will not turn a intentional conversations about the was to water this plant and allow God desires and directions for which we ‘business as usual’ with mainly the blind eye or give permission for this. concept of, as the Lambeth theme to do God’s part, for growth is not aim. Each Team described what Eucharist service, which can only be Reserved sacrament services on says, being ‘God’s Church for God’s ours, but God’s. would be important for them, but celebrated by a Priest. Once again, Sundays or other days when people World’. also suggested directions for our we prefer the familiar and the known gather have been attributed to We are not saying that it will always collaborative Diocesan ministry. and often cover huge distances to financial constraints and that people Yes, it is good to report on and be easy, but here is an opportunity to Continuing these conversations provide many Eucharistic services still need to have communion. maintain things temporal, but our exercise this ministry with hospitality, within Deaneries has helped us to a on a Sunday. Covid and lockdown have shown us business is about God, God’s people simplicity, humility and great clearer direction and this session of something different and I hope we and God’s Church. Who we are is generosity. We don’t need ‘rocket- Synod will provide the opportunity The financial pressures on our can build on that creativity. foundational in our calling as the science’, we just need to faithfully do to shape together a plan for the Parishes, especially with the end baptised community, whose identity what Jesus calls us to do by sticking Diocese. of Jobkeeper, have constrained I do hope that our clergy with PTO is rooted and grounded in God. Our to the agenda of Jesus. us into Parish cooperative ministry can assist where possible and that Much of what I am sharing here is a arrangements, as we no longer have those who feel called to the ordained Spirituality and direct result of those conversations, the financial resources to cover full ministry, as either Deacon or Priest, Prayer but also my own prayer and writing time clergy in most areas. One such will follow the process of our Diocese At my ordination retreat, as I continue to seek the mind arrangement came into place last and be discerned for that ministry. as a Priest, the of Christ in my role as bishop. I will November, another will be finalised exhortation given continue to work, walk and witness shortly, with the prospect of one A further development is that to me was a alongside all our congregations so more by September. Hence it will be the Diocese has returned to the reminder that the that we can remain faithful to our important for us to develop the skills traditional Curacy Model, where task I was about call and the task we are setting for of our Deacons and Lay People to be trainee deacons and priests will work to undertake ourselves. I believe that, as a Church, able to lead Morning Prayer. in a parish under the supervision of was a weighty we are not called to be successful, a Priest-In-Charge or Incumbent. I responsibility but we are called to be faithful. Our Director of Vocations and again express great gratitude to God which can only be Training, with a team of Lay Trainers for the specialised ministry of service undertaken by an As I listened to people across the in each Deanery, has outlined a of Deacons and their contribution to ever-deepening Diocese, an important priority is for training programme for laity and God’s Church. I am also very open to practice of the enrichment of our Spirituality defined the requirements for different explore other models regarding Local prayer. This has and Prayer life. There are deep categories of ministry. Later this year Shared or Ordained Ministry, but this expressions of hope that our ministry sustained me we will provide an opportunity for would need to be developed further will build relationships through our through these online theological training through and follow a similar discernment interaction with the community, 25 years and the Australis programme hosted by process. will continue to with relevant attention and action to the Diocese of Bendigo (previously issues of social justice. The concern sustain me. known as the Bishop’s Certificate). I pray that, as we continue to walk, about the generational gap compels talk, discover and plan together, us to revitalise our Parish ministry This is also true We will also inaugurate a yearly we may see all things come to by being attractive to the ‘absent’ for us as a Church memorial lecture in honour of the fruition and that we will do and generation. and a Diocese late Canon Lyall Turley who was become what God wants us to be and in whatever our Director of Vocations and in our ministry together. This is a This does not in any way mean that ministry action established many of our processes. process of interaction and continued we abandon what we are doing, plan we navigate This Lecture will be combined with engagement with one another. together. We but creatively look at our liturgy, our a Diocesan Ministry Conference on Continued on page 7 The Most Rev’d Geoff Smith need to be soaked ministry and our interaction with THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 7 second session of the fortieth
Continued from page 6 Synodare totally dependent on Op Shops renew the life of the earth.’ Even2021 technology to connect and to reduce a few of us, might look different from and Rental property. Many of our though this is listed as the 5th mark of our carbon footprint. We decreased the rest, but we still believe that we Embracing the Future Parochial Districts have attendees mission, it is not the least important. printing and assisted people to are part of God’s divine design. The 2016-2020 Diocesan Strategic well below 20 on average; 22 of our I am concerned that, at a discussion make full use of technology. Within Plan is entitled ‘Embracing the Churches average between 2 and with the Lay Leaders of our Diocese, the Diocese, we have reduced the Please continue to pray for the Future.’ I have already highlighted 10 attendees, with two Churches to they presented this as the lowest number of meetings and hence Anglican church of Australia, for our some of the difficulties that we face, be deconsecrated soon. This does priority, with only one out of 60 travel time and some will be held Primate and all Bishops, Clergy and but also what can become possible not make mathematical or financial people recommending that we use via zoom. We will be encouraging People that God may sustain us and through an applied ministry plan. sense. our voice to speak on Environmental those who attend to use their devices that we may restore the true image of The mission of the Church is God’s issues and four people promoting rather than print. I hope that Parishes a loving God. mission and we are called to be part Many of these Churches have that we need to lead by example in will follow suit and work towards of that mission. We must be open to Trusts designated for maintenance, relation to recycling, solar panels and reducing, re-using and recycling. 120th Anniversary for the Diocese God leading, directing and guiding but we cannot even use the choice of food in catering. On 13 March 2022, we will us. interest to support the ministry of Challenges within the National celebrate the 120th anniversary the congregation or mission in the Interestingly, the first listed mark of Church of the Enthronement of our first Last year I described the concept of community. ‘Innovative ministry’ mission, ‘proclaiming the good news We need to be aware of challenges Bishop, Bishop Armstrong. We Parish as the whole of the community can allow this money to be used, of the Kingdom’, was the second within the Anglican Church of have seen many changes through served. It is well for us to remind as well as escaping our obligatory lowest priority! Understanding the Australia. the episcopacy of ten bishops ourselves of what it means to be contribution to the Church Extension age profile of attendees, I am not of Wangaratta, but also the all- Church. Through the conversations Fund on redundant land sales, but surprised - this presents only one Two years ago, when some sustaining power of God enabling about our ministry direction, Church still means that any church could viewpoint, compared to discussions advocated that those who do not us now to engage with our Ministry for many is all about the building easily become ‘the richest Church in with Parish Leadership Teams and agree with others should leave the Action Plan with the 11th Bishop of and ensuring that the building the graveyard’. I am not suggesting the Clergy. Anglican Church, I wrote a letter Wangaratta, the Clergy and people. remains open. For many it seems as that we become complacent when expressing my sincere belief that we Throughout all this time and the time if Church is the place we go to and there are these monies available, The priority areas for our clergy can find ways of working, worshipping to come, the Church within this place not always the people we gather but that, through our Ministry Action include collaborating with and and serving together. There is no will continue its work, worship and with for worship, prayer, praise of Plan, we re-structure our Parochial empowering the Laity, using our doubt that structures are being set up witness, because we acknowledge the almighty God and the breaking boundaries to engage in a model of liturgy creatively, building trust in our by the GAFCON movement to look at Christ as the cornerstone and of bread. The Church, it seems, ministry that serves the purpose and church operating systems and having alternative Episcopal oversight and foundation of Christ’s Church. We remains the gathered community call demanded for our times. a clearer mission focus through planting of congregations. Within this also acknowledge that the Church ensuring that the ‘usual things’ family outreach programmes. Diocese we have made provision for was well in existence before our time happen. I hope that we will put forward a people to exercise their conscience and will continue long after we have plan of action by next Synod, as We need to have a ministry action in accordance with the regulations. left this transitory life. Even if congregations are small we explore best practice and good plan and develop sustainable Schismatic tendencies seem to I hope that we will have a wonderful with no prospect of growth, we find governance within existing legislative structures and activities to fill the be a trait of the Church throughout programme leading up to this that sentimentality overshadows arrangements and ministry generational gap and provide its history, through theological celebration. reality and we are just keeping the commitments. I am committed to finance to support our ministry. It is disagreements, interpretation of building open for the last one to ensure that the way forward for our important to look at those things that scripture and personality differences. Conclusion turn off the lights. It takes a building Diocese will be through collaborative will hopefully restore the image of our I thank God for the privilege of almost to collapse before we can initiatives, intentional and purposeful Church through engagement. It will Within our context there are those serving you, God’s people, within the make alternative arrangements conversations and consultative be sad however if we forget about who deem the current issue of Diocese. This ministry is my joy and for worship. Most of our Pastoral and transparent arrangements. I God’s great gift to us of creation and debate as a matter of salvation. I privilege and I undertake it in great Charges are multi-centered Parishes hope that the last few months of the imperative to safeguard it. In believe that all matters are matters of humility, simplicity, hospitality and with Churches in very close proximity. my episcopacy have shown you the past we earmarked a Sunday in salvation and that our task is to love with great generosity. Some even pass a Church to go to my commitment and intentions for September as Creation Sunday and God and God’s people irrespective another because of their affiliation to the glory of God, in thanksgiving for this year I hope we will focus over 4 of person and to try and lead others I express my gratitude to God for that congregation. Sadly, we have God’s kindness and generosity and weeks on how we can sustain and into a deeper and more meaningful giving me the will and the strength to become very congregational and for the well-being of God’s people renew the life of the earth - home relationship with Jesus. More so, I be able to perform this ministry and parochial and do not see the value and God’s Church. I serve the God of to us and to all creatures great and believe in the creative power of God acknowledge that, without the love in synergising our energies to work the Church and the Church of God small. who brings something from nothing and support of Michelle, Kian and collaboratively. When one looks at and no other. and a God who loves all that God Kyle I could not do this work. the number of attendees at some It is almost as if Covid-19 had to has made. services, it is almost impossible to Creation Care occur for creation to breathe, for see how we can cover ministry costs. I want to emphasise caring for regeneration and development to I have always believed in a God who creation, as we are called through the happen and for the climate to re- is generous with God’s love and Of our 23 Pastoral Charges, (67 Anglican Communion’s five marks of settle. It was also a time for us to that, as one created in the image Church buildings), only 8 are able mission to ‘strive to safeguard the give ourselves a break, to enjoy the and likeness of God, I am extremely The Rt Rev’d Clarence E Bester to provide a full-time ministry; some integrity of creation and sustain and company of our loved ones and to use special and so are all of you. I, and Bishop of Wangaratta
Matthew McInnes Award Recipients Election Results
The Revd Canon The Revd David Still - Scott Jessup - Clerical Clerical Council of the Council of the Diocese Diocese
Board of Electors - no nomination
Grace Hall - In recognition of her leadership within the youth group and pastoral care of youth during Wayne Hart - Lay Thomas Summerfield - In recognition for his COVID lock down, along with her participation in the member of Council contibution to youth ministry through his music in the liturgy of the Parish of Numurkah/Nathalia through the of the Diocese Parish of Albury Servers’ Guild and music. 8 THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 Diocesan Social Justice Committee Update BY SUZIE DON LEONARD freedom to lead a productive • WRAN has met and is life here in Australia. working with ASRC to World refugee week is organize a weekend in the • Jana Favero from the coming up in June. Sunday country for refugees from Asylum Seeker Resource 20 June will see a number of Melbourne. rallies and action being taken. Centre (ASRC) spoke It would be a good opportunity about ongoing campaigns • Letters have been written to recognize and advocate for and practical individual and to politicians expressing refugees in Australia on that group contributions. concern about the indefinite and ongoing detention of day as a part of our worship. After a lovely lunch which met refugees, the lack of support It is concerning that the recent all dietary needs and was when they are suddenly Federal budget has only catered for by parishioners released without supports allocated funds for increased from Wangaratta West and and the family, including detention and none for support the Warby’s, participants young children, still being or settlement. Yet refugees discussed their group’s held on Christmas island are suddenly being released priorities. Common priorities into the community with no emerged: • A vigil is held on the 1st preparation or support after 8 Friday of the month outside years of detention! • to address immediate Helen Haines office and at Christian Purpose Day issues such as the the last one 290 “honks for Rural Australians for BY CATHY CARDEN show the love of Jesus to those around us, detention of the Biloela refugees” were received Refugees in partnership and how this ‘Love Heals’ the brokenness family on Christmas Island, from passing motorists. with WRAN held the Indi the release of those still Recently, approximately 250 staff and in people’s lives. Gathering • The Uniting Church will teachers from the three Anglican schools in hotel detention and the extension of basic human be holding a Refugee in the Wangaratta Diocese (Cathedral Later in the day, Mr James Laussen, A very successful RAR Indi rights such as Medicare and “Feast for Freedom” dinner College Wangaratta, Cobram Anglican Principal of Overnewton Anglican Gathering was held at the Job Seeker to refugees. featuring cuisine from Grammar School and Trinity Anglican Community College, Melbourne, joined Wangaratta Cathedral on April refugee nations on 25 July College) gathered for our Christian us and spoke about “Consciously placing 17-18. It was decided that, • to support the work of and funds raised will be Purposes Day. This was hosted by students at the beginning and centre of after the Covid hiatus, there organizations such as donated to ASRC. It would Cathedral College Wangaratta. This every decision – what does this look like in was a need to update, inform the ASRC and Sanctuary be so good if other churches day is an important opportunity for us to an Anglican school?”. and renew. Close to a hundred through fund raising, could do the same. be reminded of the core values of our people gathered at Holy Trinity information sharing and Cathedral. advocacy for a Bill of Rights. Prior to the Gathering a group Christian beliefs and our Anglican identity We were also joined for the day by the from Indi went to Melbourne to and how this underpins all that we do at Chief Operating Officer of the Anglican Aunt Betty of the Bangerang • To write letters and use march in a rally aimed to give school. Schools Commission, Mr Michael Giles, people gave a moving social media to convince Refugees in detention a voice. and the Reverend Peter Laurence OAM, Welcome to Country and political parties of the It was so sad to see refugees The day began with a Eucharist led by The the Chief Executive Officer, both from host Reverend Ken Goodger need for a just, clear and who had come to Australia for Right Reverend Clarence Bester. This was Perth. They contributed to the day, introduced the gathering. compassionate refugee medical aid still languishing in followed by an inspirational presentation by reminding us of the values that underpin policy. detention in their rooms at the Cathy McGowan read a letter the keynote speaker, the Reverend Becca all the Anglican Schools Commission Since the Gathering: Mantra Hotel. Most have been Stevens, from Nashville, Tennessee, schools in Australia; and the benefits and from her successor in Indi, in detention for around 8 years entitled “Love Heals”. Revd. Becca clearly joys that come by working together and the Independent MP Helen with no plans for their release! outlined, with many examples, how being part of something bigger, within the Haines, who was unable to showing love, support and understanding broader construct of Anglican schooling attend. She then introduced a can be the catalyst for turning people’s and the Anglican Church in Australia. series of speakers: lives around. As schools working with • Reverend Tim Costello young people, staff and teachers are well It was a wonderful day. recalled Australia’s placed and have many opportunities to honourable refugee history. Recent Prime Ministers have clearly forgotten Robert Menzies post-war legacy which claimed a good reputation for CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Australia “for a sensitive understanding of the problems of people in other lands” Costello observed The Catholic Education Sandhurst Ltd supports the ‘In we choose our values. • Senator Lidia Thorpe School Volunteer’ program which provides assistance to drew parallels between indigenous and refugee Aboriginal children in schools within the Diocese. experiences: • A refugee recently released We invite volunteers to assist in this from detention spoke about past experiences and In School Programme at present gratitude for the St Monica’s Primary School, Wodonga, St Augustine’s Primary School, and St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Wodonga. Starting in Term 3, 2021. Hopefully volunteers would have had previous experience and/or interest in the field of education. Adherence to Child Safety Standard Protocols required. Indications of interest are welcome For more information Contact the Project Coordinator: Sr Shirley Garland Mobile: 0417 674 919 Email: [email protected] THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 9
emphasised that their role was not to lay blame, but Tree Ceremony rather to express their grief and to give thanks to those BY CAROLINE BURGE up looking utterly barren. who planted them in the early days of the town. Revd For almost 100 years 39 Parishioners from Christ André, the Vicar of Christ Looking Down the Valley cypress trees, having been Church Kilmore and members Church led the ceremony with BY REV’D DR EDWIN BYFORD planted by local citizens, of the local community, who an appropriately inclusive proudly stood in two rows were saddened and upset version of the Lord’s Prayer separated by a bridle path on by the loss of these trees, while parishioners and I am sitting writing this column on the afternoon of Pentecost. In our little church the boundary of the Kilmore decided together with the other local residents gave service this morning at St Etheldreda’s Church at Harrietville we heard the account Racetrack. The community Kilmore and District Residents speeches. The ceremony of the events, early in the morning, of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the enjoyed their presence, and Ratepayers Association concluded with participants Jewish festival of Pentecost following the death and resurrection of our Lord. shade and opportunity to to organise a ceremony of holding hands around the The astonishment of the crowd does not seem to have been at the events of the walk among them until March mourning and healing to be front of one of the remaining outpouring of the Spirit, but on the fact that no matter their origins they could all this year when they were held on 24th April at the site two stumps. Those who took understand what was being said. The miracle was a miracle of understanding. suddenly cut down without of the removal of the trees. part believed that was an warning or discussion with The meeting was widely excellent opportunity for the It is probably the case that most of us do not spend a great deal of time the community. The southern advertised in the local press parish to work for the common contemplating the Articles of Religion, that are included at the back of all our edge of Kilmore East Road and by distributing flyers to good with other members of Prayer Books. One of the Articles, number 24, states that it is repugnant to use “a where the trees stood ended local shops. The organisers the community. tongue not understanded of the people.” The Reformers were having a go at Latin, but I want to suggest that we can go further than not using a foreign or ancient language. What does it mean to be understood? At the very least our language JULY 2013 must connect. It is not just that we know, or think that we know, the meaning of the words. The words need to convey an idea with meaning that makes sense. There is something in the words that rings true or is exciting. Good story tellers tell stories that capture our imagination and carry us along. We tend to give up when Stwe find Thomas’s ourselves asking, “What is he going golf on about?” It is not that the words are not English that is the problem, it is that I cannot make sense of the words or that I just could not care less even if the words do make some sort of sense.
dayHalf a century at ago the greatSt mission James theologian, Kosuke Koyama, commented that it is often said of the church that we answer questions that nobody is asking. He had been a Japanese Christian missionary in Thailand. He commented that on 16 points and runner CONTENTS it BYwas Yvonne not until Davies he understood the water buffaloes and sticky rice that he even began to understand the fundamentalup was questionsdoug davies of the Thai on farmers among whom Diocesan Calendar ...... 3 he ministered. Even if he had15 truly points. great answers to time honoured questions, if Heldthey wereits 24th not the Golf questions day of theThanks Thai farmers to Marj then Bleck- he might as well have been Rev'd Grace Sharon Column ...... 4 at thespeaking St. James Latin. GolfTo be Club understood wehl by and the peopledot Fisher he had forto be connecting with their real questions. on Tuesday 4th June. encouraging the golfers FEATURE- Synod Liftout...... 5-8 What44 playersare the real played questions? 4 from Back inYarrawonga the late seventies to at-Douglas Adams wrote a B.B.B.series Stableford.of six wonderful evan radio programstend, making that were this entitled day The Hitchhikers’ Guide Leisure ...... 9 Jamesto the and Galaxy. linton The story Potter is of veryfinding enjoyable. out what is Manythe ultimate of answer to life, the withuniverse 46 points and everything. were the We ourdiscover visitors that donatedthe ultimate items answer is 42. Then we Movie Review ...... 10 winners,discover with that theTom Earth Hack- has beenfor thebuilt multi and populated choice raffle. as an experiment to find out the question that leads to the ultimate answer. The problem was that the Earth Fete a Success in Yarrawonga ett and Peter Henderson The catering for lunch Classifieds ...... 11 was demolished to make way for a hyper-space bypass moments before print out. BY SUSIE KNIGHT Knacks too. year was The Coffee Van and on 44 points the runners and afternoon tea was at Lazy Harry contributing in their Adams’ theological insight is profound for we do know the answer — the justice, Blessed with a clear Autumn TheDiocesan mainly Parishmusic andTimes...... 11 Toy individual ways to a very happy up.love All andother grace players of God, were mediated its usual in and high through standard. our Lord, Jesus Christ and made morning, the Yarrawonga Stalls - including Guess occasion, as was Callum presenteda present with reality a golfby the ball, action of theGreat Holy Spiritto see — andHugh we need to work out the Anglican Parish Fete on the number of Jelly Beans Hicks Master of Ceremonies donatedquestion by or questions.Kurt Bleck- Fisher playing – an in- People & Parishes ...... 12 Diners enjoyed a meal of Ethiopian food cooked by the parishioners. Saturday 24th April 2021 was Competition - were well once again, who was such wehl and Hugh Fisher. credible effort for a 95 We know how some of our ancestors asked and answered the questions in off to a good start. We had received and patronised by an asset to the fete’s general The 9 hole competition many helpful parishioners different times and places. Ouryear deepest old good concerns sport are andprofoundly influenced by young and old alike, with the atmosphere with his patter, was won by dennis Bell work every day for the week Rector winning one of the jars weak jokes and spruiking for what is happening to us and aroundfine gentleman. us. I was reminded in late May that it was preceding the fete with an of Jelly Beans! each stall. the eightieth anniversary of the sinking of HMS Hood. The Hood was one of the enormous amount of Trash DETailS greatest battleships of the Royal Navy and she engaged the BismarckMISSION in the DINNER 2013 and Treasure to clear, sort and ClassicsThe Advocate for our Fete Newspaper are the It isreally published was a greatby day for Denmark Strait between Greenland and Iceland on 24th May 1941. The action did price due to Covid restrictions Moo Poo and Straw Sales parishioners to pull together not last long and Hood took a direct hit that caused her to explode. Only three of (pancakes made from a seed similar cancelling our fete in 2020, whichthe Anglicanare always much Diocese sought of Wangarattaand work for and our is church her crew survived. Why is this important to me? It was the day my fatherBY first Heat wentHer stammers. to buckwheat). during a communal hence twice the amount this after, as is the Trash and financially, but socially it to sea, as a nineteen year old, in the Royal Navy. Life, it’s meaning and purpose, meal, each diner tears pieces off one distributed across the Diocese on the 1st were profound questions, especially in the Royal Navy, in the dark days of 1941. year to be sorted. Treasure Stall which this year was also a great success, large injera wrapping it around the wasweek HUGE, of everyas was month the work (excluding with visitors January). to our fete also WHile the plight of the South Afri- Raffles always give a festive air stew-like Wat. The portion resem- involved in organising. commenting on what a happy In our communities people have a lot of very important concernscan — refugees water supply may not be front page to the Fete. This year was no Editorial & Advertisingplace Contributions the fete was for a catchup and quality, reliable power and telecommunications, security of employment and bles a cigar which is eaten as finger different and we had so much to We have a team called The with friends, for many the first income, quality health and education services, and many more.news Our atconcerns the moment, they are in need food although the diners at the Mis- raffle thanks to the generosity WoodDiocese Cutters of and Wangaratta they easily such occasion since March are often windows into our hopes, fears and motivations. Whatof do the we basicsthink is to survive their desper- sion dinner used knives and forks as of parishioners to fill the Party make the largest contribution 2020, the first lockdown. We important and why do we think it is important? What is our lifeate for? plight. ABM recently wrote to the is our western custom. Fruit is not Packs (2) and Hampers (4). toPO our Boxfete. They457 start a couple are most grateful to our Lord Bishop of Wangaratta appealing for plentiful but they do have mainly mel- The Cake and Savoury Stall ofWangaratta, months before the VIC Fete 3677 with for the success of our 2021 fete The great German-American theologian, Paul Tillich, argued thatassistance we are always for the Sudanese refugees was, as always, well received working bees to get tonnes of ons. Honey is used as a sweetener for which raised a total of $25,284. to ask the questions with a clear eye on the answer. Questionwho and answerare fleeing need the fighting between and sold out all their goodies. [email protected] cut, sorted and delivered. to come together. Our faith is that our fundamental hopes, fears, longings, find pancakes or Honey Wine. The food There was Clothing and Knick AddingTel: (03) to the 5721 ambience 3484 this their answers and fulfilment in almighty God who is revealed rebelsas the Mostand Holythe andSouth Sudan military is spicy but some dishes were modi- Blessed Trinity. It is up to us to do some of the hard work of understandingespecially in and Twic east diocese. The fied to suit our western palate. Meat Fax: (03) 5722 1427 articulating the foundations of the hopes, fears and longings ofBishop our communities of the Horn so of Africa is appeal- can be lamb, chicken, goat or vegeta- that the Good News can be understood as on the Day of Pentecost.ing for emergency food relief for these ble (mainly root vegetables however The Diocese is not responsible for the Ladies putting on the final hole. displaced people and with that in mind, the dishes served for the dinner were opinions expressed by its contributors. the parish of St George's Numurkah lamb, chicken and vegetable). Their views do not necessarily reflect the held a Mission dinner on the 17th May The diners at the Hamon Par- to raise funds to send to the Bishop for ish Centre enjoyed the restaurant policy of the paper or of the Diocese. Thedistribution as needed. atmosphere of subdued lighting, n D decorations and the red/brown hues Acceptance of advertisements does not Anglica iocese of R Advocatediners enjoyed a meal of ethio- iverina necessarily mean endorsement of OUR R pian food cooked by the parishioners. of the desert reminding them of the F IVER OP Supportethiopian our foodDiocesan is traditionally spicy or richness of the African landscape and S BOOKSH newspaper by the product or service. peppery meat and/or vegetable dishes the people who are now in desperate Specialising in Anglican Theology sending in articles to need. Editorial deadline is the 16th of each month called Wat's and served on large injeras (excluding December). 238 Banna Avenue, Griffith NSW 2680 registry@ Ph: 02 6964 0304 Fax: 02 6964 2257 wangaratta-Central Goulburn Debutante Balls. Contributions and photos are welcome Email: [email protected] anglican.org.au (please limit to approximately 300 Mail Orders Welcome 14th, 21st and 22nd June 2013 words) for consideration for publication dependant on space and content with the understanding that they may be edited. Pictures should be provided as a high resolution JPEG (300dpi) or Tiff if possible. “Angels” CONTaCTS presents Advertising & General Enquiries a Concert for Fiona Van Bree Tel: (03) 5721 3484 Relay for Life Fax: (03) 5722 1427 Sunday 8 September [email protected] 2:00 pm Design & Production St Matthew's Church, Albury Debutante Lauren Newman and her partner Johnathon Lejins together with Kate Everett- Graphic Designer vocal & instrumental solos, ensembles, choirs family and friends at the 1st Central Goulburn Parish debutante ball held on the Mobile: 0429 951 711 14th June 2013. [email protected] Entry by donation Post -Concert Refreshments Three Anglican Parish of Central Goulburn Debutante balls were the social events of Communications Consultant Co- -Paul Fowler 0422 397 390 the season. The first Deb set was presented to the Anglican Bishop of Wangaratta, the Fiona Tinney Kaye Kennedy 0439 980 780, Lyn Winnel 02 6025 1793 Bishop John Parkes and Mrs Margaret Parkes on 14th June, at St Mary's college hall. 13 Debutantes and their partners were presented into society in front of their families, Mobile: 0451 677 702 friends and parish folk. [email protected] The second and third Debutante Balls were held at St Mary's hall on 21st & 22nd June. Printed by Y Media, Kilmore, Victoria. 10 THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 Clergy Retreat BY REV NEIL HICKS • Jacob builds: family and version of the ancient prayer wealth Genesis 29-31 Anima Christi (Soul of Christ, From Monday afternoon • Wrestling with God sanctify me. Body of Christ, save 26th April to mid-morning on Genesis 32 me.) written by David Fleming, Thursday 29th April, the parish • Back to Bethel Genesis 35 S.J. Clergy of the Diocese were on • Going Home: Israel and me Retreat at the Bright Chalet. Bishop Garry made it very clear Gathering Prayer Several of us were warned from the outset that it was up to Jesus, may all that is you flow beforehand that it would be cold each one of us to make of the into me. up there but, apart from one Retreat what we wanted to, that May your body and blood night, it was a very mild and the ‘success’ of the Retreat for be my food and drink. sunny period. We were very ourselves was not dependent May your passion and death well fed for breakfast, lunch and on anything he said or didn’t be my strength and life. dinner and the bar area was a say. The way in which Bishop Jesus with you at my side most convivial place following Garry allowed us to see aspects enough has been given. dinner until Compline when we of his life and ministry as he May the shelter I seek once again entered Silence. related his story to that of Jacob be the shadow of your cross. was humbling, challenging, and Let me not run from the love Our beginning was a session by inspiring for many of us. He you offer, New Ministry arrange- our Bishop on matters to do with made himself quite vulnerable but hold me safe from the professional conduct. Then we as he spoke at times of deeply forces of evil. began the Retreat proper with personal events from his own On each of my dyings ments for the Parochial an Address and Compline. Our life and pastoral situations and shed your light and your love. Conductor was Bishop Garry that openness was valued by us Keep calling to me until that Weatherill of Ballarat, and he and will be carefully treasured day comes, District of Tallangatta chose as the basis for reflection for a long time. when, with all your saints, I A second Cooperative Ministry arrangements for ministry and activities the stories of Jacob as outlined may praise you forever. arrangement has been put in place by the within the Parish. Bishop Clarence made here: Each time we met the following AMEN Bishop between the Parish of Wodonga it quite clear that this was in no way a take- • Jacob’s Dream: bedrock prayer was said by us all and the Parochial District of Tallangatta. over or amalgamation but a cooperative beliefs Genesis 27 together. This is a contemporary After a few meetings and discussions, the arrangement that will allow more time Leadership Group from both Churches for the re-development, re-definition and welcomed the idea and put plans into restructuring of ministry within the area. action as to how this would work over Tallangatta was also previously connected the next twelve months. The Rev’d to the Church in Corryong and, until Jacques Jefferies will now also serve recently, with the Church in Yackandandah as the Priest-In-Charge of the Parochial under the Pastoral oversight of The Rev’d District of Tallangatta and organize all Canon Alan Kelb. Diocesan Advent Quiet Day
Saturday 20th November, 2021
Baptism at St John’s Nagambie BY DI GRANT Paul’s in Avenel many years ago. It was nice that Lauren and Leigh wanted to ensure their baby Baby George Hancock, son of Lauren and Leigh son was baptised in the same parish. Lauren Hancock of Avenel, was baptised at St John’s sent this message to Di Grant a day or so later church in Nagambie on Sunday, 11 April by Rev’d when she sent this photo over for the Advocate. Norm Hart. He was surrounded after his baptism It meant a lot for all concerned in the special day by his Godmothers, parents, grandparents and for George and his family. “Many thanks for the extended family. His mother and her sister Prue wonderful Baptism for George on Sunday.“ and brother Grant Hateley were baptised at St A time to be away from the demands of your usual daily life, to stop, be silent, reflect, and be refreshed.
10:00am – 2:00pm No charge. Tea/coffee provided. BYO lunch.
Two Locations:
Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Yackandandah (8 Church St) Leader: The Rev’d Canon Scott Jessup Bookings (by 15 November): Scott 0418254158; email: [email protected]
Christ Church, Kilmore (9 Union St) Leader: The Rev’d Andre Du Plooy Bookings (by 15 November): Andre 0458155930; email: [email protected]
Photo: Sunset, Rutherglen – Scott Jessup.
FOR SALE Blashki white cope for sale. Hardly used and as new. With hanger and cover. Length 135cm. Best offer over $500. Contact 0427 424 582. THE ADVOCATE June/July 2021 11 St Jude’s Sesquicentenary Good with us and give an inspiring sermon to a full congregation. Lastly, afternoon tea Weekend gave us a chance to meet and welcome Friday BY GILL BAKER Revd Gunnar Rippon, Beechworth Parish’s new incumbent, together with A pleasant sunny weekend, the smell of Margaret and Minty. barbecuing sausages and glorious views Appeal across autumn colours to the Eldorado St Jude’s was completed in 1870 by BY CAROLINE BURGE hills helped to encourage a steady stream builders Nicol Turner and James Scott. of visitors to St Jude’s church on the Open A descendant of Nicol Turner, also Weekend. Some spent hours on the A number of years ago while Nicol Turner has visited the church, and the Parish of Kilmore was Saturday looking through archives for their although not able to come to the Open discussing different ways family connections, others enjoyed the Weekend sent this message “We think it is to fundraise, or make a ambience of the old church with sacred wonderful that St Judes remains a valued difference, one parishioner music playing in the background while they place of worship after 150 years and we suggested that we all start reminisced about weddings, baptisms, and wish you and the parish all the very best saving loose change to go maybe funerals. Others were just happy to for the coming years”. sit and chat with friends and neighbours. to mission or other worthy PHOTO BELOW: Eunice Eiseman, Jenny causes. A large jar was placed On the Sunday we were privileged to have Anderson, Rayma Bowen and Kel Richards at the back of Christ Church Bishop Clarence celebrate the Eucharist enjoy a chat in the sun. and donations of gold coins or just loose change was asked. It was an easy way to save and everyone enjoyed watching the coins in the jar grow.
In the course of the year the jar reached the top by Palm Sunday with hundreds of dollars worth of coins. With no specific cause or mission planned, it was agreed that the money would be donated each year to the Good Friday Royal this year, the timing was great. betrayed Jesus. How blessed Children’s Hospital Appeal. Parishioners at Christ Church are we to hand over so much were leaving the church more than 30 pieces of silver In Kilmore, the local Fire following the Good Friday to such a worthy cause. Brigade drive through the Liturgy, when the local Fire streets calling on locals for Truck arrived at the church. donations. Being Good Friday, many parishioners miss out on The bible tells us that thirty this as they are at church for pieces of silver was the price the Good Friday services, but for which Judas Iscariot People and Parishes
Members of the Provincial Council at their meeting in Kilmore
Bishop Clarence with the newly married couple Reverend Richard Pennington and Jen Fitzpatrick. Richard and Jen were married in April.
The Archbishop of Melbourne the Right Revd Dr Philip Freier, Revd André Du Plooy and Bishop Clarence Bester at the provincial council meeting in Kilmore
Bishop Clarence Bester presenting these very special certificates to Joyce Thompson and Lorna Crawford for many years of service to MU Corryong. Jan Craig is president of Diocesan legal team at Synod - Bishop Clarence Bester, Rachel Ellyard, Tim Williams, Hon Corryong Mothers’ Union Australia Justice Clyde Croft and Stuart Bett.