May 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 41 3800 COPIES May 2015 EANGLICANVERY MONTH ANGLICAN NEWS NEWS FEB 2013 New Assistant Bishop
Bishop-Designate Dr Matt Brain to concentrate on mission and ministry development in a changing culture Archdeacon Dr Matt Brain has been for the Ministry appointed as a new Assistant Bishop in Training and the Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn Development following a meeting of Bishop in Council portfolio. This in mid-April. portfolio not only Announcing the appointment, helps new people Bishop Stuart Robinson said that it was enter Anglican signifi cant “because it brings generational ministry but it change and renewal to our senior team”. has oversight of “Dr Brain will play a key role in clergy’s professional helping our diocese continue to identify development also. new missional leaders and support those “It is my dream already in ministry to engage with a that people, both changing culture,” Bishop Stuart added. young and old, whose A physiotherapist by background, own lives have been Dr Brain trained for ministry in Perth transformed by Jesus, and was ordained in 2003. He served might be equipped as a priest in the Diocese of North West and sent out to help Australia as the Diocesan youth minister others fi nd the joy and in the parish of Kalbarri. that comes from his Dr Brain moved to the Diocese transforming love. I of Canberra and Goulburn in 2010 to am very excited that I BISHOP-DESIGNATE: Archdeacon Matt Brain, who become Director of Synergy Youth and might be able to help will be consecrated as Bishop on June 13, has been Children. He is a lecturer at St Mark’s prepare others for an integral part of the diocesan leadership team for National Theological College and plays the wonderful things several years. a leadership role with the International that God has in store Association for the Study of Youth for them,” said Dr running, cycling and playing the guitar. Ministry, which aims to foster the study Brain following the announcement of his and development of youth ministry as a appointment. New Regional Bishop for recognised profession. Dr Brain will be consecrated by the Wagga Region and Coast Since 2013, Dr Brain has been Archbishop of Sydney, the Most Rev’d Meanwhile Assistant Bishop Trevor Director of Parish Support, Chaplaincy Dr Glenn Davies, at St Saviour’s Edwards will become the bishop and Mission where he has worked closely Cathedral on Saturday 13 June 2015 responsible for the development of with parishes to help leaders develop at 11am. ministry in the Diocese’s western and their capacity for ministry. Dr Brain is married to Rachel and coastal regions. Dr Brain will assume responsibility they have fi ve children. He enjoys (continued on page 3)
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 May 2015 FROM THE BISHOP
New Episcopal roles Bishop Beloved in Christ – greetings! Bishop’s Cathedral Convention Stuart The April 2015 Bishop in Council The ‘early adopters’ – heading meeting endorsed - with acclaim - my towards 300 – have registered for this Robinson nomination of the Venerable Dr Matthew Convention. It is a key plank in my Brain as a Bishop in the Church of God strategy to mobilise and equip our lay and our Vicar-General, Bishop Trevor people. Dr Alison Morgan advises me that begin by reducing them to around Edwards as the new Regional Bishop, she has now prepared her talks and is very 10% - thus returning $500,000 back to Wagga Wagg and the West with oversight much looking forward to joining us. ministry units of the Coast. My expectation is that at least ten Interest rates – by reviewing and Bishop-designate Matt will be people (plus a clergy person) will attend reducing them consecrated in our Cathedral on June from each ministry unit. Some of our Professional standards and the sig- 13th at 11.00am. His father, Bishop smaller/less well resourced parishes nifi cant implications of ‘redress’ Peter Brain is the preacher and the have immediately and enthusiastically (stemming from Royal Commission- Metropolitan of NSW, Archbishop Glenn risen to this challenge. I have also read type matters). Davies is the ‘chief consecrator’. Dr Piggin’s presentation for the Barlow Diocesan entities such as schools. Bishop-designate Matt will take on, Lecture on the Friday night. inter alia, the very large and strategic It is outstanding and will be available For Jesus, ministry training and development in booklet form to purchase after the portfolio that Bishop Trevor has Convention for $10.00. managed and refi ned. Bishop Trevor’s All Dr Morgan’s titles will be assignment (around 2/3rds of his new available at the Convention bookshop ministry focus) includes advancing the (and we have card facilities). If you ‘Wagga City conversation’ (around the are yet to book for the Convention you Anglican News missional structure and shape of the may do so here: http://www.trybooking. region) and fi lling key parish vacancies com/Booking/BookingEventSummary. A newsletter for the Canberra in Turvey Park and Wagga central. aspx?eid=113103 and Goulburn Anglican Do please uphold these our colleagues We’ll be joined at the Convention community and friends. Congratulations to both. by the Primate, Dr Philip Freier and the Roman Catholic Archbishop, Dr Editor: Lewis Hitchick Walk with the Cross Christopher Prowse. Address: PO Box 23 The fi nal ‘walk with the cross’ Bathurst, NSW 2795 organised and coordinated by Canon Bishop’s 3-D Vision Phone: (02) 6331 1722 Varcoe (supported in prayer by the Below is a very simple, 0427 373 446 Reverend Trish Stuart-Smith and her underdeveloped outline of my ‘3-D’ team) concluded on Easter Day. vision for the next fi ve years (‘15-‘20). Email: anglican.news I have spoken with and ministered It is of course predicated on the dream @bathurstanglican.org.au to many hundreds of people in 17 to see a diocese (people, communities and Deadlines: centres across the period leading up structures) transformed by the love of Editorial & advertising 20th of the to Easter in nursing homes, hospitals, Jesus. BiC received this vision and has month prior to publication. public schools, dinners, breakfasts, invited me to develop it - with a working Opinions expressed in this publication by river bank, bbq’s, street corners, group - in time for Synod. pubs, church services and so it goes. do not necessarily refl ect the views or policies of the Anglican Diocese of As well as racking up the kilometres, Deployment - of: Canberra and Goulburn. I have preached 140+ sermons and Pioneer ministers and church planters messages to many hundreds of people Equipped and envisioned lay leaders Diocesan Offi ces (thousands if you include local radio Parish Curates and leaders as per and community newspapers). our current regimen Diocesan Registry Clergy and lay leaders consistently Specialist ministry staff Level 4, 221 London Circuit Canberra City, ACT 2612 report that the exercise was most Development – of: worthwhile and in some cases, life- Income generating capital works Postal Address: giving. In Wagga, Bombala and projects (of which the Jamieson is a GPO Box 1981 Queanbeyan we were afforded mayoral prime example) Canberra, ACT 2601 receptions and the mayors themselves Financial structures that facilitate Phone: (02) 6232 3600 shouldered the cross. In Goulburn, mission Fax: (02) 6232 3650 mayor Kettle opened facilities to us and Parish partnerships with diocesan Anglican News is provided assistance without charge. and other ministry bodies This marks the end of my three year a member of the journey. Thank you for your interest, Debt reduction - as it relates to: Australian Religious prayers and encouragement. Parish contributions – I’d like to Press Association. May 2015 Anglican News Page 3 DIOCESAN NEWS Convention to focus on Discipleship
Discipleship will be a key theme of changing love reaches out to others. the Bishop’s Cathedral Convention in Alison works widely in the UK in Goulburn on Saturday May 16. teaching and training, and she is also Keynote speaker, Dr Alison Morgan the editor and director of ReSource’s from the UK-based Anglican charity discipleship program for Africa, Rooted ReSource, has said that she will be trying in Jesus, which is now in use in 15 to present a deeper and more accurate countries. understanding of just what it means to be Central to her thinking is the concept a ‘disciple of Jesus’. that Jesus saves people, not for heaven “It’s not just about going to church but to help God’s kingdom happen on every Sunday, faithfully and regularly – earth; and as disciples we are not only it’s actually bigger than that. It’s a choice called to live out God’s marvellous to be made by every single one of us, not story in the world but we are also given just for the clergy,” she has said. everything needed for the job. The Convention is building on This philosophy ensures that she not the success of last year’s inaugural only encourages her listeners to a much event, when Dr John Dickson also deeper understanding of their role as spoke powerfully about the role that all disciples, she also seeks to help enable baptised Christians have in mission and and equip them to undertake this role, ministry. through the power of the Holy Spirit. Last year’s convention attracted over The convention will also feature the 430 people, and this year’s event is on inaugural Bishop Barlow Lecture, to track to match or better than number LIFESTYLE: Dr Alison Morgan be presented in the Cathedral on Friday with around 300 registrations received, describes being a disciple of evening, May 15, by Associate Professor three weeks out from the gathering. Jesus as ‘a lifestyle’. Stuart Piggin of Macquarie University. Dr Morgan will present three sessions Director of that university’s Centre throughout the day: she seeks to serve the church by for the History of Christian Thought Called as disciples of Jesus; teaching, training, and encouraging and Experience, Dr Piggin’s lecture Living in God’s story; and people to renew their lives and their will recall the life and times of Bishop Doing what Jesus did. church through the power of the Holy Barlow, the third Bishop of the Diocese Through her work with ReSource, Spirit, so that God’s message of life- of Goulburn (1902-1915).
Matt Brain appointed as Assistant Bishop
(continued from page 1) pondering how his gifts could be used capacity for ministry by developing Bishop Stuart has described Bishop most effectively for a new season of the talents of their people and ministry Trevor “a very experienced and effective ministry,” explained Bishop Stuart. plans that work. I also want to encourage minister, who is able to develop “We concluded that his leadership parishes to grow fresh expressions of strategies, encourage clergy and persuade talents could be used most fruitfully church for non-church people where parishes to engage in God’s mission”. by focussing on the development of ever possible so that men, women and “It is my prayer that his gifts will bring ministry in the Diocese’s western and children can experience the love of Jesus the process of regional transformation to coastal communities. The process of in community,” he said. fruition,” Bishop Stuart said. making ministry in the Wagga region This shift in responsibility follows Consecrated in 2004, Bishop Trevor more sustainable that Bishop Genieve Bishop Genieve Blackwell’s move to has been a catalyst for cultural change started will bear fruit as Trevor’s the Diocese of Melbourne later this and the development of the Diocese’s considerable gifts are brought to bear.” month. Bishop Trevor will hand over capacity for mission. Bishop Trevor said that he wanted to his Ministry Training and Development As bishop for mission he has been instil confi dence and growth in Christ responsibilities to Archdeacon Dr Matt the Director of Ministry Training and ensure that the regional parishes can Brain in coming weeks ahead of his and Development since 2010. He has be dynamic and sustainable centres for consecration in June. enhanced the diocese’s capacity for ministry for many years to come. Bishop Trevor will remain as the mission and ministry by developing “I’m looking forward to encouraging, Diocese’s Vicar General and continue opportunities for lay training and mentoring, supporting and empowering as president of St Mark’s National the formation of a new generation of clergy and lay leaders across these Theological Centre Council. ordained leaders. two important regions. I’m committed “Trevor and I have been prayerfully to helping our parishes develop their Page 4 Anglican News May 2015 DIOCESAN NEWS Spirit ‘15: Called to be, not to do: Christian calling is about identity, not activity By Lewis Hitchick Keynote speaker at the Spirit ’15 Conference, Pastor Brian Goodell, focussed on what it means to be ‘called’ as a Christian. The annual Spirit Conference was held at St Peter’s Anglican College, Broulee, on the weekend of April 17-19. Brian Goodell, Senior Pastor of The Bridge Foursquare Church in Foster City, California, began by reading from Romans 8: 28-29, pointing out that all Christians are “called according to (God’s) purpose”. However, he said many people do not understand what “calling” is. “I want to challenge the idea that what you do is who you are,” he stressed. “Our calling as men and women of God is fi rst and foremost as sons and daughters, and out of that place of intimacy and relationship, God wants to release his Spirit in us and through us to the world around us. Every one of you in this room is called.” What Calling is not He pointed out that calling was not: Just for ‘professionals’, the priests pas- tors or missionaries. Always just a one-time event – situa- tions are going to change, and because CALLED: Conference speaker Pastor Brian Goodell from San Francisco our calling is not limited to our abili- delivered a series of fi ve powerful addresses on the topic of ‘Calling’, ties or talents it is going to change. explaining that all Christians are called to share the Gospel message. Your job – your job is a context whereby you are useful for the Lord, “The challenge with happiness is that the walls between the church and the being led by the Spirit so that your it’s based on happenings. There’s a world”. calling as a son or daughter of God can difference between happiness and the “Calling is, fi rst and foremost, be shown. constant joy that only comes from belonging to God,” he stressed. “Giving Your identity; being who we are in Christ. Calling is about becoming like your life away as Jesus said, is going Christ is our identity. The ‘doing’ of Jesus.” to bring about the abundant life that he our lives fl ows out of ‘being’ who we promises in John 10:10. But to hang onto are. What Calling is life, to draw things to ourselves, is where An individual pursuit – God works in Brian Goodell then explained what he we lose the real purpose we are created community. He challenged his audi- believed calling is: for.” ence to understand and embrace the Belonging to God However, he insisted that God does blessing of covering: “There is tremen- Being Christ-like in our behaviour not often call people to something they dous anointing when we live under Doing God’s work in the world do not want to do. covering – a group who will help us Living a life of purpose. “God wants us to do what we love recognise our blind spots and ‘call us – I really believe that. I want you to get out’ on whatever needs to be called In his second session Brian Goodell in touch with what you are passionate out.” picked up the theme of the conference as about.” Just about being happy all the time: he called on his listeners to “break down (continued next page) May 2015 Anglican News Page 5 DIOCESAN NEWS Spirit ‘15: living a life of purpose (continued from previous page) He said that some have just conceded He cited 2 Thess. 1:11, adding to a small life but he believed that Survey results: particular emphasis: “With this in mind God has created us for a big, dramatic what brings people into a we constantly pray for you, that our God existence – “and that will be so may count you worthy of contagious in our world faith community? that people will be attracted his calling, and that by his 3% Just wandered in while power he may fulfi l every to that”. “If being like Jesus is walking past the church good purpose of yours and 6% Heard about the pastor every act prompted by your our calling in life, and that is supposed to be who we 1% Pastor visited them at home faith.” 5% Result of Sunday School or “God wants you to get are, wherever we are and whatever we do, then we Kids’ Club in touch with how he has 4% Evangelistic campaign in area uniquely and extraordinarily should follow the example 2% Program offered at church (eg: created you to do things that of how he lived. marriage or parenting courses) you love. I’m talking about “If you want to do the 79% Infl uence of friends or God breaking down walls stuff in public like Jesus relatives. and blowing the ceiling off HOST: Batemans Bay did, you’ve got to do with your life. priest Colin Walters. your private life what Jesus “I want to invite you to did - steal away from the further developed the concept of ‘calling’ an adventure in Christ – I busyness of the world by adding some mathematical symbols: want you to begin to see your life with to spend time with the Father through tremendous capacity. But capacity is scripture, prayer, fasting, solitude and Belonging to God only built by taking steps of faith and celebration.” + Being Christ-like in our behaviour stretching ourselves.” In subsequent sessions Brian Goodell + Doing God’s work in the world = Living a life of purpose. “It’s such an amazing blessing when we do the work of God, when we obey the prompting of the Holy Spirit – how fulfi lled we feel inside!” He said the purpose of the church could be simplifi ed into two things: to know God (the Great Commandment, Matt.22: 37-39) and to make him known (the Great Commission, Matt 28: 19-20). He also drew on the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5) to remind his listeners they were “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”, charged to “let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven”. Brian Goodell quoted the fi ndings of a survey of 10,000 church members, which had asked what had initially brought them into the church they currently belonged to. The results highlighted the role of the whole congregation (see box above). “Reaching your world will be challenging; inconvenient; costly; apparently more than you can do; but something God will equip and strengthen you for.” BREAKING OUT: A team of dancers presented a powerful interpretation Brian Goodell concluded by inviting all present to list three people they knew, of the ‘Break Out’ theme of Spirit 15, showing the power of Faith to who did not know Jesus – and start overcome barriers. praying for those people. Page 6 Anglican News May 2015 OPINION Refugees – what would Jesus do? Refl ection on Palm Sunday Rally for Refugees By Charles Body Several Anglican parishes were represented in the Palm Sunday Rally for Refugees held in Canberra on 29th March. The rally, organised by the Refugee Action Committee, brought together people from the Anglican, Roman Catholic and Uniting Churches, the Church of Christ and people from other faiths. They joined trade unions, students, politicians and other citizens who are concerned about Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers and refugees. Several thousand people took part in the rally. The fi rst speaker at the rally was Mr Jon Stanhope (former ACT Chief Minister and Administrator of Christmas Island) who has seen fi rst-hand the conditions on Christmas Island. He was followed by Sister Jane Keogh, a Brigidine Sister who has visited UNITED: Representatives from Anglican, Roman Catholic and Uniting detention centres and worked with Church and Church of Christ congregations joined people from other refugees for 13 years. faiths, trade unions, students, politicians and others on Palm Sunday to The fi nal speaker was Ismael express their concern over Australia’s treatment of asylum seekers. Husseini, a Hazara refugee from Afghanistan who spoke of the despair, “How does God’s love abide in There is no simple solution to the hopelessness and fear he felt in anyone who has this world’s goods, massive number of people around the Australia’s detention centres, not sees a brother or sister in need, and yet world seeking to escape from torture, knowing whether he would be sent back refuses help?” (1 John 3:17). persecution or death in their homelands. to face death in his homeland or deported “When was it that we saw you But surely a Christian response should be to another country, or simply left to rot in hungry and fed you, or thirsty and gave based on care and compassion rather than Nauru for the rest of his days. you drink; a stranger, and took you punishment and torture. It was perhaps fi tting that the rally into our home? … Jesus said ‘anything I’ll leave the last word to the Rev’d was held a few days after the death of you did for one of my brothers here, Tim Costello, writing last year in the former Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser. however insignifi cant, you did for me’.” Bible Society’s Eternity newspaper: The Fraser Government’s attitude to (Matthew 25.35). “May our hearts be broken by the things refugees after the Vietnam War showed that The story of the Good Samaritan that break the heart of God.” there is a more compassionate and humane (Luke 10:25-37) is also relevant but too way to respond to those who seek asylum long to repeat here. And there are many in our land. other passages in the Bible on similar It is hard to reconcile the refugee themes. policies of Australia’s government and Australia’s refugee policies seem to ANGLICAN opposition with the word of God as given be based on two elements – fi rst, punish to us through the Bible and through anyone who arrives here to such an HISTORICAL the teaching of Jesus. Consider the extent that they will go back to where following passages from the Bible: they came from; and second, discourage SOCIETY “When an alien resides with you in anyone else from trying to come here your land, you must not oppress him. He by convincing them that they will be Annual General is to be treated as a native born among subjected to the same treatment. Meeting you. Love him as yourself.” (Leviticus If these approaches are successful 19:33,34). then we, like Pontius Pilate, wash our Saturday 30th May 2015 “Is not this the fast I require: to loose hands of the issue on the heartless 2.00pm Christ Church, the fetters of injustice, to untie the knots assumption that if we can keep asylum Queanbeyan of the yoke, and set free those who are seekers away from Australia then we can oppressed?” (Isaiah 58:7). ignore them. May 2015 Anglican News Page 7 DIOCESAN NEWS Recognition for Turvey Park Anglican
By Bill Anscombe He currently works with the mental A lay leader in the congregation at health organisation Richmond-PRA as St Paul’s Turvey Park Anglican Church a support worker where he is highly at Wagga Wagga has been awarded the regarded and valued. He also works 2015 NSW Government Multicultural with severe mental illness in the wider Community Medal. Australia community. This is a permanent John Kutte Moi, one of those rare full-time position which he accepted and people who quietly and effectively reluctantly resigned from the temporary ministers the love of Jesus, was presented and contractual work offered as a with the award by the Premier Mike teacher’s bi-lingual aide in the schools. Baird on March 12, for his contribution John Moi is a current fi nal year part- to Regional Communities. time student in the Master of Social Work He had been nominated by the (professional Qualifying) at Charles Sturt Wagga Wagga Multicultural Council, University. for his outstanding contribution to the John has been an active member of multicultural community of Wagga St Pauls Anglican Church Turvey Park, Wagga and to the whole community of where he has led services and he has Wagga Wagga. preached on numerous occasions. For at John Moi arrived in Australia as a least two years, he travelled to Tarcutta to conduct services on a twice monthly humanitarian entrant in 2006 with his AWARD: Turvey Park parishioner wife and four children and settled in basis to a farming congregation who Wagga Wagga. John Moi’s award of the 2015 valued his style and sincerity. John was a pastor to about 25 NSW Government Multicultural He has been a member of the St congregations in South Sudan while Community Medal recognises his Paul’s Parish Council at various times, supporting himself through teaching, and outstanding contribution to the and was instrumental in developing a he has continued that pastoral role within Wagga community. Dinka language group worship service at the African and wider multi-cultural the Church. Although he himself is not a communities of Wagga Wagga. He is counsel was enormously helpful. Dinka person, he has led and participated frequently asked to the schools, police He has worked with people in their in those services. station and mental health facilities to grief and bereavement and in their At combined worship service between assist with issues. cultural adjustment. John has also been a the Dinka congregation and the non- He was the foundation chairman representative at celebratory occasions – Dinka worshippers, John has translated of Wafrica and has worked with many weddings, baptisms and national events. Dinka worship into both English and community members. He has led funerals He has also been instrumental in forming Arabic so that non-Dinka Sudanese and in Australia and funeral remembrances an African choir. non-African church-goers can participate. for members of the African-Australian John has also worked to bridge the His language skills and his communities where parents or relatives gap with police and community and personality and affability and his respect have died overseas. He was the person has represented the African community across all kinds of ethnic and racial called to meet with Aboriginal local whenever required, particularly in times boundaries have been very well used and leaders when there was an issue that of crisis. very much appreciated. He conducts threatened the harmony between the A trained volunteer community fi re- all his church involvement without African community and the Indigenous fi ghter, John helps newly arrived families recompense (except travel costs to and community. His wise and gracious to prevent fi res in their homes. from Tarcutta).
Clergy moves and appointments The Reverend Michael Armstrong has been appointed The Reverend Ann Burt has been licenced as Honorary Incumbent at Hunters Hill in the Diocese of Sydney. Deacon Assistant in and from the Parish of Kambah. The Venerable Dr Matthew Brain will be consecrated as The Reverend Gunnar Rippon has been licenced as a Bishop in the Church of God and will serve as Assistant Locum Associate Priest at St Saviour’s Cathedral Goulburn Bishop, Ministry Training and Development Portfolio. for two years. The Right Reverend Trevor Edwards will continue as The Reverend Amanda Wheatley has been granted an Vicar-General and be the new Regional Bishop responsible Authority to Offi ciate. for the development of ministry in the Diocese’s western The Reverend Michael Wheatley has been granted an and coastal regions. Authority to Offi ciate. Page 8 Anglican News May 2015 NEWS FROM THE PARISHES
Barney’s Boutique: a shop full of opportunities
By Marie Offi cer Barney’s Boutique is a terrifi c Op Shop run by parish members at St Barnabas, Charnwood, providing quality pre-owned clothes and other items to the people of Charnwood and surrounding areas. The shop is an important part of the life of the parish, the broader community and often, visitors to Canberra. Monday mornings are particularly busy, sorting the many donations from generous members of the wider community: bric-a-brac, shoes, books, CDs, chinaware, linen, baby clothes, toys, crockery, jewellery and clothes for everyone – sometimes exclusive brands!! Volunteers have been known to ask, ‘Where does all this come from?’ On Monday mornings there’s sorting to be done, racks to fi ll, clothes to be tagged and priced, recycling of boxes and papers, and items not suitable for the shop to be driven to appropriate places in and around Canberra. VOLUNTEERS: Sorting the amazing array of clothing and goods As well there is mending, spot donated to Barney’s Boutique keeps a team of volunteers busy every cleaning, washing of china and bric-a- Monday morning throughout the year. The team is frequently impressed brac … the list is endless. All the while by the exclusive brand names that pass through the shop (inset). happy chatter goes on. It’s organised chaos (I joke!!) The highlight of the most welcome. Marie Offi cer is a member of morning is morning tea. It is not unusual Our opening times are Wednesdays, the congregation of St Barnabas’, for 12 or 13 helpers to be there. Thursdays, & Fridays 1.30 pm to 5 pm Charnwood, and a volunteer at Barnie’s As a recent newcomer to the Team, and Saturdays 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. Boutique. I am blown away by what is achieved between 8.30 and 11am on Mondays every week – missing only one week at Christmas each year. Anglican Historical Society AGM I am not going to name names as This year’s AHS Annual Meeting will about the Kids’ Computer Group at this can be a dangerous thing (to quote be held in Christ Church Queanbeyan on Karabar, the Café Church at Burra, and a friend) but this is a team of hard- Saturday afternoon 30th May. the variety of activities at Waters’ Edge. working, dedicated parishioners. To say In the morning visits have been Mr Ian Hewitt, Principal of The thank you costs nothing. arranged to St Matthew’s Karabar, St Anglican School Googong ‘would be To all those who work behind the Paul’s Burra, and the newly opened delighted’ to have the Anglican Historical scenes at Barney’s – I am proud and Anglican School at Googong. Society visit the school which opened happy to be among you, my Church Lunch will be at the Yellow Belly this year for ELC (pre-school) to Year 2. family and dear friends too. Café at Club Googong where the Waters’ Future stages will be added in coming Come and visit when we’re open Edge coffee group connects with the years. on Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays growing community. The school is also providing or Saturday mornings - you will be The day will be a mixture of old and innovative ways of learning with large, new: the fi rst Christ Church, now used fl exible, open and modern learning HOLIDAY as a hall, dates from 1844 and St Paul’s spaces which continue outside to the Burra from 1867 while the Googong area kitchen garden. ACCOMMODATION is still under construction. Members and friends are welcome The Queanbeyan and Karabar parishes to attend all or part of the day. Booking CALOUNDRA, Sunshine Coast, are exploring new ways of connecting, forms have been posted to members: beachside units, from $300/week. providing companionship and sharing others please contact the Secretary Alan Christ with the people of the area. Wilson, phone 6282 3213 or email alan. Phone 0427 990 161. All are welcome to come and hear [email protected] May 2015 Anglican News Page 9 DIOCESAN NEWS Exploring meditation and prayer
Annual retreat for Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis By Graeme and Kathy Dunn The NSW B /ACT Region held their annual retreat recently at The Gathering Place in Canberra. This venue has been used by the Franciscans for many years and is one which draws us back each time. We are always warmly met by Brigidine Sister Lorraine who looks after us so well and with so much love. Lorraine has become such a part of us that she is invited to all our meals and comes to the Sunday Eucharist. Meryl who serves with Sr Lorraine as a co-facilitator also greeted us over the weekend. We had about 10 people in attendance which varied over the weekend and our Eucharist and lunch on the Sunday saw 16 people taking part. As well as our Canberra and Goulburn members, this year’s retreat included two tertiaries from Wagga and two enquirers also came along. Our retreat leader was our own tertiary Theresa Angert- Quilter and the theme for the weekend was “Meditation and Prayer”. Theresa conducted a Meditation session at last year’s retreat which was very warmly received so the decision was made to have this as our theme this year. The sessions were devoted to meditation techniques as we sought a closer and more personal relationship with God. Many of the group agreed that our busyness of life can distract us from the important things of life, ie: prayer life and being alone with God without distraction. GIFT: Retreat leader Theresa Angert-Quilter In meditation we can go to “our own space” and be presented the regional Franciscan group with a completely alone with God, to talk to God and have that special beautifully crafted communion set. feeling of closeness. Those who attended enjoyed these sessions and felt that it helped them greatly as part of their spiritual journey. Another highlight of the weekend was the presentation by Theresa of a gift of a Communion Set for the NSW B/ ACT Region. The Regional Minister will be the custodian of the set which will be used at all Franciscan Eucharists. In particular the Chalice is beautiful with its design and vibrant colours. The retreat concluded with a Eucharist and lunch. It was a Based in rural NSW, Be wonderful weekend and one which left people committed to coming back next year. Blessed can supply individually Yes, we have already booked The Gathering Place for designed Clergy stoles, altar our retreat in 2016 which will be held from the 14th to 16th linens, clergy shirts and more October 2016. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday May 6 2015 at the With 35 years of experience home of John Gibson. We will view and discuss Part 1 of the in garment making & service DVD, The Sacred Wonders of Britain, which will be led by with a prayer, creativity & a Robert Willson. smile - phone!! Any Third Order tertiaries from elsewhere visiting our region are most welcome to our gatherings. Please contact us for details: Mobile: 0408010547; Email: [email protected] Graeme and Kathy Dunn, tssf, serve as Area Fellowship Convenors NSW B / ACT Region. http:/www.beblessedclergyvestments.com.au Page 10 Anglican News May 2015 NEWS FROM THE WIDER CHURCH Caught in Cyclone Pam
ABM’s Program Offi cer, Jess Sexton was in Torba Province in Vanuatu on a monitoring trip in March when Cyclone Pam hit the islands. Jess shares her experience and reports on the destruction locals faced. The start of my trip was spent in Sola where we were warmly received by Bishop Worek Patterson, who was eager to discuss both the progress and the challenges relating to the church and the wider province. We were to spend fi ve days viewing these for ourselves, with a particular focus on the work relating to Water, Sanitation and Adult Literacy. Several days into our visit, we began receiving reports of a cyclone heading towards Vanuatu, and although the system had not yet developed into a category fi ve cyclone, the region was put on red alert. Locals rushed to reinforce their houses with sand bags and large palm leaves, and purchase extra supplies from shops. As the winds became gale force and heavy seas threatened to break the banks around the town of Sola, vulnerable areas were evacuated to DESTRUCTION: Cyclone damage in Port Vila. Cyclone Pam destroyed higher ground and concrete buildings. Offi cials from the Provincial thousands of houses on Vanuatu, leaving eight people dead and 10,000 government drove through the town homeless. making announcements in Bislama, the language most commonly spoken, that was to last seven days. Without the towers to be fi xed, and pray for the plane to warn about various dangers and to means for accessing funds, and with food to come. guide people in their preparations. Text stocks running low, local shops were It was a great relief when a radio messages sent from the Vanuatu Bureau asked to supply goods on credit to the report announced that Espiritu Santo, the of Meteorology also kept us updated as communities both in and around Sola. island home of my travelling companions to the cyclone’s course, which was an Clean water was also a cause of and the location of the diocesan offi ce of essential service in an area with limited concern, as most locals depend on fresh Vanuatu and New Caledonia, had been electricity and internet access. streams running from the mountains spared signifi cant damage. For several days strong winds and behind the town, and few have tanks. This was mixed with sadness, torrential rain lashed the town and the During the downpour, these streams however, as the destruction in Port Vila cyclone moved south at a painfully became polluted with sediment and was also revealed. We heard that many slow pace of seven km/h. As these debris, and were unsuitable for drinking buildings had been destroyed beyond effects subsided, we emerged from and washing. repair, leaving 10,000 people homeless, our bungalows to survey the damage. Several tanks funded by ABM, and that eight people had lost their Thankfully, there was very little installed through the Vanuatu Church lives in the chaos. There was no further destruction in Sola. Partnership Program in Sola, proved information about the outer islands or There had been minor fl ooding, and their worth. The community was able even about the rest of Efate, due to the roof repairs were needed on several to access the clean water for drinking, communications diffi culties. buildings, but infrastructure such as substantially lowering the risk of When the day for our scheduled roads and bridges remained intact. The diseases such as Cholera and Adenovirus departure came and there were still no area causing most concern amongst infections. fl ights, Bishop Worek went into action. locals was the loss of produce from Getting home was a great concern He and other ACOM arranged a seat for village gardens and fruit trees, as people for me and the Anglican Church of me on a charter fl ight booked by the Red depend heavily on these sources for Melanesia (ACOM) colleagues I was Cross, so that I would be able to make food. travelling with, as they were anxious my international connection in Port Vila. The cyclone had affected to fi nd out how family and friends had The following day it was with reluctance communications towers further south, fared. Every day we would pray for causing a communication black out their safety, pray for the communication (continued next page) May 2015 Anglican News Page 11 REFLECTION An ANZAC refl ection By Bishop Stuart Robinson a new enemy...not a country per se – but that faced combatants (on all sides). Having just marked the 100th an ideology cloaked in a religion; ‘I.S.’ And yet all is not hopeless. It isn’t. Anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli by name. Lest we forget that in order to bring and the 70th Anniversary of Victory in NX146695, Sergeant Harold peace between God and his wayward the Pacifi c later in year, I’m minded to Robinson, my father, knows fi rst-hand family, that’s exactly what Jesus – the report a conversation I had with a soldier the reality of being ready to lay one’s one who fi rst articulated those headstone - NX146695 - who witnessed the formal inscriptions, did. He gave his life. “surrender” in the eastern half of the Yes, Jesus absorbed sin’s curse and Netherlands East Indies on September 9, sin’s punishment that I might go free. 1945. My sin was laid on him – his On Morotai Island, NX146695, along righteousness was laid on all who with 10,000 Australian and Allied troops, believe. stood motionless as Commander-in- He was willing to pay a very great Chief of the Australian Military Forces, price; the price of peace – his life for General Blamey accepted Japanese mine; for all who believe. Second Army Commander, Lt. General And we know his work was Teshima’s surrender of approximately effective; we know that peace with God 126,000 men. is available to all who trust this Jesus, NX146695 has vivid memories of because God raised him from that death; that great day. the price for sin having been fully paid But he also carries memories of the life down for another - as do so many of by God in Christ. cost; the cost of freedom; the cost of those who will read this simple piece. As we honour those who sacrifi ced peace. It was Jesus who once said, “My their lives for our freedom, so too must NX146695 (who is now 92) came command is this: Love each other as I we honour and worship and serve Him face to face with death – and survived; have loved you. Greater love has no one who gave his life that we might be set many of his friends and comrades did than this that they lay down their life for free from the clutches of our last great not. their friends” John 15:13. enemy – even death itself. Indeed more than 100,000 Australians That inscription is also found on Yes, lest we forget. have given their lives – from the Boer countless headstones across the former War to Peacekeeping operations in this Western Front. I served as a Priest in BACKGROUND IMAGE: new century. Flanders and in the dead of winter I’d The Lone Pine Cemetery and Even as we speak Australian Forces stand in those old trenches and weep as I Memorial, Anzac, Gallipoli (www. are on their way to Iraq to engage with contemplated the agony and the despair anzacsite.gov.au) Caught in Cyclone Pam (continued from page 12) would receive the care that they so assisted me during my time in Vanuatu that I boarded the small plane without obviously needed. - I was overwhelmed by the care them, knowing how much they wanted to We arrived in Port Vila at dusk, and and support that was going on in the see their families again. saw the city in disarray. Everywhere we background. Travelling from Sola to Port Vila is looked, trees were blown over, buildings The humanitarian work in Vanuatu is a journey I will never forget. The lush were damaged and crumbling and boats only just beginning, and there is so much tropical forests that covered the islands were mashed together in the wharves. to be done. of Vanua Lava, Gaua and Espiritu Santo People were hard at work to clear roads ABM has already raised over stood in stark contrast to the brown and make repairs, even as darkness fell. $190,000 in its Vanuatu Emergency wasteland on islands further south. Electricity had been cut off to much Appeal. This money will go a long As we fl ew over islands, we saw that of the city, and many carried torches or way to support the church and locals to trees had been stripped of their leaves lit fi res for light. repair the damage and build their local and vines, houses and possessions had However, the mobile network was communities. been scattered across the bare fi elds, fully functional in the capital, and much Thank you to all the ABM donors and smoke was steadily rising from the to my delight I was able to contact ABM who have supported this cause - please debris being burnt away. and my family, letting them know that I continue to keep Vanuatu in your It was like a scene of war, the was safe and had arrived in Port Vila. By prayers, to ensure that those who have destruction seemed so complete. I prayed the next day I had arrived back to a much lost everything can have hope for their that humanitarian relief would fl ow relieved fi ancé and the ABM family. future. quickly, and that these communities I am so grateful to everyone who Page 12 Anglican News May 2015 BOOKS WWI Centenary prompts historical reviews Reviewed by Robert Willson appearance of being thoroughly secular, in order to allow the inclusion of Roman Catholics and Jews. Anzac Day Origins. By John A Moses & George F Davis. The book is a thorough examination of the genesis of Barton Books. 417pp. $40.00 Anzac Day in the light of Garland’s Irish background and The Great War: 10 Contested Questions. Foreword move from a very Protestant “Bible Believing” tradition to the by Geraldine Doogue. ABC Books. 246pp. Anglo-Catholic tradition. Some readers in the $27.99 Protestant tradition of the Anglican Church might be tempted to put this book aside The centenary of the outbreak of the First because of that theme because they do not feel World War last year, and the centenary of the comfortable with Anglo-Catholics. This would Anzac Landing this year, has triggered a fl ood be a mistake; they should learn from it. of books examining every facet of that frightful After we meet Canon Garland the authors confl ict, a war that claimed millions of lives. tell the story of Garland’s time in New I have been reading these two books lately Zealand. This portion of the book is the work and I commend both of them. of Dr George Davis, a retired New Zealand Canberra priest and academic Fr John teacher and author of a doctoral dissertation Moses studied in Germany for many years on meanings and memories of Anzac Day in and specialised in the historiography of the the New Zealand context. The joint authors First World War. He examines the German enjoyed a most fruitful collaboration. ambition for imperial territory, jealousy of the Later chapters speak of Garland’s work British and French colonial empires, and the in the Diocese of Brisbane, especially for myth that liberalism and democracy should the Bible Society and where British Empire be rejected in favour of unlimited military solidarity was a major basis for the Anzac expansion as the will of God. The Kaiser and Day observance. Garland’s chaplaincy in the his Germany had developed global military Middle East and relations with the Orthodox ambitions and these directly threatened Australia and New Churches are thoroughly examined. By the 1920’s Garland Zealand. So these two nations had no choice but to be involved became known as the “architect” of Anzac Day. He died in in the Great War. Brisbane in 1939 just before the outbreak of the Second World As we remember the centenary of the fi rst Anzac Day we War. meet a man described as an extraordinarily energetic, public- In a brief review it is impossible to plumb the depths of spirited and gifted Anglo-Catholic priest, Canon David John this rich and searching contribution to Anglican and Australian Garland. In the years that followed the Anzac landing at history but I hope that thoughtful readers will give it the Gallipoli exactly a century ago, Garland devised a ceremony of attention it deserves. Moses and Davis have done a great job of remembrance that was essentially religious but which had the research. Copies may be obtained from Barton Books at St Marks and also from the bookshop of the Australian War Memorial and from the National Library bookshop. The cost is $40. I also commend a book entitled The Great War: Ten contested Pilgrim Books Orange Questions. This book is the published transcript of an ABC RN programme including contributions by leading military historians. Now trading at 52 McNamara St, Orange Rather than give a short history of the war they grapple with questions we still argue about. One example is the reputation of New stock has just arrived: Field Marshall Douglas Haig. When I was rector of St Philip’s Includes 2015 Calendars, Diaries, Lectionaries O’Connor I often walked in Haig Park, named after the Field Marshall in the 1920s. It was a refl ection of the heroic status of this and Christmas Cards. man at that time. We offer a mail order service right across Australia. Now he is reviled as a bungling butcher who sent many Please call us to order Books, CDs, Church Candles, Australians and other Empire troops to their deaths in battles like the Somme. Recently the Canberra Times has carried Altar Breads and Certifi cates, letters demanding that his name be removed from the map of or order online at www.pilgrimbooks.com.au Canberra and that the Park be renamed. Pilgrim Books is a not-for-profi t bookshop operated So one of the contested questions in this excellent book is: were the generals truly incompetent? Other questions include: by the Orange Christian Book Centre Inc, did German ambitions really cause the war; were those who serving churches in regional NSW since 1973. refused to fi ght traitors to the cause; and did religion help to lead us into this confl ict? Books have been written about all these and other matters Pilgrim Books and, while we will never read all these books, we have here the (02) 6362 4959 gist of what scholars are writing about this period. This fi ne book is available from the ABC shops at $27.99. May 2015 Anglican News Page 13
Helping hand for outdoor upgrade By Hannah McQuiggan Two outdoor spaces at Anglicare’s Goulburn site have received a face lift to make way for new gardens and play areas for families and children in need. The backyard areas at the Specialist Homelessness Service and Disability Service, located on Cowper Street, underwent a three-day working bee to upgrade the current facility. “We looked at renewing some ageing infrastructure,” said Anglicare Housing and Social Services Manager, Toni Reay. “The buildings were built in the early 1900s and the exteriors were in desperate need of updating,”. A group of High School students attending ‘Soul in the Bush’, a fi ve day Christian youth conference, assisted Anglicare from Wednesday to Friday, April 15-17. The initiative was part of Soul Survivor NSW/ACT (see article on pages 14-15). “Soul in the Bush is a great opportunity to add a surge of helpers to existing community services and at the same ENTHUSIASM: Rain failed to dampen the enthusiasm time give young people an opportunity to put their faith into of the Soul in the Bush team working on the back yard. action,“ Soul Survivor ACT Director, Deborah Stanley said. “We love being able to help organisations like Anglicare. It program, a case management and respite service, have seen the may be just a few days of gardening and cleaning, but we hope garden transformed into a friendly and interactive space with the it will have a long-term impact in helping Anglicare provide a cubby house given a new lease on life. safe and healing place for people in need.” “Anglicare is grateful to have Soul in the Bush volunteers Students were provided with materials such as soil, plants, help to get our garden project off the ground,” Ms Reay said. paint and benches to assist with the makeover. The group of students also sorted through donations collected Families and children involved in the Flexibility Plus for annual campaigns such as the Pantry Appeal. Page 14 Anglican News May 2015 SOUL IN THE BUSH 2015 Combining faith with works April’s Soul in the Bush conference saw over 460 young people descend on regional communities around Canberra to work alongside local churches in practical projects By Jillian Reay-Smith* Delegates came from across NSW, the ACT and as far as North Queensland. They camped in Canberra and travelled daily for three days to 22 projects across fi ve towns: Goulburn, Yass, Murrumbateman, Wee Jasper and Burra. Deborah Stanley, Director of Soul Survivor ACT, described Soul in the Bush as “a great opportunity to add a IMPRESSIVE: The enthusiasm of the team at Burra as they cleaned and surge of helpers to existing ministries”. painted the Burra RFS Station impressed RFS volunteer Chris Taylor (at “We are amazed at what God has the back, 4th from right). done this week as 460 young evangelists have served their hearts out by working including cleaning and painting ‘Zac’s service as each volunteer worked hard to with rural churches,” she said. Place’, a community facility that reaches clean up, paint walls and landscape the Projects were designed and run by out to youth and those who are struggling. gardens. Clearly, Soul Survivor has been local churches and organisations who knew They also painted a fence at the foundational in birthing Liminis and the needs of the community. Anglican historic ‘Cooma Cottage’, painted a have encouraged us beyond words.” churches in the region played a big role in mural at Bowning Village Hall, gardened Across town, another group of organising projects, with many having links for a family and rejuvenated the Yass delegates gardened and cleaned at the with local Anglican ministries. Community Garden. Goulburn Anglicare facilities to help In Yass, members of the St Clement’s Lynette Rampling of St Clement’s restore the gardens into a friendly and Anglican Church led the ‘Soul in the Bush’ is an active member of the Community interactive space for their clients. delegates in projects close to their heart, Garden. “We were totally blown away Down in Burra, St Paul’s Anglican by the hard work and enthusiasm that the Church used ‘Soul in the Bush’ to help kids put in” said Lynette. their community in ways they couldn’t Additional projects in Yass were on their own. organised by Yass Baptist Church and the St Paul’s member Ruth Walton was local council. instrumental in organising the Burra In Goulburn, Brian and Alison projects. “We love this community and Champness of the F5 congregation at St wanted to help in any way we can,” she Saviour’s ran a kids holiday club with the explained. “Our little church wouldn’t help of 40 ‘Soul in the Bush’ delegates. have dreamt of offering to do these projects “It was such a privilege to provide on our own, but with the help of these this opportunity for children… with such young people we have been able to see so a great team of people who gave their much achieved in only a couple of days.” time and talents,” said Brian. The Burra projects included painting Also in Goulburn, delegates helped and cleaning at the rural fi re service clean and paint Liminis House, a (RFS) station. Chris Taylor of the Burra former orphanage being repurposed for RFS was impressed: “The energy and a new ministry. New owners of Liminis enthusiasm of these young people was House, Maggie and Darryl Patterson, nothing short of amazing” he said. appreciated the help that the ‘Soul in Further afi eld, another group of the Bush’ delegates provided. volunteers planted 700 trees with Greening BRIEFING: Director of Soul “The Soul Survivor team arrived with Australia as part of a conservation effort to Survivor ACT Deborah Stanley energy, smiles, and a passion to serve,” protect a vulnerable species of cockatoo. briefs delegates about their said Maggie. “Over the three days we projects on day one. were engulfed in a tsunami of love and (continued next page) May 2015 Anglican News Page 15 SOUL IN THE BUSH 2015 Following Christ’s example of service By Isobel D’Cruz* enthusiastic sermons from The ‘Anglican Combo group’ various guest pastors. descended on Trinity Christian School Complete with a band, last Tuesday afternoon for a full-on fi ve lighting rig, and 360° days at Soul in the Bush 2015. TV set-up, the Anglican The ‘Combo Group’ consisted of Combo group were more youth from Holy Covenant, St Paul’s often up and out of their Manuka, St Matt’s Wanniassa, Lanyon seats than not! Valley, St Mary in the Valley, Tumut Afterwards, the night Baptist (contact made through Camp would come alive with Pelican), St John’s Canberra and St night venues. A café, Philip’s O’Connor. gamers lounge, board- Our hearty and hardy crew enjoyed game room, prayer space, a busy schedule with the aim of serving, cinema, as well as games listening to, and praying for others. of basketball, putt-putt We braved the ‘fresh’ mornings golf, and capture-the-fl ag and rain as the buses arrived, and with made for great times, with our group leaders we youth campers something for everyone. climbed aboard and travelled out to It can also be said the rural communities all around Canberra Combo Anglicans came for a day spent in service projects. together to have a blast at There was fence painting in Yass, the end-of-week dance REPORTING: Dougal Mordike (Holy Covenant) an Anglicare holiday kids club in party! tells the whole group at the night meeting about Yes, it rained! Yes, it Goulburn, tree planting in Burra and his time serving at the Goulburn kids club. so much more! A total of around 22 was muddy! Yes, the days projects in the Canberra surrounds! The were long! Nonetheless, three service days were a challenge our morning-meeting Bible study to follow Christ’s example of service (conducted by Melbourne pastor Matt A Youth Worker’s to others; exhibiting compassion, Destry), of the book of Jonah, was perspective understanding, and selfl essness … in poignant in this matter… Like Jonah God’s name. ‘facing-up’ to the discomfort of going Occasionally you are part of an event In the late afternoon the buses into the city of Nineveh to share the Word that, when you look back, causes you to would return us back to camp. Although (Jonah 3); when we seek to help others, think: “How did that all happen?!” often muddy and wet, our bus trips we too must risk ‘going into the city’. Soul in the Bush is one such event! were always buzzing with shared tales Although it did not bring the trivial Our group of 30 Anglican youth from of the day’s experiences and impromptu comforts we were accustomed to, being across the Diocese met with over 450 karaoke (even rapping!). challenged to serve others in God’s youth from around Australia to journey The evening involved a huge name allowed us to exemplify the together on an inward journey with communal worship gathering spent power of God’s love for ALL. worship, song, teaching and prayer and watching and hearing about the day, *Isobel D’Cruz is a member of Holy also an outward journey to serve those worshipping in song, and listening to Covenant youth group. around us in Burra, Yass, Goulburn, Murrumbateman and Canberra. Soul Survivor NSW/ACT led us through the week of word, spirit and Combining faith with works action. At the end of the week I had a (continued from p. 14) Canberra city called ‘The Blue Run’, a sense that this was a beginning rather than an ending as we shared in Holy Other Burra projects included fun run/walk supporting beyondblue. Deborah Stanley summed up the Communion together and brainstormed rejuvenating garden beds in carparks, ways that we could serve our local working with Landcare and gardening week: “We are so happy that these country towns have been served in community. at private residences. Soul in the Bush is a wonderful ‘Soul in the Bush’ also extended such an intense and practical way. Our prayer is that these projects – whether it event that is planned again for Canberra to Wee Jasper, where delegates built a next April. I encourage you to think frame for a boatshed at Mountain Trails be tree planting or renovations or a kids club – have a lasting impact and that about becoming involved - I know I Adventure School, and Murrumbateman will be! where they painted play equipment at there will be fruit from these projects a preschool. On the fi nal day of the that we don’t even know about”. Katherine Rainger serves as Youth and Children Worker at Holy Covenant conference, all the delegates came *Jillian Reay-Smith is a voluntary Jamison. together for a combined project in media offi cer for Soul Survivor ACT. Page 16 AnglicanAnglican News News MMayay 2015 TRI-DIOCESAN YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S MINISTRY NEWS Goulburn Holiday Club success
Organisers hope to make Children’s Holiday Club an annual event Last week’s Holiday Club at the Veolia Arena saw many children from Goulburn come together for a fun week of games, drama, live music, sport, craft and interactive Bible stories. Over 65 children gathered last Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at the Veolia Arena on Braidwood Road to the event organised by a team of volunteers from churches across Goulburn. Brian and Ali Champness, the Holiday Club directors, said “It was such a privilege to provide this opportunity for children to have a fun holiday program with such a great team of people who gave their time and talents to ensure there were lots of things to do and the children were well cared for”. Brian added that the children had a wonderful time with all the craft, games, singing and activities- but they especially BATTLE SCARS: Leaders proudly display their ‘battle scars’ after an loved the game of ‘paint wars’ which was enthusiastic game of paint wars. The game was very popular with the played on the grass out the front of the children arena on the last day! “The Veolia Arena provided a great The Holiday Club team was also families are happening in the different multi-purpose facility for this event”, supported by a group of enthusiastic churches around Goulburn. Alison said. “There was a large carpeted teenagers from a Christian youth Brian and Ali and the Holiday Club area for the children to sit on where they conference in Canberra called ‘Soul in Team would like to thank Mayor Geoff could also play games, and the stage was the Bush’ who provided much energy Kettle, the Goulburn Mulwaree Council fantastic for the band and the drama.” and fun - which the children loved. and also the Veolia Arena for the support She said the size of the venue meant “The team from the Soul in the Bush they have shown towards this event. there was plenty of room for all activities Christian Conference was an amazing “The support they have shown – even when it rained. blessing to the Holiday Club,” said demonstrates their commitment to the “We couldn’t have got a better Brian. “They brought their youthful people and families of Goulburn in venue and we hope to do an even bigger exuberance and yet showed great providing a quality multipurpose venue Holiday Club next year.” wisdom and maturity as they pastored that can host varying events, not just The team of nearly 40 leaders and their small group of children that was sporting matches,” Brian said. volunteers from seven churches around allocated to them. For information about future events Goulburn worked really well together. “These youth saw the mission visit www.goulburnkidsunited.org Brian said “It was great to see such good opportunity with these young children and regularly or contact Brian Champness unity amongst the churches and to see all fully engaged in ministering to them.” at [email protected] or call the resources and talents from the different A new website has been started called 0476 168 118. churches brought together to put on an ‘Goulburn Kids United’ to help keep exciting event. We are hoping to make people informed about what events, Easter Holiday Club an annual event”. programs and services for children and Synergy contacts Synergy Youth: www.synergy.org.au Synergy Youth Director: Andrew Edwards, ([email protected]; 6245 7101) Synergy Youth Chair: Ruth Edwards (contact via 6245 7101)