TheAnglican Volume 114, Number 11, December 2017 Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904

“As the star shone as a guiding light to the wise men and the shepherds, so we are to be guiding lights to tell the story of the birth of Jesus for generations to come.” JENNY KOCH

From the Bishop TGA Index

Waiting and watching From the Bishop 2 urning our calendars over people made up of communities centres. We Anglicans can speak to December signals the of that love and grace. about welcome and grace and Parish to parish 2 Advent season of hope We have been waiting and make our voices heard to speak T as we look to Christmas and watching as the Victorian up as Jesus did.

Dedicated, blessed and 3 beyond. Turning to December is government after long, long We have been waiting and more than the flipping of another debates passed assisted dying watching for the final report open for business page and a quick look at the legislation. We Anglicans of the Royal Commission into landscape picture for the month. will need to work out how our child sexual abuse due on 15

Around the parishes 4 – 7 It’s more than a cursory glance pastoral ministry extends to this December. We Anglicans have at the numbers 1-31. new reality, caring for those who been shamed by our part in the Bishop Kay Goldsworthy December is the month in in faith and hope may make stories told to and through the Kids’ Min: 8 which we watch. Time set decisions which challenge us. Commission. And we have the in this world for us, with us, Messy Church, Bairnsdale aside to wait. Time for keeping We will need to be as steadily opportunity to act with care for alongside us. Jesus the one for

vigil. Time to allow waiting, alongside those who walk step those whose voices have been whom we wait and watch with

Unlocking compassion 9 watching, hoping, expecting that by step with their very dear ones heard. Who have spoken truth eager longing. the love which lies deep in the as they discern and decide and and let the light in. James Oakley heart of God will arrive for us seek our prayer and our love. This December these things This is my final Page Two in Jesus and his wonderful love We have been waiting and are seeking our response, the article for The Gippsland

Reflection: 10 will be present to overflowing. watching with those hundreds birthing of God’s love for this Anglican. It has taken a while to Waiting with all creation December is the month during of men on Manus Island, many day and time. We can respond put on paper. I thank the editor – Edie Ashley which hope stands fast in the keeping vigil and protest at in love, even in those things Jan Down for her patience and face of everything that rises up ’s treatment of refugees which we find hard to come to care of this paper and I thank all against its power. and asylum seekers kept for terms with. Why? Because of of you who read it, for the care Editorial 10 In recent weeks we have all years in off-shore detention the love which has made a home and consideration you give to been waiting and watching for all that we writers offer. the community’s response to the This morning as I walked Advent: Learning 11 question of marriage equality around the lake in Sale the anew to be human in the postal survey and the mist was such an image of the Jasmine and Samuel Dow advent of new law allowing waiting and watching we are

same sex couples to marry. doing in December. As you wait

Holiday Reading Guide 12 This Christmas many families and watch for the 13th Bishop David Head will be planning weddings, of Gippsland may the grace of and while they won’t be taking our Lord Jesus Christ be with place in Anglican Churches, you all. Diocesan calendar 12 we Anglicans have to work out It has been a great blessing how it is that we can be part of to have been with you welcoming families that may be over these last few shaped differently from our own years. Love into the Church. The Church and peace The Gippsland which is welcoming of others, a Mist on Lake Guthridge Anglican sign of the love of Christ for all

Member of Australasian Religious Press Association as many members age they Member of Community Newspapers Parish to Parish: praying for each other will still feel valued in their Association of membership and know the “...That we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith...” (Romans 1:12) Registered by Australia Post value of their prayers and Print Post Number 34352/00018 support of the many projects This diocesan prayer diary and a new activity we are link together to provide prayer, The Gippsland Anglican is the official MU undertakes in other calling Advent for All where active support and leadership newspaper of and is published by features three parishes countries and within Australia. The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, each month, appearing in we hope to involve everyone within parishes for Children’s 453 Raymond Street, alphabetical order. Diocesan (especially the young) in and Youth Ministry. Please THE ABBEY Sale, Victoria, 3850. organizations will also be worship on the first Sunday in pray for: our five Gippsland www.gippsanglican.org.au included. Each parish sends in its Advent. representatives attending the The Abbey, a Centre Australian GFS KidsPlus+ for Spirituality and the Editor: Jan Down own profile and prayer needs. . THE ANAM CARA Conference January 7 – 14; Environment on Raymond Tel: 0407 614 661 COMMUNITY Email: [email protected] YARRAM those preparing for our Island, offers hospitality for retreats, conferences, groups, Contributions are due by 15th of SOUTHERN REGION Anam Cara is a community of March Diocesan KidsPlus+ the month prior to publication families and individuals. Please people of prayer who seek to Camp at Coonawarra resort; The Parish of Yarram, on the pray for: January with large deepen their journey into God. all parishes as they plan for Layout by Devine Design border of the Southern and church groups; the Simply Printed by Fairfax Media, We offer quiet days throughout children’s Youth and adult Eastern regions, is home to Alive Retreat; travellers and 30-32 Grandlee Drive, the year where all are welcome ministries 2018; and current or the oldest wooden church holiday guests. Give thanks Wendouree, Victoria, 3355. and we can grow in the ability prospective participants of our in Victoria, Christ Church for February and March to be still in our busy world. Diocesan Leader Development The editor reserves the right of Tarraville. Our parish is also bookings; pray that God will final choice and format of material We provide a fortnightly Workshops. the birthplace of the diocese of bring others to The Abbey; included in each issue. The Gippsland newsletter for encouragement, Anglican and the editor cannot Gippsland. for the Abbey Program 2018, reflection and prayer. Pray for ANGLICAN MOTHERS necessarily verify any material used Next year 2018 will mark for Chapter, staff, supporters us as we plan our next year’s UNION in this publication. Views contained 150 years of the parish, and and volunteers, and for The in submitted material are those program and encourage others the centenary of Holy Trinity Anglican Mothers’ Union Abbey as we live into the of contributors. on the journey. Yarram, with many activities Australia is part of the Franciscan Way. Advertising Rates planned. We welcome your KIDS PLUS+ GIPPSLAND world-wide Mothers’ Union Please contact the editor for all prayers for this Advent and showing “Christian Care for Please also pray for the two advertising submissions, costing and enquiries, including about Christmas Season – our third Kidsplus+ Gippsland is an Families”. Gippsland has 10 Anglican schools of the inserts in the newspaper. A full annual Christmas Tree Trail; intergenerational network of branches from East Gippsland diocese: St Paul’s Anglican advertising schedule can be sent out Selfies at the Stable in the people within the Anglican to Phillip Island with 130 Grammar School and upon request. main street on Christmas Eve; Diocese of Gippsland who members. Please pray that Gippsland Grammar School.

Page 2 The Gippsland Anglican December 2017 TGA Dedicated, blessed and open for business The Abbey: John McIntyre Centre Stage 1

Sue Fordham

n Thursday October 19 stage 1 of the John OMcIntyre Centre was dedicated and blessed by Bishop Kay Goldsworthy in front of Michael Sadler, Archdeacon Edie Ashley, Kate Young, Jan McIntyre 70 ardent Abbey supporters, and Bishop Kay Goldsworthy staff, volunteers, tradespeople and benefactors. Stage one comprises the handsome new reception and The new reception and administration building administration building and forecourt linking it with the and the liturgy commenced Michael Sadler and daughter A frame, a new entrance, early with an acknowledgement Kate Young were present sealed car park, fencing and of land by the Rev’d and a conference room was garden works. Phyllis Andy. dedicated to the Sadler family It is the culmination of Robert Fordham, Abbey to recognise their tireless and several years of planning, fund Chapter member, spoke about generous work. raising and sheer hard work by this development in the context Robert also mentioned the the Abbey Chapter, supporters of the inspiration for the importance of the episcopal and staff and the tradespeople Abbey; the late Bishop John leadership of Bishop Kay who made it happen. McIntyre; the future vision for in championing the work of Just making sure the PA works! Archdeacon Edie Ashley, Bishop Kay The event was carefully the Abbey and the history of the the Abbey in the diocese and Goldsworthy and Robert Fordham AM. Robert was acknowledged by orchestrated in advance. The new works. beyond, the tireless work of Archdeacon Edie Ashley for all the work he did,“managing the build brilliantly” ferry was out again so local Point was made about the Abbey priest Edie Ashley shipwright, Rob Ashworth and many onerous regulations and above all the generous Cottage, not in itself part of something which can point his boat were commissioned that had to be satisfied and in benefaction of individuals, stage one but a work achieved ourselves and others to to take guests onto the island particular the generous work of parishes and dioceses across thanks to the work of local something, someone beyond and back. planners Crowther and Sadler Australia in supporting this builder and project advisor, ourselves. She invited us to Archdeacon Edie Ashley in helping to bring the works $200,000 project. John Crowe. become signposts for others, offered guests a warm welcome to fruition. Staff, Anna Esdaile and Val Bishop Kay’s address was to allow ourselves to be Wilson, were thanked as were about signs and icons; signs touched by a Spirit greater than volunteers Ken Wilson, Peter that needed to be installed at the our own. People moves Edwards, Graham Barnett, Stan Abbey and icons or windows Jan McIntyre was there and Livingstone, Steve Lazarus and through which others can glean sprinkled blessed water on the The Rev’d Jo White, who has been rector in the parish Sharon Jacobs. an understanding of God. plaque to be installed on the of Yarram since June 2013, has been appointed as the new Robert also called attention She saw the Abbey itself as outside of the new reception rector of Bass / Phillip Island. to the refurbishment of West iconographic in that sense; and administration building. Jo’s final Sunday in Yarram will be 4 February, when the parish celebrates the Centenary of the laying of the Foundation Stone at Holy Trinity. The induction date is still to be announced.

Kellie Harris has resigned and leaves just before Christmas. Kellie has worked as PA to Bishop Kay Goldsworthy and has been a valued member of the Registry team. She is moving closer to to be near family. Bishop Kay said “We wish her God’s blessing for the next chapter and thank her for all her work and care as part of the Registry staff”.

The Rev’d Canon Barb Logan has resigned from Lakes Entrance and Metung due to illness. Her farewell in the parish will be on 10 December. Our Christmas cover This year’s Christmas cover artist, Jenny Koch, of Nar Nar Goon parish, is founder of Patmos Artist community and co-founder of the Art and Soul course, combining art and therapy. The front cover shows a photo of the oil painting Jenny created for TGA. See Jenny’s website: jenniferkoch.webs.com/.

December 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 3 Around the diocese TGA

t Nicholas’, Lakes of family, friends and a Faith involves risk! Entrance, enjoyed a delighted congregation. Triple Svery special day on Then followed the Sunday 22 October, with commissioning of Valerie Kerrie Armstrong kids flew down some very Bishop Kay’s last visit to our Jones as a Lay Reader of steep sand dunes on boogie parish before her departure our parish. boards. treat to Perth. Bishop Kay’s inspiring Later we talked about how Wendy Nickson She baptised and address will be well e had a fantastic having faith often involves Lakes Entrance confirmed Tracey Emma remembered and all wished youth group event risk. Just as sand dune Arnold in the presence her well for the future. Wfor grade 6 and boarding has an element of above on a recent Saturday. risk to it – so does faith. We We travelled to Cape have to step out and go even Patterson and tried sand though we don’t always know dune boarding where the what’s going to happen.

Tracey Emma Arnold was baptised and confirmed by Bishop Kay

Val Jones was commissioned as a Lay Reader at Lakes Entrance

“CALLING FOR RAIN”– ART WORKSHOPS Artist Sofie Dieu plans to run The Great Alpine Gallery the Sydney Biennale. free workshops with East invited Sofie last August to She also co-curated “Keep- Warragul youth group members learn about faith and risk Gippsland’s communities early take part in its residency ing the body in mind” as while sand dune boarding next year. She is calling for program. For two weeks she part of The Big Anxiety help to raise funds to make painted and wrote poetry Festival, in Sydney. In 2017, this project a reality. about the Tambo Valley and her work was shown during Sophie will address the its residents. She later wrote Vivid Sydney. hardship caused by the a book about it: On the People can help Sofie current drought and inherent Great Alpine Road (released promote her fund raising risks of summer fires. All the 01/12/17). campaign by tagging artworks produced will be In 2016 Sophie was one #calling4rain and @sofiedieu exhibited at East Gippsland Art of the four artists who in social media and by making Gallery (EGAG) in March 2018 worked on the Camperdown a donation through her for a month. Cemetery installation for website: www.sofie-dieu.com/.

Page 4 The Gippsland Anglican December 2017 TGA Around the diocese Angels and pancakes for All Hallows’ Eve Nar Nar Goon Instead of waiting to have our doors knocked upon on 31 October, we decided to provide free pancakes and sweet treats to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve at St John’s Anglican Church in Nar Nar Goon. With a prominent location on Main Street, a colourful signboard, St John’s Maffra opportunity shop two angels complete with white robes and wings, and the portable BBQ trailer to attract attention, Diocesan workshop it was a contrast to the little children dressed up as witches, vampires and grim reapers who for op shops were traipsing up and down the street with their parents in tow. It was also a wonderful opportunity Alice Weatherall A representative from each explained where they were to present the Christian feast from, how many volunteers of All Saints’ Day/All Hallows’ Eve through conversations and Genevieve Shallard, Jenny and John Koch and Kate Doolan offering n Monday 30 October they could call on and some colourful handouts. something sweet for All Hallows’ Eve Drouin Anglican spoke about the demographics OChurch hosted co- and location of their particular ordinators and volunteers shop. All praised the work of Croajingolong is growing from about twenty opportunity their volunteers which varied shops around the diocese for from 12 to 80. In most cases a workshop to discuss what very few of the volunteers were makes their op shops work church goers so we are grateful and to gain some insight into that they are volunteering to other workable ideas. assist our ministries. Again we The speaker, Pauline cannot thank the volunteers Davies, coordinator of the enough – most of whom are Drouin Anglican church retirees. opportunity shop, was All shops received too much introduced by the Drouin rubbish and disposing of same Anglican Rector, Dean is a constant financial and Spalding. Our Diocesan physical headache. The excess Registrar, Brian Norris clothing, not suitable for the spoke about the areas in shop, mainly went to Lifeline, our Anglican Opportunity while one shop sent theirs to Shop Handbook involving the Diabetes Foundation. The Pet Blessing at St Peter’s Mallacoota, Sunday 1 October. The Rev’d Heather Cahill blessed and anointed the pets. Working with Children not-so-wearable clothing, bags and Occupational Health and shoes went to a couple of he Rev’d Heather Cahill A parish barbeque after church Parish Council of ten members and Safety issues that may pick-up companies who sent has been ministering one Sunday was enjoyed so which will meet as required – require investigating further them overseas. in the cooperating much, Heather said “People at least four times per year. T Repairs are being made to and updating. Nothing is wasted; even parish of Croajingolong since did not want to leave and The perceived aim from all metal items can be redesigned July, after returning from go home!” buildings in the parish and the shops is to work for the church into usable articles. The group Townsville, where she has Heather is conducting Op Shop is going well, while and to share a percentage of touched briefly on theft within been co-ordinating chaplain regular Anglican and Uniting needing extra volunteers. Cann sales with their chosen charity the shops and all agreed that in the Townsville Hospital for Church services in the three River’s average congregation organizations. In some cases if anyone is so desperately three years. centres of Mallacoota, Cann is now around ten, with they were working to pay the in need, they can ask and be Sunday attendance at St River and Genoa. On the fifth weekly services. Genoa has a stipend of their rector. assisted free of charge. Peter’s Mallacoota was then Sunday there is an ecumenical monthly service with around about five people. The average service which includes the six attendants at present, congregation at the moment is Roman Catholics. with hopes to increase this around 20. A short AGM, the first in next year. A pet blessing was held three years, was held to elect The parish now has a in October and a Service of positions to make decisions Bible study each Wednesday Remembrance on All Saints’ pending the annual AGM afternoon, with around eight Day for families who have which was later held on 31 to ten attending, including two been bereaved in recent years. October. There is now a new young adults who are part of the congregation most weeks, Diocesan working group considers along with their parents who have recently moved to the area. ministry to the dying Heather conducted one A diocesan working group to investigate the Quiet Day and will be theological and pastoral implications of ministry to the holding another immediately dying, including “assisted dying”, has begun meeting prior to Advent. They are monthly. The group of lay and ordained people is chaired now planning for Christmas by Archdeacon Philip Muston and includes two doctors. services and January activities A range of views is represented. as the town has already A successful motion at Synod in May requested Bishop begun to swell with holiday in Council to convene this working group after a makers. Heather said that motion rejecting euthanasia and “physician-assisted suicide” most weeks recently they have was narrowly lost. had several visitors present at Sunday services.

December 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 5 Around the diocese TGA Two milestones for Yarrram next year

Glenda Amos

he Yarram parish celebrates two mile- Tstones in 2018 – the Centenary of the Holy Trinity building and 150 years since the first Anglican Church was built in Yarram. A service on 4 February will celebrate the laying of the foundation stone for the Holy Trinity Anglican Church at Yarram present Holy Trinity building Gippsland Grammar science teacher Leanne Caithness and Year 12 in 1918. In September on the An invitation list is being preparing an historical students Lauren Stephenson, Jessica Thompson and Nellie Hunt pack weekend of 9th, the parish compiled and anyone with display and commemoration the lab coats in preparation for their trip to Rwanda for “Schoolies” will welcome everyone to connections to Holy Trinity document. Stories and mark both the Centenary and is asked to phone 5182 5853 recollections especially 150 years of worship in the with contact details. A small up to 1950 would be Bishop Manasseh to Parish of Yarram. band of parishioners is much appreciated. visit in March 2018

Prayer workshop for Southern Regional Deanery ishop Manasseh Paul’s, along with Head of Gahima is visiting Warragul Junior School, Marion Dewar Dean the Rev’d Canon Geoff word and picture, and the Gippsland from Rowan van Raay, make Pittaway (Mirboo North). It value of silence and music as B Gahini for two weeks the trip this year. From St Andrew’s Union Church was Dean Susanna’s first visit aids to prayer. from 5 March next year. Gippsland Grammar there Tarwin Lower was the venue to the southern region of the The business meeting He will be spending are four students with two for the Southern Regional diocese. Susanna presented included brief reports from the Deanery meeting on Friday an address and workshop on parishes, the Regional Dean time in a limited number members of staff – Science 20 October. Guests were prayer through art and and the Archdeacon, as well of parishes and is available teacher, Leanne Caithness impressed by the work done contemplation. She talked as a planning discussion for for visits. Those parishes and Chaplain, the Rev’d by local congregation members about various forms of 2018. that would like a visit Nikolai Blaskow. of Anglican and Uniting folk prayer, the use of art The day ended with a (and to contribute to the Gippsland Grammar (average Sunday attendance (images) and movement in service of Holy Communion costs) should contact raised $17,000 this year of 14) over the last few years: prayer, the symbolic with Archdeacon Graham Archdeacon Philip Muston to help build a Science the labyrinth; opening up the re-presentation of our Knott () presiding, on 0405 644244. laboratory at Gahini property by dismantling front Christian journey through followed by lunch. and side fences; tank garden, Secondary School in Rwanda. The money was garden arbour with seating; Anglican schools’ students garden seats; and most recently, raised through casual take off for Gahini extension of the kitchen. dress days, cake stalls and The day began with a welcome As an alternative “schoolies” student versus teachers cuppa and introductions. Clergy trip, students from the basketball and netball and lay representatives were two Anglican schools games where spectators present from the parishes of are travelling to Gahini were required to make a Bass / Phillip Island, Westernport, where they will spend Korumburra / Poowong, donation to watch. Leongatha, Mirboo North and time working in the school The Gippsland Grammar / Inverloch. and volunteering in the students will take with them Guest speaker the Very community. a donation of more than 50 Rev’d Susanna Pain (from Two students from St lab coats. St Paul’s Cathedral, Sale) was introduced by Regional Walking the labyrinth at St Andrew’s Union Church Tarwin Lower Canon Jeff’s daughter Kate ordained On Saturday 25 November the Rev’d Kate Jacob, the eldest daughter of the Reverend Canon Jeff Richardson, was ordained a priest at St Paul’s Cathedral Melbourne, by the Most Reverend Dr Philip Freier. Kate’s journey to the priesthood began in the Gippsland Diocese after attending Women’s 32 Cursillo Weekend in 2008. Thereafter she studied at Ridley College and the Australian Catholic L–R The Rev’d Canon Jeff Richardson, Archbishop Philip Freier University where she obtained and the Rev’d Kate Jacob her degree in teaching. Kate has spent the last two years team at Beacon Hills Anglican up a Chaplaincy position at as part of the Chaplaincy School and in 2018 will take Caulfield Grammar School.

Page 6 The Gippsland Anglican December 2017 TGA Around the diocese Bishop Jeffrey urges support for clergy training in PNG

Bishop Jeffrey Driver is appealing to Gippsland Anglicans to help support Newton College in Papua New Guinea. A previous Bishop of Gippsland, Bishop Jeffrey is working with the Anglican Board of Mission Margaret and Peter Down with the Rev’d David Head at Australia (ABM) and the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Papua Learning about the new New Guinea, to improve theological education and The tropical setting of Newton College. The surrounds provide Hope Re-Start Centre ministry training at the college an opportunity for students to grow gardens for food. located near Popondetta. Carolyn Raymond – Morwell The College opened in 1981 Bishop Jeffrey believes But much more remains on its present 200 acre site at finance from the Church of to be done. If the Anglican eter and Margaret Down came to St Mary’s to tell Jonita, about eight kilometres PNG and partner churches has Church is to have its place us all about their work to establish this new centre from Popondetta. been sporadic and inadequate. in the future of PNG then Pin Bairnsdale. On initial appearances, it He said “I have been leaders with deep theological Hope Re-Start is the wonderful name given to the drug and is an idyllic site, with about asked by the Church in PNG roots and a strong sense of alcohol rehabilitation centre which is planned for Bairnsdale. 25 cottage style buildings and ABM Australia to offer their own cultural identity will Three years ago Peter and Margaret Down became aware of spread across a large support to the college and be essential.” the pressing need for such a centre in East Gippsland. They area and surrounded by will be spending four to Bishop Jeffrey said that he feel strongly their responsibility to come alongside these coconut palms. A beautiful five months at Newton next hoped parishes and individuals people and assist them in this struggle. semi-open-air chapel sits in year and will maintain some would see the importance of The plan is for the centre to have 50 beds available for the centre. involvement after that. supporting our neighbouring residents coming from all over East Gippsland. Land has A closer look reveals a college I have agreed to do this Church in PNG. He pointed been leased in Bairnsdale. Much money has been raised that has had little refreshment on a pro-bono basis. The out that in the past there (more is needed). Odyssey House has agreed to train future or repair since it was located on commitment and the spirit were strong links between staff for Hope Re-Start so the program will be run along this site. Most of the buildings of staff and students is Gippsland and the Church similar lines. are in real need of repair. The impressive, but I am deeply in PNG. The Congregation was very interested to learn about the water supply has failed and concerned about a serious Payments can be made to need for Hope New-Start, the hard work which has gone into power generation is minimal lack of resources and ABM Australia, marked for liaising with Government, with community organizations and sometimes intermittent. money. Lecturers are often Newton College (there is a and churches. We were very impressed that plans are so well There is no vehicle for transport. left without pay (which facility on the ABM website). advanced, for such an ambitious project. Thank you Peter The curriculum has been little in any event is very low). Bishop Jeffrey and Lindy and Margaret for travelling from Bairnsdale to share with us. changed for decades. The Staff and students live a retired back to Gippsland in At St Mary’s recent AGM there was a unanimous decision library has had few acquisitions subsistence existence. 2016 and are presently living to adopt Hope Re-Start as our mission project for 2018. for decades. “Progress is being made. in Bairnsdale.

New Youth and Family Pastor for Trafalgar Parish

Sue Jacka Josh has worked previously osh Hasan will be the with Youth For new Youth and Family Christ as a youth Jpastor at St Mary’s worker. He is Trafalgar. Josh and his now working two wife Jenny are building a days a week as a house in Yarragon which School chaplain should be completed in April. at Neerim District They have been married for Secondary six years, with no kids yet. College. He is Jenny grew up in Keilor excited about and Essendon whilst Josh ministry with was a local boy in Shady young people and Josh and Jenny Hasan Creek. They met each has visited the other on a Scripture Union JAFFAs programs family mission in at Trafalgar and Jenny is an Auditor for country towns for Queenscliff and they Yarragon. Josh will be Crowe Horwath based in specific jobs. have been worshipping at studying towards a Bachelor Warragul. She is a manager St Paul’s Anglican church of Ministry at Ridley college of the auditing team and The Rev’d Sue Jacka in Warragul. part-time. travels to various country is Rector at Trafalgar.

December 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 7 Kids’ Min TGA

making paint-spinning prayer discussed what it would be Church, Bairnsdale. Multi- Ready, set, messy! pictures, moulding clay like to be a bride, waiting for generational friendships lamps and creating iPad her groom. An action prayer were grown alongside the Von Dubbeld of “The Ten Lamps”, five of art. As they worked they helped everyone ask God to inevitable mess and fun of Bairnsdale which were prepared, but five discussed readiness; how keep their heart-lamps lit for it all each month. What a of which ran out of oil. to prepare ourselves for Jesus. And a yummy meal of great way to discover and nother fun time was Participants once again Jesus’ return; and what the chicken and salad was shared rediscover the stories that shared in Messy made a fun mess while running oil represented. amidst much conversation. Jesus told. May these blessings AChurch at St John’s a schoolbag-packing relay, Together the group shared Messy Church has been continue to flow through the Bairnsdale on 5 November. decorating Hosanna banners, wedding stories, sang “Here greatly enjoyed this year at life-stories of all our Messy The story for the day was icing smart and silly cupcakes, Comes the Bride” and St John the Baptist Anglican Church participants!

Sophie Jones and Adileen Reddy display a Hosanna banner Jacob Clarke and Rowan Dubbeld enjoying some iPad Art

Page 8 The Gippsland Anglican December 2017 TGA

its actions are contrary to the and invite them to consider professed Christian faith of how they can respond. You Unlocking compassion some of our leaders. Jesus might speak with them (at an does not condone detaining appropriate level) about the men, women and children to crises happening in families James Oakley deter others. He would not around them – illness, condone returning people fire, death – and ask them A couple loses their child. forcibly to countries they how those people might be A family’s house burns down. have fled, and He would feeling, how God might like condemn the demonisation of us to respond, and how we A refugee is handed back to asylum seekers and refugees might help. the government he is fleeing. in public discourse. That discussion might lead A letter arrives from the I am angry that a govern- to joint action by the whole Salvation Army – donations ment does these things in family. It will certainly lead are needed to support the the name of the Australian to opportunities to show homeless through another people. But whatever your how your trust in Jesus and cold winter. take on that stance, I hope obedience to Him connects that you can see the broader with your world and motivates vents occur every principle of this article – you to care and compassion. day that arouse that allowing children to our sympathy and E A group of seasonal workers from Timor Leste joined in the recent vigil at engage with the pain in James Oakley is a Children compassion. Some are more Bairnsdale, organized by the East Gippsland Asylum Seekers Support Group, to the world around them, and to and Youth Ministry Worker significant to us than others. draw attention to the ongoing suffering of the refugees on Manus Island and Nauru respond with Christian care in the Tasmanian Anglican Some of them prompt me to and compassion, is a powerful diocese. This article is one action – protest, or lobbying, experiences in all ten of year-old son to our nearly 1 way for them to experience of his “Parents as Pastors” writing, or a donation. Some these areas 90-year-old “matriarch”. life as a follower of Jesus. columns, and was first of them pass by. Whatever One area is “responding We heard from the Bible What forms might that take? published in The Tasmanian the event, my response with compassion”. All of the about God’s welcome of You might share the Anglican, August 2015. It is is influenced by my faith scenarios I listed at the start the stranger and the alien. charity letters with your kids, reprinted with permission. – my action or inaction of this column move me to We spent time praying for compassion, and many of them the 51 million refugees and demonstrates my priorities 1. A website has been set up with detail on these areas, and some and my convictions. move me to action. As I was displaced people around the suggested activities: here2stay.org.au/ I was once blessed to hear listening to Terry speak, I was world (Ed: now 65.6 million). 2. Editor’s note: The number of children in detention has greatly reduced cut with the thought that my We spent time praying for the Terry Williams speak on the since this article was written. There are now less than five children in subject of faith formation in compassion in these areas is people in detention centres detention according to the Australian Border Force report of 30 children. Terry is a children’s private – almost completely in Australia, Nauru and Manus September 2017: Immigration Detention and Community Statistics ministry specialist with hidden from my children. Island. Summary. There were still 1257 people in immigration detention Scripture Union, and he visited They do not see me make the We heard one of our leaders facilities on 30/9/17. Launceston, speaking on the charitable donation. They confess how God had changed topic of “Haemorrhaging do not read my email to the her attitude from “stop the Faith” – the alarming “I was cut with politician. They do boats” to one of compassion drop-out rate of young the thought not see me sign the for the desperate asylum people from churches that my online petition. And seekers fleeing persecution, although my children with no other safe haven to across the western world. compassion in might see my wife run to, and no other transport His message was that these areas this represents a failure or me give material options but the sea. is private of churches and families help to a family in From my point of view, – almost to properly disciple need, or might see us the outstanding nature of completely their young people in visit a hurting friend, the service was the way in hidden from the faith. they are not involved which people of all ages my children.” We churches and in or engaged in were engaged. We heard families are failing to combine those acts. about needs of refugees the information that we get How much better would in the community and in from the Bible, religious things be, for our children detention. And everyone, education and preaching with and for our world, if children included, was formational experiences that we were to involve them challenged to think creatively put flesh on this knowledge. As a in our faith-motivated and compassionately about result, the Christian experience compassionate responses? our response. Some of the of many young people often How much more powerful if children’s responses were, fails to connect with the we were to equip them to put frankly, wishful thinking (like reality of life in the 21st their compassionate feelings “break them all out of the century, and Christianity is into deeds? detention centres”). seen as irrelevant, or childish, I confess that this is not Other responses were or outdated. something we do well as a incredibly insightful – our As a result of these family at the moment. I would children were motivated observations, Scripture Union also venture to say that it’s not to think about giving gifts and a number of other agencies something that my church does of toys, puzzles, Lego, have undertaken research to well, but one shining exception DVDs to those children in identify significant formational to that statement stands out. St detention (for whom experiences that have helped Aidan’s (Riverlinks) recently boredom is a serious mental Christians put their faith into ran an informal church service health concern). 2 practice. There are ten key based around the theme of This example stands out to areas. Terry’s challenge to us asylum seekers and refugees. me, because I am convinced was to think of ways that our Our whole worshipping that our government is acting young people can be included community was involved in evilly in its response to asylum in and exposed to formational this service, from my 4 ½ seekers. I am convinced that

December 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 9

TGA Reflection

when we are aware of your gentle presence And our lives are graced with Waiting with all creation beauty and simplicity For the times of challenge and Edie Ashley resolution When we are given strength to spent a few days recently with know your love friends at Blackheath in the NSW And to love with all our being I Blue Mountains west of Sydney. The weather was pleasant, the sun was For the times when all seems shining and the cicadas were noisy. I black and charred, burnt and was surprised to realize how the sound desolate of the cicadas and the sight of the tall And we are held in your love, sandstone gums, the summer azaleas waiting and smaller cottage garden flowers for the spike of flowers to grow, awoke within me the memory of for the flowers to bud childhood summers which as I think for the new seeds of hope about them now were wonderful times to fall and germinate in places that seemed to go on forever. of despair and injustice, However, it was as we were walking on lands and ecosystems in crisis along a little track near one of the many stunning lookouts that I noticed Thankyou the smaller species of Xanthorrhoea Xanthorrhoea (Grass Trees) in flower after the 2009 fires In faith and hope, grace and love (Grass Tree). I could not wait to go a we with all creation Their flower spikes had grown, still little closer and take just a few photos The expression of life and hope Wait brown and immature, but their presence – all the same, or so close to being within the backdrop of burnt and to celebrate your coming was marked and commanding. identical it that it did not matter! broken trees captured my mind and In the name of Jesus Christ, Immediately I was reminded of These magnificent small humble my heart and my spirit. Amen plants just sit alongside the taller more driving through the xanthorrhoeas at imposing eucalypts, giving style and , back in 2009 Gracious God Archdeacon Edie Ashley is grace to any collection of wild flowers just after the bush fires. It was an Thank you Archdeacon of the Eastern Region, and trees. image that was overwhelming at the For the times of love and laughter Abbey Priest and Priest at Paynesville. A little later, as we were on our time and has stayed with me over way home, I spied another stand of the years. xanthorrhoea beside the dirt track. It was as if the xanthorrhoeas had EDITORIAL These wonderful plants had grown been mass planted, and in response their spikes and instead of such a to the fire each had spiked and the Fix fake history, tell true stories graceful, gentle humble presence flowerheads were covered with masses they were now standing to claim their of little yellow flowers full of the seeds History shapes us into the people we are, regardless of how uninterested we may own authority. of new life. be in the past. As we approach the end of this year, some things are looking more of a mess than ever. Refugees are still living in limbo on Manus Island, and we seem to have moved further away from Reconciliation – at least in the political arena – as the Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull announces that the proposal of an Indigenous Voice to Parliament has been rejected. This, after months (or in fact years) of careful, painstaking consultative work by the Referendum Council on Constitutional Recognition. Is there still hope for success of the other proposal to come out of the Central Australian Indigenous summit, of a Makarrata Commission to “supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history”, as the Uluru Statement from the Heart expressed it? In other words, a way to fix the fake history of relations between Europeans and First Nations peoples, and make amends. At least a Makarrata Commission would not require a referendum. Bishop Kay said in her President’s Address of Synod 2016, in response to the question of why we continue to include a Welcome to Country at public events, “There is a long lesson to learn and history shows that is easy to be forgetful... Remembering and honouring keeps us pointed in the right direction...” Remembering is important. It forms our attitudes and influences our decision-making. So we need to know what there is to remember. We need the gaps in our knowledge of the past to be filled. One possible form of fixing fake history in Gippsland which has already been suggested is the renaming of the federal electoral division of McMillan. Angus McMillan was a Scottish pioneer and explorer who is believed to have led many of the Gippsland massacres of Aboriginal people. Yet he is remembered only for his success as a pastoralist and explorer. One way or another, it’s time the true, mixed bag of history was told, in every place where it has been hidden. There’s another old story to be told of course, as we reach the end of 2017. On our front cover this month, artist Jenny Koch has given us a positive and important reminder that we have an extraordinary story of good news to pass on down the generations. God took the initiative to jump into our mess and do something about it. Knowing the history of God acting in this world also helps form us into the people we are: people who, in the face of many horrors, still see meaning and hope in and for this world. So despite elements of gloom at the end of this year, we have reason to be hopeful, and to celebrate the coming of Christ with joy.

Page 10 The Gippsland Anglican December 2017 TGA Advent: Learning anew to be human happy and thriving. I was Jasmine and Samuel Dow not. After the birth, I suffered with postpartum Obsessive “One of the radical spirits in current thought has defined Compulsive Disorder. I spent the task of this sombre age as ‘learning anew to be human‘. each moment of each day On a more restricted scale, we must, I think, learn anew in fear. what is comprised within a full experience of created sense, I am lucky enough to be of the enigma of creation as it is made sensible in the poem, in fairly aware of mental illness the painting, the musical statement.” and sought medical help very George Steiner, Real Presences quickly. Due to the assistance of some wonderful medical oetry, art, music, me. We learn daily, over and professionals, a very supportive narrative, and creative over, what it is to be human, husband, medication, and Pexpression provide what it is to discover new the gift of a sleeping baby, I lenses of viewing the world that things, and the great joy that recovered within six weeks are beyond the rational and that these discoveries bring. We and was able to transition into The Rev’d Samuel Dow and the Rev’d Jasmine Dow with their daughter tap into something fundamental learn total interdependence. the great joy of being a mother. about being human. In a world The journey to our During the first six weeks I human, it teaches us anew again face the greatness and where the media displays a daughter’s conception however lived in great anxiety, and yet to be human. Yet, women vulnerability of our humanity. constant stream of fear-evoking was a challenging one. Each at the same time deep gratitude very rarely speak to other If we allow this light of the reporting, and news of violence month for two years we would for this being who had been women about the vulnerable world made flesh to illumine and violation, the arts teach us have great hope that we might placed into our care. or broken side to the season of our being, we will learn anew again and again to be human soon be parents, only to be One of the things I learnt birth and creativity; perhaps to be human together. together. disappointed with a negative after the birth of our first child this is part of the cause of As we welcome the season pregnancy test. was just how many people the suffering. The Rev’d Jasmine Dow is of Advent – a time of learning When we finally did fall suffer postpartum. Even for This Advent, as the church a Missioner with the Anglican anew to be human – St Paul’s pregnant I was acutely aware those who are not diagnosed prepares to welcome the Christ Board of Mission. The Rev’d Cathedral, Sale, is running of the possible risks, perhaps with mental illness, the birth Child, born into this world Samuel Dow is College an art exhibition, “Seasons obsessing about the things of a child brings a great mix of confusion and delight, we Chaplain at Trinity College of Birth and Creativity” to that could go wrong. We of emotions. It brings us face inspire this journey of delving had a “textbook” healthy to face with the greatness EXHIBITION OPENS 10 DECEMBER deeper into the meaning of birth and our little girl was and vulnerability of being The “Seasons of Birth and Creativity” exhibition will be opened life, of created sense, of being at 11:30 am on Sunday 10 December by Jazz and Samuel Dow. human together. The exhibition will be in place at Delbridge Hall, Cunninghame My husband Samuel and I Street, Sale until Christmas. have been invited to open the There are 14 works by local and interstate artists using various exhibition by sharing our own media, including sculptures and fabric art. We are recognizing story of birth and creativity. the parallels of the seasons of birth with the seasons or phases This is a poignant time as of creative action. We trust that when hung the works will be in we prepare, this Advent, to “conversation” with other works, around a common theme. It is welcome our second child into a way to deepen the conversation about Christmas. the world in January. As I take this journey toward birth, I can’t help but reflect on Mary and Joseph’s own journey to the birth of Jesus. Were they too filled with anticipation, fear, wonder and joy? We know the story: an unwed virgin; a divine conception; an uncertain yet faithful husband; a dangerous political environment; the need to flee because of danger; refugees. The art exhibition will remind us that the season of birth and creativity is full of hope and joy, but it can also be a time of anxiety, risk, grief, and dashed hope. I am acutely aware during this Advent season of the women and men who cannot bear children, and yet have a deep longing to do so; for the parents who have lost children; for the women who have suffered deeply with post-partum mental illness. Our beautiful toddler is an The song of joy of the whole of creation at the birth of the newly born – incredible gift to Samuel and sculpture by Claire Flack

December 2017 The Gippsland Anglican Page 11 wife. To maintain and control her marriage in some degree of Diocesan calendar happiness, she decided to take on the role of an occult “voice from Second Saturday of each month: Corinella Community Market, the other side” to guide Yeats in 8:00 – 1:00 pm, Hughes Reserve, Corinella. Details: 0435736510 his writing and their sexual life through the “automatic writing” December diaries she kept and which were only released late last century. 10 11:30 am Opening of exhibition “Seasons of Birth and I knew little about Yeats, but Creativity” by Jazz and Samuel Dow, Delbridge Hall after reading this biography I at St Paul’s Cathedral, Sale (see page 11) was impelled to read some of his 16 9:30 am Special Session of Synod, followed by lunch great poetry. and 1:00 pm Farewell Eucharist with the laying up 6. The Gospels Speak of the pastoral staff by Bishop Kay Goldsworthy David Head Dorothy Lee 17 7:30 – 9:00 pm Community Carols (Paulist Press, Aust, 2017) in the Old Shire Hall, Mirboo North Holiday Reading Guide An inventive look at the Gospels 17 8:00 pm Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, through the lens of several life St Paul’s Cathedral, Sale questions which don’t always David Head families, who are at different have easy answers. Dorothy 17 8:00 pm Festival of lessons and carols featuring levels of wealth and power, as explores the meaning of suffering Jim Connelly’s Gippsland Carol at St Thomas, Bunyip .have a huge library and I am they intertwine both positively and evil through the lens of a very wide and somewhat and negatively with each other Mark’s Gospel; the issues of fear SUMMER MISSIONS voracious reader. I have been across the centuries. It centres and anxiety through the lens of I around the building of the Eiffel Scripture Union Family Camps and / or Theos at Cowes, keeping a journal of all the books Matthew’s Gospel; the quest for Inverloch, Lakes Entrance, Mallacoota, I have read over many years Tower, and life during the Belle meaning in life through St John’s Coolamatong, and around Victoria – see suvic.org.au and since the start of 2017 until Epoque of Paris and then reflects Gospel, and the search for divine for program dates and information. writing this, I have read over back on history from there. purpose in life through St Luke’s 50 books. Gospel. It is should be relatively 3. The Divine Dance – The Trinity Of these 30% were easy reading even for the novice January and your Transformation, theological/spiritual in nature, and has an excellent Foreword, Richard Rohr 7 9:30 am Stations Of the Nativity at Bunyip. 30% were novels of various sorts, Introduction and Conclusion to (SPCK, London, 2016) We use the original paintings of Shane Merry 18% biographies, 11% history/ get bite sized tastes of the whole. general knowledge and 11% on One of the best books I have 22 5:30 pm – 3:30pm Thursday 25 “Simply Alive!” social issues. I rate each book ever read on seeking to give 7. The Dry, Jane Harper a gentle, creative space to begin the year. Led by with a one, two or 3-star rating, meaning and relevance in our (Pan Macmillan, Aust, 2016) Dean Susanna Pain, at The Abbey, Raymond Island. depending on how stimulating lives, of the working of the Holy A superb debut murder/mystery To book or further information contact The Abbey and worthwhile I found it to be. Trinity of God; Father, Son and novel set to became a bestseller. Phone: (03) 5156 6580 Email: [email protected] Here are just eight from the past Holy Spirit. It may sound heavy The story is set in a fictional year that achieved a three-star and boring, but I found it to be present-day town in drought- February rating. Perhaps one of them may inspiring and a surprisingly ridden North Western Victoria 4 9:30 am Candlemas at Bunyip: the ancient ceremonies stimulate your interest to read it. enjoyable read. For me, one of and uncovers the awful secrets of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple the best reads this year! 1. Silence, A Christian History, and dysfunctional relationships 4 10:30 am Farewell for the Rev’d Jo White and Diarmaid MacCulloch that erupt to dangerous levels 4. Talking to My Country, Celebration of Centenary of laying of Foundation (Viking, USA, 2013) when a one-time resident and Stan Grant now city detective returns to Stone at Holy Trinity, Yarram. Service will be followed This is an excellent, challenging (HarperCollins, Aus, 2016) town, after many years, for a by gourmet barbeque lunch. and in-depth look at the history An excellent, very honest visit. Read and enjoy, if you of the use of silence both in memoir about the pain and anger have not already done so! worship and in the wider church of growing up as Aboriginal in an from Old Testament times to essentially white Australia. Stan 8. The Blood of Lorraine, the current day. The author is a well-known reporter and TV Barbara Corrado Pope considered the questions: “How presenter. He is a Wiradjuri man (Pegasus Books, USA, 2010) should one speak to God?” “Are and grew up in country NSW. This is Barbara’s second murder our prayers more likely to be These are his very personal mystery set in 19th Century Amana Living Incorporated heard if we offer them quietly reflections on race, identity France. This story is set in the Subiaco, Western Australia at home or loudly in church?” and the disempowerment of large prosperous town of Nancy “How do we really know God Amana Living, the principal aged care agency of the Aboriginal people throughout on the troubled border between Anglican Diocese of Perth, invites applications from suitably is listening?” It is important to history. It is definitely a book France and the rising power qualified and experienced candidates for the position of: realize that there have been both that all Australians should read. of Germany and explores the SENIOR CHAPLAIN positive forms of personal and vicious growing anti-semitism Amana Living is one of Western Australia’s largest 5 George’s Ghosts – Life of communal silence and, sadly, spurred on by the now infamous not-for-profit providers of care, accommodation W B Yeats, Brenda Maddox darker forms of enforced silence Dreyfus Affair. A baby’s and support for older people and has been serving (Picador Macmillan, Aust, 2016) imposed by the church to silence murder leads to accusations the community since 1962. people who disagreed with Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Chaplain Brenda writes brilliantly on one of ritual Jewish sacrifice and church thinking or its power. is the most senior clergy person within Amana Living of the most written about, but more murders cause dangerous and the leader of the Chaplaincy Team which delivers currents throughout the Christian pastoral care services to Amana Living clients 2. Paris, Edward Rutherfurd least understood, literary giants and Jewish communities in and their families, employees and volunteers. (Doubleday, USA, 2013) of the 20th century. He is William Butler Yeats, Nobel Prize Nancy. A great read! Position description and process for application are available via Rutherfurd has written a Laureate for Literature, a superb https://www.livehire.com/job/amanaliving/HMNQQ/ I hope at least one of these number of superb and generally poet, ardent Irish nationalist, Please direct queries to Kristy McKay on (08) 9424 6301 suggestions will stir and inspire lengthy historical novels. Paris passionate about love and life, or [email protected]. your summer reading. is a wonderful and powerful and a very flawed human being. Applications are to be received no later than novelized story of the history This biography follows his The Rev’d David Head is Wednesday, 10 January 2017 at 5:00 pm AWST. of Paris following four different unusual relationship with his Rector at Morwell.

Page 12 The Gippsland Anglican December 2017