Meeting people Clergy David and Caroline From the Bishop Keith Chenhall where they are conference Beischer page 2 page 4 page 7 page 9 page 12 The Gippsland

Volume 112, NumberAnglican 6, July 2015 Published in Gippsland Diocese since 1904

Photos: June Treadwell Refugee Sunday – advocates speak of persecution and peril Sue Fordham

reject them on that The readings for the third and drew on the readings account. I think that Sunday after Pentecost to suggest that Christians is where it began seemed specifically designed needed to show leadership for me.” for the day. The Old and generosity of heart in But the most Testament reading sees order to be ‘new creation’; telling were Michael the young David, a simple that ‘new creation’ Christians, Michael Fox and Eleanor Patterson both spoke at the Refugee Sunday service at Paynesville Fox’s stories of shepherd boy, sought out in welcoming the threatened flesh and blood and chosen for the role of and persecuted, are realising persecution, of kingship. The extract from the Kingdom of God in people in extreme 2 Corinthians 5 reminds us community in . peril who had that those who live in Christ The intercessions at the sought refuge in are ‘new creation’ and live Eucharist focussed on the needs Australia. For some, for Christ rather than self. of the millions of displaced the outcome was And the Gospel of Mark uses people needing resettlement happy, for others a the mustard seed analogy and the governments, disaster. to show that from small including our own, who can One of the saddest beginnings the Kingdom of extend a welcoming hand in cases was Xuan (not God can be realised. offering them a place of safety his real name), a Archdeacon Edie Ashley and refuge. Chinese translator looked at what the Bible had Sue Fordham is a Lay on permanent visa in to say about the Christian Reader in the parish of Australia, working response to those seeking Paynesville. for ’s asylum. She distinguished the China News. Xuan refugee from those seeking See also Refugee Week had sought asylum migration for lifestyle reasons report from Cowes, page 9 ichael Fox and European migration began. because his criticism Eleanor Patterson, She saw the language and of China’s treatment of the Year 9 students from Gippsland Grammar School learning out about parishioners and cultural difficulty for new Falun Gong made him a target M homelessness during a two week stay in Melbourne (story page 8) refugee advocates, spoke out migrant children and the of the Chinese government. about refugees at a service insensitivity of both adults His visa was suddenly to celebrate Refugee Sunday, and children in adjusting to rescinded by the Australian held on 14 June at St Peter by their presence. government and he the Lake at Paynesville. She told of a boy from was incarcerated in the The service focussed the Ukraine with a particular Maribyrnong Detention on a Christian response to difficulty in reading who was Centre and later sent back those seeking refuge from ridiculed by the teacher in under duress to China. He intolerable threat in their front of the class. has not responded to any homelands. “This ridicule by the letters and may well be dead. Michael gave four heart teacher gave legitimacy to Archdeacon Edie Ashley wrenching refugee profiles the bullying of the boy that spoke of the way labels like of people known to him occurred in the playground. ‘illegals’ are wrongly used and Eleanor explained why It was terrible and so unjust. to create the impression that she is so strongly drawn to the He was rejected because refugees lack legitimacy, refugee cause. he was different. We are despite the fact that Eleanor attended primary doing the same thing today Australia is a signatory to the school at the end of World with our refugees. They are United Nations Convention War 2 when the new wave of different. We are afraid so we on Refugees.

Teaching and nurturing new believers in 21st century churches Page 3 From the Bishop TGA

Index ate last month the for 2015 is, “We all Stand on Aurora Australis Sacred Ground: Learn, Respect

From the Bishop 2 Lsouthern lights could and Celebrate.” be seen from various parts of In churches around

Teaching and nurturing 3 Tasmania, Southern New South Gippsland people can join new believers Wales and , including in this week of celebration parts of Gippsland. The lights alongside Australia’s First

Around the Parishes 4-5 are caused by a burst of Peoples. Thanks to the Rev’d magnetic energy from the sun Kathy Dalton we have both a

Keith Chenhall OAM 4 entering earth’s magnetic field greeting and the Lord’s Prayer through the Poles. The result translated into the language

What I like about church 5 is a breathtakingly beautiful of the Gunai Kurnai peoples display of pink, green and red by Dr Doris Paton. Some may

Celebrating the ministry 6 lights across the skies. decide to use this NAIDOC of Charles Spencer These wonderful displays week to learn how to pray it in are a reminder of the Psalmist's Language. Others might learn

Meeting people 7 words, “The heavens declare traditional names and stories in where they are the glory of God: and the their area of mountains, rivers firmament proclaims his and regions.

From the schools 8 handiwork” (Psalm 19:1). A NAIDOC service will Or, as a friend of mine says, be held at Lake Tyers and the

Philip Muston: 9 “Designer of the year award to Reverends Phyllis Andy and Clergy Conference Report the God of heaven and earth, Kathy Dalton will take their once again!” place in leading that service. Thoolo bunjil Refugee Week at Cowes 9 The opportunity to see Others may invite local elders and celebrate this night sky to talk about the sacred spaces

David Head: 10 spectacular is rare, but beauty is and places in your local area, or Praying with icons all around us in God’s Creation. boonot njinde-a simply to yarn with you about Places like those where the sea the meaning of the word sacred

Editorial: 10 meets land, announced in the Heaven elder be with you in relation to land and place. Asylum seekers need hope rhythm of waves lapping at the The NAIDOC invitation is fringes of the earth. On a gentle he stood was sacred. Moses say has sent me?” Moses asks one of walking together in the

day its beauty is a melody that turned his face aside and took the Lord. And the answer echoes journey of learning, growing Faith at work: 12 can calm the hardest edges of respect and celebration – a David and Caroline Beischer off his sandals as he dared stand to humanity across millennia hurt and fear. Or those inland in the presence of God. The and comes to us in the mystery journey which is itself sacred places with incredible depth of ground upon which to walk. Diocesan Calendar 12 setting of God’s revelation and of grace: “I am who I am”. ferns, bushland and trees along call to Moses comes in a place NAIDOC week falls this the mountain ranges. Or those beyond the wilderness at the year in the week 5–12 July. generous wide valleys and the mountain of God. “Who shall I The National NAIDOC theme rivers that skirt them. The Gippsland From mountain peak to sea, from brightly coloured birds to Anglican bounding wallabies, from the Member of Australasian Religious smallest flower to the greatest Press Association tree, the grace and beauty of Member of Community Newspapers God’s world is all and always a Association of Victoria Registered by Australia Post rare and wonderful gift. Print Post Number 34352/00018 In the Exodus story of Moses and the burning bush we hear The Gippsland Anglican is the official one of the greatest figures of the newspaper of and is published by The Anglican Diocese of Gippsland, Old Testament acknowledging Swans near Raymond Island 453 Raymond Street, that the very ground on which Sale, Victoria, 3850. www.gippsanglican.org.au SAVE AND SERVE Editor: Jan Down 1. Deposit funds with the Anglican Development Fund (A.D.F.) Tel: 0407 614 661 for the Diocese of Gippsland. Email: [email protected] 2. Enjoy competitive rates of interest on your deposit. Contributions are due by 15th of Current interest rates for deposits with the A.D.F. are: the month prior to publication 2.75% At Call Layout by Devine Design 3.75% Term Deposits to $20,000 Printed by , 4.00% Term Deposits $20,000 + 30-32 Grandlee Drive, 3. We’ll make your money work in low risk investment Wendouree, Victoria, 3355. opportunities, ploughing the profits back into the Diocese to serve the Mission of the Church here in Gippsland. The editor reserves the right of final choice and format of material 4. Sit back content in the knowledge your deposit is generating included in each issue. The Gippsland favourable interest rates while benefiting the Anglican Church Anglican and the editor cannot in Gippsland, all at the same time! necessarily verify any material used 5. We can transfer funds from your ADF Account to your bank in this publication. Views contained account or issue a cheque for a specific person or company. in submitted material are those 6. Consider also that there are No Fees or Charges to operate your of contributors. Account with the A.D.F. It’s all part of our free and friendly service. So, here is your opportunity to learn the art of Saving and Advertising Rates Serving at the same time. Give us a call on (03) 5144 2044 or Please contact the editor for all write to The Registrar at PO Box 928, Sale, 3850, or you can drop advertising submissions, costing in to the Diocesan Registry at 453 Raymond Street, Sale for an and enquiries, including about Application Form to open an account with the ADF. inserts in the newspaper. A full advertising schedule can be sent out Note: Neither the Anglican Diocese of Gippsland nor the Anglican Development Fund – Gippsland is prudentially supervised by APRA. Contributions to the Fund do upon request. not obtain the benefit of depositor protection provisions of the Banking Act 1959.

Page 2 The Gippsland Anglican July 2015 TGA

Teaching and nurturing new believers make the link between what The Rev Tom Killingbeck, the Bible says and how they Rector of Tambo parish, said live – that nexus between the Alpha course is good for in 21st century churches faith and life-style. There teaching, but also expressed are great resources available more of the sense of challenge: – lots of DVDs that can “But I think there is a prompt discussions.” previous question that needs to Ms Jacka’s examples be asked of the church: do we include: the “Know Your want to teach and nurture new Bible” groups for women; believers? It would be easy to the “Journeys” DVDs which write that one off, with people are aimed at people who are saying, “Of course we want new interested, but as yet have believers! We need them!” And no Christian framework; the that’s when I think we get into Alpha course; and the Philip trouble. Actually it seems that Yancey DVDs. very often, we don’t want new With the recent Clergy believers at all. We’d like them Conference talks given by in the sense that they’d swell the Rev Canon Professor the numbers in the church, help Dorothy Lee still very much with all the programs we’d like in mind, Archdeacon Philip to run or volunteer at the op Muston refers to Jesus’ Great shop, and they would be able to Commission of Matthew help top up the failing offering Several Gippsland clergy consider the second Mark of Mission: 28:18-20, which ends with: plate. But it really focuses not “to teach, baptise and nurture new believers” “…teaching them to obey all on the new believer, but on that I have commanded you to us. We want us to be looked do”. Mr Muston said, “Dorothy after, nurtured. Jan Down Lee said we shouldn’t be “If we are going to nurture The Rev Brian Turner, of pride for them and their embarrassed about obedience. and teach new believers, we ow should churches locum priest in the parish parents/grandparents to work We need to be teaching people need to be able to focus on them teach and nurture of Avon, believes that what alongside Liturgical Assistants about Jesus – his words and and their needs. … The whole new believers? When keeps people in church is assisting in the his works, his of the church is responsible. H “the two Rs: Relationship and serving of Holy a number of clergy across “It’s about a ministry commands and We are all called to evangelism the diocese were asked this Role”. So when new people Communion by his example. We and discipleship. It’s a of presence, of question, the responses come, whether they be recent passing the bread need to nurture fundamental of Christianity, reflected the great diversity converts or people returning to box and cruets; listening and those who want and we have for too long within the Anglican Church, an earlier faith, he aims to see washing the finding where the to follow Jesus hand-balled it to the clergy or what their gifts are, and give priest’s hands; and a number of overlapping God moment is.” no matter what those ‘professional’ Christians themes emerged, as well as a them a role. receiving the their background. to do, whilst we work hard to sense that this is currently one He believes it is then very offering bowl and Nurturing happens through keep the church afloat.” of the more challenging Marks important to train them for that holding the paten as the priest Christian communities, where Whatever the approach, all of Mission for churches. role, both for their sake, and presents the body of Christ. they are not just taught, but agreed on the importance of The teaching of children was for the quality of worship. His At home these children have experience living in a Christian teaching and nurturing new seen by some to be a significant detailed and practical hand-out been found ‘playing church’ community of people who believers, and the need to be aspect, and is closely related to for people reading the Bible in much the same way as they are together trying to obey proactive about this second how we think people learn best aloud, leading intercessions, might ‘play school’ or any Jesus’ teaching.” Mark of Mission. – whether children or adults. being a Eucharist or liturgical other activity with which they Perhaps adults as well as assistant, or a sides-person, have become familiar. Such children learn better by doing, and so on, is a way of teaching times have led families to talk than by listening? and nurturing people in the life about the joy of worshipping Another aspect that arises is of the church. together and the significance how much it matters who we The Rev Jo White, Rector of Holy Communion. When are ourselves, when it comes to at Yarram, is exploring the Sunday comes around these teaching and nurturing others. idea of nurturing children same children are saying; “We The Rev Jenny Ramage, through integrating them into want to go too.” Rector at Korumburra, said: the Sunday service, rather than The Rev Sue Jacka, “Teaching new believers is teaching them separately in Rector at Trafalgar, also one of presence. We are Jesus’ Sunday School: sees children’s learning as presence. We often have “Sunday School might be occurring best through being programs in our minds, but we a thing of the past because, active – for example, through are called to be. We need to be with a greater recognition playing games first, then being confident and listen to the other of children’s spirituality, we able to discuss their meaning person’s story, and wait for might find that nurturing afterwards. At Trafalgar, the the God factor to come in. children in the faith is more children are in church for most It takes time. You might run about real engagement in of the service, only going out to an Alpha course, but you still worship than sending them off their activities for the sermon need to wait. It’s about a ministry to the other room while the ‘big and prayers. of presence, of listening and people’ do church. Being part For adults, Ms Jacka says: finding where the God moment is. of worship is a more effective “Bible studies or small groups Ms Ramage said that in way of developing and growing are great – people can talk South Gippsland they are children as Christians. At Holy about their week and pray planning to have a conference Trinity we have discovered together. They provide a place to provide some relevant that children love to be part where people can feel free to training for lay people. of worship. It is a great source ask questions, and they can

July 2015 The Gippsland Anglican Page 3 Around the parishes TGA

Keith was a foundation Ministry to families member of the Linda Davies – Bairnsdale Apex Club at of 26, and worked tirelessly in the inistry to families has The Rev Tony Wicking club until the compulsory become quite busy for was very happy to admit two retirement age of 40. He was St John’s. children to Holy Communion recognized for his services to MThe early learning program on Pentecost Sunday at St the Apex Club by being made for children, mainly music, John’s. Georgia Roughley and a Life Member. continues to have a steady Matthew Lal also received a In the 1970s Keith became number of pre-school children Bible from Mothers Union a member of the Traralgon attending with mums, some representative Merrolyn Wiles Cemetery Trust. Keith dads and grandparents. Some to mark the occasion. recognized the desperate need of the grandparents have now The 10:00 am Contemporary for a crematorium in Gippsland offered help in the kitchen service now has some younger and was instrumental in having and greeting. The growth of members of the congregation OAM one built. He was a member of this program has been very coming to the front and helping Keith Chenhall the Traralgon Water Board for encouraging and rewarding. to lead worship through singing. Compiled by two former Rectors of Traralgon, a number of years. Messy Church, another way It is wonderful to see how they Allan Huggins and Clem Watts. He had a deep love for of spreading the gospel of Jesus, want to be a part of this group Traralgon and its surrounding reaches out to families with and we are much the richer for it. eith Chenhall (1923 Keith was made a Lay Canon areas, and in the early 2000s, school age children. Changing All these things can only – 2014) was a much by Bishop John McIntyre. after giving up committee the day to Sunday afternoon is be achieved with a dedicated loved and very well Bishop John and his wife Jan work, he set up the Keith enabling more parents to attend. team of people. Without their Krespected member of the attended Keith’s 90th birthday Chenhall Charitable Foundat- The July Messy Church will commitment to these programs Traralgon community. celebrations held in September ion to continue making a be on Sunday 19th starting at and activities, none of them He was born in Traralgon in 2013. Keith regarded this as contribution to the community. 4:00 pm. would be happening, and for 1923, the second son of Wilfred a huge compliment since the Keith was humble, proud Family Fun Time runs once them we thank and bless our and Sylvia Chenhall. His Bishop was quite ill at the and thrilled to be awarded an a month, usually on the fourth wonderful God. parents owned and operated a time. Sadly Keith lived only Order of Australia Medal by Saturday, with a different highly regarded boot making a further eight months. The the Governor of Victoria on activity organised each time. A and shoe shop business, Bishop unexpectedly died just 26th January, 2014. games night with computers, which Keith inherited, as the three weeks after Keith’s death. We conclude Keith Xboxes and the like, and a first son died while aPOW Keith gave considerable Chenhall’s story with the movie night were held for the during WW2. monetary donations to the lovely prayer written by month of June. Keith spent nearly all of his Diocese and its organisat- St. Ignatius Loyola. A new service on the first 90 years living in Traralgon. He ions without expecting any Sunday of the month, “in touch” never married. His involvement acknowledgement. He was Teach us, good Lord, to serve enables families with children and commitment to the church also a very generous supporter thee as thou deservest; to give who have extra needs, eg: of St. James’ Traralgon and of ABM. and not to count the cost; to fight Autism, to experience church to the whole community were During WW2 Keith served and not to heed the wounds; to in a different way. This service manifold. He sang in the choir with a section of the Australian toil and not to seek for rest; to uses all the five senses to explore and was a Synod delegate for Army Survey Corps, mapping labour and not to ask for any worshipping God with different The Rev Tony Wicking with many years. He served on the the “Bulldog Track” in PNG reward, save that of knowing abilities. The next service Georgia Roughley and Matthew Vestry of the church for forty and later on, large areas of that we do thy will; through will be held on Sunday 5th Lal, holding their certificates of plus years. Northern Australia. Jesus Christ our Lord. July at 3:00 pm. Admission to Communion. Johnno’s donates to the Riding Alan and Doris Eddy with Bishop Kay for the Disabled Association Op Shop ohnno’s Outreach Centre was greatly appreciated. had their annual fashion RDA enables people Birthday parade in May with a very with disabilities and Jsuccessful financial outcome. volunteers throughout Di Ferguson – Traralgon Committee members are very Victoria to experience conscious of the assistance enjoyment, challenge and The Traralgon “Seek and You that is required by other a sense of achievement Will Find” Anglican Op Shop groups in the community. So through participation in recently celebrated their recently Johnno’s Outreach equestrian activities to second birthday. Centre gave a donation of improve their quality of life, Bishop Kay Goldsworthy, $1,500 to the Riding for the attain personal goals and Canon Jeff Richardson, the Disabled Association which develop life skills. Reverend Marilyn Obersby, and the Reverend Janet Wallis were joined by over 50 parishioners, volunteers and their families to enjoy an afternoon of fun, fellowship and food. Amongst the guests were Alan and Doris Eddy (pictured) who have attended St James’ for over 60 years and been active in parish life. They were thrilled to meet Bishop Kay and have their photo taken with her. Photo courtesy Bairnsdale Advertiser A good time was had by Peggie Arthur and John Fraser, from Johnno’s Outreach Centre, with all and we look forward to members and volunteers for Riding For The Disabled Association another great year ahead.

Page 4 The Gippsland Anglican June 2015 TGA Around the parishes What I like about church

Ruth Place Churchill / Boollarra / Yinnar

n a Sunday recently, some of the children and young people, Oone parent and our Sunday School facilitator Sharon were asked “What do you like about Church?” Here are their replies:

Keiron says: “I like the singing. I like Sharon’s talks. I like making stuff. I also like the quiet time in church when we pray.”

Shallimar says: “I like the songs. I also like helping the Rev Brenda with Sunday School facilitator, communion. I like making things.” Children showing their work to the congregation Sharon Molkentin-Taylor, using a banana to help explain the Trinity! Amity says: “I like lighting the candles at the beginning of church and doing Nyree, the parent of a two year different ages. It is good to have Another young person says he likes the coin collection. I like communion. old and a three month-old child, the different ages as that swells the that kids can get involved with what I like Sharon’s activities.” says she sees bringing her son numbers. I like Sharon’s talks and Sharon does and go to the narthex and to church as giving the kids the kids’ part of church. It gives me do church based activities – talking Sharon likes the singing and the a sense of purpose and early the opportunity to read the Bible about the story more and doing hands- fellowship. She sees kids’ ministry direction in the Christian faith. readings. I like making the craft on activities. “I love Youth Group as I as important. It keeps her busy with stuff and displaying it around the get to hang out with my friends as well preparation, but she is grateful she Jeremy says: “I like the songs church so it looks more attractive; as go to church. I like the activities can do it and use her gifts to help the they sing. Youth Group is great. It we can look at it and it is good for best. I like reading the Bible readings children learn about God. is a kids’ version of church for all the parents to see what we do.” in church.”

he Rev Bevil Lunson, When conscripted Book now for who recently retired Bevil Lunson into the army in Tfrom the parish of 1965, he remained in WinterFEST Orbost, has had a creative and – a colourful ministry Australia and went compassionate ministry in to catering school in at The Abbey Jan Down both Melbourne and Gippsland Adelaide. After his on Raymond Island dioceses. time in the army, he In Orbost Bevil was ran a bakery with an August 4–9 well known for his annual ex-army friend. productions: each year he He then went back Phone: (03) 5156 6580 would write and produce a to TAFE, studied Email: [email protected] play, which would draw crowds welfare and worked www.theabbey.org.au from around the district. in disability, which Bevil thinks the best was his he says was all part “Spies and Heroes”. He said, of God’s calling and “It was all about a bumbling preparation. At that British air-force guy, a damsel stage he was not in distress, a kidnapped attending church; it professor, a German Count was through meeting and his mistress and various Barbara that he was assorted odds and bods”, drawn into the faith. and featured giant spiders Bevil says that what and car crashes. Bevil says, he has most enjoyed “You’ve got to have light- about ministry is hearted things”. “meeting all sorts of Bevil and his wife Barbara different people” and also set up a Food Pantry at looking back, he says, Orbost and would see many The Rev Bevil Lunson and his wife Barbara “God’s hand has been people in need. in all of it”. Before going into the ministry, Centre for homeless people, and would Last year Bevil was awarded Bevil had worked in welfare both sit in the street and talk to them. At one Citizen of the Year for Orbost, in in Tasmania, where he grew up, time he was Chaplain to the Mission to recognition of his service to the and then in Melbourne, where Seafarers. local community. The Lunsons are he went to study theology in his In Tasmania Bevil first worked now happily settling into retirement late 40s. Among other things, he in the local newspaper, and trained in Orbost, where they feel very was invited to coordinate the Lazarus in commercial art and layout. much at home.

July 2015 The Gippsland Anglican Page 5 Around the parishes Celebrating the ministry of Charles Spencer Carolyn Raymond – Morwell

t Mary’s enthusiastically this service of celebration, as always welcomed Bishop Kay bringing all the readings for the day S Goldsworthy at a special service into his sermon; the Bible has been his on 7 June, to celebrate and honour the inspiration. However Charles had to ministry of Charles Spencer in the prepare his sermon while in hospital Gippsland Diocese. and also had to return to hospital Charles has been Lay Reader for an afterwards. amazing 70 years. He has preached and We were especially pleased to have taken services in many parishes across Bishop Kay with us for the service. the Diocese – in Yallourn, Yarram It was wonderful to gather in prayer and Boolarra, and more recently in with her and all the congregation Morwell. Charles has also been a around Charles, to thank him for his representative on Bishop in Council years of ministry and to trust him to for many years and represented the God’s loving care in the future. Morwell parish on Synod. He was Several of Charles’ family, including made a Lay Canon several years ago. many of his grandchildren, had travelled To mark his many years of ministry he to Morwell for the celebrations. Many has now been made an Honourary Lay of the congregation, the family, the Canon. Rev Lyn Williams and Bishop Kay all Charles has decided to retire as celebrated with a meal together after a Lay Reader. At St Mary’s we all the service. remember the many sermons we have Charles with Bishop Kay and heard and appreciated. He preached at the Rev Lyn Williams

oin families, churches, and Colin Maxfield community in celebrating South Daffodil Festival at St Peter’s JGippsland gardens. Delight in Leongatha – an encourager the annual floral display of Flowers Obituary by the Rev Jim Connelly in Praise. Take part in the Garden Thursday 10 – Saturday 12 September Snapshots display. Enter a presentation “Flowers in Praise” and “Garden Snapshots” on a card table illustrating your garden, support Anglicare and promote Leongatha and South Gippsland as a garden destination. To enter, ring Coral Johnston (0409 165 227), Marion Dewar (5662 4432) or Janice at the Church Office (5662 2055) by Wednesday 2 September. Set up the display 10–4 Colin Maxfield, “Mr Standfast”, lived Wednesday 9 September and join his whole life in Drouin and in the embrace of the Church. Filched from visitors in the church 10–4 Thursday 10, the Presbyterians by his Anglican Friday 11 and Saturday 12 September. wife-to-be, Iris, he became a Collect your display after 4:00 pm determined Anglican ever thereafter. on Saturday. He had only one job, for forty-eight Enjoy refreshments (morning and years – in the office at the Drouin afternoon teas and light lunches) Butter Factory, though he took prepared and served by St Peter’s his turn at the wheel of the milk From last year’s Daffodil Festival at Leongatha tankers occasionally. Ladies’ Guild. Check out the local In the Diocese, he will be library’s book sale in the hall on Friday How to prepare your display remembered as one of the founders and Saturday. Join with us at worship of the Lay Readers Association and as on Sunday 13 September when we You will need a card table, a cloth • A photo and/or drawing of one of the “fostering fathers” of the (or whatever), and at least five of the your garden (or part of it) welcome Bishop Kay to the parish. Young Anglicans of the ‘eighties and following items (including all of the thereabouts. He was an encourager, first four) – all seven would be great! • Gardening aid (gloves, and many people, clergy and lay, secateurs, watering can etc) can tell how he set them on a firm • A Bible verse about gardens pathway of life. (ask if you need inspiration) • Something special (book, gardening Within the parish, he filled almost book, photo, clothing, vase etc) every role imaginable, from Treasurer • A label giving your name and/or to Lay Reader. He has been at the address Photos will be taken of the card table heart of everything the parish has done, always interested in others • Flowers and/or a pot plant from displays on Wednesday and a 2016 calendar including these photos will and in all the weekly activities. He your garden and Iris have given us a wonderful be available for sale from Thursday example of godly living and have • A can or packet of edible garden – pre-order from Heather Scott raised a fine family. Colin died on produce (this will be donated (5622 2175) – net proceeds to 7 June. He was a good man, full of “Garden Snapshot” example to Anglicare) Anglicare. the Holy Spirit and of faith.

Page 6 The Gippsland Anglican July 2015 Around the parishes Gwen Healy turns 100 Wendy Nickson – Lakes Entrance embers of St Nicholas, Lakes Guinea where she made lifelong friends. Entrance, were honoured to She found New Guinea a beautiful place, Mhelp Gwen Healy, a member despite the war, and the nurses were well of our congregation since 1989, taken care of. Gwen’s husband and uncle celebrate her 100th birthday on 5 June both saw active service. at the Lakes Entrance RSL, and later Gwen married Colin Healy in 1949 after the service on Sunday 7th at the and they had two sons, Peter who cares church. for his mother in her own unit, and Gwen has been a faithful member John who calls in regularly. She has of the Anglican church since her seven grandchildren and twelve great childhood days in Cassilis in the grandchildren. foothills of the Australian Alps below Gwen has served St Nicholas in many Omeo, where she went to church with ways and has always being on hand to her mother and sister, and throughout knit, sew and cook. She has been active her long and interesting life. Her family in Bible study groups and many other Photo: The Rev Jo White moved about Victoria but Gwen started activities. She is still a stalwart member her career in nursing in Bairnsdale of the Prayer Circle and being a woman Col, Fame, Glenda, Sue and Kit with the altar frontal they created Hospital, and later in Heidelberg Repat. of unshakable faith, we feel she has a during the Pentecost Day service She was selected to serve in Port special ministry in this. We thank her Moresby in 1942, where she helped for being a “wise woman” and having a nurse the wounded. Gwen has many ready ear for all who have the pleasure Special Celebrations good memories of her time in New of visiting her.

Glenda Amos – Yarram Kath Grandy celebrating with Gwen Healy

nzac Day, the Blessing of the On Sunday morning, Bishop Kay Fleet and Pentecost Day were presided over the Blessing of the A all times of special celebration Fleet at the Port. A BBQ lunch was in the Yarram Parish. provided by the Lions Club of Yarram Hundreds of people gathered for and the Morwell Pipe Band provided a short Anzac Day dawn service at entertainment. the War Memorial in the Park and The Rev Jo made Pentecost Sunday laid wreaths to remember those who at Holy Trinity Yarram a special have served in the armed forces over time of listening and learning from a century of conflicts. The Friends each other by including hands-on of St John’s, Port Albert organised activities during the service. Four an Anzac Day dance to raise funds groups involving all members of the for maintenance at St John’s and congregation discussed and created welcomed visitors, including Bishop music, prayers, Bible readings and Kay and Jeri, to an enjoyable an altar frontal. These were then social evening. presented in the service. Banner at St Mary’s Trafalgar Meeting people where they are

Sally Stannard maintaining the welcoming space I sharing her new faith with anyone Trafalgar found here, a space for anyone to who asks. come and be nurtured. The other blessing of my The love and welcome for young welcome here has been the One of the delightful families was so refreshing that we extended family my children have things about joining stepped from the toddler program, found here, a long way from our St Mary’s in Trafalgar to the after school program and own grandparents, aunts and was the welcome. on to regular Sunday services – a uncles. Now I am excited to feel They didn’t ask for spiritual home at last where we like extended family to the young my testimony, didn’t could all come as we are. people we’ve met here. check that my children Through this journey, a faith Through the Jaffas after school had been baptised in which was “present but inactive” program my young children a timely manner and has blossomed. With this desire have met many older children. didn’t seek reference for a deeper relationship and a We celebrate their success and from my “old” church. more active and present faith, I comfort their sadness each week Instead, this mum opened my home to a Bible study. when they come from school. of three found a We sometimes call it “play and So it was with great joy music program for my pray”, with prayer for each other that my children and I baked toddlers followed by a an important part of each week. and decorated a cake for our warm cup of tea and a The most exciting part lately wonderful friend Haylea as she chat. Now – a year and has been the questions that took her first communion. A a half on, the mum who come from our dear friend who young lady stepping out and greeted me is my best is “new to church”. She probes into the community that met her friend here and mainly with such an open heart and where she was and moved with music is a core part asks the sensible questions her as she grew. of our week. My two I’ve often wondered too. Our prayer is that we can youngest children and I Sometimes the questions are maintain the welcome in each help set up the facility deliberately focused on what of our stepping stone programs each week, often someone outside the church will that open the door to our praying that we’re ask her as she boldly steps out, church family.

July 2015 The Gippsland Anglican Page 7 From the schools TGA ABC Radio National’s Religion Programs Frequencies: Bairnsdale - 106.3 FM (3ABC RN) Melbourne - 621 AM (3RN) Religion and Ethics Report Wednesday 5:30 pm – repeated: Thursday 5:30 am www.abc.net.au/radionational/program/religionandethicsreport Encounter Saturday 5:00 pm – repeated: Wednesday 1:00 pm www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/encounter The Spirit of Things Sunday 6:00 pm – repeated Tuesday 1:00 pm www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/spiritofthings Rhythm Divine (music program) Sunday 6:00 am – repeated: Monday 1:00 am www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rhythmdivine

St Paul’s Year 6 students Tristan Dent (Environmental captain), Saurav Narayan and Kaelan Loomes (Science captains) 2015 planting a ‘Gallipoli oak’ to commemorate the Anzac Centenary at the Warragul campus DAFFODIL FESTIVAL Anzacs – remembered with oak ST PETER’S ANGLICAN CHURCH ear 6 students at St Paul’s Anglican the seedling with students assisting to plant LEONGATHA Grammar School recently planted a rosemary plants kindly donated by Martin YGallipoli Oak at both Warragul and Whysall, parent and gardener of St Paul’s. Thursday 10, Friday 11 Traralgon campuses as part of the Gallipoli Year 6 Environmental and Science captains Saturday 12 September Oaks Project. at St Paul’s Warragul campus embraced their The Gallipoli Oaks Project, led by the gardening spirit and also planted a Gallipoli 10 am – 4 pm National Trust and funded by the Victorian Oak seedling. Government, provided Victorian primary The seedlings are direct descendants of Displays: schools with an oak seedling to plant as a gift acorns from Gallipoli, providing the School Flowers in Praise & Garden Snapshots of remembrance for the 100-year anniversary with a symbolic connection to the environment Calendar for Sale - Proceeds to Anglicare of the Anzac Gallipoli landing and WWI. the Anzacs endured 100 years ago. At St Paul’s Traralgon campus, a special The School will now nurture and care for the Refreshments: commemorative planting ceremony was held. oak trees as a reminder of the sacrifice of our Morning & Afternoon Teas & Light Lunches Mr Bryan Kesby of the Traralgon RSL planted Anzac soldiers. Classroom moves to the city Giving young people the skills to would be like to be homeless and “When we better understand themselves, live on the streets. They literally were sleeping and their capabilities, is important walk the streets with guides who, on the floor I during adolescence. Gippsland until recently, were homeless. just couldn’t Grammar’s Year 9 program is doing The experience was designed in wait to get just that. partnership between the school and home and For 17 years now Gippsland the Council to Homeless Persons. have a warm Grammar has recognised that It’s now a service provided though shower,” she students taking on Year 9, or tackling the Council to Homeless Persons confided, but adolescence head on, are ready to Peer Education and Support then she said take on new levels of responsibility Program to other schools and it dawned and to accept a degree of personal organisations throughout the state. on her that challenge. Gippsland Grammar Year 9 h o m e l e s s The entire Gippsland Grammar student James Stephenson, of p e o p l e Year 9 cohort has just spent two Newry, recognised that each guide didn’t have a weeks in Melbourne. showed ‘guts’ and that drugs were shower to go The Melbourne Experience part of the reason both ended up to and that is about building the students’ on the streets. was their life, day in and During Melbourne camp students independence and responsibility, Fellow student Sidney Churchman, day out. took part in a ‘scavenger hunt’, according to Gippsland Grammar’s Sarsfield, said it really opened her Students slept on the floor visiting icons around the city and Head of Year 9 Tim Clemens. mind to what it might be like to be of St Mark’s Church, Fitzroy. gathering information. One of the “Watching their self-confidence homeless: “I used to think people on During this unique additional challenges was to meet grow as they become familiar with the streets were hard and dirty. The element of the curriculum someone ‘famous’ and get a photo the pace of the city and master the people we met were normal people Gippsland Grammar students of them. Here a group of Year 9 boys skills of using Melbourne’s public who were in a tough situation that also visited the Magistrates visited the Channel 9 studio and transport system, without their they didn’t want to be in. Court, Parliament House, were invited onto the news set for a parents by their side, is awesome to Sidney explained that in most the State Library, Melbourne unique photo opportunity with Peter see,” he said. cases it was a couple of silly Cricket Ground, Royal Botanic Hitchener and Livinia Nixon. Left to A highlight of the trip is the life choices that pointed these Gardens, Melbourne Ice House, right are Mitchell Rankin, Charlie ‘Homeless Experience’ where the people in the wrong direction Victoria Markets, and the Shrine Harrison, William Runciman, Aaron students see first-hand what it and it could happen to anyone. of Remembrance. Barling and Jeremy Gunther.

Page 8 The Gippsland Anglican July 2015

Sale TGA Clergy Conference – June 2015 “With courage let us all combine”

Photo courtesy Trinity College This was Bishop – Refugee Week at Cowes Kay Goldsworthy’s first Lesley Oakly, Secretary, conference as Bishop of Gippsland, and she led Rural Australians for Refugees two sessions of sharing and consulting with the Rural Australians for Refugees on myths that have been circulating for clergy, who appreciated her Phillip Island called on the Island years, that “they are taking our jobs”, pastoral, open and candid community to hear about the “they receive more payment from input. challenges Australia puts in the way of Centrelink than pensioners”, “they Other speakers at the asylum seekers and refugees in their are all economic refugees”, “they conference included Canon search for safety and security. The are all terrorists”, etc. The audience Barbara Logan, Rector theme for Refugee Week in 2015 was shared experiences of arguing (to of Lakes Entrance and a “with courage let us all combine”, little avail) with people who promote trained spiritual director, a line from the second verse of the these views. The question was posed, who encouraged clergy to national anthem and ironically at odds “How do we achieve change in our consider how they might with the official response to those own community and more broadly grow in spiritual strength fleeing from persecution. across Australia?” It was agreed and well-being through Around forty people met at St Mary’s that advocacy and education in our having a spiritual director. Catholic Church in Cowes to hear schools was critical if change in the Sarah Gover, speaker Ruby Pryor from the Asylum general view of the electorate was to Community Development Seeker Resource Centre in Footscray. be achieved in the longer term. Officer for Anglicare in Professor Dorothy Lee She spoke of those living in the The secrecy with which the Federal Gippsland, helped clergy community struggling to survive each government conducts their dealings in thinking through new day while enduring the interminable with asylum seekers contributes to Philip Muston approaches to parish wait for advice about their acceptance the ignorance and the apathy of the involvement in local communities. for a permanent visa. Many of them general population. In addition, there She challenged clergy afresh through are not allowed to work. Those given is no voice of advocacy for asylum elebrated New Testament suggesting new ways of connecting with a government allowance receive 89% seekers from either major party, to scholar Professor Dorothy Lee community beyond local congregations. of the Newstart Allowance, which is their shame and ours. inspired Gippsland clergy to new Music at the conference was led by C 40% of the minimum wage. Donations of coats, scarves, understanding of ‘Jesus and Mission’ in the Reverends Tom Killingbeck and The Asylum Seeker Resource blankets and beanies were brought three Bible studies at the recent Annual Graeme Peters. Clergy Conference, held at The Abbey, This year’s conference was a day Centre provides pro bono services in to the meeting, along with honey and Raymond Island. longer than those in recent years, a range of disciplines, including legal, donations totalling $450. These will Dr Lee spoke on the theme of enabling clergy more space to digest health, social support and material be taken up to the Asylum Seeker Mission in Mark, John and Matthew, and process challenges brought by the aid. St Philip’s Anglican and St John’s Resource Centre for distribution at showing how each of the gospel various speakers. The numbers of clergy Uniting churches offer drop-off points this winter time. writers contribute different and present were such that only some could for donations of food and material aid. To quote a recent research report complementary additions to our stay ‘on the island’, with others staying Currently there is a collection drive for into the lives of asylum seekers, understanding of Christian mission in in Paynesville. honey, “jocks & socks” and toiletries. “Asylum seekers are being made the world. Clergy of all traditions present Throughout the week all enjoyed Local businesses, the local paper and to live in poverty. A fair go for all responded enthusiastically to Dr Lee’s the cooking of David and Deb the wider Island community have is all that is asked, not a punitive, teaching. Chambers from Heyfield parish responded generously. marginalised policy environment.” “Jesus proclaims the gospel where and their team of helpers. On one The reality of their life in our (UnitingCare Asylum Seeker he goes. He calls us to mission partly evening an informal dinner took communities flies in the face of the Research Report, 2014) through the challenge to obey everything place at The he has taught us,” she told the group. Boathouse restaurant Bishop Kay Goldsworthy said: “The in Paynesville. studies were very well received and a solid piece of Professional Development Archdeacon Philip for the priests who attended”. Muston is Rector Professor Lee is Dean of the of Warragul and Theological School at Trinity College, Archdeacon of the the University of Melbourne. Western Region.

July 2015 The Gippsland Anglican Page 9

TGA Reflection

EDITORIAL Praying with icons – an example Asylum seekers

David Head The angels are symbolic of the sins and so give us new life through need hope Holy Trinity, since the Trinity the Holy Spirit. Thus, on a second itself cannot be literally drawn or level of perception, the oak of Mamre An asylum seeker who had painted. The movement from the becomes the tree of life; the house been living in the community cons are regularly used as a focus angelic Father toward the Son and of Abraham becomes the dwelling was recently taken back into a for meditation and silent prayer. the movement of both the Son and place of God Incarnate; and the detention centre. He is a Christian Oftentimes they can lead us into Spirit towards the Father become a mountain depicted behind, which is I man, but on returning to detention, a much deeper understanding of our circular movement in which the one where Abraham was in time to offer life and trust in God. One of the most who prays is transported within and the sacrifice of his only son Isaac to his despair and suffering were so famous icons of all time is this icon held secure. God, becomes not the mountain of great, he wanted to end his life. of the Holy Trinity painted by the This icon, on the most obvious sacrifice but the spiritual heights of According to the UN High Russian Iconographer Andrei Rublev level, depicts the Old testament prayer and contemplation with God. Commissioner for Refugees, in 1425 AD. biblical event in Genesis Chap 18 The roasted lamb that Abraham there are now approximately 59.5 To live in the world without of the three angels who appeared offered to feed the angels and also million refugees and displaced belonging to it summarizes the essence to Abraham at the oak of Mamre the divinely provided ram that people in the world. In light of of the spiritual life. The spiritual life and who ate the meal that Abraham Abraham offered on that mountain keeps us aware that our true dwelling and his wife Sarah had prepared for in the place of Isaac, becomes Jesus this, “stopping the boats” cannot place is not the world of fear in which them. The angels then announced to the sacrificial lamb, chosen by God be seen to be a final solution. the powers of hatred and violence the 100 year old Abraham and the 90 before the creation of the world. More questions need to be rule, but the house of love, where year old Sarah that they would soon This sacrificial lamb in reality asked. What next? What else God resides. become parents of their firstborn forms the centre of the icon. The is Australia going to do? And This house of love is most child, a son Isaac. hands of the three angels representing in the meantime, what can beautifully expressed in this icon Here in this divine circle is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit we do as individuals? Asylum of the Holy Trinity by Rublev. It expressed the mystery of love and reveal in different ways the lamb’s seekers and refugees so badly was painted as a means of becoming hospitality given by both Abraham significance. The Son in the centre a holy place of prayer to enter and and Sarah to the angels, and then the points to the lamb with two fingers, need hope. stay within. As we place ourselves hospitality of the angels of the Holy indicating his mission to become There are four Rural in front of the icon in prayer, we Trinity dwelling in Abraham and the sacrificial lamb. The Father on Australians for Refugees groups hopefully come to experience a Sarah with the gift of their first child. the left encourages the Son with a around Gippsland, located in gentle invitation to participate in the This angelic appearance is also blessing gesture. And the Spirit, who Cowes, East Gippsland, South intimate conversation that is taking meant to prefigure the later divine holds the same sceptre of authority Gippsland and the Latrobe place among the three divine angels mission by which God sends us his as the Father and the Son, signifies Valley. Go to the RAR website, and to join them around the table. only Son to sacrifice himself for our by pointing to the front of the meal table or altar that there is a place ruralaustraliansforrefugees.org.au reserved on the fourth side of the to access contact details for the table for you and I as we gather different groups. These groups before this altar. The Spirit aim to raise public awareness, points to the rectangular opening they write letters, and provide in the front side of the altar, and practical help to local refugees, invites us to let our souls enter among others things. Some into this place as the place of our people in Gippsland Anglican salvation. Gradually, in time you may churches have been involved in also be able to perceive a third one of these groups for many level of perception where a cross years; others are just making becomes visible. This cross is a start. formed by the vertical line from The Asylum Seeker Resource the oak of Mamre, now become Centre, Australia’s largest asylum the tree of life, to the small seeker organisation, assists and opening of our inclusion into advocates for asylum seekers. that tree of life. The horizontal beam of the cross is made by Their services include a food and the angelic figures of the Holy aid network as well as health, legal Trinity. aid, counselling and casework There is no entry into the circle programs. Over half of their clients of divine love except through the have no income at all, and 90% live cross. No gaining of life without below the poverty line. The ASRC losing it in the sacrifice of has a staff of 50, as well as 950 Christ. There is no glory without volunteers, including lawyers and suffering. In fact Jesus can perhaps be heard saying to us as doctors. They do an amazing job. he points to the sacrificial lamb Anyone wanting to donate can go to and the body and blood of Christ givenow.com.au/asrcwinterappeal. in the Chalice, “Are you able to We can also pray, we can be drink the cup that I must drink?” informed and we can advocate The way of Jesus for us is to be for the fair and compassionate the way of the cross. treatment of all people seeking a safe place to call home. The Rev David Head is “The Holy Trinity” painted by the Russian Iconographer Andrei Rublev Priest-in-Charge at Heyfield.

Page 10 The Gippsland Anglican July 2015 TGA EARTH CARE CARD

LETTER TO THE EDITOR – Tips for churches and households – # 10 Save energy – dress for winter Who’s listening? It’s become widely accepted that buildings are the same tempera- ture all year round, and people wear the same weight of clothing. What’s happened to the overcoat and the thick woolly jumper? The infant mortality rate in Rwanda God calls us to champion the Before you turn the heating up, try adding another layer. in 2013 was 61.2%. That means, cause of the weak and vulnerable, Wearing extra layers can make winter much more comfortable, for every 1,000 live births, and condemns the killing of the while also saving on gas or electricity, and therefore also on greenhouse gas emissions. 61.2 infants died before their innocent. Layers are also flexible. If you are going in and out of first birthday. Yet we are strangely silent. over-heated shops or work-places, you can add or subtract an This is a significant improvement Are the unborn not vulnerable? outer layer or two. Wearing something under jeans or long pants makes a huge difference to comfort in really cold weather. And if from a few years ago when one Are they not innocent? you’re outdoors in the bitter cold, a scarf, beanie, coat and gloves in 10 infants died but it remains Are they of no importance really help keep the heat in. one of the worst infant mortality to God? If you are responsible for a work place, consider keeping the rates in the world and still means At the recent Gippsland Synod, building at a lower temperature, and asking workers to dress for winter – not T-shirts in July! that 25,400 infants die each year. Kim Eason of Bairnsdale presented For comparison, Australia’s infant a motion to bring this issue to mortality rate is about 4.5 per 1,000 light and to debate a call to have births, with about 1,400 infants not the Church state that abortion reaching their first birthday. We is contrary to God’s way. Maybe rightly call out for more aid and the motion was poorly written education to improve the health and too complicated but, instead of mothers and children and save of considering it and maybe these precious lives. amending it as with other motions, In fact another statistic puts this in this case all debate was simply need into even sharper view. About stopped. 26% of all pregnancies in Rwanda Two thirds of Synod voted to are not successful. That is, through pass over the motion, with no various causes, the most common reason given, and it was treated as being the health of the mother, if it had not even been put. the unborn child dies before birth. We were content to debate Each year about 153,000 lives are a range of issues – ethical lost before seeing the light of day, investment, asylum seekers, safe most of which could be saved with ministry, solar power, …. We heard the health, nutrition and medicine about wonderful ministry efforts we take for granted. connecting into the community, Unfortunately a comparison Eucharistic Living and the fantastic with Australia on this statistic is a results of the Grammar Schools. little disturbing. In Australia, 25% But when it came to something of pregnancies are unsuccessful – uncomfortable we shut down and in the order of 100,000 lives each moved on. Why? Are we afraid that year that don’t see the light of we’ll appear moralistic and incur day. Not in our case due to poor the disfavour of public opinion? health, nutrition and medical Are we afraid that God might care, but through the deliberate actually call us to think differently ending of these viable pregnancies. from the world, change ourselves Something we’re told that one in and take an unpopular stand? three Australian women experience Whenever an infant or child is and as a nation we sanction, pay lost there is rightly great grief and for and try to keep quiet about. weeping. Some, though it would I know it’s a difficult and seem not many, weep at the death complex issue, but I think God of an unborn infant. I weep too for has got something to say about a Church that sticks its fingers in its it. Jesus taught that little children ears and won’t even listen to what are important to him. In Psalm God may have to say to it. He is 139 we’re reminded that God King and will have his way. If we knows us and knits us together won’t listen, he will seek others in our mother’s womb, so we who will. have to see the unborn as important Gordon Dowthwaite to God. We regularly affirm that Leongatha

Letters to the Editor are welcome – preferably less than 200 words. Please write to [email protected] by 15th of month prior to publication.

July 2015 The Gippsland Anglican Page 11 Faith at work TGA David and Caroline Beischer Diocesan calendar Jan Down First Saturday of each month: all welcome to walk the labyrinth at the end of Back Beach Road at San Remo, avid Beischer believes Phillip Island, from 10:30 am. that “God created the Danimals as well as us… July and has put us as stewards over them”. David is a veterinarian, 5 2:00 pm NAIDOC Service at St John’s Church one of three partners in a clinic Lake Tyers Trust with nine vets and three premises situated in Wonthaggi, Phillip 11 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Island and Inverloch. Lay Reader Training Day at Sale As this is a country practice, David looks after large farm animals 13 – 31 Half-price days at The Abbey – accommodation – dairy and beef cattle mainly, some and facilities – for details phone 5156 0511 sheep, goats and alpacas – as well 18 2:00 – 4:00 pm High Tea at St Mary’s Trafalgar, as companion animals such as dogs to raise funds for emergency relief and cats. He believes “God wants us to show compassion for sick and 19 9.30 am – 4 pm Safe Church Awareness Workshop, injured animals”. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Leongatha It is not only the animals that “David says that they aim Some years ago, when David David cares for. He says “Behind to be Christ’s ambassadors was at a conference in the United August every animal is an owner – a wherever they go, and that States, he heard about short-term person”, explaining that there mission work for vets, and felt being Christians brings 4–9 WinterFEST: a week of workshops are some emotional situations at that God wanted them to go as a different quality to the at The Abbey, Raymond Island – for details times, where perhaps there is an a family venture. After returning work they do”. phone 5156 0511 or email [email protected] untreatable condition, or the loss to Australia, he met with a of an animal, and David finds and children, there is plenty of representative from Interserve, 8 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Lay Reader Training Day himself involved in counselling incentive and certainly it is not to discuss short-term mission at Korumburra the owners. There are emotional possible without the grace of God possibilities, but opportunities times for him too, especially when and the power of His Spirit!” were limited. It wasn’t until he 15 9:30–3:30 pm Anam Cara Quiet Day, he has had a long connection with So it is that outside of the heard about “Mongolia Vet Net” St James Anglican Church, Grey St Traralgon an animal and its owner. home, Caroline works part time that the mission trip to Mongolia 22 9.30 am – 4 pm Safe Church Awareness Workshop, Working with farmers is one (within the school day), in a became a reality. at the Baptist Church, Pakenham aspect of his job that David finds local community pharmacy David and Caroline took satisfying and interesting, as he with some occasional locum their boys – from kindergarten says, “Their livelihood depends hospital work and some home to primary school age – to September on the health of their animals”. based consultancy work. She Mongolia in 2006. David was His work is quite varied. says “Jesus’ compassion towards mainly involved with trips in 10, 11, 12 Sometimes he will visit dairy those he met gives us the model the countryside with a team of 10:00 am to – 4:00 pm farms to pregnancy test their for reaching out to others”, and Mongolian veterinarians from Daffodil Festival, St Peter’s Anglican Church, cows and heifers, often using Caroline finds that those moments Mongolia VET Net, undertaking Leongatha – details page 6 an ultrasound for diagnosis. can occur in the workplace, from clinical work and teaching with At other times he will be in the the interactive pharmacy counter local veterinarians. 12 9.30 am – 4 pm Safe Church Awareness Workshop, clinic seeing cats and dogs with or when visiting others in their Caroline and the boys went out at the Anglican Church, Traralgon various medical problems, or homes to review medication use with the education team to assist performing routine surgery. A with a summer school program in and management; it becomes the For all Safe Church Awareness Workshops: recent case involved performing a remote countryside community. nature of the work. BYO lunch. Pre-register on the website (buv.com.au) a post-mortem examination as Both were involved in discipling Opportunities often arise to or through Danielle Matthews at the Diocesan Registry part of a disease investigation the Mongolian Christians on mention their local church’s Office: phone 5144 2044. after a farmer lost about 50% of weekly community meal as a their team, leading daily Bible his herd of beef cattle, from a helpful contact point for people studies during these programs. liver disease. to connect with community. The Mongolians would then Caroline says her “heart Caroline points out that Jesus go out and reach out to their priority order is God, family, then would always meet the physical own people. work”. Trained as a pharmacist, needs of people as well as their David says that “It was a she aims to fit her pharmacy work spiritual needs and this inspires great thing to do as a family: around her family needs and with her in her care for people. an adventure with an eternal three sons, two of whom are still perspective”. All the boys still at high school, she finds there is Mission trips to Mongolia remember the time spent there. still plenty to do. David and Caroline are actively It provided the boys with Caroline draws inspiration involved in their local church, St a unique cross cultural from the Scriptural ideals of George’s Wonthaggi. They do not experience and an opportunity the Proverbs 31 woman and the see any disconnect between their to be part of a Christian Titus 2 people as well as lots of work and their church life; David mission organisation sharing parenting tips from Proverbs. She says that they aim to be Christ’s the hope of Jesus with remote explains, “The truly busy wife ambassadors wherever they go, Mongolian communities. of Prov 31 is constantly working and that being Christians brings a David and Caroline returned for the good of her household, different quality to the work they to Mongolia without the teaching her children with wisdom do. Caroline also says, “If we are boys for a brief trip in 2008. and kindness, reaching out to called to worship, then what we They remain in contact with others and even running some do every day – our lives – should long-term Mongolia Vet Net little ‘side’ businesses to augment be our worship, not just Sunday missionaries and hope that God the family’s resources. Coupled mornings”. She stresses that this may again direct their footsteps with the Titus 2 exhortation to be is their aim, perfection will only to the wide expanses of the a homemaker, devoted to husband be reached in glory! Mongolian steppe.

Page 12 The Gippsland Anglican July 2015