November 2015 Anglican News Page 1
A A NEWSPAPER NEWSLETTER FOR FOR THE THE CANBERRACANBERRA AND& GOULBURN GOULBURN ANGLICAN ANGLICAN COMMUNITYCOMMUNITY VOL.VOL 3230 FREE N0.N0 81 3800 COPIES November 2015 EANGLICANVERY MONTH ANGLICAN NEWS NEWS FEB 2013 New Wine Kids Australia
Dynamic new children’s ministry network hits the road New Wine Kids Australia has just been launched by Brian and Ali Champness (from the F5 Congregation in Goulburn) with the endorsement of New Wine UK and Australia. Brian and Ali ministered as Children’s Pastors in an Anglican church in the UK for fi ve years where they were involved with New Wine and were excited to see how this movement has helped and inspired local churches develop vibrant children’s and families ministries. NETWORKERS: Temora priest John Jenner with F5 Family Worker This is done through training events, Brian Champness (at left) and an enthusiastic group who took part in the networking, mentoring and exciting ‘Coffee and Connect’ gathering in Temora. summer conferences which attract thousands of families each year. vision of “Connecting leaders to connect Kids and to also hear about the great While in the UK, Brian and Ali children to God”. It is an open network ministries that are already being done in hosted New Wine training days for assisting churches and children’s churches to reach children and families. children’s leaders, spoke at conferences ministry leaders who are wanting to Brian and Ali said that they were and were the Team Leaders for ‘Boulder see renewal so that this generation of encouraged to see churches active and Gang’ at the Summer Conference which children and families can be reached enthusiastic about reaching out to their consisted of more than 600 children with the Good News of Jesus. community. aged 10-11 and over 120 leaders. Promotional tour “There are so many people doing New Wine began in the UK in 1989 In October, Brian and Ali set out great things to reach children and as a Christian festival and has now to launch New Wine Kids Australia families with the message of Jesus,” grown to be a large network of churches with a road trip around the Canberra said Brian. “Programs such as ‘Mainly with the vision of “Local churches and Goulburn Diocese and also to Music’ and ‘Messy Church’ seem to be changing nations”. Melbourne where they held “Coffee having great impact into communities as New Wine is now an international and Connect” meetings with anyone churches see many people attend these movement represented by many involved in ministry to children and programs. Other churches are active different denominations and the strong families. in scripture teaching and running kids network amongst the leaders has built They visited Canberra, Temora, clubs and family services. I believe great unity. Batemans Bay, Bega and Melbourne to as a network we can help each other New Wine Kids Australia has the share the heart and vision for New Wine (continued on page 2)
See website for Tel: 6247 3744 Freecall 1800 232 400 (ex ACT Directory) Email: [email protected] Web: www.aidf.com.au current The Fund is designed for investors wishing to support the Church and its work. The Fund is not prudentially supervised by APRA and contributions to the Fund do not benefi t from the depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act. rates Page 2 Anglican News November 2015 DIOCESAN NEWS
New Wine Kids Australia (continued from page 1) build strong ministries to children and other senior ministers.” family services.” families in our churches.” Mark Griffi ths has several published New Wine Kids Australia is also One of the main ways that New Wine books including ‘Don’t tell cute stories - looking to launch internship and Kids will assist churches is by providing change lives’ and ‘One Generation from mentoring programs in the coming a network and support for leaders and Extinction’. Mark and the ‘Elevate’ years. volunteers to connect to share resources, Children’s and Families Ministry Tour “One of the visions of New Wine ideas and encouragement. will consist of one day conferences in Kids Australia is to see a new generation One of the ways this will happen is Goulburn (12th March), Melbourne (5th of children’s and families minsters that through the Facebook page. People have March) as well as Temora, South Coast, are well trained, equipped and resourced already started posting questions and Sydney, Newcastle and other regional to reach this new generation with the people from other churches have been centres. Good News of Jesus,” said Brian. responding and sharing ideas. Anyone If you would like to keep up to date can be a part of this Facebook group by Being part of a network with New Wine Kids Australia and the searching ‘New Wine Kids Australia’ in events and programs they run, either the Facebook search bar. provides the opportunity search ‘New Wine Kids Australia’ on Another focus of New Wine Kids is to get some good quality Facebook and join the group or contact training and conferences. Being part of a practitioners to share Brian and Ali at brian.champness@ network provides the opportunity to get inspiration and skills to anglicancg.org.au or 0476 168 118. some good quality practitioners to share improve our ministry to inspiration and skills to improve our ministry to children and families. children and families. “We are excited to have Rev’d Dr Anglican News Mark Griffi ths coming to Australia in October 2016 will see the launch of March 2016 for the ‘Elevate’ Children’s the ‘New Wine Spring Conference and A newsletter for the Canberra and Families Ministry Tour,” Brian Family Festival’. This will be a four-day and Goulburn Anglican Champness said. “Mark is the senior gathering for adults, youth and children. community leader of Warfi eld Church, a large church Of the event, Ali said: “This is Editor: Lewis Hitchick based on the outskirts of London, and also always the highlight of the year in the Address: PO Box 23 the leader of New Wine Kids in the UK. UK and it will be a great opportunity Bathurst, NSW 2795 “He is a gifted communicator and for all generations to come together. We Phone: (02) 6331 1722 will inspire anyone who ministers will have great speakers and worship to children and families and he will leaders for all age groups as well as a 0427 373 446 also have opportunities to speak to variety of electives and some ‘all-in’ Email: anglican.news @bathurstanglican.org.au Deadline for December issue: Editorial & advertising November 25th Opinions expressed in this publica- tion do not necessarily refl ect the views or policies of the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn. Diocesan Offi ces Diocesan Registry Level 4, 221 London Circuit Canberra City, ACT 2612 Postal Address: GPO Box 1981 Canberra, ACT 2601 Phone: (02) 6232 3600 Fax: (02) 6232 3650 Anglican News is a member of the Australian Religious VISION: Ali and Brian Champness have a vision for a new generation of Press Association. children’s and family ministers to reach a new generation of young people. November 2015 Anglican News Page 3 DIOCESAN NEWS Bishop’s Convention 2016 Making disciples who make disciples Bishop Stuart Robinson has invited Mike and Sally Breen from the UK/ US to speak at the 2016 Bishop’s Convention. The Convention will be held in Goulburn’s Veolia Arena – a state of the art, multi-function, climate controlled facility for up 1,000 - on Saturday May 7, 2016, with the annual Barlow Lecture on the Friday evening (May 6). Mike Breen led a church re-plant in the inner London suburb of Brixton in the late 1980s, where he pioneered the concept of missional communities. From 1994 to 2004 he served as Senior Rector of St Thomas’ Sheffi eld, England. Under his leadership St Thomas’s grew to become the largest church in England in 2000. TRAINERS: Mike and Sally Breen have trained thousands of church Later that year he launched a team leaders in developing a discipling culture in their churches. that began a church planting movement in Europe, planting more than 1400 and entrepreneur, who has been one of University and Cambridge. churches in four years. the leading innovator in the discipling He is equally sought after in Bishop Stuart has urged lay people movement throughout Europe and the Mega Churches (Crossroads Church across the diocese to mark the date in US for more than 25 years. - Cincinnati, OH, Grace Midtown - their diaries. In addition to his calling as a Atlanta, GA, and Discovery Church “This will be our signature church planter and pastor, Mike has - Orlando, FL), as well as Conferences training event for lay members of our authored over 20 books including and Festivals (Verge, New Wine – churches in 2016,” he stressed. “Please the best selling, Family on Mission Holland, Denmark Summer Festival, invite parish councils – and whole (3DM Publishing 2014), Building North American Mission Leaders congregations to this world class event.” a Discipling Culture (3DM Conference). The Koorong organisation (owned Publishing, 2011), Covenant and While Mike and Sally normally now by the Bible Society) will run a full Kingdom (3DM, 2010), and the three- travel as a team, Sally is an innovator in conference bookshop on site during the book A Passionate Life series (Cook her own right. Having spoken at most Convention. Communications, 2005). of the places that Mike has visited, she Bishop Stuart said fi nal pricing for covers topics for women’s and mixed the event is yet to be determined, but groups around the world. “the indicative conference fee will be “This will be our Her topics range from The $75.00”. Childcare. will be provided. signature training event Integrated life, The Faithfulness of “Do please start planning to attend God, Children, Marriage, Dating, The now – and we’d be thrilled if you used for lay members of our churches in 2016.” Rhythm of Life, Health patterns, and social media to get the word out – Family on Mission. today!” he added. (Bishop Stuart Robinson) Mike and Sally live in South Bookings will open from mid- Carolina, where they founded 3DM, November - check the Diocesan website As a speaker, Mike Breen a movement/organization which has for details. is in demand across the United now spread to fi ve continents, training Mike and Sally Breen States, Europe and Australasia. thousands of leaders and churches in When you listen to Mike and Sally He speaks regularly in Colleges how to move to a discipling culture and Breen speak, you are caught up in the and Universities that include missional mindset. incredible passion they both share Azusa Pacific University, Wheaton They have been married 34 years for the church, its mission, and the University, Oklahoma Baptist and are the proud parents of three adult discipling of its people. University, Fuller Seminary, London children and two grandchildren. Mike is a speaker, author, minister Theological College, Durham Page 4 Anglican News November 2015 FROM THE ASSISTANT BISHOP
Playing the game better Bishop There is a great saying: “The older I to one set of rules, while we will be Matt get the better I was!” wanting to employ another. Same fi eld... As I enter middle age and begin to different game! Brain think back on past sporting glory rather The great challenge is that we need than present (or dare I say it) future to be like my siblings rather than me. capacity, deep in my heart I know that We need to be able to respond to the fi rst churches did. Jesus has irrevocably my memory of what I used to be able to spoken and unspoken values of Jesus’ begun God’s Kingdom, yet we live do will become rosy indeed! world rather than being caught up in the awaiting its completion - so, how do we The reality is that while I had many rules of the here-and-now. interact with our situations given that of the raw ingredients to make a decent Jesus has begun God’s Kingdom? athlete I had one fatal fl aw-I was really There is an entire genre The good news for aspiring athletes dumb when it came playing the game (it of scripture given over to is that one can improve their ‘feel’ for didn’t matter which game either!). the challenge of living as the game. I’d like to think that I am a This was in stark contrast to my much smarter footballer than I ever was siblings who had athletic skill and the disciples in a world that (pity I am so much more slow, fragile ability to ‘read the game! They knew marches to the beats of and weak now). This is certainly true for where to run, where to stand, which different drums. life. Indeed many of the letters that the angles to pass the ball on and how the apostles wrote were written precisely game worked ... and it all seemed to I fi nd it fascinating that there is an to help train Christians to become come as second nature. They had an entire genre of scripture given over better ‘players of the game’, more wise intuitive grasp of the game, its explicit to the challenge of living as disciples participants in God’s work. rules, but also its unsaid ‘feel’. Whereas in a world that marches to the beats So as we approach Advent and I was OK they were excellent! of different drums. We often call another Christmas, use this as an In many ways the great challenge in these books the ‘Wisdom Literature’ opportunity to grow in wise play. successfully negotiating life is similar to - the parts of scripture that deal with As you revisit the promises God the challenge in becoming a sports-star. questions of daily life like Proverbs, made to send one who would undo the We are constantly being called upon to Ecclesiastes and even Job. hurt done through human pride and sin; respond to and anticipate an environment Indeed it is the ‘wise’ approach to as you remember the recurring pattern that has said and unsaid rules and where life that seems to drive the apostles as of rejection, redemption and restoration a ‘feel’ for the game can often determine they tutor the very fi rst churches that made clear in the Old Testament; as you how appropriate our moves are. were planted soon after Jesus returned to pray that Gods’ light would once more This is particularly acute for those heaven. They were constantly refl ecting be known in the world; as you prepare who wish to live their lives as disciples on real, day-to-day challenges in real to celebrate that in Jesus God’s plans of Jesus. As disciples we are called communities and situations, but with will come to fruition, bring the demands to live as ‘strangers and aliens’ in their eye on a different game - How do and challenges of your life to the top of this world, not settlers or escapees. we interact with this situation given that your mind and ask, ‘How can I respond This means that we will be constantly Jesus has begun God’s Kingdom? to this challenge, given that Jesus has negotiating a playing fi eld and people Friends, this remains our question begun God’s Kingdom ... and I get to who will assuming that the play works as we live in the same space that those play in this game’! Jerusalem appointments for CSU theologian A Charles Sturt University (CSU) appointed to this position, which he took “Christianity started in Palestine and theologian has been appointed to dual up at the start of November. spread to Egypt, Syria, and Turkey, before leadership roles in Jerusalem. His academic interests include taking root in Europe. As a minority found Reverend Dr Gregory Jenks, senior theological archaeology and the socio- in almost every country in the Middle East, lecturer in the CSU School of Theology political history of the Holy Land. He has Christians have an important stake in secular and the outgoing Academic Dean of St been a regular visitor to the region over and democratic political processes.” Francis’ Theological College in Brisbane, many years, and is a co-director of the St George’s College is part of the has been appointed as Dean of St George’s Bethsaida Archeological Site on the shore Anglican compound in Jerusalem which College and a Canon of St George’s of the Sea of Galilee. comprises the Cathedral, the College, a Cathedral in Jerusalem. The appointment “The Christian community in the pilgrim guest house, and a K-12 school. was announced by the Most Reverend Middle East is vital to the long-term future It welcomes people from many parts of Suheil Dawani, Anglican Archbishop in of the region,” Dr Jenks said. “While in a the Anglican Communion, and provides Jerusalem and Bishop of the Anglican weak and vulnerable situation right now, short-term hospitality, fellowship and Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Christians have been part of the local education opportunities for Anglican Dr Jenks is the fi rst Australian culture for 2,000 years. pilgrims from around the world. November 2015 Anglican News Page 5 NEWS FROM THE WIDER CHURCH
Advent vigil for asylum seekers From Advent Sunday (November 29) to Christmas, Sister Jane Keogh will be standing, sitting and walking in front of Parliament House in solidarity with asylum seekers and refugees on Nauru and Manus Island and in Australia. Jane Keogh is a member of the Roman Catholic Brigidine Sisters and has worked for justice for refugees and asylum seekers for the past 14 years. “I’m now 70 years old and the situation is worse than ever,” said Sr Jane. “Reason and sensibleness have not worked so now it’s time for a little madness!” Sr Jane points out that Advent is a season of reflection, penitence and hope. She believes it is particularly appropriate that we as a nation reflect on and repent of our treatment of refugees, and that refugees themselves find this Advent to be a time of new hope. SUPPORT: The Aboriginal Tent Embassy at Parliament House will The Aboriginal Tent Embassy will provide overnight refuge for Sister Jane Keogh during her 26-day vigil in give her refuge at night as otherwise support of asylum seekers. Photo: Google Images. she would not be allowed to stay in the Parliamentary Triangle. By spending 26 days confined to the Facebook page of Jane Irene Sr Jane hopes to get signifi cant within the parliamentary triangle she Keogh. media coverage to spread understanding will be saying to asylum seekers, People who visit her in person about Australia’s treatment of some particularly those imprisoned might like to bring cards or messages of the most persecuted and vulnerable indefinitely on Nauru and Manus of support which will be delivered to people in the world. Island and in Australian detention asylum seekers imprisoned in Nauru “But I’m not doing it for centres: “I am with you, I hear your and Manus Island. headlines,” said Sr Jane. “I’m doing anguish, I feel your pain, I cry with Daily timetable: it for my own humanity. If it makes you, I will never give up fighting 7.30 am - 8.30 am (weekdays only): no difference to anyone else, it is at till you are free and can live with walking around the lake clockwise least an opportunity to stand up for dignity and hope.” from Reconciliation Place. who I am and what I believe in.” Showing solidarity 9.30 am - 1.30 pm: “I like to think I’ll be standing Sr Jane hopes that people from all on the lawns and under the trees in there representing the hundreds of Christian traditions, from other faiths front of Parliament House. thousands of Australians who feel and indeed people who profess no 1.30 pm – 3.30 pm: shame and anger about our treatment faith might want to join her at times, time out for personal refl ection. of refugees and want the cruelty to to show solidarity, to make their 3.30 pm - 5.30 pm: end. There are children who have own peaceful protest, to walk around on the lawns and under the trees in spent their whole lives imprisoned, the lake with her carrying their own front of Parliament House. surrounded by hopelessness and banners, to pray or sing or meditate in 4.30pm -5.30pm (weekends only): suffering, women who are abused, silence. walking around the lake, clockwise fathers separated from their families, She will be wearing the Advent from Reconciliation Place young men who have spent five colours of purple and black and 5.30pm- 7.30am: years locked up with nothing to do displaying a prominent banner. at the Tent Embassy. but worry.” Those who cannot join her in “They cry out to us for help and person might like to follow her vigil we turn our backs. Innocent people on her blog on the internet. You can are punished, allegedly to teach a fi nd the link to the blog by going lesson to others.” Page 6 Anglican News November 2015 NEWS
Where will you be on November 29? People’s Climate March in Canberra Event details By Gillian King What: Canberra People’s Climate March, an international weekend of At midday on Sunday 29 November community action on the eve of the UN climate talks in Paris. Join us at Parliament House, there is only one by wearing your traditional or religious dress, or the colour purple to place to be in the Canberra region. represent many cultures, many faiths, one world to celebrate our diverse On the last weekend of November, cultures and faiths, and our unity in caring for our world as our common thousands of people from all parts of our home. community will gather to help create When: Gather at 12 midday, Sunday 29 November the biggest, most diverse climate march Where: Federation Mall, the lawns in front of Parliament House the world has ever seen, on the eve of Why: Climate change is impacting us now, yet decision makers are dragging United Nations climate talks in Paris. their feet. We will show how large and diverse our community call The People’s Climate March in for climate action is. We’ll demonstrate that communities are already Canberra has been specifi cally organised getting on with the job, and it’s time to follow our lead. From here on so that congregations of Christians can in, we’re all in. come directly from church on Sunday morning. The Diocesan Public Issues Commission is encouraging Anglicans There will be six sections in the She said that climate change was to attend. Canberra People’s Climate March, each impacting Australians and people across Local Anglican Jenny Goldie with its own colour. the world right now, and it was getting is working through Climate Action “Come along, with your friends, worse: 2015 is on track to be the hottest Monaro to organise transport to the family and congregation, to join the year on record globally. Rising sea March from Cooma, Bredbo, Michelago People’s Climate March and represent levels and extreme weather are hitting and Royalla. Contact Jenny on 0401 many cultures, many faiths, one world. us every year. In the Canberra region, 921 453 or [email protected]. If you celebrate our unity in caring for hotter, drier summers mean more heat au if you are interested. our world as our common home, and waves and bushfi res. Gillian King, a member of the our diverse cultures and faiths, wear Climate change will make things Diocean Public Issues Commission, is your traditional or religious dress or the harder for the most vulnerable people, on the ACT State Organising Committee colour purple and join in.” including those in Canberra and for the march and is working hard to Groups and individuals are surrounds, who are less able to cope ensure that people of faith are seen and encouraged to come up with their with extreme weather events. heard through this event. own creative messages, bring banners, “We are already seeing the effects “It is only by standing up and colours, and instruments. of climate change around the world, speaking out that the voices and wisdom Follow the call from rising sea levels drowning our of people of faith will be heard by the “Let’s follow the call of leaders such Pacifi c Island neighbours to extreme people making decisions about what as the Archbishop of Canterbury and Pope heat, drought and storms to extra strain can be argued is the greatest moral Francis and call for decisions to be based of climate change fanning the winds of issue of our time at this critical time in on taking care of Creation and ensuring war in places like Syria,” she said. “Yet humanity’s history,” she said. care and fairness for the poorest and most the solutions are available, including “As people of faith, it’s up to us to join vulnerable,” Gillian said. different ways of relating to each other in and make Sunday November 29 the “To change everything, we need and sharing resources.” largest and most diverse climate change everyone. Together, we can urge our Gillian King said that the People’s action the Canberra region has seen. leaders - and support each other - to take Climate March would be the world’s “Together we will show that people action to implement the solutions (most largest action, from the most diverse of faith and people in the Canberra of which already exist) before it’s too spread of communities, calling on all region are already showing leadership late. The aim is to show that people all leaders to “do what is necessary to and taking action on climate change and over the world - a broad, diverse, united secure our future”. that our Federal decision makers are and powerful movement - are committed “It hopes to demonstrate the strength out of step with us, and the rest of the to urgent and real change, and that we in our diversity, and that people from world.” want our decision-makers to refl ect this all walks of life are calling for climate The Canberra People’s Climate and we will hold them to account. For action,” she said. March is part of a global gathering of this movement to be successful it is Sign up for the March and learn everyday people calling on leaders to important that it involve as many people more at peoplesclimatemarch.org.au/ tackle climate change and make the from as many different aspects of our canberra#ACT – and stay tuned to transition to a brighter and fairer clean community as possible. the Facebook event facebook.com/ energy future. “From here on in, we’re all in!” events/794077210702920/ November 2015 Anglican News Page 7 DIOCESAN NEWS
St Mark’s NTC: refracting God’s abundant grace By Andrew Cameron* future are not as real, but more real, than pile of fl our (ch.13). Heaven erupts There are these two diffi cult facets the present. with joy over one repentant sinner, and of being human. I fi nd it helpful simply In Thinking, Fast and Slow, when a spendthrift comes home (ch. 15). to notice them without guilt or shame neuroscientist Daniel Kahneman writes Even a thieving, self-serving manager in the fi rst instance; for self-recognition of how our brains process quickly and is praised (ch. 16), because at least he opens our eyes. The fi rst of these not always ‘rationally’—such as in loss understands the power of generosity. diffi culties is anxiety. The second is aversion, where professional golfers Jesus encountered many on that road ‘loss aversion’. putt more accurately for par than for a who loved to hoard, for whom anxiety For British philosopher Alan birdie, and ‘giving up a bottle of nice and scarcity defi ned them. ‘If you, even Watts, we ‘lose the present’ in future wine is more painful than getting an you, had only recognised on this day the worries and past regrets. ‘The object equally good bottle is pleasurable’. We things that make for peace!’ he laments. of dread may not be an operation in are wired to hoard. ‘But now, they are hidden from your the immediate future,’ he observes in Right now, Anglicans have some eyes.’ For Jesus, when our eyes open to The Wisdom of Insecurity. ‘It may be worries and some loss aversion. Both the grace of God, we joyfully differ from the problem of next month’s rent, of crimp our imagination, and hinder what surrounds us, and bring peace. a threatened war or social disaster, or creative, generous mission. But Jesus St Mark’s exists to open people’s being able to save enough for old age, or knows us, and closely addresses anxiety eyes to Jesus’ way of seeing. At our best, of death at the last. This ”spoiler of the and loss aversion on his epic journey to our courses are prisms refracting God’s present” may not even be a future dread. Jerusalem (Luke 9:51–19:42). abundant grace, setting Australians free It may be something out of the past, He also knows a God of from belief in anxious stories of scarcity. some memory of an injury, some crime extraordinary abundance. Everyone Come to our Open Day on or indiscretion, which haunts the present who asks receives (ch. 11). We’re more November 21st to fi nd out more. with a sense of resentment or guilt.’ valuable than birds (ch. 12). God’s *Andrew Cameron serves as For most of us, the anxious past and the kingdom is like tiny yeasts in a huge Director of St Mark’s NTC
DAY 21 NOV OPEN 9.30 - 12pm
15 Blackall St, Barton www.stmarks.edu.au Page 8 Anglican News November 2015 DIOCESAN NEWS Living the multi-cultural experience at CSU Wagga Wagga From St Martin’s College St Martin’s College is a ministry of the Diocese of Canberra Goulburn and the Diocese of Riverina. It provides a clean, safe community for students who are studying at CSU’s Wagga Wagga campus. The past year has seen some changes in the college resulting from changes in the government’s Higher Education funding. There has been a decline in full time, on campus enrolments at Wagga with all accommodation experiencing about a 10-15% vacancy rate compared to the waiting lists that existed a couple of years ago. The college has taken up the challenge and has diversifi ed its accommodation with an increasing number of International students (12% of residents) and Post-graduate students (5%) and these are now part of the St ORANGE BREAK: One of two St Martins’ teams in the mixed netball Martin’s community. competition: Caitie Skinner, Shae Sadler, Pam Cowie, Elly Hodgkinson, This diversity has strengthened and Kelsey Deeves, Adam Windel and Ashley Snare tuck into the oranges at enhanced the college community with half-time. one of the highlights for the year being the Multicultural dinner catered for by the students themselves, and calls for has also been enhanced with the multi- The college community is blessed this to be a more regular event. faith meditation being a highlight of the to have amazing support from the local The spiritual formation of students week. Anglican Parishes. St Paul’s Turvey Park cater for a “Welcome Back to Uni” meal four times a year. These have become a much anticipated event, as the students not only enjoy the wonderful home cooked food, but many friendships have developed over these meals and the St Paul’s people have also become mentors to the students. Wagga Parish, Community of the Redeemer Ashmont and St Paul’s Turvey Park also continue to provide a home cooked meal for students during their fi nal exams, again a ministry that is greatly appreciated and valued by the students. The St Martin’s student Community not only receives ministry and generosity from others, but is also a generous community that gives to others. This year the students have raised funds for victims of the Nepal COTTAGE 372, which comprises a mix of international and Australian earthquake, participated in Biggest students: Razma Alim, Sanjana Chand, Padma Devaraj, Sancho James, Morning Tea and Relay for Life and a Kailash Patil and Sajid Latif. (continued next page) November 2015 Anglican News Page 9 DIOCESAN NEWS Historical Society visits Monaro By Charles Body More than 40 people from around the diocese joined the Anglican Historical Society’s weekend tour of the Monaro district on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November 2015. The Society’s Tours Offi cer, Jill Hodgson, organised a packed program with visits to St Thomas’ Michelago, St Bartholomew’s Bredbo, St Peter’s Nimmitabel, St Mary the Virgin Gedgedzerick, Christ Church Cooma, St Paul’s Cooma and St John’s Adaminaby. Saturday’s program was carefully planned to ensure that the group was in Nimmitabel at noon for the unveiling of the Nimmity Bell. The purchase and installation of the bell is a community initiative designed to encourage tourists to stop in the town and explore its many attractions. In association with the unveiling of the bell, there were numerous displays TYPICALLY MONARO: The church of St Mary the Virgin at and street stalls and displays. The only Gedgedzerick in a typically Monaro setting. regret is that Historical Society members were not able to spend more time (and in the Diocese of Bathurst, join the 1961, not many years after the town was money) in Nimmitabel. tour. Fr Bill’s great-grandfather, the moved from its old site (now under the Apart from St Paul’s at Cooma, none Rev. Edward Gifford Pryce, was the waters of Lake Eucumbene) to a new of the churches visited by the society fi rst Anglican priest appointed to the site about eight kilometres away. has weekly services. However, all are Monaro. Bill’s renowned pastoral care skills beautifully-maintained and continue to His remarkable ministry in the would have been much in demand at serve their communities as they have district from 1843 until 1856 covered this time of great stress and pain in the done for over a century. the Monaro, the south coast and community. The faith and commitment of the extended into Gippsland in Victoria – The Society’s tour, and the visit of members of these churches and the and this at a time when travel was by Fr Bill Pryce in particular, received way in which the churches are an horse and there were few roads. considerable local publicity, with a integral part of their communities is The Rev’d Bill Wright, a long- reporter from the Monaro Post visiting an inspiration to people from larger serving priest in the Diocese of St Paul’s after the Sunday morning suburban parishes. Canberra and Goulburn, was also a service to interview Fr Bill and other It was a great pleasure to have Fr participant in the excursion. Bill was members of the Society. Bill Pryce, currently locum at Grenfell rector of Adaminaby from 1958 until Multi-cultural experience at CSU Wagga Wagga (from previous page) students participated in a range tutoring support and this year set up a group of students again spent a week of activities during the academic “colouring-in” station as another way at St Christopher’s Children’s Home in year including a river fl oat on the of helping with pre-exam stress levels. Fiji. Murrumbidgee; Saints’ Cup netball, Applications are now being The students who participated in touch and soccer – we won the cup accepted for students wanting the Fiji trip set up a new library for the back from St Francis college; a weekly accommodation in 2016. home, organised games and activities pizza and games night for “stress So if you know anyone studying for National Youth day, learnt to cook relief”, Trivia night, Talent quest, on CSU’s Wagga Campus encourage gulgula and took a donation of $2000 scavenger hunt and a champagne them to have a look at the college to the Sisters who run the home - a breakfast for Ag Race Day were all website www.stmartinscollege.org gift from the college community. highlights. or to contact the college for further Apart from all of this activity The college also offered students information. Page 10 Anglican News November 2015 NEWS FROM THE WIDER CHURCH
Give the Gift of Education for Christmas
This Christmas ABM is giving the gift of education to children in Kenya and the Philippines. Fundraising Manager of ABM, Christopher Brooks said, “Christmas is a wonderful time to give to others but to give to children seems to bring that extra joy. This year ABM is ensuring we give hope and joy to children in our partner countries by having our appeal focus on two Christian Education projects.” “I encourage our supporters to consider a gift to ABM’s Christmas Appeal to give the gift of education to children in Kenya and the Philippines,” he said. In Kenya, The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd children’s ministry is a Christian Education program which builds young children’s faith from ages 3 to 12. TRAINING: ABM’s Evangelism and Christian Education Project is In slum areas such as Kibera, which providing much-needed training for ordained and lay leaders in the is located within the Archbishop’s diocese in Nairobi, there is a great need Philippines, such as the teachers of these Sunday School children. to grow faith in the children. Photo © ABM/Brad Chapman 2012. This program is being well received by the children and their families but even more success is hoping to spread it all across Kenya. The program has now possible if the program continues to grow and strengthens the been extended across other Dioceses in West Kenya. faith of even more children. In a recent report the church told ABM, “God is helping The Archbishop and the Bishops in Council recognise the the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd to develop strongly program is encouraging and effective for the children and are in Kenya and nearby countries with about 25 centres either operational or planned. It is now developing in nine schools across Kenya and will provide nurture for children from Nursery to class eight.” The program is now being delivered in Anglican Churches in Kenya with some assistance also going to development of this ministry in Uganda and South Sudan and Burundi. Across the world in the Philippines, the Evangelism and Christian education project provides much-needed training and education options for ordained and lay leaders. The training leads lay leaders to a deeper participation and Based in rural NSW, Be commitment to contribute to the ministry of the church in the Blessed can supply individually broader society as a whole. designed Clergy stoles, altar The project also provides opportunities for ordained ministers to specialise in particular pastoral works such as linens, clergy shirts and more counselling for the young people or conducting spiritual With 35 years of experience retreats. The Episcopal Church in the Philippines has a Vision- in garment making & service Mission-Goal – “by the year 2018 we envision a vibrant and with a prayer, creativity & a dynamic church of caring, witnessing and mission-oriented smile - phone!! parishes.” Continued support will help the Church reach 170,000 young members of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines and help leaders realise the vision of 2018. Your support of ABM’s Christmas Appeal will help http:/www.beblessedclergyvestments.com.au children learn the love of God. Please give generously at www.abmission.org. November 2015 Anglican News Page 11 NEWS
Former Bishop of Grafton Insights into lives removed from Holy Orders of church leaders A former Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Grafton has been removed from holy orders on the recommendation of an independent Professional Standards Board. of recent decades Keith Slater had been Bishop of Grafton for 10 years until his resignation in May, 2013. Former Canberra Times journalist Graham Downie The deposition means Mr Slater no longer holds any has published a book distilled from interviews and ordained position, role or status within the Anglican Church conversations with church leaders and prominent lay of Australia and returns to being a lay member of the church. Christians over the past four decades. The recommendation follows a hearing by the Board, The book, Servants and headed by former Supreme Court judge, the Hon. Mr Leaders, was launched on Moreton Rolfe QC. Thursday November 12 at The hearing related to the diocesan response to the Australian Centre for allegations of abuse at the North Coast Children’s Home Christianity and Culture. in Lismore during the period 1940-1980 and claims for Graham Downie compensation. worked as Religious The hearing followed fi ndings by the Royal Affairs journalist for the Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Canberra Times for most Abuse and evidence given at the hearing by Mr Slater. of his working life, and in The Board’s recommendation was directed to the retirement has continued Diocesan Bishop, the Right Reverend Dr Sarah Macneil. to write occasional Dr Macneil adopted the recommendation and informed freelance articles Mr Slater of his removal, or deposition, from holy orders. featuring well-known Under church law there is no avenue of appeal. Christians. The choice of recommendations available to the Board Church leaders varied from counselling to loss of all standing as an of all persuasions ordained person within the Anglican Church of Australia. and prominent lay Christiansns have Earlier this year a former Registrar of the Diocese, opened up to Graham Downie over forty years on Patrick Comben, also was removed from holy orders the issues and feelings that matter to them most. Cardinal following his appearance at the Royal Commission George Pell, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, former Anglican investigating issues relating to the NCCH. Archbishop of Sydney Peter Jensen, former Governor- General Peter Hollingworth, cabinet minister Fred Chaney and pioneering Presbyterian minister Joy Bartholomew are among those featured in his book. These people have shared their thoughts on church and society, morality and sex, world affairs, women, homosexuality or child abuse. An award-winning religious journalist, Graham Downie has been able to exploit his reputation for integrity and impartiality to get infl uential people to talk openly about their beliefs, controversies, embarrassments, triumphs and disappointments, personal and global concerns. Former Editor of The Canberra Times, Ian Mathews, was invited to launch the book. The book will be distributed through book shops, or people can call Graham Downie direct on 6161 1901 to order a copy.
HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION
CALOUNDRA, Sunshine Coast, beachside units, from $300/week. Phone 0427 990 161. Page 12 Anglican News November 2015 COMMENT Is terrorism a threat to us all? Bishop George Browning last month addressed the annual gathering of the Association of Retired Federal politicians, in the Senate Chamber of the Old Parliament House. He was one of three speakers discussing the topic of terrorism, along with General Peter Leahy, previous head of Army, and Professor George Williams of ANU. Dr Browning’s speech is reprinted in full: Terrorism is one of those words that Religion can become coterminous is in almost daily usage by the media and with terrorism for one of two reasons. there is a tendency for it to be used when Either the combatants in the cause it is not necessarily appropriate. consider governance to be essentially the Was the Martin Place violence domain of religion; or a minority turn terrorism, and if so what was the aim of their economic or social grievance into a it? Was it rather the fi nal act in the life of religious or spiritual crusade. a very disturbed and needy human being The former is clearly the case with who aligned himself with any group from Daesh or the Islamic State of Iraq and a bikie gang to a religious sect? the Levant (ISIL), which has ambitions So what is terrorism and what is it for a worldwide caliphate. The latter was not? Terrorism is not any form of random the case in Northern Ireland where the violence, it carries very specifi c meaning. Catholic population had suffered long- Terrorism is: “The unoffi cial or term social and economic disadvantage at unauthorised use of violence to achieve a the hands of British ambitions. political end”.1 Terrorism is a threat to us all if What then is politics? Politics is about religion and national governance become governance and the art of negotiation that coterminous, or if legitimate long term humans, social beings, need to employ grievances remain unaddressed, or if a party to achieve social and economic security external to the grievance interferes, and and well being. Politics necessarily without thought upsets the balances that BIBLICAL SOURCE: Dr George comes into play in all aspects of life be it have enabled a measure of cohesion and Browning goes back to the Book sport, local community life, the Church, stability to exist. of Genesis to fi nd explanations as well as affairs of state, nationally and The involvement of Australia in the for the deep divisions that led to internationally. Arab confl icts of the Middle East without The greater the reach of governance apparently understanding the history of confl ict. sought over diverse interests and the peoples’ religion, or their method of expectations, the greater will be the skill governance, or their underlying loyalties religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam required to achieve an outcome which may well have opened us to violence share a considerable body of sacred text, benefi ts all. In a political vacuum or when which hitherto was unknown to us. including the pre-historical narratives of the politics has failed, terrorism Genesis. It is well known that these arises either as an attempt to ‘The involvement of Australia in the texts contain the narrative of rivalry short circuit the necessary Arab confl icts of the Middle East and violence between the brothers political process, or as an Cain and Abel, the supposed expression of frustration that the without apparently understanding children of Adam and Eve. aspirations of a particular group the history of the peoples’ religion, What is less well known is an are being thwarted, ignored or or their method of governance, or informed interpretation of this text suppressed. their underlying loyalties may well which, being pre-historical, might The situation in Syria is give meaning to all humanity, an example of the fi rst, the have opened us to violence which not simply people of faith, any situation in Palestine the second. hitherto was unknown to us.’ faith. The name Abel in Hebrew is Terrorism is essentially Hevel,2 a word for breath. about politics, about the failure of There is a sense in which we have Jews, like the Greeks, spoke of (perhaps even absence of) due political tilled the soil which has enabled the the soul or the spiritual dimension of process, and not essentially about emergence of Daesh and we continue to humankind in language drawn from religion. On the other hand religion be involved in a confl ict without really the act of breathing. “In Hebrew words has frequently been appropriated in knowing what the outcome will be, or for soul – such as nefesh, ruach and an attempt to ‘noblise’ that which is whether it will lessen or increase deep neshamah – are all types of breath”.3 not noble, to give credibility to that feelings of injustice in the region. Hevel means a shallow, fl eeting, which deserves no credit. The ‘cause’ Genesis narrative ephemeral breath. Abel therefore is frequently the very antithesis of that Let me turn for a moment to violence represents human mortality – a mortality religion’s basic tenets. within religion. The three Semitic (continued next page) November 2015 Anglican News Page 13 COMMENT that comes less from sin than from the fact that we are embodied souls in a physical world subject to deterioration and decay. What will eventually kill Abel (humanity) is Cain. Cain in Hebrew means to acquire, to posses, to own. Eve conceived and acquired kaniti, a man, with the help of the Lord. The entire ethical-legal principle upon which the Hebrew Bible is based and which is sacred to Islam and Christianity, is that we own nothing. Everything – the land, its produce, power, sovereignty, children and life itself – belongs to God. Cain represents the opposite: power as ownership, owner-ship as power. The Hebrew word for Baal has the same range of meanings. Violence RELIGIOUS TERRORISM: George Browning says that religion therefore in the teaching of the three Semitic religions begins in competition and terrorism can overlap when combatants in the cause consider for scarce goods, of which the first governance to be essentially the domain of religion. He cites ISIL as an is land. Owning or desiring to own example of this. Photo: Google Images/Rueters that which belongs to another in the three Semitic religions is the source of aquifers have become so denuded that In this important work Fukuyama violence and ultimately the cause of salt water has seeped in making them argues that human beings have evolved human destruction. brackish. The health of all, especially the with an essential loyalty to family and Given that the Bible assumes this to children, is severely affected. tribe. He argues that loyalty beyond that be a universally applicable truth, a truth The third reason is that while endemic is hard or diffi cult to sustain. He argues that should be applied to all people in poverty has been eliminated from some that we have evolved with commitment every generation, the 21st century looms parts of Asia and Africa, nevertheless to such loyalty because of its necessity as open to fairly widespread violence for there is growing global inequity with 1% for survival. A single human being has three reasons. of the global population now owning or zero chance of survival; we all need the The fi rst is that in past generations controlling 90% of the world’s wealth. security and protection of a group. rivalries were, on the whole, localised This inequity is not simply restricted Imposed boundaries and could remain so. In a global to wealth; it also impacts governance – Tribal loyalty continues to prevail world this is far more diffi cult, if not politics. as the dominant political engagement in impossible. Leaving aside all much of Africa, the Middle East other issues, the environmental Either the idea of nation state, and the Pacifi c with little loyalty shown to national boundaries or crisis on its own is potentially a relatively recent historical the source of very considerable national government. Western rivalry and violence. Already we invention, has to be abandoned, colonisation has been, in part, are seeing many people becoming or that State must fi nd a form of responsible for the continuation environmental refugees. governance that does not clearly of tribal loyalty through the Advanced countries that have advantage one group at the imposition of national boundaries historically contributed most to the that bore little relevance to ethnic, cause of the crisis are proving very expense of another. religious or tribal affi liations. reluctant to change their behaviour. As a result, on the one hand Those who have contributed least but Disproportionate infl uence people of the same ethnicity can fi nd are adversely affected the most can and The facts of the matter are that the themselves artifi cially separated, and do feel deeply aggrieved. It is obvious wealthy have a disproportionate infl uence yet on the other hand they can be called that the seeds of political violence can on political decision making through their upon to express loyalty to a form of sprout from this soil; indeed I understand lobbying capacity, and this diminishes the governance which unites them to others the military are already weighing the appeal of democracy. with whom they have little in common. potential gravity of this threat. If it becomes clear that democracy (Those on either side of the border The second reason is that if violence cannot deliver equity then there will between PNG and West Papua are the is largely related to control or ownership be increasing dissatisfaction with the same ethnicity). of resources; as global population democratic process and a temptation to It is useful to remember that the expands, competition for resources, subvert or challenge it. national boundaries of the Middle including those as basic as water, will I would like for a moment to bring East did not naturally evolve but were escalate. For example, Israel controls Francis Fukuyama into the conversation, imposed by Western colonisers. The 92% of the water in historic Palestine. particularly through his: The Origins of boundaries of what today is known as Gaza is virtually out of water. The Political Order.4 (continued next page) Page 14 Anglican News November 2015 COMMENT
Is terrorism a threat to us all? (continued from page 13)
Iraq were set by the British and those of For those who migrate to Australia confrontational in its style. Australians Syria by France. When the boundary of from a tribal society that happens to rightly rejected this style in the Abbot Iraq was being established by Britain, be Islamic, growth into this confi dence Government and they hope for better in the it was well known that three different takes time and is made more diffi cult Turnbull Government. Either the idea of loyalties were being imposed on each if a language barrier continues for too nation state, a relatively recent historical other: the Kurds, the Shia and the Sunni. long. It may take a generation for invention, has to be abandoned, or that Fukuyama argues that if loyalty is this confi dence to grow; in the mean State must fi nd a form of governance that to be enduringly established beyond the time there might be a temptation to fall does not clearly advantage one group at the family, or tribe, the advantage needs to back to Sharia law, upon which folk expense of another. be clear and the rules that guard that have customarily relied. This integration Also, given the irreversible nature of advantage must be strong enough to becomes virtually impossible if there is a globalisation, no nation state or group of be relied upon. Since the industrial perception, let alone a real life example, of states can seek unjust advantage at the revolution, economic advantage has been Australian law unfavourably treating those expense of other states and not expect to a strong incentive for loyalty beyond the who are yet to have full confi dence in it. live with the consequences. family or tribe. What has guarded and How am I to summarise a very Notes: sustained that loyalty has been acceptance complex issue? Much of the terrorism 1. Oxford Dictionary and Thesaurus of, and commitment to, the rule of law. with roots in the Middle East has grown (Oxford University Press: Oxford, Australian context out of a failure of national politics. 2007). When members of a tribal society Libya, Yemen, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, 2. Among other things the keyword migrate to Australia, the success of their perhaps even Lebanon, fail to deliver of the book known in English as integration is dependent on many things, a national form of governance which Ecclesiastes. but it includes confi dence that Australia’s overcomes tribal rivalries. The West 3. Jonathan Sacks, Not in Gods Name. rule of law will not be partisan, that has been keen to remove despots but 4. Francis Fukuyama, The Origins it will in effect guard the rights of has given little thought to what form of of Political order (Profi le Books: all without fear or favour. (This is a governance will replace them. London, 2011). confi dence that much of the Australian Even in the West, politics is indigenous population is yet to realise). destructive if it is partisan and
Clergy moves and appointments
The Reverend Owen Davies has been appointed Liturgy, the Arts and Spiritual Care at the Australian by the NSW Police Force as Chaplain, NSW Police Centre for Christianity and Culture on 18 November Academy, and will be licensed accordingly. 2015, at the ACCC at 7.30pm. The Right Reverend Trevor Edwards will take The Venerable David Ruthven has been appointed on the role of non-stipendary Rector of the parish Rector of the Parish of Wagga Wagga. David will of Murrumburrah-Harden with the Reverend commence in February 2016. David Rajasakaram appointed Priest-in Charge The Reverend Graham Schultz has accepted an Murrumburrah-Harden following David’s ordination appointment at Bowral in the Diocese of Sydney and to the priesthood at the Priests’ Ordination Service will complete his ministry and locum at Turvey Park in November 2015. on 13 December 2015. The Reverend Bob Lindbeck will be licensed as The following candidates, God willing, will be ordained Priest-in-Charge of the Parish of Southern Monaro. Priest on Saturday 28 November 2015, 11.00am, St The Reverend Peter Malone has been appointed Saviour’s Cathedral, Goulburn: the part time Warden/ Chaplain at Brindabella Court, The Reverend Judy Douglas; Dickson, ACT. The Reverend Natalie Milliken; The Reverend Dr Erica Mathieson will be collated The Reverend David Rajaskaram; as Archdeacon for North Canberra at the beginning The Reverend Craig Roberts; of the Priests’ Ordination Service on Saturday 28 The Reverend Andrew Robinson. November 2015. Erica will continue as Rector of Hackett Parish. There will be three new Canons of St Saviour’s The Reverend Natalie Milliken has been appointed Cathedral – the Reverend Roberta Hamilton, the Chaplain to the Junee Correctional Centre effective Reverend Susanna Pain and the Reverend Steve from 1 November 2015. Clarke (Arts). Roberta and Steve will be collated at The Reverend Susanna Pain will be commissioned the commencement of the Priests’ Ordination and into her new role as part time Associate Director, Susanna will be collated at a later date. November 2015 Anglican News Page 15 NEWS FROM THE WIDER CHURCH Hope, love, joy and peace: refl ecting on the themes of Advent
Anglican Overseas Aid offers free booklet to guide Christians through the lead-up to Christmas A new free Advent refl ection booklet from Anglican Overseas Aid invites people to rediscover the refl ective opportunities of the Advent season leading to Christmas. “Advent is traditionally a time of refl ection in anticipation of both the birth of Jesus and his eventual return, as well as being a time for welcoming God into our lives every day,” said Anglican Overseas Aid’s CEO, the Reverend Dr Bob Mitchell. “But often the pressure and stress of preparing for Christmas and fi nishing off the calendar year overwhelm those moments that could be used to slow down, be still and refl ect. “All year round, Anglicans and sized Advent refl ection booklet was with every Gift of Light card that you Anglican churches across Australia a simple, low-key tool for personal purchase. Our suggestion is that you generously and compassionately refl ection based on the weekly themes of give the booklet to your loved one at support the work that we do with poor Advent. the start of Advent, and then give them communities around the world, so we It contains a short overview of the your Gift of Light card at Christmas. decided we wanted to give something history and tradition of Advent, and It’s a simple way to reclaim the spirit of back. follows the Advent themes of hope, Advent and Christmas, and you get to “Toward Christmas: An Advent love, joy and peace. Each theme has a give a gift twice!” Refl ection is our way of inviting people page with a refl ective image and quote To order multiple copies of Toward to take some time for themselves and from a signifi cant Christian, along with Christmas: An Advent Refl ection for connect with the deeper story that is at questions that invite the reader into your church, community group or the foundation of their faith, particularly refl ection around the theme. family, contact Anglican Overseas in this busy time of year.” Bob Mitchell said the booklet could Aid on 1800 249 880 or aoa@ Bob Mitchell said that the booklet be ordered in bulk for use by churches anglicanoverseasaid.org.au had been inspired by the agency’s Gifts and other groups, or as part of orders of Alternatively, you can request one of Light Christmas gifts catalogue, Christmas gifts from the Gifts of Light copy of the booklet with each Gift which last year was redesigned around catalogue. of Light Christmas gift card that you the themes of Advent. “Churches and groups are invited purchase from Anglican Overseas “We realised that charity Christmas to contact us to order multiple copies,” Aid via their website at: www. gift catalogues often don’t emphasise he said. “Alternatively, you can also anglicanoverseasaid.org.au the central story of the Christmas choose to receive a copy of the booklet season, so we redesigned Gifts of Light to follow the traditional themes of Advent – hope, love, joy and peace - and the Advent lectionary readings,” Anglican News in print for December said Bob Mitchell. “This year we thought we would The December issue of Anglican News will be a printed tabloid edition, like to offer people something more and will be due in parishes by Sunday December 6. refl ective, so we created the booklet as The deadline for all copy and photos will be Wednesday, November 25, a free gift to complement the Gifts of but production will be held back to include coverage of the Ordination in St Light catalogue.” Saviour’s Cathedral, Goulburn, on Saturday November 28. Bob Mitchell said the free, pocket- Page 16 AnglicanAnglican News News NoNovembervember 22015015 TRI-DIOCESAN YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS
Synergy Youth and Children is proud to announce a brand new initiative commencing in February 2016. Go! The Bishop’s Apprenticeship Initiative is an exciting new opportunity for young people aged 14 – 25 to grow in their faith and service as a disciple of Jesus. Anglican News asked Andrew Edwards, Director of Synergy Youth and Children to tell us about this exciting new initiative. “Go! is all about giving young people opportunities to learn more about what it means to follow Jesus, to grow in their faith and understanding of Him and to learn practical skills while serving in a range of hands-on ministry projects,” Andrew explained. “Go! is designed to be a very accessible opportunities for young opportunity to learn from experienced practical year that can be done alongside people to grow as disciples of Jesus” ministry leaders throughout the year, whatever else young people are doing, Andrew said. “Go! will provide a year connect with a mentor, assist with be that school, University, work or fi lled with quality teaching, deepening various ministries across the diocese a combination. It’s an internship, an relationships with Jesus and plenty of and become part of Team Synergy and opportunity to work alongside others hands-on ministry opportunities and experience the diversity of ministry in ministry and for young people to experience across the Diocese. We want through avenues such as social media, discover the gifts, talents and heart God to help young people understand that online and resource support. has given them for serving Him and serving God and others is part of the “It’s going to be an exciting year and reaching the world.” DNA of a believer – it’s something that I can’t wait to serve alongside the young Go! is founded upon the need to we need to be building into our lives people who sign up for 2016” Andrew engage young people in both knowing as part of who we are. We are called to said. “I’m so excited to see how God what they believe and why, and teaching be disciples, who make disciples, who grows these young people in their faith, them how to put that into action. make disciples!” commitment and service to Him, our “Our goal is to provide easily Young people will have the Diocese and the world. Please remember us in your prayers!” For more information about Go! visit the Synergy website www.synergy.org. au/go, or contact Andrew on 0437 883 122 or [email protected]. Go! will be replacing the Bishops Gap Year (BYG) for 2016.
Registrations for Summer Camp Pelican are rolling in! We have three camps in January 2016: Synergy contacts Middle School (yr 4/5/6) 17-22 Jan 2016 Synergy Youth: www.synergy.org.au Junior High (yr 7/8/9) 17-22 Jan 2016 Synergy Youth Director: Andrew Senior High (yr 10/11/12) 10-15 Jan 2016 Edwards, ([email protected]; A camp brochure and online registrations can be found at 6245 7101) www.synergy.org.au/camps or by contacting Andrew at [email protected] or 0437 883 122 Synergy Youth Chair: Ruth Edwards (contact via 6245 7101)